Can I bring food or drinks to the meeting?
No, sorry. We’re not allowed to bring food into the meeting rooms. It is a professional environment and we are guests so I’m sure you can understand how important it is that we keep the room completely clean during our stay.
Hey, I just joined the club. Why do I have to pay my dues again?
When you first joined our club, you were asked to pay an amount that is comprised of two parts. Part 1, and in some cases, most of what you paid is for the membership initiation fee. The other amount you pay is for the prorated membership dues for the current membership period when you joined. You are now asked to pay the regular membership dues for the next upcoming 6-month period.
How do I join the club?
Please contact us and we will send you an application after you’ve been to a couple of our meetings. Just complete the short form on the Contact Us page and ask for an application.
How is Toastmasters structured? What kinds of programs are offered to help me develop?
Pathways Learning Experience
The foundation of Pathways lies in its learning paths, designed to help members achieve their personal and professional goals. Each member selects a path that best suits their needs, ensuring a tailored and customized learning experience.
As you progress through Pathways, you will develop real-world, transferable skills in many different areas such as communication, leadership, management, strategic planning, service to others, public speaking.
There are eleven possible paths for learning:
- Motivation Strategies: Build motivational leadership and communication skills
- Presentation Mastery: Build public speaking skills
- Leadership Development: Build communication and leadership skills
- Innovative Planning: Build creative project management and communication skills
- Visionary Communication: Build innovative communication and leadership skills
- Strategic Relationships: Build networking, leadership and communication skills
- Dynamic Leadership: Build strategic leadership and conflict resolution skills
- Persuasive Influence: Build skills to lead in complex situations
- Effective Coaching: Build interpersonal communication, leadership and coaching skills
- Team Collaboration: Build collaborative leadership skills
- Engaging Humor: Build skills as humorous and engaging speaker
Pathways Levels
Individual learning paths will have five levels, each increasing in complexity.
| Level 1 | Master the Fundamentals Develop or enhance your understanding of the fundamentals needed to be a successful public speaker and evaluator. You'll focus on speech writing and basic speech delivery, as well as receiving, applying and delivering feedback. |
| Level 2 | Learning Your Style Develop an understanding of your personal styles and preferences. You'll have the opportunity to identify your leadership or communication styles and preferences. You will also be introduced to the basic structure of the Pathways Mentor Program. |
| Level 3 | Increasing Knowledge Begin increasing your knowledge of skills specific to your path. You'll complete one required project and at least two elective projects that address your goals and interests through a wide variety of topics. |
| Level 4 | Building Skills Build the skills you need to succeed on your path. You'll have the opportunity to explore new challenges and begin applying what you have learned. You'll complete one required project and at least one elective project. |
| Level 5 | Demonstrating Expertise In this final level, demonstrate your expertise in the skills you have learned. You'll have the opportunity to apply what you have learned at all levels to accomplish larger projects. You'll complete one required project, at least one elective project and the "Reflect on Your Path" project to bring closure to your path. |
How many people usually attend a meeting?
It depends on the season, weather and other factors. There could be as little as 15 people, or as many as 25. On average, around 12 to 15 people attend our weekly club meetings.
How much is membership?
The one-time New Member fees (for registration, manuals, monthly magazine, etc..) are about $130, which is pro-rated every month. Then $99 regular dues for all members every six months, collected in September and in April. Make checks payable to “Sierra Speakers Toastmasters”. Or you can pay via Paypal. Ask us how.
I am a guest. Will I be asked to speak?
Guests are asked to stand up and introduce themselves at the start of the meeting. At the end of the meeting, they are asked again to stand up to give their input on the meeting. During the table topics portion of the meeting, guests may be called on to speak on a certain topic for 30 to 90 seconds. If they feel uncomfortable responding, they have the option of passing.
I am scheduled to speak, but I am not ready or I have a scheduling conflict. What should I do?
It is your responsibility to notify the Toastmaster who is scheduled to host the meeting on the day you are supposed to speak, and try to find a replacement for your role. It is usually easiest to recruit a replacement when you give potential replacements more notice.
I want to attend a meeting. What should I do?
Easy. Just complete the short form on the Contact Us page and we’ll put you on our guest list and e-mail you complete information about attending our next meeting.
What is the format of the meeting, and what is Table Topics?
Click here for information on our meeting format.