Orientation is a key part of introducing new club members into the organization, especially a toastmaster club. It eases the transition for the new club member into the club and also learn more what Toastmasters has to offer. It is important to cover the values that the organization believes in so that everyone is on the same page. It shortens the learning curve for the new member in learning about toastmasters and builds positive relationships.

1. By Tamar Clarke, DTM
July 25, 2009
1

2.  Purpose
 Covering the basic program and manuals
 Structure of the organization
 Toastmaster values
 Toastmaster calendar
 Initial mentoring/guidance
 Meeting protocol and club policies
 Wrapping it up
2

3. • Getting to know the new toastmaster
• Finding out what they need
• Showing them how Toastmasters can help them
with their personal and professional goals; what
Toastmasters can offer them
• Explaining what our expectations are
• Eases the transition for the new member into the
club
• Promote a positive experience for both the club
and new member
3

4. 4

5.  Club level
 Area level
 Division level
 District level
 Regional level
5

6.  Respect
 Integrity
 Strive for excellence
 Service to others
6

7. • Six month or 12 month calendar for officers
– Six months for clubs that meet weekly
– 12 months for clubs that meet biweekly
• Dues are on a six month schedule
– April 1 thru September 30
– October 1 thru March 31
• Contest schedule
– Fall has the Humorous and Table Topics Contests
– Spring has the International and Evaluation Contests
7

8.  Cover the icebreaker speech
 Cover what topics to select
◦ Talk about things you know a lot about
 Which topics to avoid
◦ The three B’s (Bathroom, Bedroom, Bar)
◦ Politically sensitive topics
◦ Avoiding negative issues about people
8

9. • Sample speeches
– Icebreaker
– Advanced speech
• Organization speech chart
• Speech tips
• Mentoring program
• Attendance
• Is this club location and time suitable?
9

10.  Signing up for meeting and speaking roles
 What to do if you are unable to fulfill a role
 Doing one speech a month
 Club policies
◦ Three speeches before being an evaluator
◦ Five speeches before being a TMOD or TMOE
 Club website (if available)
10

11. • Promotes long term club membership and club
health
• Promotes a better learning experience and
member growth
• It is an enjoyable experience getting to know new
toastmasters
• You want the toastmaster experience to be a
pleasant and rewarding experience for both the
club/organization and the new toastmaster
member.
11

12.  For more questions, my contact information is:
◦ tclarke.dtm@gmail.com
◦ Note: Updated Contact Information 9/27/2013
◦ In District 36, Region 7
12