Are you a new member???

Like most new members you are probably wondering, "What do I do next?  Who to turn to for help?"

That is exactly why NCR Toastmasters has put in place a mentoring program.

NCR Toastmasters Mentor Program

Purpose

Webster's defines a Mentor as "an experienced and trusted advisor". A Mentorship relationship allows the new member to work with an experienced speaker and obtain more personalized feedback and support in their pursuit of improvement.

Each Mentorship relationship is different and each new member is at a different level of enthusiasm, skill and commitment. However, the following objectives can be viewed as common among new members:

· Increase knowledge and skills about public speaking

· Increase comfort level in speaking in front of an audience

· Enhance self-esteem and self-confidence

· Observe skilled and professional role models in public speaking

The role of the Mentor is intended to work in conjunction with routine orientation into club activities, duties and etiquette, in our club initiated by the VP of Education. As each new member joins the club, a Mentor will be appointed for them.

Role of Mentor

A mentor is an experienced speaker who has completed at least seven of the Basic Communication and Leadership Manual speeches (preferably has completed their CTM) and who has an interest in personally supporting the development of new speakers.

A mentor has the following duties:

· Help new member become comfortable in our club and orientate them to club, club activities and Toastmasters program

· Assist new member in developing personal speaking objectives

· Provide constructive feedback and opportunity to discuss new member progress.

· Provide feedback on planned speeches and activities prior to delivery

New Member Responsibilities

A new member may elect to be assigned a mentor if they feel they could benefit from more personal feedback and support than is provided through normal club activities. They may request to be partnered with a specific person or they will be assigned the next available mentor.

If a new member elects to participate they must agree to:

· Identify learning goals and desired level of involvement with mentor

· With mentor, develop learning objectives and work plan

Time Commitment

Time commitment for these activities will vary but should be negotiated between partners. Most partners meet about once a month and before and after the new member's first few speeches. Meeting frequency decreases as the new member becomes more comfortable.