The key to getting the most out of the Toastmasters' Communication
and Leadership Program is active participation. People learn best
by doing. Each of the ten project assignments, and the speeches
that you will present, are part of a system designed to develop
your skills one step at a time.
The Ice Breaker
Objectives: To begin speaking before an audience. To introduce
yourself to your fellow club members. To help understand what
areas require particular emphasis in your speaking development.
Organize Your Speech
Objectives: To organize your thoughts into a logical sequence that leads the audience to a clearly defined goal. To build a speech outline that includes an opening, body, and conclusion.
Get to the Point
Objectives: Select a speech topic with a general and specific purposes. Organize the speech to achieve thoses defined purposes. Project sincerity and conviction on a speech topic you thoroughly understand. Confront and control any nervousness you might have.
How to Say It
Objectives: To select precisely the right words required to communicate your ideas clearly, vividly, and appropriately. To gain an understanding of the functions and uses of the spoken word.
Your Body Speaks
Objectives: To learn the value of gestures and body movements as part of your speech. To explore the different ways of using body language (stance, movement, facial expressions and eye contact). To develop a sense of timing and natural, smooth body movement.
Vocal Variety
Objectives: To explore the use of voice volume, pitch, rate and quality as assets to your speaking. To apply the principles of a well-developed voice to add meaning and interest to a particular speech.
Research Your Topic
Objectives: To collect and bring together information about your speech topic from numerous sources and apply the communication skills you have learned in the preceding speech projects. To organize your speech logically and research the facts needed to support your speech and its conclusion.
Get Comfortable with Visual Aids
Objectives: To present a speech that uses one or more props or visual aids to add impact to the message. To learn how to use props and visuals effectively, adding interest, and focusing attention on the message delivered.
Persuade with Power
Objectives: To present a talk that persuades the audience to
accept your proposal or point of view. To achieve this persuasive
effect by appealing to the audiences self-interest, building
a logical foundation for agreement, and arousing emotional commitment
to your cause.
Inspire Your Audience
Objectives: To understand the mood and feelings of your audience
an a particular occasion. To put those feelings into words and
inspire the audience, using all of the techniques you have learned
so far.
After you have completed all 10 project speechs, you will apply
for the Competent Toastmaster (CTM) Award - a major milestone
in your communications development.
The Advanced C&L Program has been designed to train you
for speaking situations you will encounter outside the Club environment.
Each advanced manual focuses on a specific speaking arena/forum
or functional type of speaking. Any three of the following Advanced
C&L manuals may be used to satisfy the requirements for the
Able Toastmaster (ATM) Awards, or Advanced Toastmasters (ATM BRONZE,
SILVER and GOLD) Awards.
The Entertaining Speaker
How to give an entertaining or dramatic speech, where to find
material, how to make an audience laugh, and what to do when
your asked to speak after dinner.
Speaking to Inform
How to give a demonstration talk, the fact-finding report, the
abstract concept, and resources for informing.
Public Relations
Building goodwill through public speaking, persuading an audience,
speaking to a hostile audience, and speaking to the media.
The Discussion Leader
Provides instruction in the four different methods of leading
a group discussion. An ideal manual for managers, trainers, and
administrators.
Speeches by Management
How to handle a variety of speaking situations managers encounter
in the work environment. Topics include: briefings, technical
speeches, motivational speeches, and status reports.
The Professional Speaker
Covers the keynote address, the entertaining speech, sales training
speech, the seminar and the motivational speeches.
Technical Presentations
Covers the technical briefing, the proposal, speaking to the
non-technical audience, presenting a technical paper, and giving
a "team" technical presentation.
Persuasive Speaking (was The Professional Salesperson) The ability to influence and persuade others to accept your ideas, products, or services is vital. The projects in this manual are all designed to help you develop excellent persuasive techniques and expand your presentation skills. (was - How to develop sales presentations, conduct sales meetings, and train other sales people.)
Communicating on Television
How to present editorials, guest/interview programs, press conference,
and training via television.
Storytelling
How to tell a folk tale, personal story, stories with morals,
touching stories, and the historical story.
Interpretive Reading
Instruction in interpretive reading skills: presentation of stories,
poetry, monodrama, plays and oratorical speeches.
Interpersonal Communications
Build strong interpersonal communication skills including: conversing
with ease, handling criticism, negoiating, coaching to improve
performance, and expressing dissatisfaction effectively.
Special Occasion Speeches
Provides instruction in giving toasts, speaking in praise, "roasting"
someone, and presenting or accepting awards.
Humorously Speaking
Audiences love to laugh. This manual shows you how to use humorous stories and jokes throughout your speech to grab and keep listeners' attention and illustrate your points. You also learn how to give an entirely humorous speech.