Find clear answers to common questions about our club, meetings, and membership.
What can I expect at a Port City Toastmasters meeting?
Our meetings include prepared speeches, impromptu speaking, and constructive feedback — all in a supportive, friendly environment.
When and where does the club meet?
We meet on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Thursdays of the month at 6:30 pm at:
4389 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC.
Do I need prior public speaking experience to join?
Nope! All skill levels are welcome, from complete beginners to seasoned speakers.
What benefits will I gain by joining?
You’ll develop communication, leadership, and confidence skills that carry over into work, social, and professional situations..
Are guests required to speak right away?
Not at all. Toastmasters is self-paced — you can participate if you want, but guests are welcome to sit back and enjoy the meeting.
Can guests attend a meeting before joining?
Absolutely! Guests can visit as often as they like. Membership is only required to sign up for roles and speeches.
What Will I Learn?
Toastmasters helps you build practical, real-world communication skills through short speeches, structured evaluations, and supportive speaking opportunities that mirror situations you’ll encounter in everyday life — all within a welcoming public speaking community in Wilmington, NC. Members grow at their own pace while learning how to organize their thoughts, speak with clarity, and respond confidently in the moment. Along the way, you’ll strengthen skills that matter everywhere — from job interviews and professional presentations to giving a meaningful toast, choosing engaging speech topics, and understanding how to tailor your message to different audiences.
If you’d like a quick preview of what we offer, we’ve put together a small collection of free public speaking resources. They offer a glimpse into the kinds of tools and techniques you’ll practice and apply in our meetings, whether you’re brand‑new to speaking or looking to sharpen skills you already use.
Who Leads the club?
Our club is led by a team of volunteer officers who support members’ growth:
- President: Guides the club overall
- VP of Education: Plans meetings and helps members progress
- VP of Membership: Welcomes guests and supports retention
- VP of Public Relations: Handles communication and outreach
- Secretary: Manages records
- Treasurer: Oversees finances
- Sergeant at Arms: Sets up the room and ensures meetings start smoothly
2025–2026 Officers: Matt Alfonso (President), Rich Melcher (VPE), Shane Elliott (VPM), Alexandra Hartline (VPPR), Belinda Bagnal (Secretary), Andy Robbins (Treasurer), Nicole Trojanowski (Sergeant at Arms)
How Much Does it Cost to Join Port City Toastmasters?
Guests can visit any meeting for free. When you’re ready, new members pay:
- A one-time enrollment fee
- Prorated dues based on the month you join
| Month Joined | Total |
|---|---|
| Apr. or Oct. | $102 |
| May or Nov. | $90 |
| June or Dec. | $78 |
| July or Jan. | $66 |
| Aug. or Feb. | $54 |
| Sept. or Mar. | $42 |
Your initial payment includes:
- Toastmasters International dues
- Club dues
- Full access to the Pathways education program
- A subscription to Toastmasters magazine
Additional Notes:
- Members with prior Toastmasters experience do not pay the one-time enrollment fee
- After joining, membership maintenance dues are paid during the standard Toastmasters renewal periods in March and September ($72 per renewal period).
- Checks should be made payable to Port City Toastmasters
- Every new member is paired with a mentor to support their growth
- For questions about joining, contact our VP of Membership or President
Build Confidence and Leadership at Port City Toastmasters
If you’re curious about improving your speaking or leadership skills, visiting a meeting is the best way to see if Toastmasters is right for you. Guests are always welcome, and there’s no pressure to participate — just come, observe, and get a feel for the experience.