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Moments of Truth

The Successful Club Series

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Moments of Truth

A moment of truth is the decisive time when a person:

  • First comes into contact with the Toastmasters experience
  • Forms a first impression of a club

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Moments of Truth

  • A high-quality club:
    • Encourages and celebrates member achievement
    • Provides a fun and supportive environment
    • Offers well-organized meetings with variety
    • Officers are trained in club quality
    • All of these are shown in the moments of truth

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Moments of Truth

  • A first impression, or moment of truth, can be lasting
  • Clubs must remain aware of how first-time members perceive the club
  • Every experience with a guest should be positive
  • There are six critical moments of truth

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Toastmasters Moments of Truth

  • First impressions
  • Membership orientation
  • Fellowship, variety, and communication
  • Program planning and meeting organization
  • Membership strength
  • Achievement recognition

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1. First Impressions

  • Greet guests warmly and introduce them to club officers
  • Give each guest a nametag
  • Provide a guest book to sign
  • Professionally arrange the meeting space
  • Have a convenient meeting location
  • Invite guests to give feedback and participate
  • Invite guests to join the club the day they visit

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2. Membership Orientation

  • Induct new members—include presentation of pin if available
  • Assign a mentor
  • Discuss the education program and its benefits
  • Assess new members’ learning needs
  • Discuss accommodations for members with disabilities
  • Assign speaking role
  • Encourage ongoing participation

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3. Fellowship, Variety, and Communication

  • Greet guests warmly
  • Make meetings enjoyable and educational
  • Regularly schedule social events
    • Area, District, and International events
    • Inter-club events
    • Issue a club newsletter
    • Maintain club website

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4. Program Planning and Meeting Organization

  • Program and agenda distributed in advance
  • Members are prepared for program assignments
  • All speeches are from Pathways
  • Meetings begin and end on time
  • Creative Table Topics™ and meeting themes
  • Evaluations are positive, helpful, and based on speaker goals

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5. Membership Strength

  • Club has 20+ members
  • Work to retain members
  • Promote club in the community or sponsoring organization
  • Club programs are varied and exciting
  • Recognize Toastmasters who sponsor new members
  • Hold regular membership-building programs

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6. Achievement Recognition

  • Formally recognize:
    • Member achievements
    • Club, District, and International leaders
  • Publicize club and member achievements
  • Use Distinguished Club Program for planning and recognition

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Does Your Club Meet Standards?

  • First impressions
  • New member orientation
  • Fellowship and variety
  • Program planning and meeting organization
  • Membership strength
  • Achievement recognition

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You never get a

second chance to make

a first impression.