MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to provide an "advanced speaking training" ground to members of regular Toastmasters Clubs who have reached advanced levels of speaking and desire to reach greater heights in public speaking. It is also a "breeding ground" for future leaders at District Level.

VISION STATEMENT

The VAST club provides the best foundation in Northern Virginia for experienced toastmasters to perfect their communication and leadership skills. 

HISTORY

In the early 1970s, the Advanced Speakers of District 36 gathered for a breakfast where they were asked to speak and receive extensive evaluations.  Later this group evolved into the "Speaker's Forum" headed by past District Governor Chuck Waterman.  The Speaker's Forum became the Advanced Speakers Toastmasters Club # 4036 and was chartered on March 17, 1982.  Virginia Advanced Speakers Toastmasters Club was known as the Virginia Chapter of the Advanced Speakers Club # 4036.  In 1984, the Advanced Speakers Club was split into three advanced clubs.  The District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.  The Maryland Advanced Club took #4036.  The Virginia Advanced Speakers Club was chartered February 17,1984 and given the number #5378.      

Unique Features of VAST

 There are five distinct features of VAST that make this Club Unique compared to regular Toastmasters Clubs.

1.  A regular segment in the agenda called  "Ask the expert", in which the members can ask a designated expert, any intricate questions, relating to their specific public speaking situations. 

2.  Group Evaluations versus an evaluation by a designated evaluator as in regular TM clubs.  Group evaluations substitute for table topics in regular clubs.  The designated evaluator randomly calls upon three evaluators in the audience to make one-minute evaluations after the three-minute evaluation by the designated evaluator.

3.  Flexibility to meet speaker's specific requirements to excel in a certain area.  For example, story telling or making presentations etc.

4.  Provide Specialized training to become a debate leader, a facilitator or a team leader.

5.  Advanced one to one mentoring.

Help Documents for members, including blank agenda, first meeting, etc.