How the Program Works
The Toastmasters’ program exposes each Member to a wide range of communication and leadership exercises and the program can be tailored to meet your personal objectives. Whether you desire improvement in prepared speaking, greater skill in the use of visual aids etc, experience and knowledge in the areas that most interest you. There is no pressure to participate in the events.
New Member Kit
Each new Toastmaster when inducted is provided with information about Pathways which is the new Educational and Leadership development program. This program is an online approach and a Toastmaster can select which category best suits them for their development. Each category has 5 Levels of completion and cannot proceed to the next level until all aspects of the level being worked on has been completed and a Certificate of Completion for the level has been achieved. Listed is the examples of the Categories available to club members.
The 5 levels, although available online can also be purchased as manuals. If a Pathway is purchased as a manual (print), upon Levels 1 and 2 being completed, the remaining 3 Levels will be made available from Toastmasters International for completion. Please click on Paths and Projects to review the categories available to club members.
Speeches
Toastmaster Club Members are provided the opportunity of presenting speeches through the Pathways platform and complete each level at their chosen path and projects. The speaker(s) will cover the basic fundamentals of public speaking and develop competency by controlling nerves, speech structure, speaking with conviction, selecting the correct words, gestures and body language, vocal variety, researching the topic, using visual aids, persuading with power, and inspiring your audience. Explore the Education Award Key for the various Pathways.
Table Topics
During the meeting’s Table Topics session, members learn to think on their feet by delivering short impromptu speeches, lasting 1 to 2 minutes. This is not so much an exercise in general knowledge, it is purely an exercise for members to develop style and confidence when asked to stand and answer that unexpected question in front of a group of people. A situation which can occur often within your career activities.
Evaluations
After the Table Topics and Prepared Speeches sessions, each Toastmaster receives a positive and constructive verbal evaluation on their Table Topic, and a verbal and written evaluation for speeches. This evaluation process recognizes speakers for their strengths and provides one or two points for improvement so that the speaker has something constructive to work with for the next occasion. The speaker is always left feeling positive about the delivery.
Contests
Toastmasters International provides an excellent opportunity for members to participate in contests at the following levels Club, Area, Division and District. This enables to Members to practice and develop their public speaking skills. For example.
The purpose of the Table Topics and Evaluations contests is:
A. To provide an opportunity for speakers to improve their extemporaneous speaking abilities and to recognise and encourage others to participate at a competitive level in skill development.
B. To provide an opportunity to learn by observing the more proficient speakers who have benefited from their Toastmaster experiences.
The purpose of the International and Humorous speech contests is:
A. To provide an opportunity for speakers to improve their speaking abilities and to recognise and encourage others to participate at a competitive level in skill development.
B. To provide an opportunity to learn by observing the more proficient speakers who have benefited from their Toastmaster training.
C. To recognize the value of providing a ‘Call to Action’, ‘Inspiration’ and ‘Humour’ when speaking to an audience.
Mentors
Menai Toastmasters can provide each beginning Toastmaster with a mentor to guide you in preparing and delivering your speeches and table topics.
Come and visit us to see how it all works …
