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"Achieving Success Together"

FAQs Answered Here!

Questions

Answers

What sort of people do you have in your club?

Hereford Street Toastmasters Club is a very diverse club. The age of our members range from early 20’s to mid 60’s. We have a number of members who have English as a second language and people who have come from South East Asia, Europe and the United States. Both men and women are welcome in our club. In terms of occupation, we have students, IT professionals, people who work in local government, solicitors, and sales people, to name a few.

The most important thing about our club is that it is supportive. We meet every week because we want to – so having a positive club climate where you can learn from others and have fun is very important to us.

Do I have to be a good speaker to join Toastmasters?

No, not at all. We cater to all needs and whether you are just beginning to speak publicly or whether you have already had some experience – everybody benefits from becoming a member in our club.

What kind of skills can I learn in your club?

What should I do now?

Or you can simply come along as a guest to one of our forthcoming meetings. We meet every Wednesday at 5.30pm in the YMCA, on the corner of Hereford Street and Rolleston Avenue, close to Hagley Park. (The YMCA receptionist will show you where we meet).

What do I have to do if I come along to one of your meetings as a guest?

As much or as little as you like! Some guests choose to sit quietly in the back and observe, while others might participate in “Table Topics”, our impromptu speaking session. You will be asked if you would like to try this but nobody will force you to. It is your choice.

Will there be any pressure on me to become a member of your club?

No, none at all. In fact, you are welcome to come along a second time as a guest if you weren’t so sure after the first time.

How do I become a member?

Becoming a member is very easy. Just come along to one of our meetings and if you like what we do and how we do things, then we will sign you up which should take all of 5 minutes.

To find out more about how to become a member, contact Stuart Lillie:

Or simply come as a guest to one of our forthcoming meetings. The next one is this Wednesday at 5.30pm.

Can anybody join your club?

Nearly everybody. Members have to be at least 18 years of age. Apart from that there are no restrictions. Because we meet in the city centre members come from all suburbs of Christchurch.

How much does it cost?

Hereford Street Toastmasters is a not-for-profit organisation run by volunteers. Hence, we keep our membership fees as low as possible to cover our main expenses (e.g. room hire and membership of Toastmasters International).

Fees for new members comprise a $40 joining fee (includes manuals and membership of Toastmasters International) and an on-going fee of $15 per month. We prefer three (3) months payment in advance via an automatic payment. This makes joining an initial fee of $85 and then $45 every three months after that.

What happens after I have joined Hereford Street Toastmasters?

You are officially welcomed to our club by the President. You will receive a set of 4 manuals and an experienced member of the club will be assigned to be your mentor to help you get started.

How does the Hereford Street Toastmasters programme work?

We promote self-paced learning. Nobody at our club will pressure you to “rush through the programme”. In time you will be rostered for certain duties at each meeting. These start with easy tasks and you graduate to more complex duties as you become familiar with the club procedures.