New Member Area
You Just Joined.
Here's What Happens Next.
You signed the paperwork. You're in. Now you're probably wondering what the first few weeks actually look like.
Here's the short version: come to meetings, even before you're on the schedule. You'll get more out of showing up than waiting.
Your first connections
Two people to reach out to.
Vice President of Education
The VPE manages the meeting schedule. Reach out to introduce yourself, share any upcoming travel or conflicts, and talk about when your Icebreaker might be scheduled. You don't need to chase a date — they'll assign it — but keeping them in the loop helps.
Your First Few Meetings
You won't be assigned a role right away.
The meeting schedule is built four weeks in advance — that means it takes about a month before you appear on the schedule.
Follow us on social media
Stay connected between meetings — follow GTM on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. Now that you’re a member, also request to join our members-only Facebook group.
Talk with your mentor
Your mentor can answer questions, help you prep, and give honest feedback as you ramp up.
Learn from advanced speakers
Listen to how seasoned members structure speeches and deliver evaluations. Take notes on what resonates.
Get familiar with the format
Pay attention to meeting roles, timing, and the running order. The flow will feel natural by month two.
Stay in the loop
Get on the Club Emails
Shortly after joining, you'll receive an email from Toastmasters International with the subject line “Pending Addition to Gilbert Toastmasters Website.” Accept it. This adds you to the club's email list.
Your first prepared speech
Your Icebreaker.
4 to 6 minutes. The only requirement: introduce yourself to the club. There's no template you have to follow.
What you talk about is up to you. Some members walk through their life story, others focus on one defining moment, some don't mention Toastmasters at all. This speech is yours.
How it works at Gilbert.
Here's where Gilbert does things a little differently from what you might read in Pathways or other Toastmasters materials.
You don't schedule your own speech.
The VPEassigns your Icebreaker date. You'll typically give it about 6 to 8 weeks after joining — enough time to attend a few meetings, find your mentor, and prepare.
You don't choose your evaluator.
The VPE assigns one to you. Your evaluator is an experienced member who will give you both a verbal evaluation during the meeting and written feedback afterward.
What you should do:
After the meeting, sit down with your evaluator to go over their notes. This conversation is often more valuable than the evaluation itself.
Your learning platform
Getting Started with Pathways
Pathways is Toastmasters International's online learning platform. It's where your speech projects live, and where you track your progress.
Log in to Base Camp
Log into Base Camp at toastmasters.org with the credentials you created when you joined. If you haven't set up your account yet, do that first. Bookmark it — you'll come back here often to track your progress.
Choose your path
Pathways offers several learning paths. Don't overthink the choice. Pick the one that sounds closest to what you want to work on. If you can't decide, go with Presentation Mastery — it's the most straightforward path for building core speaking skills. You can always start a new path later.
Validate your project
After you've given the speech, log in to check off the project steps, review your evaluation, and do a short self-reflection. It also helps the club hit its education goals — don't skip it.
If you get stuck with Base Camp, ask your mentor or any officer. Most of us have been through the same learning curve.
Common questions
Asked
and answered.
- You can record it yourself and walk away with it instantly. The club provides a tripod and phone holder — just bring your phone, and the Sergeant-at-Arms will help you set it up and press record before you speak. The video stays on your phone, so it’s yours the moment you step down.
- Talk to the VPE. There’s flexibility in how you use your meeting time, and the VPE can help you figure out what works for your goals.
- Yes. Ask your mentor or any officer — they’ll connect you with someone who can walk you through how the platform works. It’s important for the club that members log into Pathways and complete their projects there, so don’t hesitate to ask for help.
- Your mentor is the best resource here. They’ve been through the paths and can help you pick something that matches where you are. The VPE can also point you in the right direction.
- Life happens. If you're on the schedule and can't make it, just find someone to cover your role. Not sure who to ask? Your mentor can point you in the right direction.
Want to win at Gilbert trivia? Learn the story of Gilbert Toastmasters.