Who Contacts Who ?

The following is a suggestion for all who are assigned as Toastmaster of the Day. This suggestion answers the question of "Who contacts who?" in regards to the weekly program. This process has been the key to successful attendance and participation for many years. It is a part of YOUR responsibility as a MEMBER to pursue the following procedure in relation to weekly assignments:

WITHIN 24 HOURS of the conclusion of the weekly meeting, the Vice President of Education contacts next week's Toastmaster of the Day.

WITHIN 24 HOURS of the notification from the VPE, the TM OF THE DAY notifies:
1) Speakers
2) General Evaluator
3) Table Topics Master, and
4) Wordmaster

This allows the TM of the Day to explain any theme for the meeting that may be woven throughout the program.

WITHIN 24 HOURS of the notification from the TM of the Day, the GENERAL EVALUATOR notifies:
1) Evaluators (assignments of Evaluators to Speakers are done at this time)
2) Timer
3) Vote Counter
4) And/Ah Grammarian

WITHIN 24 HOURS of notification from the General Evaluator, the EVALUATORS should contact their assigned speakers for what we used to call an "up front needs assessment". The speaker and evaluator will discuss purpose of the speech and the goals for personal improvement by the speaker. This provides a SECOND follow up on next meeting's speakers PLUS the personal caring touch of Toastmaster camaraderie.

USUALLY, if all of this is accomplished within the given time frame, everyone knows by the WEEKEND BEFORE the meeting of their assignment for the next meeting (instead of within 24 hours BEFORE the MEETING).

Keep in mind, this program was included as a regular part of our club programming along with a calendar of assignments for each upcoming quarter (three months). When this program was implemented, Tuesday Toasters began to see the eradication of programs where participants were not present. This timing also grants abundance of time for anyone scheduled to find a substitute if necessary. Several "veteran" Toastmasters in the club believe this has been a practicable tool in expanding attendance and enthusiasm in the weekly meetings.