What
happens at an ITC CLUB meeting?
The
program for a meeting can vary depending on the ITC club and the purpose of a
meeting. A
typical meeting has the following format:
Welcome and
Inspiration:
One of the members will welcome members and visitors, and then present
a short inspirational thought or quotation with which to set the tone of the
meeting.
Round Robin:
This is an introductory segment. Each person stands, states their name,
and then
gives
a short (usually 30 seconds) response to the topic chosen by the Round Robin
leader. Visitors
are welcome to take part.
Table Topics
(Issues of the Day): One
member presents each of (say) six speakers with a scenario on which they
must speak
impromptu for a stated time, usually one or two minutes. Topics can
range from serious
and
controversial to light-hearted. It is not necessary to tell the truth:
rather it is an opportunity to use
one’s imagination.
Workshops:
Members sometimes present workshops or educational sessions in which the
entire audience
participates, acquiring and developing skills through active involvement.
Speeches:
One or more speeches may be presented, ranging from 3 to 8 minutes.
Speeches may be
impromptu
or prepared. They may be humorous, informative or serious.
Readings of prose and poetry are
also presented.
Evaluation:
One of the most important skills developed within ITC is evaluation. This is a constructive
analysis
of a speaker’s strengths as well as identifying areas needing attention,
with suggestions for improvement.
Evaluation is given in a positive, supportive manner.
Business
Session:
The purpose of conducting a business meeting is to deal with the business
required
in
the ordinary running of an organisation, as well as to teach the executive and
members the correct
procedures
and terminology of business meeting (parliamentary) procedure. Office
bearers are trained to
carry out their duties efficiently and in the correct manner.
Supper:
During the evening we break for refreshments and the chance for a chat.
The fellowship developed
between members at ITC can be as valuable as the skills learned.
How
is ITC Structured?
There
are four levels within ITC:
Club:
This is the grass roots level of ITC. Each club has not more than 30
members, ensuring
that all members are able to participate. Most clubs meet twice per
month.
Council:
A number of clubs form a council. Councils meet three or four times per
year,
when
educational and training sessions are presented, as well as a business meeting
and an
annual
speech contest. All council meetings are organised by ITC members.
Council provides officer
training for club elected and appointed officers.
Region:
Several Councils form a Region. Australian Region covers clubs
Australia-wide.
At
the annual Region Conference, educational sessions are presented, with a
business
meeting
and speech contest. The Region Conference is organised by ITC members.
The Region also
provides training to Council Executive Officers. A newsletter is
produced
for
members several times per year.
There are currently 26 regions within the organisation worldwide.
ITC:
This is the international body, which holds an annual convention. The
international
speech
contest takes place as well as educational sessions and training, and the
business
meeting.
ITC provides excellent educational material such as the Master
Manual, as well
as
booklets on a broad range of communication skills. A magazine, ITC
Communicator, is sent
to members by subscription.
How
did ITC start?
ITC
began in the United States in 1938. At that time it was known as
International Toastmistress
Clubs.
In 1961, ITC was introduced to Australia, and has since expanded throughout most
of the country.
In 1985, ITC changed its name to International Training in Communication.
How
does ITC interact with the Community?
Members
of ITC are prepared to: