Page 42 - 2018 December

FROM THE FIELD

7 Reasons for Online Attendance

Michelle Alba Lim, DTM

Why would it be a great idea for
clubs to consider online attendance?

Based on personal experience as
well as surveys and discussions with
Toastmasters who have experienced
clubs with online attendance, here

are seven excellent reasons.
Retention—Members who are
unlikely to renew due to relocation,
health, or mobility issues have a much

higher possibility of renewing their
membership when clubs allow online
attendance. This was my personal driving in traffic. Online attendance reduces the
experience with Transtoasters Toastmasters, stress of getting to meetings.” This applies not

after I relocated from Salem to Sutherlin. only to members but to Area Directors too, as
Recruitment—Guests and prospects are illustrated by Area 22 Director Lisa Hendricks,
encouraged to join sooner when they know that who has attended Feather Tongues Toastmasters
they have the option of attending club meetings from Coos Bay (instead of having to drive to

online. One such heartwarming story was shared Canyonville). “I’m very pleased with virtual
by Lauralee Norris of Yaquina Toastmasters. attendance,” Kevin added.
Reinstatement—Former members are Innovation—“Online attendance is a
motivated to rejoin when they learn that they fascinating new way to attend meetings as we

have the option of attending online (for similar progress in the 21st century,” Kevin noted. An
reasons as 1 and 2). Feather Tongues recovered unintended positive consequence of online
from suspension and is now back in good attendance is that he has learned how to set up
standing partly due to reinstating members. for online meetings (a skill he would not have

Convenience—As Kevin Birdsell, president learned otherwise).
of Feather Tongues Toastmasters enthused, Coaching—For many small struggling clubs,
“Online attendance is easier and more convenient finding experienced Toastmasters willing to serve
for members, compared to using up gas and as coaches is a challenge. Feather Tongues has

42 ONE COMMUNITY