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getting-started

Your First Meeting

Attending your first Toastmasters meeting can feel daunting, but we're here to make you feel welcome and comfortable.

What to Expect

When you arrive at your first Gloucester Speakers meeting, you'll be warmly welcomed by our members. Here's what typically happens:

Before the Meeting

  • Arrive Early: Try to arrive 10-15 minutes before the start time
  • Sign In: You'll be asked to sign our guest book
  • Meet Members: Our Sergeant at Arms will introduce you to members
  • Get a Program: You'll receive an agenda outlining the meeting structure

During the Meeting

Our meetings follow a structured format designed to help members practice different aspects of public speaking:

  1. Opening: The Toastmaster of the meeting opens with introductions
  2. Prepared Speeches: 2-3 members deliver prepared speeches (5-7 minutes each)
  3. Table Topics: Impromptu speaking practice (1-2 minutes each)
  4. Evaluations: Constructive feedback for speakers
  5. Reports: Timer, Grammarian, and Ah-Counter reports

As a guest, you're welcome to participate in Table Topics if you'd like, but there's no pressure!

Meeting Etiquette

Do's

  • Applaud speakers when they're introduced and when they finish
  • Turn off or silence your mobile phone
  • Listen actively and respectfully
  • Feel free to take notes

Don'ts

  • Don't feel obligated to speak if you're not comfortable
  • Don't worry about making mistakes - we're all learning
  • Don't leave during someone's speech unless absolutely necessary

After the Meeting

Many members stay after the meeting for informal conversations. This is a great opportunity to:

  • Ask questions about the club
  • Learn about membership benefits
  • Get advice on public speaking
  • Network with other members

Next Steps

If you enjoyed your visit, consider:

  1. Attending More Meetings: Visit us 2-3 times before deciding to join
  2. Joining as a Member: Ask about our membership process
  3. Starting Your Journey: Begin working on your first speech

There's no obligation to join after visiting. Take your time to decide if Gloucester Speakers is right for you.

Questions?

Common questions from first-time visitors:

Q: Do I have to give a speech on my first visit? A: Absolutely not! Guests are welcome to observe and participate only if they feel comfortable.

Q: What should I wear? A: Smart casual is perfect. We're more interested in what you say than what you wear!

Q: Can I bring a friend? A: Yes! Guests are always welcome. The more the merrier!