An Open House is one of the most effective ways to introduce new people to Toastmasters and grow your club. It’s a special meeting designed specifically for guests, giving them a clear, welcoming look at how Toastmasters meetings work and how members develop communication and leadership skills through practice and feedback.
What Is an Open House?
An Open House is a modified club meeting created with guests in mind. While it follows the Toastmasters meeting structure, it focuses on:
- Explaining meeting roles and activities
- Demonstrating prepared speeches, Table Topics, and evaluations
- Creating a friendly, low-pressure environment for visitors
- Highlighting the benefits of Toastmasters membership
It allows guests to experience Toastmasters firsthand rather than just hearing about it.
Why Your Club Should Host an Open House
Hosting an Open House helps your club:
- Attract new members by showcasing the Toastmasters experience
- Increase visibility in your workplace or local community
- Help guests understand the value of Toastmasters through real examples
- Energize current members and strengthen teamwork
- Support long-term club growth and membership goals
Many clubs find Open Houses especially effective when membership is low or when working toward Distinguished Club Program goals.
Tips for a Successful Open House
Before the Open House
- Choose a date at least 3–6 weeks in advance to allow time for promotion
- Assign a small planning team (VP Membership, VP Public Relations, and club members)
- Promote the event through:
- Email invitations and personal outreach
- Social media and community calendars
- Flyers or posters at libraries, coffee shops, or workplaces
During the Open House
- Greet guests warmly and explain what to expect
- Run a shorter, well-paced meeting that includes:
- One or two prepared speeches
- Table Topics that are fun and easy to participate in
- Brief evaluations that highlight growth and encouragement
- Explain each meeting role so guests understand the structure
- Allow time for questions and informal conversation at the end
After the Open House
- Follow up with guests within a few days
- Invite them back to a regular meeting
- Share membership information and next steps clearly
Open House Marketing Resources
Toastmasters International provides a full library of Open House marketing materials, including:
- Flyers and posters
- Social media graphics
- Sample agendas and presentations
- News release templates
👉 Access these tools here:
https://www.toastmasters.org/resources/resource-library?t=open%20house
An Open House is more than a recruitment event—it’s an opportunity to showcase your club’s culture, celebrate member growth, and invite others to begin their own Toastmasters journey.
