Meeting
Speaker
Toastmaster
| Public Speaking |
Impromptu Speech |
Ice Breaking ( first) Speech|
Evaluation
Show your vocal verve!
No doubt you’ve guessed that
the speaking program is the center of every Toastmasters
meeting. After all, what’s Toastmasters without the talking?
But members don’t just stand up and start yakking. They use
the guidelines in the Competent Communication (CC)
manual and the Advanced Communication Series (ACS)
manuals to fully prepare their presentations.
The CC manual speeches usually
last 5-7 minutes. ACS manual project speeches are 5-7
minutes or longer depending upon the assignment.
Every speaker is a role model
and club members learn from one another’s speeches. Prepare
and rehearse to ensure you present the best speech possible.
Don’t insult your fellow club members by delivering a poorly
prepared speech. However, it’s also true that no speech is
perfect. So, get out there and try! Here’s what to do:
- Check your club’s
meeting schedule regularly to find out when
you’re assigned to speak. Begin working on the speech at
least a week in advance. That way, you have enough time
to devote to research, organization and rehearsal.
- If you don’t write
your own speech introduction, make sure the Toastmaster
of the meeting prepares a good one for you.
- Several days
before the meeting, ask the general evaluator for your
evaluator’s name. Talk with your evaluator
about the speech you’ll give. Discuss your speech goals
and personal concerns. Let your evaluator know where you
believe your speech ability needs strengthening, so he
or she can pay special attention to those aspects of
your presentation. Remember to bring your manual to the
meeting.
- You should arrive
at the meeting early to check the microphone,
lighting and anything else that could malfunction and
ruin your talk. Give your manual to your evaluator
before the meeting starts and discuss any last-minute
issues with him or her. Sit near the front of the room
and carefully plan your approach to the lectern and your
speech opening.
- During the
meeting, give your full attention to the speakers at the
lectern. Don’t study your speech notes while
someone else is talking. When you’re introduced,
smoothly and confidently leave your chair and walk to
the lectern. After your speech, wait for the Toastmaster
to return to the lectern, then return to your seat.
Listen intently during your evaluation for helpful hints
that will assist in building better future talks.
- After the meeting,
reclaim your manual from your evaluator.
Discuss any questions you may have concerning your
evaluation to clarify and avoid any misinterpretations.
- Finally, have the
vice president education (VPE) initial the Project
Completion Record in the back of your manual.
You’ll enjoy a growing sense of
confidence as you repeat these steps with new speech
projects. Don’t be afraid to do the work, enjoy the applause
and reap the educational benefits. Your courage will be
rewarded
