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MoT #2: New Member Orientation

4. What Topics Should an NMO Cover?

What topics you include in your NMO are ultimately up to you and your club. This is a suggested topic list and layout. Experiment to determine what works best in your situation, based on available time, resources, and skill level. An average NMO should take 45-90 minutes.

  1. Review the Toastmasters Promise. This is a good way to create expectations about attending and participating in meetings. I  also emphasize that "Toastmasters is a volunteer organization; if you don't volunteer, there's no organization."
  2. A segment on etiquette; this should include lectern control, acceptable topics, etc.
  3. Getting logged into Toastmasters.org. Show how to reset their password if necessary. If you need a guide on how to do this, see the RDG Members program. Also have them ensure their profile is accurate, and note that they should put toastmasters.org into their e-mail safe senders/spam whitelist.
  4. Introduce Pathways and how to take the Pathways Assessment. You should direct the member to review the available tutorials available as well.
  5. Make sure the new member can log into your member site (whether FreeToastHost, Easy Speak, or otherwise). They should also check and update their profile if necessary. Demonstrate basic functions such as how to sign up for meetings, as well as how to contact other members. Also have them add the appropriate domain to their e-mail safe senders/spam whitelist.
  6. Review some of the beginner-level roles your club has, such as timer, WAG, etc.
  7. Have the new member commit to signing up for a committee, to get a mentor, and complete an educational goal (use the New Member Commitment Form available in the resources section).
  8. Where to go for more information (a resources sheet can suffice here).

Some other setup steps you may have can include:

  1. If your club uses Telegram, WhatsApp, or other instant message clients, get the new member signed up there.
  2. Get a commitment/sign-up for a first speech. You don't necessarily need the details, just a date.
  3. Complete a new member profile.

Next, how do you conduct an NMO?