Netiquette

For all Members

The core values of Toastmasters are Integrity, Respect, Service, and Excellence. All members should align their behaviour with these values at all times.

The Oxford Dictionary defines:

Etiquette as “the customary code of polite behaviour in society or among members of a particular profession or group.”
Netiquette as “the correct or acceptable way of using the internet.”

Tips

Arrive early where possible, especially if you have a role.
For our regular meetings, doors open at 7:20pm London time for a 7:30pm start.
Open the agenda and keep the time in mind during the meeting.
Rename yourself to reflect your meeting role or status in the club (e.g., Speaker 1 | First Name Last Name or Member | First Name Last Name).
Switch your camera on (if your bandwidth allows).
Keep your microphone off during speeches; unmute to contribute.
Treat others as you would like to be treated.
Encourage, befriend, and add value.
Volunteer for roles and speeches, and rotate through different ones.
We are an international group—help others with their English, and never hold accents against them. Be patient, fair, and constructive with guests. If you cannot understand someone, be clear and encouraging to support them.

Zoom Host (formerly Zoommaster)

The Sergeant at Arms (SAA) is the club’s lead Zoom Host and is responsible for the club’s Zoom account and related duties as outlined in the Club Leadership Handbook.

Any club member or suitably trained visiting member may serve as the lead or supporting Zoom Host during meetings, contests, or business sessions.

Zoom Host duties for regular meetings include:

Maintain an updated Zoom application to avoid technical issues when hosting.
Use the club Zoom account (login details provided by the committee) to open the meeting.
Ensure the meeting is open by the promoted time (usually 7.20pm, for a 7.30pm).
Support the Meet & Greet team in welcoming guests and members.
Assign the co-host role to at least two others—ideally a club officer and a trained member—plus anyone who needs to share their screen.
During contests, if contestants wish to share their screen, do not make them co-hosts. Instead, the contest chair should confirm they have screen sharing rights.

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