New Member Orientation

Congratulations on joining Cisco Speaks
Toastmasters Club!

Sometimes starting a new venture can be confusing. The transition from guest to active member can be a little unnerving. A roadmap can provide structure as you take those next steps on your Toastmasters journey.

It isn't necessary to follow these steps in this order, but we do encourage you to go through each of these steps.


You should receive a new member welcome packet that includes information on getting started with the club, as well as a copy of the Ice Breaker project (the first speech from the Competent Communicator manual).


You should receive your new member kit from Toastmasters International within two weeks. This kit includes the Competent Communicator and Competent Leader manuals. If it hasn't arrived after two weeks, please reach out to the VP of Membership, vpmembership@ciscospeaks.net.

You should look through both your Competent Communicator and Competent Leader manuals. Both manuals contain projects that help you improve your communication skills. While the CC manual focuses on presentations, the projects in the CL manual help you develop skills such as listening, time management, and giving feedback.


Would you like to have a mentor? Please reach out to the VP of Education, vpeducation@ciscospeaks.net to discuss your goals, and to get a mentor assigned.

Need help sorting out your goals?


You should meet with your mentor. Mentors can help in several ways. They can coach you as you are developing your speech, and can give you feedback. They can also help to answer questions you may have about Toastmasters.


You should participate in club meetings as often as possible. Don't just show up when it's time to give a speech. The club meetings are the place to practice and develop these skills. There are many opportunities for practice, not just when giving a speech. Also, observing other speakers and evaluators can give you more things to try out in your own speeches.


You should sign up for meeting roles. All of the roles give you practice in standing up in front of people and speaking. These roles also help you develop other communication skills, such as time management, listening, and giving feedback.

It's easiest to start with roles such as Timer and Ah-Counter. Once you better understand how the meeting runs, we encourage you to get out of your comfort zone and take on other roles. Whenever you take on a new role, other club members are there to coach you through it.


You should participate in Table Topics. Even if you're not ready to give your first speech, Table Topics is an excellent way to practice your speaking skills.

You should prepare for your Ice Breaker speech. Start by reading through the project. You should also read through the project's speech evaluation form, to better understand what the evaluator will focus on. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to your mentor.

These three great documents can help you to prepare you first project:

You should schedule your Ice Breaker speech. This gives you a target to work towards.


You're now on your way! If you have questions, reach out to your mentor or to the club officers.