TOASTMASTERS
Created | Updated Jul 4, 2005
SPEAKING WITHOUT FREAKING!
Do you get the creeps when asked to speak at a wedding?
Do you want to run a mile rather than run a meeting?
Want to go for that promotion but get embarrassed talking about yourself?
Would you love to tell a group of friends about your opinion on Sub Atomic Physics but your voice dries up as soon as you open your mouth?
Then Toastmasters is for you!
So what is Toastmasters?
No, it’s not for learning how to make a great breakfast.
Toastmasters in an International Non Profit Organisation whose aim is to help people overcome their fear of public speaking in a fun, relaxed, friendly environment.
There are thousands of clubs worldwide and over 15 in Christchurch alone! Some clubs have over 30 members, while others, like mine, have only 10 each week – not quite so intimidating!
What happens at a meeting?
Most clubs meet weekly or fortnightly for 1 to 1 ½ hours. Meetings have a common format that has been devised, with various ‘roles’ within that format, so that all who attend get a chance to speak – regardless of experience.
A typical meeting would go as follows:
Welcome
Meeting is started by the ‘Sergeant at Arms’ who welcomes members & guests to the meeting & introduces the Toastmaster for the meeting.
The Toastmaster
Then takes over and runs the rest of the meeting.
Grammarian
Introduces an interesting word for speakers to try & incorporate into their role or speech. They may also listen out for interesting words & phrases used during the meeting or count the ‘ums & ahhs’.
Toastmaster’s Week
The Toastmaster spends 5 minutes talking about their week or an item of news that has taken their interest.
Prepared Speeches
1 or 2 members give a 5-7 minute speech on a topic of their choice, introduced by a fellow member who will evaluate them.
On joining Toastmasters you are issued with a book of 10 speeches to do. On completion you receive a CTM certificate (competent toastmaster). You can then go on to complete ATM books (advanced toastmaster)
Table Topics
My favourite! The Table topics master takes the floor & invites all who have not spoken yet to come up & speak for 2 mins on a topic of their choosing! This could be anything from "What is your favourite film & why?" to "You’re Prime Minister for a day – what would you do?" A great way to improve your impromptu speaking skills & tons of fun!
Coffee Break Time!
PART 2
Welcome back by ‘Sergeant at Arms’
Evaluation of Speaker (s)
A fellow Toastmaster evaluates the speech (s), commending on things done well, recommending on things that need improvement.
Evaluation of Table Topics
A Fellow Toastmaster does brief evaluation of everyone who did a Table Topic speech, often giving their own opinion on the subjects covered.
Grammarian’s Report
The Grammarian reports back on use of their word & anything else that they liked.
Time Keepers Report
The person who has been timing the speeches comes up to advise how long each person spoke for.
General Evaluation
One person comes forward to evaluate all who haven’t been evaluated already: The Toastmaster, The Grammarian, The Evaluators & The Timekeeper.
General Business
Review of any club business & planning of next week’s meeting.
Why do I love Toastmasters?
After a few meetings you forget you’re speaking in front of a crowd of strangers, more like exchanging views and opinions with a group of friends. And most of all it’s FUN! Every meeting is full of smiles & laughter.
GIVE IT A GO!
Want to know more? Talk to me, KiwiBeatle ...
Do you get the creeps when asked to speak at a wedding?
Do you want to run a mile rather than run a meeting?
Want to go for that promotion but get embarrassed talking about yourself?
Would you love to tell a group of friends about your opinion on Sub Atomic Physics but your voice dries up as soon as you open your mouth?
Then Toastmasters is for you!
So what is Toastmasters?
No, it’s not for learning how to make a great breakfast.
Toastmasters in an International Non Profit Organisation whose aim is to help people overcome their fear of public speaking in a fun, relaxed, friendly environment.
There are thousands of clubs worldwide and over 15 in Christchurch alone! Some clubs have over 30 members, while others, like mine, have only 10 each week – not quite so intimidating!
What happens at a meeting?
Most clubs meet weekly or fortnightly for 1 to 1 ½ hours. Meetings have a common format that has been devised, with various ‘roles’ within that format, so that all who attend get a chance to speak – regardless of experience.
A typical meeting would go as follows:
Welcome
Meeting is started by the ‘Sergeant at Arms’ who welcomes members & guests to the meeting & introduces the Toastmaster for the meeting.
The Toastmaster
Then takes over and runs the rest of the meeting.
Grammarian
Introduces an interesting word for speakers to try & incorporate into their role or speech. They may also listen out for interesting words & phrases used during the meeting or count the ‘ums & ahhs’.
Toastmaster’s Week
The Toastmaster spends 5 minutes talking about their week or an item of news that has taken their interest.
Prepared Speeches
1 or 2 members give a 5-7 minute speech on a topic of their choice, introduced by a fellow member who will evaluate them.
On joining Toastmasters you are issued with a book of 10 speeches to do. On completion you receive a CTM certificate (competent toastmaster). You can then go on to complete ATM books (advanced toastmaster)
Table Topics
My favourite! The Table topics master takes the floor & invites all who have not spoken yet to come up & speak for 2 mins on a topic of their choosing! This could be anything from "What is your favourite film & why?" to "You’re Prime Minister for a day – what would you do?" A great way to improve your impromptu speaking skills & tons of fun!
Coffee Break Time!
PART 2
Welcome back by ‘Sergeant at Arms’
Evaluation of Speaker (s)
A fellow Toastmaster evaluates the speech (s), commending on things done well, recommending on things that need improvement.
Evaluation of Table Topics
A Fellow Toastmaster does brief evaluation of everyone who did a Table Topic speech, often giving their own opinion on the subjects covered.
Grammarian’s Report
The Grammarian reports back on use of their word & anything else that they liked.
Time Keepers Report
The person who has been timing the speeches comes up to advise how long each person spoke for.
General Evaluation
One person comes forward to evaluate all who haven’t been evaluated already: The Toastmaster, The Grammarian, The Evaluators & The Timekeeper.
General Business
Review of any club business & planning of next week’s meeting.
Why do I love Toastmasters?
After a few meetings you forget you’re speaking in front of a crowd of strangers, more like exchanging views and opinions with a group of friends. And most of all it’s FUN! Every meeting is full of smiles & laughter.
GIVE IT A GO!
Want to know more? Talk to me, KiwiBeatle ...
