AM Lockport Toastmasters is hosting its second spring Open House on Thursday April 4, from 7:00 – 8:30 a.m. at the Lockport Family YMCA at 5833 Snyder Drive in Lockport. Guests are welcome to join.
If you can’t attend in person but still want to join, we have a Zoom link that you can virtually be at the meeting. Please visit amlockporttm.org to click on the Zoom link.
Here’s a synopsis of how the meetings are run, as described by AM Lockport Distinguished Toastmaster Margo Sue Bittner:
- Public speaking is more than standing up and talking. New members are invited to sharpen their listening skills first. They may be asked to listen for “ahs” and “ums”. Another role is grammarian, which involves listening for impressive language usage and also common mistakes that detract from the speech. Another person will bring a word of the day and listen to hear who has used it throughout the meeting.
- The public speaking roles fall into three categories. The first involves preparing a quote of the day or a jest. Second is extemporaneous speaking. The Table Topics master will ask a question, giving the person called upon the chance to answer the questions, change the question or be creative. Finally, there is the prepared speaking portion of the meeting.
- Toastmaster International has a series of paths to help members learn the various parts of public speaking. Many new members selection the Presentation Mastery path, which includes the basic tools you need to be a proficient public speaker. Other paths include Engaging Humor, Effective Leadership, and Persuasive Influence.
- To help speakers improve, Toastmasters has developed an evaluation system. Each speaker is paired with someone who will explain the best parts of the speech, give some hints to improve and end with other positives. This sandwich approach is very encouraging.
- Running the meeting includes two people: the toastmaster of the day and the general evaluator. The toastmaster selects a theme, checks in with the role holders and runs the meeting. The general evaluator analyses all aspects of the meeting to help everyone improve.
Longtime member and co-founder Dave Licata is fond of saying, “Toastmasters doesn’t get rid of your butterflies. We just help them fly in formation.” Each person who comes can grow at his or her own pace.
Questions: Please contact Erik Schneider – VP of Public Relations at 716-986-5304 or at schnei28@canisius.edu
Submitted by: Erik Schneider ’25, housekeeping foreman, Facilities Management
