​speaker

A major part of every Toastmasters meeting revolves around two or more scheduled speakers. Members prepare their speeches based on projects in Toastmasters Pathways learning experience
Before the meeting:
  • Begin working on your speech enough in advance to allow time for research, organization, and rehearsal. If you plan to give a speech based on a Pathways project, be sure to make use of the project checklist provided. It will give you a comprehensive overview of each step you need to complete your project.
  • Confirm the name of your evaluator, if not on the agenda check with the vice president education. Communicate with your evaluator about your project and the speech you will be presenting. If possible, email the evaluation resource for your Pathways project to your evaluator.
  • Be sure to discuss your goals and any personal concerns about your speaking skills with your evaluator. Emphasize areas you are working on that you would like your evaluator to note.
  • Confirm that easySPEAK shows your correct Pathways project and your speech title
  • You may also choose to bring a printed version of your Pathways evaluation resource to your meeting.​
Upon arrival at the meeting:
  • Arrive early so you can check the microphone, lighting, and any props or equipment needed for your speech before everyone arrives.
  • Sit near the front of the room for quick and easy access to the lectern.
  • If you have a printed version of your evaluation resource, provide your evaluator with the resource before the meeting begins.
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, walk with confidence to the lectern. Deliver your speech!
  • After you finish your speech, wait for the Toastmaster to return to the lectern before taking your seat.
  • During your speech evaluation, listen for helpful advice that will assist you in delivering better speeches in the future.
After the meeting
  • When your evaluator returns your written evaluation to you, ask him or her any questions you have about your scores or any written comments.
  • Take a moment to review any evaluations or comments you receive from other club members in the form of written notes.
  • Request feedback from club members on Base Camp and read through any feedback that has been posted.
  • Log on to Pathways to access Base Camp and complete the Assess your skills - After
  • If the speech completes the requirements of a project, mark that as complete on Base Camp
  • If you have completed all the requirements for a Level and you are ready to move on, send the level completion request to your vice president education.
Further tips to help you prepare
  • Organise your speech in a logical sequence: opening, main points, summary.
  • Practice and rehearse a speech frequently prior to delivering it. Ask friends to be your audience, or practice in front of a mirror. Be sure to use a timer to help you pace your speech.
  • Become familiar with the stage or the setting where the speech will take place. Get a sense of the size of the stage, where any steps or obstacles might be, and where to enter and exit.
  • Choose comfortable clothes to wear, but always maintain a professional appearance.
  • Visual aids should fit a speech, whether they are funny, serious or technical. The main goal of visual aids is to help the audience understand what is being said, and reinforce the points of a speech in unique and interesting ways.