03_30_04 Geospeakers Meeting Summary

Results of Moments of Truth club self-evaluation led by Carol Reiss March 30, 2004

Of the 6 categories on which we evaluated our Toastmaster club Geospeakers, we scored "achieved" or "excellent" on all parts of 3 categories, and didn't fare much worse on the other three. There are suggestions following those categories.

Here is a tally of the results:
* - excellent, > - achieved, I – improvement needed

First Impressions – 6 *
* - Guests greeted warmly and introduced to officers and members
* - Guest book and name tags provided
* - Professionally arranged meeting room
* - Arrangements meet speakers needs
* - Guests invited to address the Club
* - Guests invited to join

No recommendations; keep up the great work!

New Member Orientation – 4 * or >
I - Formal induction, including presentation of pin and Basic Manual
> - Assignment of coach/mentor
I - Education programs and recognition system discussed
> - Learning needs assessed
> - Speaking role(s) assigned
* - Member involved in all aspects of Club’s activities

Recommendations: present basic manual with pin and new member folder to avoid possible delays from TM. (Geospeakers have extra copies on hand and ask new member to replace when their packet arrives from TM)
Have mentors lined up ahead of time to avoid delay in assigning –

Action Item: Board of Directors need to decide who assigns mentors (currently reviewing job duties)
Mentors could discuss in more detail with new members the manual and how the club works.

Fellowship, Variety and Communication – 6* or >
> - Guests greeted warmly and made welcome
* - Enjoyable and educational meetings planned
> - Regularly scheduled social events
> - Members participate in Area, District and International events
> - Inter-club events encouraged
> - Club newsletter/bulletin issued on regular basis

Recommendations – Better accommodate late arriving guests (SAA sit closer to door; have guestbook handy and open seat near door once meeting begins)

Program Planning and Meeting Organization – 5* or >
> - Program and agenda publicized in advance
*> - Members know program responsibilities and are prepared to carry out all assignments
> - Speeches given from basic and advanced manuals
I - Meetings begin and end on time
* - Creative table topics
* - Positive and helpful evaluations

Recommendations –People with roles should watch time (if running late, cut it short);
Master Evaluator might signal when running behind;
Table Topics person should know what time they're allotted.

Membership Strength– 3* or >
I - Club has 20 or more members
* - Current members retained
> - Promotion of Club in the community or within its organization
> - Club programs varied and exciting
I - Toastmasters sponsoring new members recognized
I - Regular membership building programs

Recommendations –We feel 15 is a manageable number for Geospeakers (current membership), however we'll always strive for more to replace those who move away.
Good variety of Table Topics and speeches helps retain members.
Have Pizza Parties
Need to put a sponsor name on applications of new members, as well as acknowledge.

Recognizing accomplishments – 6* or >
* - Award applications immediately submitted to World Headquarters
> - Progress chart displayed and maintained
* - Member achievements formally recognized with ceremony
* - Club, District and International leaders recognized
> - Club and member achievements publicized
* - DCP used for planning and recognition

Recommendations:
Records of progress maintained, but not this club's culture to display.
Do use Distinguished Club Program; "If you meet the needs of your members, you will automatically fulfill club goals."

It was also suggested that this tally sheet be displayed in our Geospeakers box to remind everyone that we could use improvement in some areas.

Also, summary sheet will be reproduced and kept on file

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