Speaker

A major protion of each meeting is centered around three or more speakers. Your 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 (with the exception of Project 1 and Project 10) 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 scheduled to speak. In order to derive the most benefits from the program, plan to speak from your manual.

Before the meeting, ask the general evaluator who will be your evaluator. Speak with the club member who will be your evaluator and share which manual speech you'll be giving. Discuss with the evaluator your speech goals and personal concerns. Emphasize where your feel your speech ability needs strengthening. Remember to bring your manual to the meeting.

Review the "Sample Speech Outline" and the "How to Make Your Butterflies Fly in Formation" on page 80 in the Communication and Leadership Manual.

AS YOU ARRIVE AT THE MEETING:
Arrive early before everyone else arrives. Check any equipment you may be planning on utilizing and the position of the lectern in relationship with the audience. This will allow you to plan eye contact and best position for delivery.

Sit near the head of the table 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 don't write your own speech introduction, make certain that the Toastmaster of the Day is prepared to give you the proper "warm-up" for the audience.

DURING THE MEETING:
Give your full attention to the speakers at the lectern while waiting for your scheduled speech. Try to avoid studying your speech notes while someone else is talking.

When introduced, smoothly leave your chair and move to the lectern, shake the Toastmaster's hand, and assume control of the lectern as planned. Wait until the Toastmaster is seated before beginning your presentation. You may choose to acknowledge the Toastmaster and the audience by beginning with "Madame/Mr. Toastmaster, fellow Toastmasters, and guests".

Plan your speech closing as carefully as your opening. It's the finishing touch that will bring on the applause. This is your last chance to reach your audience, and it is a notice that you talk is ending. Never thank your audience, but do return control of the meeting back to the Toastmaster of the Evening by simply turning toward them and saying, "Toastmaster of the Evening". Always wait for them at the lectern, shake their hand, and then return to your seat.

During the evaluation of your speech, listen intently for helpful hints that will assist in building better future speeches. Pay attention to the advice of other members present as they offer additional comments on improvements.

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 of Education initial the "Record of Assignments" in the back of your manual.