FAQ

Toastmasters International is a non-profit organization that offers an educational training program for transferrable communication and leadership skills through a world-wide network of over 16,600 clubs. We are one of many clubs in the area (see Our Community Clubs).

Each meeting follows the general structure and guidelines of Toastmasters International (watch a summary here!). Each club is unique in its own culture, niche and community.

Our meetings are 1.5 hours in length and are well-organized and prepared to deliver a high quality meeting and educational experience.

As a Guest, you are not required to bring anything to a meeting, except a positive attitude and a willingness to learn.
You are also not obligated to speak at a meeting. Feel free to observe until you are comfortable speaking.

Each meeting is well-organized with a full agenda and members taking on roles (eg. Chairperson, Grammarian, Timer, Table Topics Masters, Speaker, Evaluator etc.).

A brief description of each role can be found here.

Toastmasters International has no organizational restrictions; however, each individual club does have the right to limit speech subjects, content and/or language, with the consensus of its members. UofG Toastmasters prohibits speeches on controversial topics (ie. sex, religion, and politics) and swearing.

Our members often share inspirational experiences and success stories, as well as practice for their course presentations, thesis defences and conference presentations. We are able to adjust our meeting to help you reach your goals.

Toastmasters is a self-paced program where members develop skills at their own pace and comfort level.

Although there is no obligation to attend every meeting, however our members have voiced and demonstrated the great benefits to consistent attendance and participation in meeting roles and speeches.

Yes! Joining UofG Toastmasters allows you to have the option to be part of a mentorship program.
We have many experienced Toastmasters members who are happy to help guide you through your first level in Pathways and further if needed.

As a university club with mostly student members, we aim to offer the lowest possible membership cost.

A New Member pays a one-time New Member Fee ($30 CAD) + the current 6 month term (pro-rated) + the following 6 month term ($60 CAD). Then $60 CAD every 6 months (Sept. and Mar.) to continue your membership (as low as the price of a coffee per week!).

Due to the pro-rated fee, the initial starting membership fee is different depending on which month you start.
See the full breakdown of our fees here on page 3.

Membership fees go to Toastmasters International, with a small amount (due to the US to CAD exchange rate) per member that goes to our Club funds (less than $5) which is used for needed expenses to run meetings (eg. lectern, gavel, Zoom account, equipment for hybrid meetings, room rental, social events).

By actively taking on leadership and communication opportunities in Toastmasters, you will noticeably see improvements in your personal and professional life.

Our meetings aim to improve effective communication which will help you communicate ideas and express yourself with clarity. Additionally, you will practice listening to feedback and learn how to provide effective feedback to others, which is critical in building relationships and working with others.

By taking on an Executive role, you will have the opportunity to work with a team and learn how to build trust and motivate your team members. This team helps support each meeting and member, giving you responsibilities, community service skills, and overall, help improve your leadership and productivity.

Opportunities do not end at the club level. We also offer opportunities to volunteer at the District level, allowing you to learn how to manage, motivate and build trust with areas of over 30+ members. We will provide full support in your journey!

Toastmasters is also an Internationally recognized program that successful companies are aware of. We provide certification of your Membership and Pathways accomplishments, as well as reference letters upon request.

By actively participating in our meetings and completing speech projects, you will improve your performance in interviews, work, course presentations, thesis defences, qualifying exams etc.

We also offer exciting opportunities that can be included on your academic, research or professional portfolio, including:
- Invited Guest speeches
- Invited Keynote speeches
- Invited Panelist sessions
- Campus Radio interviews (eg. CFRU radio)
- External Podcast interviews (eg. Youth for Change podcast)
- Features on promotional content and events
... and more!

We are excited that you are interested in joining UofG Toastmasters!

We invite you to attend a meeting as a Guest to see if our club is the right fit for you.
You can attend our meeting by registering here.

If you decide to join, our VP of Membership will guide you through the process.

You do not have to be a student to join.

UofG Toastmasters is a community club and open to anyone interested in improving their communication and leadership skills.

Our members are from all walks of life, including students (undergrads and grads), UofG and OVC alumni, postdoc researchers, and local professionals.

Yes! Guests bring excitement, new experiences, and perspectives to every meeting.
We also love sharing the opportunity of improving leadership and communication to others.

Share our meeting registration link with others: https://bit.ly/UofGTMRegistration
We meet every Thursday 6:30-8:00 pm EST.

Every Toastmasters club has an Executive team which includes the following Club Officers:

• President

• VP of Education

• VP of Membership

• VP of Public Relations

• Secretary

• Treasurer

• Sergeant at Arms

Detailed descriptions of each role can be viewed here.

These Club Officers are the back-bone of each meeting, ensuring our members are supported and experiencing the benefits of Toastmasters. Our Executive election happens annually in May. We encourage you to run for a Club Officer role to expand your leadership skills!

The Toastmasters Distinguished Club Program (DCP) is a point system based on completed educational levels, membership growth, and other club statistics that helps clubs provide their members with a consistently high-quality experience.

Toastmasters is an international program, and our club is one of many in District 86 (Central and Eastern Ontario).

See UofG Toastmasters progress in the DCP program here.
See other clubs progress in District 86 here.

The Distinguished Toastmaster or 'DTM' award represents the highest level of educational achievement in Toastmasters.

To achieve a DTM, you are required to:
- complete 2 Pathways
- Serve as a Club Officer for a full term
- Serve as a District Officer for a full term
- Serve successfully as a Club Mentor or Club Coach
- Serve as a Club Sponsor or conduct a Speech Craft or Youth Leadership program.
- Complete the DTM project

Click here for details on these requirements.
If you are interested in achieving your DTM, contact our Club President.