Listen, think, and Speak
Gilbert Toastmasters
Discover the best thing to do in Gilbert, AZ for self-improvement.
UPDATE: 5/22 Meeting location will be at EAS
500 S Gilbert Rd
Gilbert, AZ 85296
Greenfield Junior Highschool Library
101 S Greenfield Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85296
Every Thursday at 7pm
Success Stories
Vince D
“When we replaced in- person Gilbert Toastmaster meetings due to Covid 19 with ZOOM, I didn’t know what ZOOM was or how to use it.
However, with the assistance of more savvy fellow Toastmasters I learned how to use this great two-way communication tool.
I realized that ZOOM would be an excellent way to reach out to my relatives in western New York, Chicago, Cleveland, San Jose and Phoenix for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
I found all relatives interested in participating, and we have used ZOOM for three Christmas holidays. Thanks Gilbert Toastmasters.”
Brendan S
“My neighbor invited me to go with him, and it was Interesting. They were friendly and welcoming, and made sure that all of the guests (there were 4 or 5 of us) had a chance to participate.”
Soumya P
“After the very first meeting, when then club president asked me to describe what I thought of the meeting, all I said was “My english was bad and I needed help to improve”.
It did not take long for the club members to cheer me to join the club and empower myself to enjoy this journey. Today, if I have confidence to write about my journey, enjoy speaking to group of people, then that credit goes to GTM club members who have always helped me to learn, grow, speak, listen and think!”
David S
“With every speech, every competition, every Toastmasters leadership Institute I attend, every officer role I fill, And every guest speaker spot I complete I expand my toastmasters net worth. Enriching my life, providing a valuable example to my daughter of building lifelong skills.
I know why I joined, I know why I stay, wouldn’t you benefit from joining my tribe? I challenge you to find out.”
Guacy B
“Beginning my journey with Gilbert Toastmasters, I aimed to enhance my speaking skills. However, what I discovered was beyond my expectations. Within this welcoming community, I not only found lasting friendships but also honed my leadership abilities in ways I never imagined.
Toastmasters is more than just a platform for communication; it’s a nurturing environment where every gathering ignites growth and resilience.
Through Toastmasters, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of support and encouragement, both in my professional pursuits and personal life. It’s a reminder that each of us holds untapped potential, waiting to be unlocked within a community that fosters growth and inspires greatness.”
What To Expect When You Visit Gilbert Toastmasters
Take a look at our timeline below to understand how meetings unfold for visitors. You’ll get to introduce yourself, share feedback, and possibly participate in Table Topics. It’s a great opportunity to develop your skills in a supportive environment.
Sign Up
Begin your Toastmasters journey at the welcome table. Let us know your name and how you discovered Gilbert Toastmasters. We're thrilled to meet you!
Meeting Starts
As the meeting kicks off, our presiding officer will invite you to stand, introduce yourself, share why you're here, and tell us how you found us. It's your moment to shine!
Engage in the Meeting
Immerse yourself in the flow of our meeting. You might even get the chance to participate in Table Topics—an impromptu speaking segment designed to sharpen your quick-thinking skills.
Meeting Closure
As we wrap up, the presiding officer will turn to you for your thoughts on the meeting. It's a great opportunity to share your impressions and any highlights you experienced.
FAQs: Learn More About Us
Visitors are always welcome at Gilbert Toastmasters! We’re excited to meet you and share our community’s passion for public speaking and leadership. For answers to common questions, explore the FAQ section below. We’re confident you’ll find the information you need to get started on your Toastmasters journey.
How often does the club meet and what is the format of a typical meeting?
Our club meets weekly for 90-minute sessions that begin promptly at 7 PM. Each meeting is structured to provide a balanced mix of prepared speeches, impromptu speaking opportunities through Table Topics, and constructive evaluations. This format is designed to help members enhance their public speaking, communication, and leadership skills in a supportive and positive learning environment.
What is the size of the Gilbert Toastmasters Club?
Our club is vibrant and active, with an average membership of 40 to 50.
What do the membership fees cover and how often are they billed?
Membership fees cover venue costs, Toastmasters International dues and minor expenses like prints and badges, ensuring a quality experience. Fees are billed bi-annually for convenience. For up-to-date details and benefits, contact our Vice President Membership at vpm-499@toastmastersclubs.org. We're committed to transparency and are here to guide you through your Toastmasters journey.
What are the costs involved besides the membership fees?
Besides the membership fees, there are no mandatory additional costs such as conferences in our club. However, we do host an annual fundraiser to support our activities and initiatives, and participation is entirely voluntary. Additionally, after every meeting, we often gather socially in fun places like in Gilbert downtown. These social gatherings are also voluntary, and members can choose to participate based on their interest and availability. All additional activities outside the regular meetings are 100% voluntary, ensuring members can engage at a level that suits their preferences and budget.
Are there any prerequisites or skill levels required to join?
No, there are no prerequisites or specific skill levels required to join our club. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and levels of experience, from complete beginners to seasoned speakers. Our club is designed to be a supportive space where everyone can grow and improve at their own pace.
Can I attend a meeting as a guest before deciding to join?
Absolutely! You are welcome to attend as many meetings as you'd like as a guest, completely free of charge. This gives you the opportunity to experience our club's atmosphere, observe the meeting structure, and see firsthand how we support each other's growth in public speaking and leadership skills. Feel free to visit and take your time deciding if our club is the right fit for you
How frequently can I expect to give prepared speeches at your club, given its size and membership?
In our club, the educational and progression system follows the structured Toastmasters Pathways learning experience, which is designed to help members build competencies in communication and leadership. However, due to our club's success and a vibrant membership averaging more than 40 members, speaking opportunities for prepared speeches are shared among all members. As a result, you can expect to have 3 to 4 opportunities per year to deliver a prepared speech.
While this setup fosters a diverse and enriching learning environment, it may mean a slower progression through the Toastmasters' paths for those looking to advance quickly. Our club offers a wealth of other learning opportunities, including roles in meetings, impromptu speaking, and leadership roles, which all contribute to your growth within Toastmasters. If your primary goal is rapid advancement through prepared speeches, our club might not be the best fit. However, if you value a rich community learning experience, our club offers a supportive and dynamic environment for personal and professional development.
What is the age requirement to join the Gilbert Toastmasters Club?
To join our club, you need to be 18 years or older. Whether you're a student keen on creating engaging reels, a professional gearing up for presentations, or a senior looking to stay active and engaged, we welcome everyone. There's no upper age limit; our community is diverse, vibrant, and inclusive, embracing members from all walks of life.
Is there a focus on leadership development, and how is it incorporated into the club activities?
Leadership development is a cornerstone of our club, where we focus on fostering leadership skills alongside public speaking. Our structured approach involves assigning various functionary roles to members, such as Timer, Evaluator, or Toastmaster of the Day, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to fulfill these roles over time. This method ensures a well-rounded experience, allowing members to practice and enhance leadership abilities through diverse real-world scenarios. From communication and team management to problem-solving and project planning, each role is designed to challenge members and cultivate essential leadership qualities. Our supportive club environment encourages members to embrace these opportunities, guiding them on their path to becoming confident and effective leaders.
What is the club's culture and member demographic?
Our club prides itself on a diverse and inclusive culture that spans several generations of Americans as well as individuals from various countries, including India, Mexico, China, France, Brazil, Bahrain, among others. This rich tapestry of backgrounds contributes to a vibrant club atmosphere where members can not only improve their public speaking and leadership skills but also gain unique perspectives and insights from around the world. We celebrate this diversity, believing it strengthens our club and enhances the experience for all members, fostering an environment of mutual respect, learning, and global awareness.
What kind of support and mentorship does the club offer to new members?
Our club takes a comprehensive approach to support and mentorship for new members. While we have a dedicated Vice President of Mentoring whose primary role is to facilitate the pairing of new members with suitable mentors, our club culture emphasizes that all members can be mentors. This means that, in addition to the formal mentorship you receive, you'll also benefit from the collective wisdom, experience, and support of the entire club membership. Everyone is encouraged to share knowledge and provide guidance, creating a rich, supportive environment where learning and growth are mutual.
How does the club handle the transition to online or hybrid meetings, especially in light of recent global events?
Our club remains committed to offering a 100% live meeting experience, maintaining the traditional in-person format. We believe in the value of face-to-face interactions for building strong connections among members and enhancing the learning experience. In response to global events, we prioritize the health and safety of our members by adhering to recommended guidelines and best practices to ensure our live meetings are conducted safely and responsibly.
How can I join?
Simply visit one of our meetings to get a feel for the club. While there, ask any member to introduce you to our Membership Officer, who will guide you through the joining process.
Gilbert Toastmasters
