Is Parker Toastmasters part of Toastmasters International?
Parker Toastmasters is a President’s Distinguished Club (for 9 straight years!) and is fully recognized by Toastmasters International. Parker Toastmasters has served the community of Parker Colorado since 1986.
Who can join Parker Toastmasters?
Anyone. In all seriousness, we welcome anyone and everyone from all backgrounds to come and join. Even if you are coming in from out of town as a visitor – everyone is welcome.
Parker Toastmasters is an open club. People of various backgrounds with the desire to improve speaking and leadership skills join Parker Toastmasters.
What’s the membership like?
We have approximately 20 active members. The average amount of people attending the meetings weekly range from 10-15, plus new guests who visit.
Can I visit you before joining?
We encourage you to visit us before joining to see if the club is a fit for your needs. There is no cost for visiting. Come 15 minutes before the start of the meeting and we’ll get you situated.
Can I get a quick view of what the club is like?
A typical meeting comprises of two to four speakers, followed by a segment that we call ‘Table Topics’, which is a 1 to 2 minute speech on a topic no one has prepared for. Anyone can participate in Table Topics, including visitors to our club. After Table Topics, each speaker will be evaluated by a member of our club, with the goal of helping the speakers improve. Again, we emphasize participation and personal improvement, so we have members of our club who keep time, provide feedback on your grammar and elocution, along with someone who provides an overall summary of the night’s events.
We emphasize active listening and participation throughout all meetings.
If you are interested in seeing what a meeting may look like, we have videos of members performing speeches and various roles during meetings.
As a guest, will I be expected to speak?
No, you will not have to give a speech. We ask that you give a quick 30 second introduction with your name and perhaps why you visited us today. After that, you can participate as much as you are comfortable doing – we will not place any visitors on the spot.
What is the cost of the membership?
Initial dues are $80. This pays for introductory costs, international membership, and club dues. This first payment of $80 covers the first 6 months of membership. Thereafter, dues are $60 every six months.
Consider the cost of a single day of corporate training vs. Parker Toastmaster’s annual costs of less than $200 and you have quite a bargain!
If I join, am I required to attend every meeting?
There is no definitive answer to this question. We understand life happens. We are all busy with careers, family, and other obligations, both expected and unexpected. Toastmasters is what you put into it. For your benefit, we meet at least 40 times throughout the year, in the same room, at the same time, allowing you to take the opportunity to grow as a leader and in your public speaking skills at your own pace.
How can Toastmasters help my professional and personal life?
Better listeners are better speakers. Becoming more adept at communication helps you in your professional and personal life. Every meeting provides you with a laboratory to perfect your active listening skills and to improve your public speaking. All public speakers once began where you once were, and they improved over time, usually by speaking and listening in front of their peers. Churchill did not grow accustomed to speaking in front of Parliament overnight.
Further, one of the primary missions of Toastmasters is to help people like you improve. At each meeting, we provide feedback to all of our speakers with the aim of improving upon their skills, regardless of their ability.