Crave a deeper role in Toastmasters? Focus on this one role

 

I am preparing for my first time as the Toastmaster. This is an important role in the Toastmasters meeting and it is one that is active throughout the entire meeting. Other positions are important, but the Toastmaster is a role that is very involved and comprehensive. I remember being surprized that I was scheduled to fulfill the role, because I am truly quite new. I was intimidated, I'll admit, but I did accept. It's been a week so here are the steps I took to get prepared.

1 - Use the agenda

I studied the agenda to see where the Toastmaster is expected to speak. As it stands, the Toastmaster is introduced and then they speak for 7 minutes. After that, they introduce all the major speakers and then keep the meeting organized. The toastmaster is also the one to end the meeting. The more I looked over the agenda and noted the sequence, the more confident I became. I even started practising my introductions and transitions, using the agenda as the guide. I did this several times because I didn't want to be caught off guard in the meeting. As I created my mini scripts, I made note on which ones felt comfortable and which ones worked. Toastmasters sticks to its agenda faithfully so this is a good method to use.

2 - Learn from the website

On EasySpeak, the Toastmaster automation website, there is a section that summarizes each role, including the Toastmaster. It provided a list of items related to the role. Though the role is extensive, the paperwork clearly explains what is required. I now know what everyone is expecting me to do in the meeting and it's now easy to do it in the meeting.

This is a big role, though, so it helps that I did a third thing

3 - Learn from other Toastmasters

I've attended meetings for around two months. Each time, I've tried to pay more and more attention to the Toastmaster to see how those members handled the role. I noticed how they introduced other roles, how they moved the meeting forward and how they created an interesting meeting atmosphere. I know that this will be helpful to me when I'm the Toastmaster as I have two months' worth of material to reflect on. It can be easy to just focus on your role and not notice all the work that the Toastmaster is doing, but I would encourage you to notice.

Takeaway

I am 4 hours away from this position, but I am looking forward to it. One fun thing we get to do as Toastmasters is to lead the applause, at the end and at the start of each presenter. It's on us to make sure that everyone feels at ease and is taken on a pleasant journey in the meeting -- to feel that it's all going well. I look forward to being prepared and doing well. 

If you're new to Toastmasters, I'd encourage you to take on small roles until you're ready. Once you get a chance, though, the role of the Toastmaster will be ready for you. Take it on and do your best. Good luck.