FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is Toastmasters?
Toastmasters International is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people with their speaking, leadership, and communication skills. Toastmasters can help you lose your fear of public speaking and improve skills you need to advance in your career.

When is your meeting?
Every Tuesday from 6:15 pm until 8:15 pm. (calendar)

Where is your meeting?
We meet at 5290 Belt Line Road, Suite 112, Addison 75240, Montfort & Belt Line Need directions?

What is the cost?
There is no charge for you to visit a meeting, but we encourage everybody to order something from the delicious menu.

What is the dress?
Business casual or business dress is satisfactory. Most people arrive from work in business casual dress. Members giving prepared speeches will most likely dress in business dress.

Will I be called on during the meeting?
Visitors do not have to speak during the meeting. At the very end of the meeting, you will be introduced and we will express our gratitude for you having visited our club. (Willing visitors may participate in the Table Topics portion of our meeting.)

What types of people do you have in your club?
Most of our members are skilled professionals. Our members range in speaking ability from beginner to advanced, in origin from numerous countries, and in residence from all over the Dallas metroplex. One strong point of our club is we have more DTMs than most other clubs. We also have a lot of beginning speakers. DTM is the highest award level you can receive in Toastmasters and means that beginners will get extra specially excellent feedback.

What happens when I first walk in to the meeting?
You will be greeted by the members who are present. Any questions you have about the meeting will be answered. You'll have a chance to meet and talk with everyone at the meeting. Our primary goal is to put you at ease, because we've all been in your shoes, walking into a new club and perhaps seeing a Toastmasters meeting for the first time. By the end of the meeting, most visitors tell us how much fun they had.

What is Post-Toasties?
After the meeting on the 4th Tuesday of the month we meet after the meeting to socialize, to network and just in general to have a good time. Visitors are welcome to stay for our Post-Toasties.

What if I have a question that is not answered here?
Email us at info@fastforwardcommunicators.org or call us at 214-542-0917. We'll be glad to answer your question!

Membership FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What do I get when I join?
You will receive a new member kit from Toastmasters International that contains your first manual and some brochures on evaluation, gestures and how to train and use your voice. We'll include you in our membership roster and invite you to all our meetings, district events, and our club's social events. Our VP Education will talk to you to find out how you would like to begin participating in the meetings. Usually, you will start out performing easy, minor duties for a meeting, then work your way into giving your first speech. She will also assign a mentor who will help you on your first speeches and who will coach you on your first responsibilites in a conducting a meeting.

What does it cost?
The annual dues for both international and our clubs is $78.00. It's payable twice a year ($39.00 each time) in March and October. That works out to $1.50 per meeting! For new members, there is a one-time initiation fee. See the dues schedule for full details.

What do I get for my dues investment?
You will receive a New Member kit from Toastmasters International that includes a membership certificate, speaking tips and tool lists, and the Communication and Leadership Manual. This manual contains a description of 10 speeches that you'll give at your own pace and that will earn you the recognition of becoming a Competent Communicator. The manual also describes the various major and minor duties held during a meeting.

Do I have to live or work nearby to join?
No. Some clubs have restrictions or are associated with a particular corporation. We have no such affiliation or restrictions.

If I come to a meeting, do I have to make up my mind about joining that night?
No. We recommend you come back a few times so you can get to know our group. You might even want to visit other clubs in the area and find the one that fits you best.

If I join, do I have to attend every week?
There is no requirement to attend every meeting.

How long does it take to get on the agenda if I want to give a speech?
Right away. There's seldom any wait to get on the agenda. Just contact the VP of Education who manages the duty roster.

What if I have a question that is not answered here?
Email our President Joe Iliff at president@fastforwardcommunicators.org.