Training / TLI FAQ

Toastmasters Leadership Institute.

Nothing. The District used to have all Division-sponsored training after TLI was completed. So we called it Make-Up Training. However, sometimes we now have it between the TLI Sessions. Therefore, we also call it Supplemental Training to more accurately reflect what it is.

District sponsored TLI training has trainers who are either District officers or who are well recognized as experts throughout the District. District-sponsored TLI training is usually on Saturdays. There are usually 6-7 officer classes during the first two hours, followed by several 1-2 hour electives. Details are arranged by and publicized by the TLI Dean.

Supplemental Training is usually sponsored by a Division and trainers are selected by the Division Governor (or someone on the Division Governor's staff). They may be any time. Frequently, they are either on a week-night or occur over 2 days with 2 1-hour lunch-time sessions. Details are arranged by and publicized by the Division Governor or whoever is sponsoring the Make-Up session.

It's free! Although you might want to look at the next item, the Bookstore

At the bookstore you can buy many of the books, manuals, and supplies from the Toastmasters Supply Catalog. Or you can just browse to see what the items look like. The bookstore is usually at the District 27 TLI sessions and the conferences. It is not usually at any other function, nor should you expect to buy items at other times. The bookstore takes cash, checks and Toastmasters' official gift certificates. It does not take credit cards.

None!

Anyone. You don't have to be an officer to attend. In fact, if you are thinking about becoming an officer in the future, go to some of the officer sessions to see which officer you'd like to be. Or just go to the electives to help you improve your Communication or Leadership skills. Also, sometimes there are sessions on Effective Evaluations or Table Topics.

Each 2-hour session stands on it's own. Most people go to one day at the summer TLI and one day at the winter TLI. Sometimes Make-Up Training is scheduled in 1-hour blocks. In that case, you'd go to 2 1-hour blocks.

If you are a different officer in each club then you need to attend 2 hours of training for each office. If you're the same officer in both clubs, you need to only attend one 2 hour session. However you need to register for both clubs so you get credit for each club.

If you're Secretary/Treasurer of one club, then going to 2 hours of Secretary/Treasurer training satisfies the requirement. For all other officer positions, you will have to go to 2 separate 2 hour classes for a total of 4 hours of training.

Yes. Of course, you might get different ideas at this training session. And you can provide additional insights to the newer members at the training session.

Of course next July it might be time for you to let another member have an opportunity to grow by taking on your office. And maybe you can take the opportunity to grow at the same time by mentoring your successor, becoming a different club officer, or even becoming a district officer.

Sometimes <grin>.

Although it is advisable to go to core officers training for each officer position you hold, it may be possible to substitute an elective. Talk to the TLI Dean or LGET for a final decision.

• Although you've been to training before, your perspective may help out other attendees.
• You probably won't "absorb" all the material presented the first time, second time, or even the 10th time you hear the material.
• Repetition is key in learning.
• You may gain a fresh perspective from a different teacher or the other attendees.
• Because you know more now than you did the last time you took the class, you may get more out of this training session.

• You've been to the same training many times before (maybe even taught it).
• You are being trained in a core officer class in the morning, can stay later for an elective, but can't come to a second date.

For your club to get credit for the Club DCP (Distinguished Club Plan), 4 officers must be trained in the summer and 4 officers must be trained in the winter. For the Golden Toaster award, 7 officers must be trained in both the summer and winter.

In addition, summer training is often different from winter training. In the summer, the focus is on the start of the year and learning the basics. In the winter, the emphasis may be more on lessons learned during the past 6 months and solving problems that have arisen in the last six months.

Also, the question above has more reasons to go both in the summer and winter.

Finally, you've got 6 months of experience in the office. You've likely got a completely different set of questions to ask than you did at the beginning of the year.

No. Although, you'll get a lot out of both the officer training and the electives, there is no requirement to attend the electives.

To get credit for the Club's DCP (Distinguished Club Plan), only four officers need to be trained. However, to ensure the best functioning of the club, it's beneficial for all officers to be trained. Also, it helps the club when non-officers get trained so that they can serve on committees, be prepared to take on an officer role in the future, or take electives that help improve their leadership or communications skills.

When all 7 officers are trained in both the summer and winter, the Club get's the coveted Golden Toaster Award. The Club's name and number are actually inscribed on a gold-plated toaster that is displayed at District events.

There is Supplemental (Make-Up) training provided (usually by Divisions on non-Saturdays). Also, Districts 18 and 36 provide training on other dates that you can attend. See the next question for further information.

Definitely. When you go, make sure they know you're from District 27. Get written confirmation from them that you attended. They will notify your District's Lieutenant Governor Education to give you credit. Check the District 36 or District 18 websites for their TLI sessions. You will receive credit just as if you had attended our own TLI session. Since District 36 includes many parts of Maryland and the northern part of DC, you may find their training locations and dates particularly useful.

If you're thinking about becoming an officer in the future, you can attend different officer training classes to help you decide which position you'd like to become.

The electives can you build your communication or leadership skills in general.

You can learn how to help out on a committee by attending an officer's training class.

You can attend electives on Evaluation or Table Topics to help you improve your skills in those areas.

Unless there is something that says that Pre-Registration is required for the session, just show up. But look carefully at the flier for that particular session and at the synopsis for that session on the website to make sure that there aren't security procedures in place that would require you to pre-register.

See the previous question.

See the previous 2 questions.

On the main TLI page, there will be a link to a summer or winter spreadsheet. Scroll down to your Club Number. If you're not listed, look at the top of the spreadsheet to see when the spreadsheet was last updated and what sessions it includes. If you're not listed, but believe the spreadsheet should have included you, contact the TLI Dean.

See the previous question.

If you're an officer and attending your officer training, it would be helpful to bring your manual. If you haven't received it, your previous President should have it.

Also, if you want to shop at the bookstore, bring cash or checks because the District can't accept credit cards.