The Toastmasters International communication track starts with ten speech projects, each designed to develop your speaking skills one step at a time. Every project builds upon what you've learned in the preceding project.
You will begin with the "Ice Breaker" speech. Since it will be your first speech before the club, it will be based on an easy subject - yourself. Choose some aspects of your life that you would like to talk about and which let the other members get to know you better.
In subsequent speeches, the topic of the speech is entirely of your choosing. You can talk about your work, a hobby, an issue or anything you're passionate about - just make sure that you stay focused on the project's objectives. You'll learn the importance of organisation, speech purpose, descriptive detail, body language and vocal variety. You will also learn how to do research, use visual aids, speak persuasively and inspire others. By the time you reach your tenth speech, you will be able to impress your audience with your confidence and competence. At this stage, you will be ready to begin the advanced communication programme.
Most of your speeches will be only five to seven minutes long. This gives you enough time to develop your topic while still keeping club meetings to a reasonable length, but the principles you learn in a five to seven minute speech apply to a one hour speech or a two minute impromptu speech. An evaluator will give you verbal and written feedback on every speech you present. The evaluator provides a personal opinion of your speech, pointing out its strengths and offering suggestions for improving your next speech. Evaluations have one purpose: to help you become a more effective speaker. Eventually, as you gain in experience, you will evaluate the speeches of others.
The names of the ten projects to be completed in order to gain the international award of 'Competent Communicator' are listed below and discussed in detail in the Toastmasters International 'Competent Communication' manual:
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Project 1:
The Ice Breaker |
Project objectives:
- Begin speaking before an audience.
- Discover speaking skills you already have and skills that need some attention.
Time: Four to six minutes.
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Project 2:
Organize Your Speech
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Project objectives:
- Select an appropriate outline which allows listeners to easily follow and understand your speech.
- Make your message clear, with supporting material directly contributing to that message.
- Use appropriate transitions when moving from one idea to another.
- Create a strong opening and conclusion.
Time: Five to seven minutes.
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Project 3:
Get to the Point
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Project objectives:
- Select a speech topic and determine its general and specific purposes.
- Organise the speech in a manner that best achieves those purposes.
- Ensure the beginning, body and conclusion reinforce the purposes.
- Project sincerity and conviction and control any nervousness you may feel.
- Strive not to use notes.
Time: Five to seven minutes.
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Project 4:
How to Say It
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Project objectives:
- Select the right words and sentence structure to communicate your ideas clearly, accurately and vividly.
- Use rhetorical devices to enhance and emphasize ideas.
- Eliminate jargon and unnecessary words. Use correct grammar.
Time: Five to seven minutes.
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Project 5:
Your Body Speaks |
Project objectives:
- Use stance, movement, gestures, facial expressions and eye contact to express your message and achieve your speech's purpose.
- Make your body language smooth and natural.
Time: Five to seven minutes.
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Project 6:
Vocal Variety |
Project objectives:
- Use voice volume, pitch, rate and quality to reflect and add meaning and interest to your message.
- Use pauses to enhance your message.
- Use vocal variety smoothly and naturally.
Time: Five to seven minutes.
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Project 7:
Research Your Topic |
Project objectives:
- Collect information about your topic from numerous sources.
- Carefully support your points and opinions with specific facts, examples and illustrations gathered through research.
Time: Five to seven minutes.
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Project 8:
Get Comfortable With Visual Aids |
Project objectives:
- Select visual aids that are appropriate for your message and the audience.
- Use visual aids correctly with ease and confidence.
Time: Five to seven minutes.
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Project 9:
Persuade with Power |
Project objectives:
- Persuade listeners to adopt your viewpoint or ideas or to take some action.
- Appeal to the audience's interests.
- Use logic and emotion to support your position.
- Avoid using notes.
Time: Five to seven minutes.
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Project 10:
Inspire Your Audience |
Project objectives:
- To inspire the audience by appealing to noble motives and challenging the audience to achieve a higher level of beliefs or achievement.
- Appeal to the audience's needs and emotions, using stories, anecdotes and quotes to add drama.
- Avoid using notes.
Time: Eight to ten minutes. |
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