Getting started with Toastmasters

Ready to practise public speaking, improve communication and develop leadership? Follow these steps to begin your personal and professional growth journey.

1. Find a club

Look for a club near you. Many clubs also meet online. Explore Division A clubs.

2. Attend as a guest

Visit a meeting to listen to speeches and evaluations, meet experienced members and discover the atmosphere. Contact the club to arrange your visit.

3. Discover the benefits

Experience how meetings work and what you can learn. A visit helps you decide what Toastmasters can offer you.

4. Join

If Toastmasters suits your goals, ask the club about membership and its fees.

Visiting a meeting: frequently asked questions

How can I attend a club meeting?

Contact a club to arrange your first visit.

Do I need to become a member before visiting?

No. You can attend as a guest, in person or online, to discover the benefits before joining. A few meetings can help you decide whether Toastmasters is right for you.

What happens at a meeting?

Members give prepared speeches, practise impromptu speaking in Table Topics and offer constructive evaluations. Explore a typical meeting.

How often can I attend as a guest?

The Italian site invites guests to visit repeatedly. Check arrangements with your chosen club. Prepared speeches, evaluations and the full education programme are reserved for members.

Will I have to speak as a guest?

Guests are often invited to share brief feedback at the end. You may also volunteer for Table Topics. Participation in impromptu speaking is encouraged but optional.

What do the meeting roles involve?

• The Toastmaster of the Day leads the meeting and introduces participants.
• The Timer times contributions.
• The General Evaluator comments on the meeting and suggests improvements.
• The Ah-Counter notes filler sounds and distracting verbal habits.
• The Grammarian focuses on grammar, language and vocabulary.
• Evaluators offer practical suggestions to speakers.
• The Table Topicsmaster gives prompts for short impromptu speeches.

Members take turns in these roles — a Toastmaster wears many hats.

About Toastmasters

Is Toastmasters a public speaking course?

It is an ongoing learning journey rather than a traditional classroom course over one or two weekends. Members learn by doing, prepare speeches through Pathways and receive evaluations highlighting strengths and areas for improvement. Mutual support and service help everyone grow.

What will I learn?

Learning continues at every meeting. Develop speechwriting and presentation, vocal variety, body language, stage and online presence, negotiation and the ability to motivate a team. These skills can be useful at school and at work.

Is it useful for experienced speakers?

Yes. Beginners can build confidence through regular practice; experienced speakers can use feedback to understand their impact and refine their skills.

What are speech contests?

Toastmasters contests include prepared speeches, humorous speeches, evaluations, Tall Tales and Table Topics. They offer opportunities to challenge yourself, learn, enjoy speaking and meet other speakers. Contests begin at club level and progress through Area, Division and District levels; some categories continue to international stages.

How is Toastmasters organised?

The club is the basic unit, often with around 20–30 members. Clubs are grouped into Areas, Areas into Divisions and Divisions into Districts. Division A belongs to District 109. Districts are grouped into Regions.

What are the club officer roles?

Each year clubs elect an Executive Committee to guide and support the growth of the club and its members:

• President: oversees the club and sets goals with the committee.
• Vice President Education: plans meetings and supports members’ learning.
• Vice President Membership: supports membership and member engagement.
• Vice President Public Relations: promotes the club through its website, social media, newsletters and communications.
• Secretary: maintains records, committee minutes and official correspondence.
• Treasurer: manages club finances.
• Sergeant at Arms: manages logistics and helps create a welcoming meeting environment.

Where can I learn more?

Visit Toastmasters International.

Giving a speech

Who chooses the topic?

You choose your own topic.

Which languages can I use?

Many clubs in Italy use Italian, some are bilingual in Italian and English, and others meet entirely in English. Some groups offer other languages. Ask your club about its meeting languages and opportunities to practise.

How do I choose a topic?

Start with your hobbies, interests and passions. A mentor can help you clarify your topic and organise ideas.

How long is a speech?

Many prepared speeches last around seven minutes; special projects may be longer. Table Topics speeches are one or two minutes.

I am shy. Can I give my first speech?

You will be in a friendly, supportive environment. Your first speech introduces you, your interests and your experiences. Feedback focuses on strengths and opportunities to improve. Breathe, take your time and keep practising: confidence develops speech by speech.

Becoming a member

What does membership offer?

• Access to Pathways educational materials through Base Camp.
• Opportunities to give speeches at your club and other clubs.
• Local, national and international training opportunities.
• Opportunities to take part in speech contests.
• Mentoring and help choosing projects and paths.

You choose activities according to your goals and pace. Discover how Toastmasters can help.

Why join if I can visit as a guest?

Membership lets you participate fully: prepare speeches, receive feedback and take on meeting and club leadership roles, building experience you can also use at work.

How much does membership cost?

Fees vary by club and include international membership dues and local operating costs, such as room hire. A new-member fee may also apply. Ask your chosen club for its current fees.

What happens after I join?

A mentor can help you prepare your first speeches, and another member may guide you in choosing projects. Fellow members are there to answer questions and support you.

Why pay fees to a nonprofit organisation?

Fees cover the international organisation’s activities and educational resources, as well as local club expenses.

How much time is required?

You decide how much time to dedicate to preparing speeches and progressing. You can set your own weekly or monthly pace.

When do meetings take place?

Each club chooses its dates, times and format. Many meet twice a month, in person, online or in a hybrid format. Check the clubs.

What does a mentor do?

A mentor helps a new member prepare the first speech, the Ice Breaker, by listening and offering practical advice.

Are there videos to learn more?

Visit the Toastmasters Italia YouTube channel.