Here are the key lessons and takeaways from the interview with Tafara Chingwe:

Key Takeaways and Lessons:

On Club Management and Member Engagement:

• Structured Member Journey: A key to success is having a structured program for members. Fifth Dimension Toastmasters, for example, aims to make a member a proficient speaker within three months. This provides a clear path and tangible goals, which many clubs lack.
• Importance of Orientation: Proper member orientation is crucial. A lack of serious and correct onboarding leads to disengagement, with members taking a long time to get started. A good practice is to immediately orient new members, taking them through pathways and encouraging them to start their speaking journey promptly.
• One-on-One Engagement: The club president should engage with members one-on-one to ensure they are getting a return on their investment. Encourage them to actively participate rather than being spectators.
• Connect Toastmasters to Real Life: Members often leave because they fail to connect their Toastmasters journey with their work or social life. To retain members, it’s essential to help them see how the skills they are learning can be applied to their careers and personal development. For instance, Tafara used Toastmasters to enhance his skills as a recruiter and eventually start his own consulting company.
• Leverage Members’ Professions: Encourage members to talk about their careers. This not only provides valuable content for meetings but also helps members see the practical application of their Toastmasters skills. It also creates a networking environment where members can learn from each other.

On Attracting New Members:

• Be a “Hardcore Salesperson”: To attract new members, you need to be proactive. This includes making cold calls to prospective members to explain the benefits of Toastmasters and closing the deal.
• Utilise Social Media: Maintaining a strong online presence on platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and LinkedIn is essential. Use various forms of content, such as posts, recorded messages, and posters, to invite people to meetings.
• Reconnect with Former Members: Reach out to members who have left the club to see if they are interested in rejoining and how Toastmasters can help with their current career or social goals.
• Continuous Engagement with Guests: Always follow up with guests after a meeting to get their feedback and provide them with more information about Toastmasters. This continuous engagement increases the chances of them becoming members.

On Leadership:

• Build a Strong Team: To avoid burnout, a leader must create a team to work with. You can’t do everything yourself.
• Shift from “What’s in it for me?” to “What’s in it for them?”: A leader should focus on leaving a legacy by helping members grow and transform. This mindset provides the energy to keep going.
• Lead with Head, Heart, and Hands: A successful leader uses a “three H” philosophy: lead with your head (logic), your heart (empathy), and your hands (action). Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty and support clubs that are struggling.
• Provide a Clear Vision: As a leader, you need to set a clear, articulated vision for your team and have regular meetings to track progress against your goals.

On Reviving a Club – The Morningside Example:

• Establish a New Culture: To turn a struggling club around, it was essential to establish a new, coherent culture.
• The Power of In-Person Meetings: Shifting from online to in-person meetings was a key factor in the revival of the Morningside club, as people were craving face-to-face interaction post-COVID.
• Celebrate Success: Acknowledging and celebrating the signing of new members creates excitement and momentum.
• Experienced Leadership: Bringing in experienced Toastmasters with a variety of skills, from public speaking to design, was instrumental in the club’s turnaround