Page 43 - January 2019 Voices

The SOP is updated periodically to reflect will be evident to any observer including guests
changes and improvements. If these standards experiencing a meeting for the first time – which
are not captured and habituated each week, that leads to the significance of “first impressions.”

knowledge will fade, and over time the club will
revert to old habits that tend to erode that sense There is a Direct Correlation Between

of a shared commitment to professionalism. On First Impressions and Membership
a cautionary note: Once the culture transforms Growth/Retention

to accept “any” workable performance standard, They say that “First impressions aren’t
the ability to recover and reestablish the “pursuit lasting, but you only get one chance to make
of excellence” standard will be difficult if not that first impression.” First-time guests to
impossible to achieve. Aristotle emphasized TM-3091 meetings often seek to join the club

that “We are what we repeatedly do; excellence or guests become intrigued by the Toastmaster
then is not an act but a habit.” TM-3091 strives experience and want to learn more. If a person
to habituate excellence as a standard and by has a positive first impression of an organization,
documenting and publishing an SOP, it helps to immediately followed by a favorable experience

ensure the club holds fast to that performance in interacting with club participants, chances are
expectation in all four categories related to good that the person will want to be part of that
Communications, Leadership, Procedures, and organization. This is one of the most significant
Officer Requirements. characteristics that determines the long-term

success of any club not just TM-3091. Here are
Stress Quality in Performing all Club some specific programs or procedures that
Roles and Responsibilities influence the establishment of a first impression
Document and publish all club functionary at Professionally Speaking Toastmasters Club

roles and responsibilities. A quality Toastmaster 3091:
meeting is the result of a team effort. If all team —The Greeter Functionary Role: The
members do not come fully prepared to perform Greeter provides that first professional touch
their functionary roles in a standardized, precise in welcoming guests and members before the

manner, meeting quality will be diminished. Yes, president begins a meeting. One person is on
the meeting will be functional, but the contrast the agenda to perform a “Greeter” functionary
between a professional demonstration of meeting role. The purpose of that role is to welcome all
quality and that of a mediocre performance meeting attendees and particularly first-time

VOICES! | JANUARY 2019 43