Thinking of visiting Rainbow Toastmasters? You're always welcome, but you might find the following information useful before your visit.

Are visitors allowed at all Rainbow Toastmasters meetings?
Absolutely! Just show up—no need to register or RSVP first. Come alone or with a friend. We'll recognize you as a visitor and make you feel welcome.

The LGBT Center is a big place. Where does Rainbow Toastmasters meet?
The room assignment can change from week to week, so be sure to check the board in the lobby before you head upstairs. We are usually in room 300 or 301. You don't need to sign in or anything—just come on up. Sit wherever you wish, either at a table or in chairs along the wall.

If I visit, will I have to speak to the group?
No. Visitors are never required to speak. We're a friendly group and may invite you speak during the Table Topics, but you may decline if you wish. Most people visit for a few weeks and simply observe our meetings until they feel comfortable participating.

What happens during a meeting?
Most meetings follow this pattern:

• The Sergeant-at-Arms calls the meeting to order at 6:00pm and introduces that evening's Toastmaster.
• The Toastmaster welcomes guests and introduces all the members with special roles that evening.
• Two or three members give prepared speeches (usually 5-8 minutes in length each).
• The Table Topics master invites members to speak on "table topics," or short topics or questions.
• The Speech Evaluators give their evaluations of the prepared speeches.
• The Grammarian, Ah-counter, and Timer give their reports.
• The General Evaluator gives his or her evaluation of the entire meeting.
• Club business, if any, is conducted.
• The Toastmaster adjourns at 7:30pm.

What are Table Topics?
Table topics are opportunities for Club members to speak extemporaneously for one or two minutes on some topic. The Table Topics Master brings a prepared list of questions or topics, and then Club members are called on to answer the question or speak on the topic. Members (not visitors) must speak if called upon, but they are perfectly free to interpret the questions or topics however they wish.

That sounds terrifying!
Actually, it's a lot of fun, and it really sharpens your skills in thinking on your feet. After some practice with us, you'll find public speaking is a lot easier than you think. Besides, as a visitor you won't be put on the spot and asked to speak if you don't want to.

But what about all these evaluations?
You'll find they are surprisingly constructive and easy to accept. We are a very friendly group of people who support each other. You won't find harsh criticism. Is this just an ad hoc way to get practice in public speaking?No, not at all. Toastmasters International offers gobs of resources on effective speaking—hints on finding and training an effective speaking voice, guidelines for body language and gestures, and so many more that this Web site is too small to contain them all.

How do I Join?
Simple, check us out 2-3 times, and let us know you want to join. We'll vote you in and sign you up to begin.

What happens after I join?
You start giving short speeches every month or two. You can go as fast or as slowly as you wish; some new members wait for months before giving their first speech, and others start right away. After you give your 10th speech, you reach your first level of achievement and become a "competent communicator." You can then keep giving speeches and fulfill requirements for other achievement levels, and perhaps after a few years you will reach the highest level: a Distinguished Toastmaster!

Sounds like fun! Can you make me into a great orator?
We'd be delighted to try! Give us a chance. As your public-speaking skills improve, you'll discover a new sense of confidence—and a bunch of new friends.