Member Roles: Speaker
Written by JD Austin   

Speaker Detailed Description

A major portion of each meeting is centered around three or more speakers. Their speeches are prepared based on manual project objectives and should last from five to seven minutes for projects in the basic Communication and Leadership Program manual and eight or more minutes, depending on the assignment, for projects in the Advanced Communication and Leadership Program manuals.

Preparation is essential to success when you are the 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. Present the speeches in numerical order because each project builds on the skills learned in previous projects.
  • Before your meeting ask the general evaluator for your evaluators name. Speak to your evaluator and talk about the manual speech you’ll be giving. Discuss with the evaluator your speech goals and personal concerns. Emphasize where you feel your speech ability needs strengthening. Remember to bring your manual to the meeting.

WHEN YOU ENTER THE ROOM

 
  • Arrive early. Check the microphone, lighting, etc. before everyone arrives. Protect yourself from all of 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 you give your manual to your evaluator before the meeting starts.
  • 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 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.
  • As you begin your speech, acknowledge the Toastmaster and the audience (Toastmasters and guests).
  • When finishing your speech, never thank your audience. Simply return control of the meeting to the Toastmaster of the meeting. Always wait for the Toastmaster to return to the lectern, 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.
  • 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)

 
Last Updated ( Monday, 15 August 2005 )