SRTM Profile
“Who are we?”
The South River Toastmasters Club was founded in the Gangnam area of Seoul as a chapter of Toastmasters International in May 2000. SRTM meets weekly every Wednesday night and usually has between 20 to 30 regular members and guests in attendance.
“SRTM rivals the United Nations”
SRTM is community based and therefore membership is open to the public. Anyone who is over 18 years old and is able to participate in the meetings regularly is regarded as a potential member. Younger students are also welcome, but their membership eligibility will be put on hold.
Members are typically young professionals in diverse occupations and from various backgrounds. The list of countries that we represent rival the United Nations. It is extensive and includes, but is not limited to Australia, New Zealand, the U.S., Canada, the Philippines, France, Germany, China, Thailand, Japan, India, Malaysia and Korea.
Despite our rich diversity, we share one common passion and that is learning about public speaking in a friendly and supportive environment.
“SRTM is not an English class”
We are a speech club conducted entirely in English and not an English class, though non-native English speakers can enjoy informative, inspiring and entertaining meetings. If you can understand the text on this page, your English is good enough!
“SRTM is a professional club”
Our club is a professional club meaning that membership requires nomination and selection. There are some nominal fees involved in joining the club, as with all Toastmasters clubs worldwide. These are used to help pay for the rental of the facilities, running the club and sponsoring social events. SRTM does not accumulate money for profit purposes, and all extra money is spent directly on the club for equipment or events.
Everyone is welcome as a guest, but to become a member requires a certain level of commitment. Only members are permitted to give prepared speeches past “The Icebreaker”. More information about membership can be found here.
“SRTM in a nutshell”
The actual session is conducted by the Toastmaster or the MC of the evening and follows the agenda for that session.
The agenda is a schedule of events that makes up the actual SRTM session.
A typical meeting lasts about two hours and is focused on developing two communication skills: impromptu public speaking (Table Topics) and prepared speech delivery.
During the Table Topics session, members are selected at random to speak on a particular topic. This allows members to practice thinking and speaking on their feet and is conducted in a fun and friendly atmosphere.
In the next session, members deliver prepared speeches based on speech projects from the Competent Communicator & Leadership Program manuals.
These speeches are followed by an evaluation session, during which the evaluator highlights the speaker’s strengths and provides valuable feedback and insights into areas requiring improvement.
Members serve in various capacities at club meetings, including Toastmaster, Table-Topics Master, Jokemaster, Word & Quote Master, Ah-counter, Timer and Evaluator. These roles are explained in detail in the role guides section of this website.
Members and guests volunteer for various roles by contacting the VP of Education or his deputy and signing up on the functionary sheet.
“SRTM second round”
After the formal session, members usually re-group at a local bar for informal socializing and networking opportunities. Guests are always welcome to join in the secound round.
“SRTM is there for you”
Don’t hesitate. If you have any more questions about SRTM, then contact any of our officers. Our details are supplied here in the contact section of this website or alternatively you may use the forum. We look forward to seeing you at the meetings and encourage everyone to have a go.
