Meetings
Typical Meeting
The meeting starts with introductions, you'll not only get to know who we are but are bound to
find something new about us each time.
Before the break we take part in Table Topics - a chance to think on your feet. We try to include as
many people as possible but there's no obligation to take part.
After a break for refreshments and socialising the second half is devoted to prepared speeches.
These generally come from the Toastmaster International manuals which guide you through developing
your public speaking skills step by step. The topic you choose to talk on is always yours but each
project will encourage you to focus on one skill at a time - whether this is standing up for the
first time or injecting just the right level of humour in your presentation.
There is no instructor in our meetings. A key part of our meeting is members providing and receiving
feedback on the speeches and roles taken by other members. Ipswich Electrifiers pride ourselves on
friendly and supportive nature of this feedback.
Meeting Roles
Any meeting needs people to take particular roles to ensure it's smooth running. Toastmaster meetings have specific roles which will be taken by members. Taking these roles enables members to work towards their leadership awards.| Sergeant at Arms: | Organises the meeting room and opens the meeting |
| Toastmaster: | Runs the meeting and the introductions session |
| Wordmaster: | Provides a word of the day and gives feedback on words and phrases used in the meeting |
| Table Topics Master: | Provides topics for and runs the table topics session |
| Timekeeper: | Everthing in the meeting is timed. The timekeeper's job is to keep everyone informed on the time's taken and to warn people if they overrun. |
| Topics Evaluator: | Gives feedback on the topics session and those who have risen to the challenge |
| Speech Evaluator: | If you deliver a prepared speech you will be assigned a speech evaluator who will provide feedback based on the aims of the project. If you want feedback on a particular aspect that concerns you then they will be happy to do so |
Taking Part
We encourage members to work through speech projects and take meeting roles but you won't be pushed
you into anything. Whether you're eager to practise your leadership skills or nervous about
taking your first steps you find us a supportive club where you can work at a pace that suits you.
New guests are always welcome and usually join after two meetings as guests. Meetings are FREE to
guests!
If you wish to come along please email us to let us know you are
coming or for more information.
Forthcoming meeting schedules are can be found here.