- the journey begins by George Torok
Toastmasters takes you through a manual of speeches. This covers the first manual of ten speeches. Each speach in the manual emphasises different speaking skills.
Public Speaking is a skill that you can learn and develop. Start with the basics, apply proven techniques and with practise you will get better. Enhance your own learning by coaching others in a supportive environment. You will find this formula for success at Toastmasters.
Learning is a journey - not a destination. Let�s follow the trip map through the ten speeches in your first Toastmaster�s manual. You travel at your own rate on this journey - with encouragement and coaching from your fellow Toastmasters. But you will be delighted at how far you can grow.
1. The Ice Breaker
The journey of a thousand miles starts with one single step. So it is with public speaking. In your first speech stand up and tell us about yourself. You are bound to know the topic.
2. Be In Earnest
Take a stand. Talk about something you strongly believe in. Let your passion show - the audience likes speakers who show passion and conviction.
3. Organize your Speech
�First you tell us what you going to speak about - then you tell us - then you tell us again.� Use this old proverb to help structure your speech and reinforce the main points. Your speech must have an opening, a body and a close. Grab us with the opening; inform us with the body and leave us something to do with your close.
4. Show what you mean
A picture is worth a thousand words. Use props, visuals or handouts to explain and
reinforce your message. Augment your words with body movements and facial expressions. Remember you are the message - we judge you by how you look before we decide whether to listen or even believe you.
5. Vocal Variety
Your voice is your instrument. Tune it and play it like a fine song. Make it interesting to listen to. Like a composer, adjust the volume, pitch, rate and tone to convey your message. Speak loud enough to be heard - then to capture attention - whisper. Vary the rate and pitch to keep your audience interested. Build suspense and drama - - with a pause. �May I have the envelop please?�
6. Work with Words
�To be or not to be - that is the question�. Shakespeare had a wonderful way with words - that�s why we use so many of his phrases today. �The pen is mightier than the sword.� Use words that your audience understands - yet paint pictures with your words that help them to see in their mind what you describe.
7. Apply Your Skills
Try putting all your new skills together. Just like juggling, everyone can juggle - one ball at a time. Now that you have tried juggling several different balls - try juggling all of them together. Build a well organized speech using visuals, gestures and voice. This is good time to check your map. How have your skills changed compared to when you started? (Pat yourself on the back) And how far do you still need to go. (Encourage yourself to keep going)
8. Make it Persuasive
The most memorable speeches are those that persuaded people to make history - Churchill with, �We will fight them on the beaches,.......�
Martin Luther King with, � I have a dream.�
We remember these famous orators - but don�t forget that each day we are bombarded by hundreds of persuasive speeches - ads, commercials, and sales presentations. The common element of successful persuasion is to establish credibility and use both emotion and logic.
9. Speak with Knowledge
We want information. For this speech you will need to research a topic and �teach� the audience. But information by itself runs through people�s minds like water off a duck. You must organize material that follows a logical flow. Emphasize key points with descriptive words, passion in your voice and imagery that they can understand and remember.
10.Inspire your Audience
During the Soviet blockade of Berlin, J.F. Kennedy looked out to the gathered people in West Berlin and spoke these memorable words, �Ich bin ein Berliner.� People climb mountains, fight battles, build empires and discover new worlds fuelled by inspiration. The ability to inspire others is the greatest leadership tenet. In giving your inspirational speech you will learn to understand the audience, show your confidence and point us towards a positive goal.
PS: Since I completed my frist 10 speeches from this manual, Toastmasters has revised the manuals.
George Torok CTM is a member of Skyway Toastmasters 3301 in Burlington, Ontario Canada