Role Players: Speaker

A major portion of each meeting is centered around three or more speakers. Their speeches are prepared based on manual project objectives and should last from five to seven minutes for the basic Communication and Leadership Program and eight or more for the Advanced Communication and Leadership Program. Preparation is essential to success when you are the speaker.

Prior to the meeting
Check the meeting schedule and find out when you are to speak. Ask the general evaluator for your evaluator's name. Speak to your evaluator and talk about the speech you'll be giving. Discuss with the evaluator your speech goals and personal concerns. Emphasize where you feel your speech ability needs strengthening. Remember to bring your manual to the meeting.


When you enter the room
Arrive early. Check the microphone, lighting, etc. Prepare for any problems that might ruin your talk. Sit near the front for quick and easy access to the lectern. Carefully plan your approach to the lectern and speech opening. Be sure to give your manual to your evaluator before the meeting starts. If you didn't write your own introduction, make certain the Toastmaster of the meeting has prepared a good one for you.


During the meeting
Give your full attention to the speakers.Try not to study your speech notes while others are speaking. When introduced, smoothly walk to the lectern as planned. As you begin your speech, acknowledge the Toastmaster and the audience. When finishing your speech, simply return control of the meeting to the Toastmaster of the meeting. Always wait for the Toastmaster to return to the lectern, then return to your seat. During your evaluation, listen intently for helpful hints that will assist in building better future speeches. Pay attention to suggestions from other members.


After the meeting
Get your manual from the evaluator. At this time, discuss any questions you may have concerning your evaluation to clarify any misinterpretations. Have the Vice President of Education initial the project completion record in the back of your manual.