Make somebody’s day! When a stranger walks into your club meeting, go over and introduce yourself to them. Just be friendly. It doesn’t really matter what you say but here are some suggestions: Ask them how they heard about Toastmasters. Ask them if they have ever been to a meeting. Do you remember the day you first walked into a Toastmasters meeting? Like me, did you have a definite purpose in mind? I wanted to build my Financial Coaching business by giving presentations to groups. A friend suggested that a good place to start was Toastmasters. I had no idea that I would still be a member 35 years later, due to the camaraderie at Toastmasters. What was your reception like? I couldn’t believe the warmth of the people in the room.
All these strangers who were behaving as if they were delighted that I’d dropped in!! Do you give that kind of welcome to guests who visit your club? Or does your welcome need a little dusting off? If you are wondering whose “job” it is to welcome guests, look no further than your mirror (or selfie). Every member is an ambassador of their club and of Toastmasters International.
Toastmasters meeting before. Ask them if they would like to sit next to you so you can answer any questions they might have. Ask them if they had difficulty finding parking. Add your own unique words of welcome and inclusion. It is far from rocket science. It is also an essential part of being a Toastmaster. 99% of Toastmasters will say “I’m shy.” You know the cure for shyness: think about someone else. Think about how difficult it is to be that person who walks into a group of people who all know each other; make it a little bit easier for them. It’s a kind and compassionate thing to do. It is also the way to have your guests become members!
Lindy Sinclair, DTM4, District57 Director