SPEAKER

A major portion of each meeting is centered around three or more Speakers.  Their speeches are prepared based on assignments in the Competent Communication or Advanced Series manuals.

Preparation is essential to success when you are a Speaker!

Prior to the meeting:

Check the meeting schedule to find out when you are to speak.  In order to get the most benefits from the program, prepare a speech based on a manual project.  Preferably present the speeches in numerical order because each project builds on the skills learned in previous projects.

Before your meeting ask the Master Evaluator for your Evaluator’s name.   Speak to your Evaluator and talk about the manual speech you’ll be giving.  Discuss your speech goals and personal concerns.  Emphasize where you feel your public speaking ability needs strengthening.  Remember to bring your manual to the meeting.

As soon as possible let the Toastmaster know your speech title so it can be printed in that day’s  meeting program.

When you enter the room:

• Arrive early.   Check the microphone, lighting, etc. before everyone arrives.  Protect yourself from all the problems that can ruin your talk!
• 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.
• Be sure that you give your manual to your Evaluator before the meeting starts.
• If you so desire, you can ask a club member to record you with your cellphone/camera when you give your speech. That can be very helpful in helping determine which areas you really need to work on.

If you don’t write your own speech introduction, make certain that the Toastmaster of the meeting has prepared a good one for you.

During the meeting:

• Give your full attention to the other Speakers during their speeches.  Avoid studying your speech notes during that time. Doing so will come across as a lack of consideration for your fellow club members.
• When introduced, smoothly leave your chair and walk to the lectern as planned.
• As you begin your speech, acknowledge the Toastmaster and the audience ( Toastmaster and guests).
• When finished with your speech, wait for the Toastmaster to return to the lectern, shake his/her hand, 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.

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. If you had someone record your speech, ask your Evaluator if they can go over the recording with you.
• Have the Vice-President of Education (or other current Club Officer if you are the Vice President of Education) initial the Project Completion Record in the back of your manual.