You'll Love the Applause!
Speaking in Toastmasters
The first thing you’ll notice in a Toastmasters meeting is that people clap a lot. They will applaud you for standing up and for sitting down; for giving a long speech or a very short one. In fact, they’ll appreciate you for just showing up!
This is to encourage you to do what you came for: Become a better speaker. While standing up and speaking in front of others can be nerve-wracking, it is a skill easily learned with practice. The way it works in Toastmasters is a gradual process. You’ll ease into it by simply participating in the meetings. You can also take part in the meeting’s short impromptu question-and--answer sessions called Table Topics. When you are ready, you begin working in the Competent Communication manual and start giving five-to seven-minute prepared speeches.
A Toastmasters meeting has three parts. Your speaking skills will get better quickly if you are active in all three:
- Prepared Speeches. During this portion of the meeting, several members present speeches based on projects in the various educational manuals. (These manuals teach a range from beginner to advanced speaking and leadership skills.) Each speech has a specific objective, but there are no restrictions on speech topics. Your first speech, for example, is the Ice Breaker, and the objective is, literally, to “break the ice” and introduce yourself to the audience.
- Evaluations. Each prepared speech is verbally evaluated by a fellow member in a constructive manner, using given evaluation criteria. There will be lots of applause!
- Table Topics. In this segment, members have an opportunity to speak up and present one-to two-minute impromptu talks in response to a question. This teaches the “quick thinking” skills so valuable in settings such as job interviews.
You’ll also introduce speakers, conduct meetings and perform other roles that will give you plenty of practice in a variety of communication experiences.
Once you’ve completed the 10 projects in the first manual, you’ll be recognized for your efforts. You’ll receive the Competent Communicator (CC) award, a certificate you can display at home or in the office. If you wish, Toastmasters International also will send a letter to your employer about this accomplishment.
The applause never stops!