How Current Speakers Turned a Struggling Club Around

From Almost Suspended to Almost Distinguished

Speechcraft — I’d almost call it witchcraft, because it worked so much magic in our club. Current Speakers is a noon club based out of ENMAX Place in Calgary. We are now only four members and three Level 1s away from being Distinguished! This time last year, Current Speakers was almost suspended. We have come a loooong way, and Speechcraft has helped put us in a place where Distinguished status is within reach.

Opening the Door Through an Open House

Membership had been low, and with low membership came fewer speeches. We rallied our troops and held an Open House on February 26. We had seven guests from ENMAX attend through word of mouth and personal invitations. We then immediately launched an eight-week Speechcraft program from March 3 to April 23, retaining three of those guests, with a fourth joining partway through.

Guests Becoming Members

One guest joined as a reinstated member after being away from Toastmasters for a few years. Another guest already considers herself a member, and we are just waiting on the paperwork. A third guest is interested and still thinking about joining. WOW!

More Speeches, More Momentum

Speechcraft has been a lifeline for us in getting members to deliver speeches. We filled the agenda for the following week and consistently had two to three speakers. Because the speeches are shorter and can count toward a Path, members stepped up and started giving speeches. Boom, boom, boom!

Level 1 Goals Within Reach

Two members are now only one speech away from completing Level 1, and one member is two speeches away from completing Level 1. FANTASTIC! Speechcraft gave our members confidence, momentum, and a clear path forward.

A Recommendation for Struggling Clubs

If your club is struggling, I highly recommend implementing Speechcraft. It gives potential members a taste of Toastmasters. It also encourages current members to take on speeches and creates an opportunity to bring in outside educationals, so members can hear from someone beyond their own club about how to become better speakers. Speechcraft may be the witchcraft you need to bring a little magic to your club.

Join Our Next Open House

We are hosting another Open House on May 21 from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Our meetings are hybrid, and we would love to have you join and support us!

Contact the Current Speakers Toastmasters Club for details.

Ellen Lambert,
Current Speakers Toastmasters President