The Program Managers are the Toastmaster, Topicmaster, and Chief Evaluator. They each need to run a tight, focused program. One Program Manager who runs a slow, inefficient program can cause the entire meeting to run late. Timing is very important in Toastmasters, and the first item mentioned in any article on running a successful club is usually start and end on time. Time is our most precious asset, so it’s no wonder people become frustrated with any organization whose late starts or runovers eat into their personal time. Our members are giving us their time; let them know it’s valuable to you as well.

Be aware of how your program affects the other programs in a meeting.

If you run a good, focused program and finish early, don't assume the extra time is yours to just fill up or spend any way you want. You don't know what might happen in the other programs that might require a little more time in the meeting. You all work together and impact each other.

If you finish your program early, pass the meeting to the next Program Manager. You don't get demerits if we finish a meeting at or before 9:00!

Look at it this way: Your boss calls you and some of your co-workers into a meeting that he or she says will last about 2 hours. You all knew what had to be accomplished; you all knew your assignments and came prepared. Everyone's on target and you finish 15 minutes early. Suddenly your boss says, "Hold on, sit back down! Since I said the meeting might take 2 hours, you're going to sit there and listen to me talk until the 2 hours is up, even though we've finished our business."

Not a meeting you'd be happy to be in. Yes, there are going to be nights we run overtime, and you can help minimize the impact by not trying to "fill up" time that looks like it's just hanging around, waiting to be used up. A meeting can look like it’s on track and on time even after the Chief Evaluator finishes. However, the numerous small things that have to take place for the rest of the meeting always take longer than you anticipate. There’s a tendency to relax at that point, thinking you’re home free; when you lose focus at that point, it’s almost guaranteed that the meeting will run late!

When the Program Managers keep things on track and on time, they have a goal. This goal is communicated to the audience, and the meeting becomes more lively and entertaining. People get enough long, boring meetings at work. South Bay Toastmasters has a reputation for being dynamic and fun - let’s keep it that way!

All members rotate fairly through all of the positions described in this manual. Each duty provides valuable training in a different aspect of public speaking and leadership.