Speaker

A major portion of each meeting is centered on three or more speakers. The speeches are prepared based on manual project objectives. Preparation is essential to success when you are the speaker.

PRIOR TO THE MEETING

It is advisable, but not required, to present the speeches in the Competent Communicator manual in numerical order because each project builds on the skills learned in previous projects.

Your manual provides ample information to prepare for your speech. Be sure to read the instructions for your particular speech carefully.

Make a point to plan a strong opening and a strong close. These two pieces should be committed to memory so that you don't have to rely on notes.

If you print out your speech, use a large font with plenty of white space on the page. This forces you to slow down. Be sure to number the pages, but don't staple them together. (It is better to slide one page over at the lectern than to pick it up and flip it over.)

Practice your speech a number of times so that you can find out if it is too short or too long, determine any stumbling blocks, etc.

Respond to any request by the Toastmaster for information regarding your introduction (it might be theme-based).

Remember to bring your manual to the meeting.

WHEN YOU ENTER THE ROOM

Arrive at least ten minutes early. Prepare any visual aids you will need before the meeting begins. Let the TM or the Sergeant at Arms know if you will need any assistance once you are called up. If you are using a projector, ensure that it works prior to the meeting and be sure to have a backup plan BEFORE you get to the meeting. This is not just for TM, but for the real world as well.

Sit near the front of the room for quick and easy access to the lectern.

Carefully plan your approach to the lectern and speech opening.

Give your manual to your evaluator before the meeting starts and talk with him or her about any areas to look for, if you haven't already done so.

DURING THE MEETING

Give your full attention to the speakers at the lectern. Avoid studying your speech notes while someone else is talking.

When introduced, smoothly leave your chair and walk to the lectern as planned. Shake the Toastmaster's hand at the lectern and don't begin until s/he has taken a seat.

As you begin your speech, acknowledge the Toastmaster and the audience (Toastmasters and guests).

When finishing your speech, use a lot of eye contact and good voice projection on your last sentence or two. Then stop, count to two and turn and address the Toastmaster. (Toastmasters don't say "thank you" after delivering a speech ... the audience should thank the speaker!) Wait for the Toastmaster to return to the lectern, shake hands there, and then return to your seat.

During the evaluation of your speech, listen intently for helpful hints that will assist in building better future talks. Pay attention to suggestions from other members. If you disagree with what the Evaluator or Grammarian says about your speech, do not indicate such. You can always ask others in the group quietly for their thoughts after the meeting.

AFTER THE MEETING

Get your manual from your evaluator. At this time discuss any questions you may have concerning your evaluation to clarify any misinterpretations.

Have the Vice President Education initial the Project Completion Record in the back of your manual.

RESOURCES -

Communication and Leadership Program manual (Catalog No. 225), included in your New Member Kit

Your Speaking Voice (Catalog No. 199), included in your New Member Kit

Gestures: Your Body Speaks (Catalog No. 201), included in your New Member Kit

They’re All Around Us (Catalog No. 1616)