Visitors Are Always Welcome!

Here are answers to the questions most frequently asked by those interested in visiting our club:

1. What is Toastmasters?
   

   Toastmasters provides adult eduction to individuals who want to improve their public speaking, communication, and leadership skills, in order to reach their personal and professional goals. The Toastmasters program focuses equally on speaking / communication skills, and on leadership skills.

2. What is meant by "adult education"?
   

   Adult education has to have two components to be effective. First it must be an environment where an individual can learn new skills or improve existing skills. Second, it must be fun! Most of us have jobs or many other responsibilities in our lives, and we don't need another job or another obligation. We need a place to learn where we can have fun in the process!

3. How do I get started?
   

   The best way to get started is to come to a meeting, observe what Toastmasters is all about, and have fun.

4. Where do you meet, and when?
   

   We meet every Thursday night at Ozona Grill and Bar (map), 4615 Greenville Ave, Dallas, from 6:45pm to 8:00pm. We recommend arriving by 6:30pm to allow extra time to park and order food and drinks, so that the meeting can start on time. Our meeting room at Ozona Grill is near the back of the restaurant, just to the right of the restrooms through a set of double doors. Parking is available in the lot in front of Ozona Grill or in the lot just to the south at the southwest corner of Greenville Ave. and Dyer St. (sometimes a valet area).

   Our meeting location does vary on rare occasions, especially around holidays. We recommend checking our home page a day or two in advance for any meeting location changes, or using our Contact Page if you are visiting us for the first time.

5. Will I have to speak at the meeting?
   

   No, visitors are not expected or called on to speak at our meetings. You only have to come and observe how the Toastmasters program works, and enjoy our meeting.

6. Can I bring a friend?
   

   Absolutely! Visitors are always welcome to attend any of our meetings, to observe and to have fun!

7. Do I need to RSVP before attending?
   

   Visitors are always welcome to attend any of our meetings. No prior notice is required. If you let us know you're coming, though, we'll watch for you and ensure that you're able to find us, but you are welcome to come to any meeting that is convenient for you.

8. What is the cost to attend a meeting?
   

   The cost to attend a meeting is only what you order (food / drinks) from Ozona Grill. Typical meals run between $5-$10.

9. Can I order food and drinks during the meeting?
   

   Food and drinks are available during the meeting. We ask that you try to arrive 10-15 minutes before the meeting if you plan to order food, so that our meetings can flow as smoothly as possible.

10. How large is the club?
    

    Most Toastmasters clubs function best with between 20 and 30 members. This number allows everyone to participate fully on a regular basis, allows everyone to gain experience, and still keeps everyone's responsbilities at an easily manageable level. Although our membership numbers vary some over time, our club membership is usually in this range.

11. Is there a dress code?
    

    No, there is no dress code. Many of our members will be in "business casual" attire since they come to the meeting directly from work, while others will be more casual (jeans, for instance).

12. Where can I get more information about the club and its programs?
    

    We have a "guest packet" of additional information and downloads about the Toastmasters programs and about our local club, which can be accessed via our Guest Packet Online page. You can also get more information on Toastmasters at Toastmasters International.

13. Do you host events other than your meetings, such as social events?
    

    Absolutely! One of the advantages of Dallas Social Toastmasters is that we are also a social club, and host various social events throughout each month. You can view our calendar to get an idea of the types of events we host for our members and visitors.

14. I'm terrified of public speaking. Does this really help?
    

    Yes. Not only can it help, it's almost impossible to go through the steps in the program and not be more competent, more confident, and less afraid. The Toastmasters' graduated exposure plan to public speaking is very successful.

15. How can I find out more?
    

    You can find out more by attending a meeting, or by contacting us via our Contact Page.