Frequently Asked Questions:

Before I attend a meeting

How do I get started in Toastmasters?
Come join us for a meeting! When you visit, you'll receive a guest packet and will be seated next to an experienced member who can answer any questions that may come up during the meeting. That's all there is! Visit us soon and we'll get you going!

Where is Gilbert Toastmasters currently meeting?
We are meeting at the Gilbert Boys and Girls Club which is just north of Elliot Rd, at 44 North Oak Street in Gilbert, 85233. For more information, click on the "Meeting Info" button in the menu bar to the left.

Do I need a special invitation to attend a meeting? / What do I have to do before I visit?
Consider this your special invitation: We'd love to have you visit sometime! We don't need any advance notice of your plans to visit. However if you would like to let us know so that we can keep an eye out for you, or if you have any further questions, click on the "email us" button in the menu bar to the left.

Is there a dress code?
Not officially. Traditionally individuals with some of the higher functions, such as Toastmaster, Topicsmaster, or General Evaluator (see descriptions of functionaries), as well as the officers, choose to dress nicely to give meetings a more formal feel. Also speakers may select their clothing based on the speech material. For example, one of our members gave a speech on fly fishing and she came dressed in fishing gear. The remainder of the membership, as well as guests, are encouraged to come in whatever makes them most comfortable.

Is this a networking organization?
Toastmasters Clubs were created for members to improve in the areas of communication and leadership and networking is not actively promoted by the organization itself. However, members may choose to utilize the club for networking to the best of their abilities. Occasionally there are individuals who are members of more than one club for the purpose of getting to know more people. It is also not uncommon to find fellow members who are willing to put in a good word for someone looking for a job and even occasionally to offer a job to another member.

Are there other clubs around?
Absolutely. If for any reason at all you visit Gilbert Toastmasters and decide that yes, Toastmasters is something you would like to persue but not at the Gilbert Club, there are many others around. Perhaps Gilbert does not meet your needs as far as day and time or location, there is a good chance there is another club that would better suit your needs. Although we would love for you to join our club, we prefer for you find another club that would meet your needs rather than have you not be involved at all. Feel free to shop around and visit as many different clubs as you like as many times as you like; there is no obligation ever. For information on other clubs in the area, visit the District 3 website or the Toastmasters International website (click on the "Links" button in the menu bar to the left).

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