Frequently Asked Questions

1. What's Toastmasters?
2. Who are District 63 Toastmasters?
3. Why should we use speakers from Speakers Express?
4. What can Speakers Express provide my organization?
5. What topics do your speakers cover?
6. How much will it cost?
7. How do I get in touch with a Speakers Express speaker?
   

What's Toastmasters?

Toastmasters International is a worldwide, non-profit, educational organization devoted to developing people's public and interpersonal communication and leadership skills.  The first Toastmasters club was started at the YMCA in Santa Ana, California, by Dr. Ralph C. Smedley in 1924.  Since then, nearly 4 million men and women have enjoyed the benefits of Toastmasters membership.  The organization currently has approximately 175,000 members in 8,800 Toastmasters clubs in 70 countries.

A Toastmasters club is a "learn by doing" workshop in which men and women hone their skills in a comfortable, friendly atmosphere.  A typical club has 20 to 40 members, who meet weekly or biweekly to learn and practice public speaking techniques.  Upon joining a Toastmasters club, members progress through a series of 10 speaking assignments designed to instill a basic foundation in public speaking.  When finished with the basic speech manual, members can select from among 15 advanced programs to develop speaking skills that are geared to specific needs.  Members also have the opportunity to develop and practice leadership skills by working in the High Performance Leadership Program and serving as leaders at various organizational levels.

Speakers Express is a community outreach program of District 63 Toastmasters, designed to provide additional advanced speaking opportunities for our members while providing qualified speakers to other non-profit organizations within our community.

Back to Top

Who are District 63 Toastmasters?

District 63 is comprised of Toastmasters clubs in Middle and Eastern Tennessee, a small part of Southwestern Virginia, and a small part of southern Kentucky.  Visit www.d63toastmasters.com for more specific information on clubs in our district.

Back to Top

Why should we use speakers from Speakers Express ?

There are lots of reasons to use speakers from Speakers Express!  

The first one that comes to mind is quality speakers giving quality presentations.  All of our speakers in Speakers Express have completed the basic Communication and Leadership manual in the Toastmasters program, which means they've worked on their fundamental public speaking skills.  Many have gone on to complete several advanced manuals as well.  These are speakers who are constantly working and improving their skills.

Second, our speakers are knowledgeable on a variety of topics and have a wide variety of experiences to share.  Our speakers come from all walks of life.  They are doctors, business owners, executives, teachers, accountants, musicians, auto mechanics, artists, homemakers, engineers, salespersons, secretaries...people just like you!

Third, we are one-stop shopping.  Because of the variety of topics that our speakers offer, you can come to Speakers Express again and again and never hear the same presentation twice!  If you're responsible for bringing in speakers to your rotary club or other civic organization, we can take some pressure off of your constant search.

And, of course, we're the "right price! -- FREE!  Our speakers want to speak to your organization to improve their skills, to network with business and community leaders, and to give back to our community.  

Back to Top

What can Speakers Express provide my organization?

We can provide people to fill these types of roles:

• Opening or Closing Keynote Address
• Lunch or Dinner speaker
• Trainer
• Meeting Facilitator
• Judges for speech contest
• An Emcee, Master of Ceremonies, or Host/Hostess for your event or meeting

This is by no means an exhaustive list.  If you've got a communication need that does not appear on this list, e-mail us your request.  We'll see how we can help you.

Back to Top

What topics do your speakers cover?

Since our speakers choose their own topics, we cover a gamut of subjects, and as our speakers change, so do our topics.  Here's a sampling of some of the topics our speakers currently cover:

• Balancing Work and Family Life
• Communication
• Creativity 
• Discovering The Hidden Self
• Foreign Cultures
• Goal Setting
• How to Deal with Angry People
• How to Get Your Book Published
• Journaling
• Leadership Skills for Young People
• Music
• Overcoming Obstacles
• Overseas Marketing
• Patriotism
• Storytelling
• Thinking Outside The Box

Plus a wide variety of motivational and inspirational topics.

Back to Top

How much will it cost?

It's FREE!  Speakers Express is a community service of District 63 Toastmasters.

Back to Top

How do I get in touch with a Speakers Express speaker?

If you know what you're looking for, then browse through the speakers on our site.  We suggest starting with your own area.  But feel free to look for speakers in other areas as well.  Read the descriptions of their programs.  And when you find someone that you're interested in, you may contact them directly.  Please make sure to tell them that you found them on Speakers Express!  Their contact information is included on their page.  You may want to print that page for your convenience. 

If you're not sure what topic you're interested in or you generally need more assistance in finding a speaker, then contact the Depot Manager in your area.  They will help you find and get in touch with the right speaker for you.

Back to Top