Completion requirements
This lesson will give you details on how to better navigate the speaking experience at Toastmasters. It will NOT focus on how to speak better (this will likely be another RDG program by itself); it will focus more on logistics.
2. Before, During, & After the Meeting
2.1. Before the Meeting
A large part of giving an effective speech is in the preparation. Practice, practice, and more practice will go a long way to calming your nerves.
Review the manual description of the project at least twice to get an understanding of the objectives before putting together a speech.
Your mentor can help you generate ideas as well as refine them into speeches. They can also be helpful in being someone to give you a dry run on your speech before you give it. If you do not have a mentor, contact the VP of Education. If you are thinking about going with a controversial topic, you may want to consult with more senior members about it.
Make sure the Toastmaster has your name (with correct pronunciation if in doubt), speech title, manual, speech number, objectives, and introductory remarks. If possible, send this to them at least three days in advance, but bring a printed copy in case they forget. For clubs using Easy Speak, you should make sure your speech details are entered at least three days in advance.
Communicate with your evaluator about what you’d like them to look for. This can include effective use of your strengths as well as your weaknesses. These points do not have to be manual objectives; for example, if you have trouble with transitions, you can have your evaluator monitor for that.
If you are using props or visual aids, place them under the lectern or close by so that you do not have to fumble with them or spend time setting your speech up, or otherwise have them ready to go before the meeting starts. Assign a lighting control person if need be before the meeting. Likewise, if you are using notes, have them placed either under or on top of the lectern before the meeting starts so that you will not need to spend time setting them up. If you are using PowerPoint, make sure you test it on the device you plan to use it with before the meeting starts. Be sure to bring connection cables (VGA, HDMI, etc.) as appropriate, and blank your screen before the meeting starts.
If you have handouts, you will likely want to have these passed out ahead of time, but face down. When the time comes to use them, you can instruct people to turn them over.