Training Academy
The Guild of International Professional Toastmasters was established over thirty years ago for the improvement of Toastmasters and to ensure that a high class national examining body existed.
Completeing a training course from The Guild of International Professional Toastmasters you will learn all aspects of becoming a Professional Toastmaster from officiating at a Cocktail Party to successfully running a Royal occasion.
The Guild runs a 5 day course at the Manor of Groves Hotel in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire.
A part of the course advice is given on how to advertise your services, how to get the most out of your advertising, and how to measure the success of this advertising.
Role play and practical sessions are a large part of the course, and open discussions during lectures are encouraged.
There will be a question and answer session at the end of each day, and a review of the previous days learning at the beginning of each day.
We will also advise you on what uniform and equipment you will need for the job, and where to buy it, and approximately how much it should cost.
The training is conducted primarily by Bob Parker the Guild's Chairman and Phil Gardner (Secretary), but other guest Toastmasters from the Guild will attend during the course.
At the end of the course a certificate is presented to each student, this is signed by the tutors on the course. Should you wish to join The Guild of International Professional Toastmasters, you will be proposed and seconded by existing members, and you can apply as soon as you wish after you have passed the course.
Toastmasters trained at the school that have applied to join the Guild have all been accepted, but we are unable to guarantee acceptance.
Once you are accepted as a member of the Guild you will be entitled to use the letters FGIntPT after your name.
The Guild will try in the early days to place functions for you so that you can gain experience. At the end of the course you will be advised to get your own business cards and letter headings printed, and you will be invited to put your details onto the Guild's Website and use that as an advertising tool.
What makes a toastmaster?
There is no perfectly ideal human being, that makes a good Toastmaster. However you do need to be self confident, enjoy working with people, and be able to handle people from all walks of life comfortably.
A sense of humour is vital, have great organising skills, be tactful and diplomatic, and have a natural ability in customer service, and your personal appearance should be second to none.
People, who have had to make public speeches during their career, generally find that helpful as a Toastmaster.
The ability to speak clearly and with precision is important, and to have good diction is very important as well.
There is no age limit, but it is a profession that is probably more suited to the more mature, and those that are either semi or fully retired.
You need to be able to drive, be PC literate, and be prepared to give up your weekends, as this is when most of your functions you will officiate at, will occur.
Why should someone wish to be a Toastmaster you make ask?
- You get to work with people when they are at their best, i.e. when they having a good time
- You get to meet the rich and famous
- You get to travel to some of the most exotic locations not only in the UK but in foreign lands as well
- You get to work in some of the most prestigious venues
- You get to eat some wonderful foods cooked by some of the finest chefs
- You get well paid for something that is enjoyable to do
Basically, it is a job made in heaven!!
