Public Relations

PRM_Photo_Stonebraker

Megan Stonebraker, CL

District 16 Oklahoma Toastmasters Public Relations Manager

Need to reach Megan?

Use the Contact Us page and select “Public Relations” for the “This is a Message for…” field.

Contact Us

Media Inquiries, Public Relations & Speaker Requests

Media Inquiries/Interviews – Contact Public Relations Manager,

Career Fairs, Booths, Presentations – District 16 Oklahoma Toastmasters are available for career fairs, booths and presentations. Send email request to

Request a Speaker – Oklahoma Toastmasters Speakers Bureau

D16 Toastmasters News/Media Coverage

Our District is making news! Check out media articles about Oklahoma Toastmasters!

District 16 Incentives for Members and Clubs!

Maximize your club’s success with the chance to earn rewards with District 16 Incentives! District Incentives are designed to boost club success and membership building while adding some fun and excitement.  As District Public Relations club officers, make sure your club is aware of these District opportunities available for your members and club! Check the District Incentives page on this website often!

Start with the Basics! 

Public Relations (PR) Basics for PR Officers and Members

When it comes to promoting your club, nothing beats the face to face interaction!  Use these opportunities to practice communication skills and gain confidence in your introduction skills.

  • Introduce Yourself – Take the opportunity to practice the art of introduction in the community, at events, and when your club has guests. A warm welcome, coupled with a firm handshake and friendly eye contact goes a long way when it comes to building rapport.  Practice it often, and practice with your own club members.
  • Business cards/brochures – Nothing is worse than realizing you do not have anything to give a person when they ask for contact information!  You can create personalized Toastmasters business cards for you or your club by using the templates available under Stationery Templates at Toastmasters International website. Note: Use blue for clubs and members and burgundy for District Leadership.

Toastmasters International also has various brochures that you can hand out, such as “Find your Voice” or “The Benefits of Toastmasters Membership”. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to get FREE or discounted promotional materials from Toastmasters International.

Smile!  A smile goes a long way in making yourself approachable to others, especially to guests visiting your club.  Being friendly and approachable sets a good first and lasting impression of your club, and puts guests at ease, which can lead to guests becoming members.

Toastmasters International

Public Relations Resources

Everything you need to get started as a Public Relations Officer is available on the Toastmasters International website. Find recommended reading, training and resource links below:

Club Websites

Having a club website is critical when it comes to having an Internet presence to promote your Toastmasters club. Having an updated club website with meeting times, location and other information about Toastmasters can improve your visibility on the Internet and give you a space to add articles, photos and videos that you can also use as content to post out on Social Media sites. Here are some resources and tips to get you started!

  • Free Club Websites available from FreeToastHost2!  You can obtain a free website for your club at www.toastmastersclubs.org
  • FreeToastHost Administrative Issues – If you are unable to login to a current FreeToastHost2 club webstie due to Admin problems, contact FreeToastHost2 Support at support.toastmastersclubs.org
  • Free Google and WordPress Websites are also available. Please review the set-up guides and instructions on the Toastmasters International Website Templates page.
  • Outdated Club Website – Time to revamp and refresh! The most important information is having the correct meeting times, location and contact information. Tip: Ask other club members to get involved or assign a club webmaster!

Learning to Use/Navigate FreeToastHost Websites

District 16 on Social Media

District 16 is continuously building its presence on Social Media. Stay up-to-date and assist the District 16 Oklahoma Toastmasters with promoting and sharing the Toastmasters experience by joining and following us on Social Media!

District 16 Public Facebook Page

District 16 Members-Only Toastmasters Group

otmd16g

Get the latest updates, resources, information, photos, events, and ideas! This group is for discussions pertaining to District 16 Toastmasters and its clubs throughout the state of Oklahoma and is open to all District 16 members and other Toastmasters International members.

Join us on Facebook today!

District 16 Twitter

Follow @oktoastmasters Tweets by oktoastmasters

Meetup

Join District 16 Oklahoma Toastmasters on MeetUp! Click a link below to find clubs in your area and RSVP today!

Add Your Club to One of District 16 Oklahoma Toastmasters Meetup Groups Today!

The President and VP of Public Relations of each club should have received an email announcing the opportunity to use the District Meetup group to post their clubs meetings and events at no cost to the club (District is funding).

If you did not receive the email and are interested in this opportunity please discuss with your club and then click on Contact Us and send an email to the Public Relations Manager.

Tips and Suggestions for Promoting Your Club

When You’re VP of Public Relations

  Ways to Promote Your Club

  • Distribute flyers (e.g., libraries, community and corporate bulletin boards)
  • Send press releases about special events to the local media
  • Publish club meeting dates in local paper calendar sections
  • Produce a club newsletter
  • Set up a club Web site
  • Greet guests and provide take-home materials about the club
  • Give outside speeches to promote membership — contact the District 16 Speakers Bureau
  • Participate in community events (e.g., job fairs, fun fairs, contests)
  • Set up a club phone line and record a welcoming, informative message
  • Hold a Speechcraft (work with your VPE and VPM)
  • Submit articles about Toastmasters to your local paper
  • Submit public service announcements or tape a brief program for radio and public access TV
  • Hold a Youth Leadership program (work with VPE and VPM)
  • Donate past issues of The Toastmaster to libraries, doctors offices, etc.
  • Create and distribute club business cards
  • Wear your Toastmasters pin every day
  • Hold a Member Get a Member campaign in your club (with VPM)
  • Get the Toastmasters Supply Catalog and explore it for ideas, materials
  • Provide materials for your local “Welcome to the Neighborhood” committee

  More PR Ideas & Resources

  • Newsletter Content (President is the publisher, VPPR is the editor)
  • Bios of new members (and photos, if there’s room)
  • Calendar of upcoming club events (contests, theme or special meetings)
  • Calendar of upcoming Area, Division, District, Regional, and International events
  • Kudos to new CTMs, ATMs, DTMs, CLs, ALs
  • Message from the Club President or other officers
  • Reports on past meetings or special events (anniversaries, socials)
  • Schedules of future meetings
  • Kudos to members for non-Toastmasters achievements (promotions, births)
  • Speaking tips (how to give better evaluations or Table Topics)
  • Points on leadership
  • Report on club’s progress in the Distinguished Club Program
  • Deadlines for submitting articles for future issues
  • Publications and Web sites of interest to members (Toastmasters related)
  • Letters to the editor
  • Reprints from Toastmaster magazine and other publications (short, get permission first)
  • Testimonials from members about the club and what it’s done for them

Archives

PayPal Card Reader for Club Dues (PDF)

The Power of Publicity (PDF)