Beginning your TM Career

One of the great services that Toastmasters offers is the mentor program, which provides one-on-one learning. You may choose a member of your liking or have one chosen for you that will help you develop and practice your speeches, get you familiar with roles, and much more. If you are interested in obtaining a mentor, contact the VP of Education.

During setup you should have been connected to a mentor or accountability buddy. Typically, if you have a mentor they will help you through your first three speeches at minimum, though this is not a hard limit. You also don't have to necessarily stay with only one mentor.

If you are a new member, your mentor will help you become familiar with the club meetings and roles of meeting participants and will help you with your first few speeches.  If you are an experienced member, your mentor will help you develop the special skills in which you are interested.

To receive maximum benefit from this relationship, it is important that you be...

• Eager to learn. You must be willing to take on new challenges.
  
• Receptive. You must be open to feedback, viewing it as an opportunity to improve.
  
• Open to new ideas. You should be able to see things from other perspectives.
  
• Loyal. You should be able to keep confidences.
  
• Grateful. Your mentor is volunteering his or her time to help you achieve goals and be successful.  Be appreciative.