Toastmaster of the Day
Guides the meeting from one part to the next, introduces participants, and helps the room keep its rhythm.
The hostYour guide to a meeting
What happens at a
Toastmasters meeting?
A Toastmasters meeting has a few moving parts. Here is what they mean, who does what, and how you can find your own pace on a first visit.
Start with your first visit01 / First visit
You can begin by watching.
Observe
Meet the people, follow the meeting, and see how different speaking and feedback moments fit together.
Or take part
If there is an invitation to participate and you would like to try, you can choose to join in. It is your choice.
Guest participation is described in the Club Leadership Handbook, p. 21 (opens in a new tab). The activities and roles available can differ from meeting to meeting.
02 / During a meeting
Meeting roles, explained.
These are short-term assignments that help a meeting run and help members practise new skills. A meeting may use some of these roles; not every role appears every time.
Topicsmaster
Leads Table Topics: brief, unprepared speaking prompts that let participants practise thinking on their feet.
Impromptu speakingSpeaker
Presents a prepared speech. It is an opportunity to practise a particular speaking skill and share an idea.
Prepared speakingEvaluator
Listens to a speaker and offers specific observations about what worked and what could be tried next.
FeedbackTimer
Tracks the time for speaking segments and gives speakers a visible cue as their time progresses.
TimekeepingGrammarian
Listens for effective word choices and language habits, then shares observations with the group.
ListeningAh-Counter
Notices filler words and sounds so speakers can become more aware of their speaking habits.
ListeningThere is no need to do everything at once. Members can develop through different meeting roles over time. See the Club Leadership Handbook, p. 22 (opens in a new tab) for a suggested progression through roles.
A useful distinction
A meeting role is not a club office.
Meeting roles belong to a particular meeting. Elected club officers take responsibility for the club’s ongoing work. You can visit without knowing either list by heart.
03 / Beyond one meeting
Who helps run the club?
These are the seven elected club leadership positions. They support the club between meetings as well as during them.
President
Leads the club officer team and helps keep the club working toward its goals.
Vice President Education
Supports members’ learning and coordinates meeting roles and the education programme.
Vice President Membership
Welcomes prospective members and supports the membership experience.
Vice President Public Relations
Helps people outside the club learn about its activities.
Secretary
Keeps club records and documents club business.
Treasurer
Looks after the club’s financial records and payments.
Sergeant at Arms
Helps prepare the meeting space and supports meeting logistics.
Plain-language summaries of club officer responsibilities. The seven elected positions are listed in the Club Leadership Handbook, p. 2 (opens in a new tab); their individual duties are described on Club Leadership Handbook, pp. 16–36 (opens in a new tab).
04 / Before you go
Questions are welcome.
The things people often wonder about before walking into a new room.
Do I have to speak on my first visit?
No. Guests may observe, or choose to take part if an opportunity is offered and they feel comfortable. It is fine to listen and get a feel for the room first.
Source: Club Leadership Handbook, p. 21 (opens in a new tab).
Do I need to prepare a speech?
Not to visit as a guest. Prepared speeches are one part of a meeting, but you can come simply to see how the meeting works.
What if my English is not perfect?
These are English-speaking communities for practising, not an English exam. You can listen first and decide whether this feels like the right place to practise.
Will I be given a meeting role immediately?
Meeting roles are coordinated in advance by the Vice President Education. Members can build experience by taking on different roles over time; a first visit can simply be a chance to observe.
Source: Club Leadership Handbook, pp. 21–22 (opens in a new tab).
Are the club officers the people running every meeting?
Not necessarily. Club officers handle the ongoing work of the club. Meeting roles are assignments for a particular meeting, and the people filling them can change.
Source: Club Leadership Handbook, pp. 2, 16–22 (opens in a new tab).
How do I find out when and where to visit?
Check the page for the city you are interested in for its current visiting information. Details can vary by club and may change.
The next step is yours
A real meeting makes it clearer.
Explore the club page for the city that works for you, and check its latest visiting information before you go.