MAIN SPEAKER
Prerequisite: None.
Time: Usually five to seven minutes; check the Communication And Leadership Program manual for your speech’s time limit. Staying within your time limit is important because if you fall short of your limit, you will be disqualified at speech contests.
Preparation:
This is your opportunity to express yourself on any subject you wish, provided you heed the note on page 16 of this guide. You are assigned to complete a project from the Communication And Leadership manual or one of the Advanced Toastmasters manuals. Select a project. Toastmasters International recommends completing the manual projects in numerical sequence. You are not permitted to attempt Project 7 “Apply Your Skills” before having completed Projects 1 to 6; you may not attempt Project 10 “Inspire Your Audience” before having completed Projects 1 to 9.
Write an outline for your speech and uphold the requirements of the Project goals. Practice, practice, practice! It will help to tape yourself while practicing to judge how you sound and what you need to practice. If you prepare properly, you will need no notes other than a brief outline on a small card, and even that may be unnecessary.
Procedure:
Sit close to the lectern. If you have not spoken with the Toastmaster about your speech before the meeting, complete the Speaker’s Information Sheet and give it to the Toastmaster before the meeting begins. This should include a brief biography for the Toastmaster to use for your introduction, the project number in your manual, the purpose of your speech, and your speech.
Meet with your evaluator during the break to discuss your objectives. Notify the timer of your speech’s time limit.
When introduced, walk to the lectern, shake the Toastmaster’s hand, and stand where you wish to deliver your speech. Address the meeting beginning with the following: “Mr./Madam Toastmaster, Fellow Toastmasters, and Honored Guests.” The Timer will start the timing device when you begin speaking.
While delivering your speech, observe the changing of the timing device’s lights. If it appears you will run out of time, shorten your speech; make your closing statement when the red light or card is shown. After your speech, turn to the Toastmaster and simply say, “Mr./Madam Toastmaster.” This signals that you are finished speaking. It is unnecessary to say, “Thank you.”
Remain at the lectern until the Toastmaster returns to the lectern and shakes your hand. After the meeting, ask the Vice President of Education to initial and date your Record Of Assignments near the back of your project manual.
Note: Speakers may choose their own speech topic. However, never select any topic that may embarrass anyone present. No sexual or blue material should ever be introduced at a Toastmaster meeting. No ethnic references, no derogatory remarks about religious or political beliefs, or about nationalities. We must honor the sensibilities of our members who have gathered at our Toastmaster meeting as friends; we may lose a valuable member or prospective member if we fail to respect their feelings.
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