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About Us
For those of you who have questions or concerns about us, we present the following, based on perceptions of and feedback to the club:
Who are you people?
We are a group of people who are sincerely interested in conveying our ideas and listening to others more efficiently and performing as better leaders.
Why are you here?
We formed a club at the College of Charleston because we felt a need to show others on campus how to improve communication and leadership skills, which are most essential for anyone working or studying in an academic environment.
Who are you to tell me how to do my job?
We do not tell you how to do your job or how to study. We provide information and experience that would supplement and not compete with your current philosophies, knowledge and skills. We want to enhance, not replace, what you have or know.
What kind of club are you?
We are a nonprofit organization with the primary objective being to help everyone improve their communication and leadership skills. We provide a comfortable place for you to practice your speaking, listening, and leadership skills. We are sincere in our friendships and will not judge or criticize you in any way for what you are or where you come from. We judge only your progress in your skills, and in a friendly and constructive way. You may also want to consider our club as a networking opportunity for your career advancement. Our club is one of over 8000 worldwide in Toastmasters International, headquartered in Rancho Santa Margarita, California.
- We are NOT a service club. We do not go out into the community and perform service projects as our primary objective. While our main activity is the club meeting, we may organize and hold special meetings or sessions to educate the general public about improving communication and leadership skills. Also, one of us at one time or another may be asked or allowed to speak at a function not related to Toastmasters. We don't mind these extra activites, as they increase our visibility and hopefully increase our club membership.
- We are NOT a charitable organization. We do not solicit funds for any group or organization. We do not ask you to send money to or volunteer your time and efforts for any group or organization on your own. And, except on our club membership roster should you join our club, your name and other personal information will not be on any list nor will be sold or otherwise passed on to other organizations.
- We are NOT a drinking club. Although the word or prefix "toast" may imply consumption of an alcoholic beverage, we do not serve such at our meetings. The purpose of any Toastmasters club is not to serve drinks, but to serve help and friendship.
- We are NOT a buying or shopping club. We do not ask you to spend money on various products in various stores or from various websites so that you can realize any "savings." We do not play mind games just to get you to buy things.
- We are NOT an appliance manufacturer. We do not endorse nor are not connected in any other way with Toastmaster Appliances or with any of its distributors or retailers.
- We are NOT affiliated or sponsored. Except to Toastmasters International, our parent organization, and to the College of Charleston because of our club name and meeting location, we have no ties to any businesses, institutions, political parties, religious denominatons, special interest groups, or other types of organizations.
- We are NOT based on ethnicity, nationality, or sex. Anyone, regardless of origin, national allegiance, or sexual identity or orientation can join a Toastmasters club. However, Toastmasters International does not promote nor denounce any ethnicity, nationality, profession, gender, lifestyle, or philosophy from another. We meet to learn how to improve our communication and leadership skills, regardless of what we do or believe in life.
- We are NOT a religion or a cult. Toastmasters International is not a religion, and doesn't use recruiting practices common to cults. As any organization would do we advertise ourselves and suggest membership for your benefit, but we do not force membership upon you if you choose not to join or leave after quitting.
Many people cannot communicate or lead effectively. Look around your work or social setting and listen to radio and television stations very carefully. You will notice speech impediments and other mistakes made by many people, even professional speakers. Why would anyone think speaking in public to be a problem? Because speaking in front of people can be a very frightening experience. And, it is very irritating for one to listen to a speech filled with impediments when he or she is trying to understand the points of that speech. When it comes to leadership many people are afraid to accept extra responsibilities that come with promotions to higher positions.
What can I do?
Make your first step to deal with these fears, at least on a personal basis, by coming to and participating with us in our meetings. We can constructively evaluate your speaking skills, as we normally do so to each other for the good of all of us. You are among friends; we all have been there and understand. We will also show you the essentials of being a club officer so you can take those skills to work or any other organization of which you are part. We provide you a chance to meet us. Now, it is your turn to provide us a chance to meet with you and get you started on your journey toward a better life right away.
What will it do for me?
Your active participation in the Toastmasters program will help you improve your presentation skills in academic, business, and social settings, as well as earn awards for completion of speeches and other activities. For example, you may get better grades in school and increase your chances of promotion at work.
Am I eligible to join your club?
Yes, if you are at least eighteen years of age, if you can pay dues, and if you are enthusiastic about improving your communication and leadership skills, you may join any Toastmasters club. However, you must have a connection to the College of Charleston, even if it is a very loose, small, or informal connection, to be a member of our club. But, you may visit as a guest if you don't meet all the requirements and we can refer you to another club if you like. Guests are always welcome to visit.
I am a professor who speaks in front of people right now. How will Toastmasters help me?
You will improve your presentation skills through words and thoughts that are clearer and more concise for your students. They will learn faster and will appreciate the classroom environment more, resulting in better retention and higher grades.
I am a student who has previously taken courses in public speaking and leadership. How can Toastmasters help me?
The experience that Toastmasters provides will add to yours and help you become more well-rounded. Please also consider the extra career networking opportunities that we can provide for you. You may just find that essential contact for a dream job at a Toastmasters club.
I am a student who must speak in front of the class sometime during the semester, and I might be scared. How will Toastmasters help me?
Please don't be scared. If you are going to be scared, then be scared in front of us during our meetings. We will work with you to overcome your fear of speaking in front of people. All of us experienced that at one time or another. The classroom is an interactive learning environment, where students learn from each other as well as from the professor. Your improved presentation skills will help everyone in the classroom.
I am a staff member of the college. How will Toastmasters help me?
You can improve your chances for promotion by offering to be more visible and using any opportunites to speak in public, such as during orientation. Even if you do not routinely interact with many people, you can always improve your working relationships.
I already graduated from the college. How will Toastmasters help me, and why should I join your club?
You can improve your chances for promotion by placing yourself in positions where you help your business or organization, regardless of location, shine in public. Besides, our meeting schedule may fit into your busy schedule. It is also a way of contributing to your alma mater. And, while on campus you may have a chance to meet, hang out with, and help students improve their skills. Finally, our club is another place where you can network in your career.
OK - Big Question: How much will it cost?
It is natural to ask what the price would be for all this to happen for you. And we will tell you. Toastmasters asks for a small fee to cover materials for its educational program, consisting of speech manuals, awards, certificates, and other items. The semiannual dues is $25.00. You can spend around ten times that much engaging with other organizations or companies. If you wish you may try us out at a meeting before deciding to sign up and formally becoming a member of Toastmasters International.
So what is your point?
There is nothing --we mean absolutely NOTHING -- to stop you from improving your communication and leadership skills. Only you can make the decision to assess your strengths and weaknesses, to show up at a meeting, to engage in the program, and to take on extra opportunities as club officer. We are here, ready to help you get started. Our door is wide open, so come in!