Building Clubs That Last: Insights from a Toastmasters Mentor

Now, picture yourself initiating something entirely different, such as playing a musical instrument. Would you not desire that kind of mentor who teaches you the basics, who encourages you, and sees you through difficult times? In Toastmasters, a club mentor does much the same thing: provides support, guidance, and inspiration in endless ways to new and struggling clubs.

A club mentor is the cornerstone for any new or struggling Toastmasters club. In this regard, a club mentor would play a very important role in laying the groundwork for the club, ensuring membership participation, and pushing the club towards success. Just like an extremely experienced mentor leading a sports team to victory, a club mentor helps a Toastmasters club achieve success.

As part of the CGD team and currently the New Club Chair, Pritish Acharya is responsible for ensuring all the new clubs added this year thrive.

Pritish Acharya’s Toastmasters journey began in 2017 under unique circumstances. Going through significant personal and professional challenges, he was introduced to Toastmasters by a cousin. Attending a charter meeting of the Indirapuram Toastmasters Club, he felt an immediate connection. He started as a member, progressed to the executive committee, and ultimately became the club president. Under his leadership, the Indirapuram Toastmasters Club won the Golden Gavel award, a notable achievement. His roles expanded as he served as Program Quality Manager, Area Director, Division Director, and Associate Program Quality Director.

After moving to Bangalore, Pritish joined District 92, contributing to Spoken Words and Google India Rose Masters, while mentoring numerous new clubs.

Balancing Toastmasters, Work, and Family

Despite a demanding schedule, Pritish manages his commitments by prioritizing family, work, and Toastmasters. He allocates 3 to 4 hours each week specifically for Toastmasters, ensuring that he meets his responsibilities within this time frame.

The Inspiration to Mentor

Pritish’s involvement in mentoring stems from his experience with the strong foundation of the Indirapuram Toastmasters Club. The club’s success, driven by the mentorship it received, highlighted the importance of establishing a robust foundation in the initial months. This inspired him to assist other new clubs, driven by the belief in District 92’s mission of fostering club excellence.

Essential Qualities of an Effective Club Mentor

Effective club mentors must think and plan logically. Each club is unique, whether it’s an MNC, a startup, or a community group, requiring mentors to understand the

members’ psychology and adapt their strategies accordingly. Additionally, strong communication skills are essential for guiding members toward common goals despite inevitable disagreements.

Approach to Mentoring a New Club

Pritish follows a structured approach when mentoring a new club:

• Initial Introduction (Week 1-2): Introduce members to Toastmasters’ structure and benefits, and host meetings with introductory speeches and evaluations.

• Skill Development Workshops (Week 3-6): Conduct workshops on Pathways enrollment, speech crafting, and evaluation techniques, including sessions on table topics and impromptu speaking.

• Advanced Learning (Week 7-12): Start Level 2 speeches and introduce complex meeting roles like General Evaluator, and invite experienced Toastmasters for guest sessions.

• Ongoing Support (Month 3+): Focus on speech delivery, leadership roles, and event organization, conducting mock contests and fun meetings to maintain engagement.

  
  

Setting clear educational goals, monitoring progress, and encouraging participation in the Distinguished Club Program (DCP) are vital components of this ongoing support.

Overcoming Common Hurdles

A common challenge for new clubs is the decline in enthusiasm after the initial excitement. Pritish suggests that mentors should recognize signs of fatigue, such as dwindling attendance or last-minute role filling, and respond with revitalizing activities like fun meetings or outdoor events to reignite members' interest.

Managing tough situations

Pritish once mentored an institutional club facing high turnover due to its membership of master’s students. To address this, he restructured the executive committee to include both seniors and juniors and required seniors to support the club for six months postgraduation. This strategy ensured continuity and helped the club transition from struggling to becoming a President’s Distinguished Club and eventually winning the Golden Gavel.

Determining When Mentorship is No Longer Needed

Mentorship is considered complete when a club demonstrates:

• Regular Attendance: Ideally, 15 to 18 of 20 members should regularly attend meetings.

• Prompt Agenda Filling: The agenda should be filled early, reflecting enthusiasm and preparation.

• Consistent Educational Awards: The club should regularly file educational awards, ideally 2-3 per month.

These indicators help assess whether the club still requires mentorship.

Advice for Aspiring Club Mentors

Pritish advises potential mentors to commit fully for six months, dedicating about 3 to 4 hours a week. Understanding the distinction between a mentor and a coach is crucial—mentors guide and support without being as hands-on as coaches, addressing potential issues that may not be immediately apparent.

The Reward of Mentoring

The greatest reward for Pritish is witnessing a club’s success—not just through awards but in maintaining strong membership, filing educational awards, and positively impacting members’ lives. The heartfelt testimonies of members, who share how Toastmasters has influenced their lives, provide him with the most satisfaction.