Q: What is the Toastmasters mission?
A: Toastmasters teaches you to prepare and give public speeches and presentations, make impromptu speeches, and evaluate speeches, among other leadership skills. The approach is learning by doing.
Q: What are the benefits of membership?
A: Many! First of all, you get access to Pathways Toastmasters’ education program, with 10 specialized learning paths to choose from. Other benefits include:
- Access to a library of free online materials on the Toastmasters International website
- The opportunity to set your own educational path in our club, perform speeches and complete projects in the areas of communication and leadership
- The chance to take part in speech and evaluation contests at club and higher levels
- The monthly Toastmaster magazine containing articles and materials about public speaking and leadership.
Q: When and where are meetings held?
A: Our meetings take place every first 3 Wednesdays of the month.
Check out details on Meetup.
Doors open at 7:15 p.m. so you can arrive a few minutes early to “warm up” and greet other attendees. The speaking program begins at 7:30 p.m. and lasts two hours. Meeting dates can be found in our club’s online calendar. In the rare event of a cancellation, details are posted on our home page at least one day ahead of time.
Q: What’s a typical meeting like?
A: Meetings are split into two parts. The first part comprises several speeches prepared by our members according to requirements in the Toastmaster manuals. After a mid-session break comes Table Topics, an exercise in impromptu speaking. For more details see a sample agenda.
Q: Can I attend as a guest?
A: Of course! Our meetings are open to everyone who wishes to join in and see how it works. You don’t need to register in advance – just show up at the next meeting.
Q: I’d like to come, but I’m afraid I’d have to speak. Can I just listen?
A: Well, that’s what our meetings are all about: speaking. But don’t worry, newcomers won’t be forced to speak if they don’t want to. If you just want to sit and listen, that’s okay!
Q: Can I speak German during the meeting?
A: No, our club is English-speaking only. There are seven German-speaking Toastmasters clubs in Berlin – see the full list here. The other English-language clubs in town are First Berlin Toastmasters, Splendid Speakers and Center Berlin Toastmasters.
Q: Is my English good enough to give speeches?
A: Our members include many non-native speakers with varying levels of proficiency, so there’s really no need to worry. We also have native English-speakers who point out common mistakes, but they always do so in a very positive manner.
Q: Where can I join?
A: Ask our vice president in charge of membership for a sign-up form or download it here.
Q: How much does membership cost?
A: To become a member of the club, you pay a 20 Euro one-time registration fee plus 60 Euro in membership dues every six months, in April and October. If you join mid-season you need to pay for the remaining month in the running season only. E.g. you want to join in January: Your monthly dues account for 30 Euro (Jan, Feb and Mar) plus 20 Euro one-time registration fee.
Before you join, you can attend as a guest as often as you want to get an impression and decide whether Toastmasters is right for you. We encourage our guests to take roles at the meetings and participate in Table Topics – the impromptu speeches.
Q: How can I pay the fees?
A: Fees are paid by bank transfer to our treasurer. The account details will be provided with the registration form.
