The Toastmaster is the meeting’s director and host. The main duties of the Toastmaster are to coordinate and conduct the entire meeting, introduce participants, and act as a genial host.

A member typically will not be assigned this role until they are thoroughly familiar with the club and its procedures.

Taking on this role improves organization, time management and public speaking skills.

Before the meeting

• Choose a theme and announce the meeting date, time and location on whatsapp and invite members to speak or fulfill meeting roles.
• Communicate with all speakers in advance to identify the title of their speech and the speech project for their pathway.
• Take time to familiarise yourself with the agenda and prepare remarks to introduce the meeting (ideally related to the theme) and to bridge the gaps between program sections as required.
• Liaise with the Vice President of Education to confirm the agenda.

During the meeting

• Try to sit near the front of the room for quick and easy access to the stage.
• Aim to begin and end the meeting on time. You may have to make adjustments to the schedule during the meeting to accomplish this.
• Lead the applause to introduce speakers and role takers to the stage.
• Introduce each speaker and role taker. Return to your seat once the speaker or role taker takes the stage.
• At the conclusion of all the main agenda items, hand over to the president to provide their closing remarks and end the meeting.

Further information can be found on the toastmasters international website in the toastmaster section.