Toastmasters Committee President Interview

Name: Tim Verity.

Position on Toastmaster Club Committee: President.

How long were you in the position: 1 year.

In your own words, what is the purpose of that committee position:
To lead the club effectively, through the office bearers. It was identified at the outset that the primary goal would be to run professional, fulfilling meetings. Achievement of this would be the basis of most other objectives including membership vitality, educational and leadership development, paying fees on time, meeting area goals etc etc.

Part of the professionalism is good record keeping and financial controls, having a website and promoting the image, setting up soundly structured and arranged meetings, involving in a personal way all those attending meetings (especially guests) -really all committee members needed to play their part.

What did you learn during your tenure in that position:
That there is no need for time-consuming micromanagement with competent colleagues - we are all busy people who work willingly and voluntarily. However this is delegation not abdication - sound structures have to be set up and adhered to.

What is your most memorable moment as committee member: When most of the committee members agreed to serve another term.

What activities were you typically responsible for: Controlling the club meetings without making it seem that way too obviously.

Comments: An innovation was doubling the number of committee meetings but keeping them short and to the point.

Was it worth it: Yes.

Give a five-point checklist for someone to succeed in that position on the committee:

1. Relax to the extent you can chair a club meeting with spontaneous order.
2. Stick to the essentials - leave in charge those competent to run things.
3. No need to introduce wordily keep it short. Let others do the talking.
4. Involve as many people as you can in a personal way, and acknowledge generously.
5. Develop backup (shadows) for all the office bearers.