FAQs
Here are some answers to typical questions. If you have more, please feel free to contact us!
How can I join?
Joining process is very simple in our club. You are only required to fill in the standard Toastmaster International Application Form with your contact details and pay joining fee and the membership fee(see question below). You can hand in the application form when you visit the club next time. Payments can be made in cheque payable to Grosvenor Square Speakers Club or in cash to our Treasurer at the club, you can also set up a monthly direct debit, our Treasurer holds the details of our bank account number . We have only one minor restriction, one has to be more than 18 years old.
Is it expensive?
No. In fact in comparison to various courses, seminars, programs, cassette and video kits offered through the media, Toastmasters is the least expensive and in our opinion the most effective way to learn public speaking and to develop confidence.
Membership of Grosvenor Square Speakers Club and thus of Toastmasters International is £20 (one-off enrolment fee) plus only £72 for every six months. That's equivalent to just £12 per month!
When and where do you meet?
We meet on the 2nd & 4th Monday of each month at 6.30pm. Our venue is at the New Cavendish Club at 44 Gt Cumberland Place (on the corner of Upper Berkeley Street) near Marble Arch (see map below).
We meet downstairs in the Jubilee Room. Click here to see a map. Please check the schedule for upcoming dates.
What is Toastmasters?
Toastmasters International is a training and educational organisation which teaches its members communication, leadership, training and management skills, and builds their self confidence. It is the largest and most successful organisation of its type in the world.
It is a not-for-profit organisation run as a network of clubs led by volunteers for volunteers.
How long has Toastmasters been around?
Toastmasters International was founded in 1924 and now has around 10,000 clubs in over 70 countries around the world. As a Toastmaster you will be welcome in any of these Clubs.
Why do people join the club?
People join in order to:
- Develop the skills to persuade and convince others
- Learn to put their ideas across clearly and with conviction
- Improve their self-confidence before a group of people
- Learn to think quickly and clearly under pressure
- Learn to listen effectively and critically
- Train to become a good leader
- Have fun twice a month!
What specifically will you learn to do as a Toastmaster?
You will learn, by doing,
- How to give an impromptu speech
- How to give a prepared speech
- How to evaluate what you hear
- How to introduce speakers
- How to chair and run meetings
All these skills will help you develop self confidence.
How do you learn these skills?
When you join you receive a complete training kit covering all aspects of speaking and evaluation. This kit includes a Communication and Leadership manual which reflects the years of experience Toastmasters has in helping people just like you. It takes you step by step through the art of making and evaluating speeches.
In particular you learn by doing with your efforts evaluated by your fellow Club members. You will be gradually introduced to the various roles within a Toastmasters meeting. Gaining proficiency in these helps build up your skills.
How soon will I be an expert?
People all progress at their own pace. Some move faster than others but everyone that joins Toastmasters and participates in the program can be sure they will become a competent speaker. Your skills develop gradually. As you proceed you will find that situations that once terrified you, now hold no fears for you.