We’re entering into the end of the Toastmaster season. It’s that time of year with the weather getting better when many clubs see an increase in absentee members. These are members who don’t show up and who don’t make certain that someone else will fulfill their roles at the meeting. This leaves the agenda for the evening with large gaps that need to be filled at the last minute.
Not only is this behaviour inconsiderate but it defeats the purpose of Toastmasters which is to avail ourselves of the educational process. Can’t be educated if you’re not there.
Members who fail to respect the need of their fellow Toastmasters by not showing up (or leaving halfway through the meeting) might want to reconsider whether to continue their membership. For me, I’d just as soon see them join another club or even better another type of hobby club where attendance isn’t such a critical issue.
By the way, not to be too harsh here, but it amazes me that some people leave (fairly often in my experience) during the break but they sure want all of us there when it’s their turn to speak.
Remember, as we are in one thing, we are in all things. I wonder where else in life these folks are skipping out half way through.
