"The first result of speech training is
self-discovery."
Dr. Ralph Smedley, Toastmaster's founder

How The Club Works

The club meets weekly on Thursday mornings ( at 7:00 am) for approximately one hour, until 8:00 am. All meetings utilize a set format that provide members the opportunity to practice public speaking and delivering business presentations in a supportive environment. Members also learn how to organize and manage a business meeting, learn to think/speak quickly on their feet, and even how to deliver constructive evaluations and feedback to other members. Doing these simple things works wonders for all members; everyone experiences improvement.

The Competent Communicator Program (CTM) - When a new member joins the club, he or she receives a Toastmasters Speech Manual - the basic manual. It contains a series of ten speech 'assignments' that guide the member in developing their public speaking skills by focusing on several key success areas that include:

  • Speech Organization
  • Use of vocabulary
  • Use of visual aids
  • Use of voice
  • Use of body language

Once the Basic Manual is completed, the member is designated as a Competent Communicator - a 'CTM' in Toastmasters-speak. After reaching this milestone, the member has the opportunity to choose from one of several different tracks that help him/her advance their skills even further. Themes are focused on such things as public relations, storytelling, humor, informational speaking and other styles. Several advanced Toastmasters designations follow, like Advanced Toastmaster (ATM), Competent Leader (CL) and Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM).

Toastmasters Educational Program

Business Networking and Social Functions - An unspoken truth of a club like Capital City is the great networking and social opportunities that membership brings. Our members include a mix of professionals in banking, finance, engineering, construction, communications, healthcare and other fields. We hold regular social activities that help everyone form friendships and build lasting networks.

Membership Cost

All club members pay bi-annual dues - in March and September. These dues help cover the costs of meeting materials, club administration, and entitle the member to receive The Toastmaster, the official bi-monthly magazine of Toastmasters International. Capital City member dues are:

a) New Member Fee - $20.00 one time charge.

b) Capital City club dues are $18.00 biannually or $36.00/per year.

c) Toastmasters International dues are $27.00 biannually or $54.00 per year.

Total CCT Dues - $45.00 biannually or $90.00 per year.

Members joining in between dues are prorated based on the number of months as a member during the biiannual term. Please see the CCT Treasurer for specific information.

How to Join Us

If you are interested in joining Capital City, we encourage you to attend a meeting or two prior to completing the New Member Application. This will provide you the opportunity to meet some club members and get a feel for how things work. We also encourage you to attend other Toastmaster meetings in Raleigh as a comparison. You'll know which club suits you best; trust your instincts.

CCT Club Officers

Officers provide club management, leadership and contribute organizational skills. The following individuals are Capital City's officers for 2008 - 2009:

PresidentJean Gambrill, CTM
Past PresidentMichael Eaves, CC
VP EducationMichael Eaves, CC
VP MembershipRonnie Padgette
VP Public RelationsPete Tepfer, CTM
TreasurerGwen Vass, CTM
SecretaryWade Hudson
Sergeant-at-Arms Ward Marslender

We welcome and encourage guests to visit our club. Please feel free to contact Membership to find out more information about Toastmasters.