The Role of Speaker
Please note that the information contained on this page may include links only accessible by WEHOT club members.About Prepared Speeches
Every speaker is a role model and club members learn from one another's speeches.
The role of Speaker improves critical thinking, confidence and public speaking skills.
To that end, please consider the recommendations below, which can help you and the meeting participants gain the most value from the experience:
Plan and prepare early. Rehearse often.
Read the project carefully to be sure you understand your project, objectives and the evaluation criteria.
Follow the Speaker’s Checklist included for your Project.
Preparation is essential to success when you are the speaker.
Make use of the tips and suggestions below for before, during and after the meeting
Understand how the other meeting roles contribute to your learning experience.
Review
Review the tips and suggestions for the Speaker role that follow - before, during and after the meeting.
Recognize
Understand how your meeting role contributes to the learning experience for other members.
Reference
Make use of the checklists and other resources referenced on this page to plan and execute your speech.
Prepare for the meeting
Check the meeting schedule to find out when you are to speak.
Complete the projects in order – each project builds on the previous project by focusing on particular skills or best practice processes.
Check the agenda or ask your General Evaluator for your evaluator's name. Speak to your evaluator and talk about the speech project 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 a copy of the Evaluation Guide to the meeting.
Prepare a Speech Introduction
Well in advance of the meeting, prepare an introduction for the Toastmaster and add it to the meeting agenda so that the Toastmaster can become familiar with the introduction and clarify as needed. This gives you the opportunity to control the message and set the tone for your speech; a well constructed speech introduction gets the audience excited for the topic and the speaker. You can ensure that your introduction and your speech are complimentary rather than repetitive. Demand attention from your audience by producing an introduction that keeps the audience in suspense and wets their appetite to focus on your speech.
Remember these essentials:
Always include the speaker's name (and the phonetic spelling, if tricky).
Relate the speaker's background and credentials to the speech topic, then tell how the topic will benefit the audience.
Give special emphasis to the speech title.
Announce the project title.
State the assignment's main objectives and the speaker's personal objectives.
Mention the time allowed for the speech.
Learn more from The Better Speaker Series, "Creating An Introduction" available from Toastmasters International.
When you enter the room
Arrive early in order to finish any last-minute details.
Check with the speakers for any last-minute changes.
Sit near the front of the room and have your speakers do likewise for quick and easy access to the lectern.
During the meeting
Give your full attention to the speakers at the lectern. Avoid studying your speech notes while someone else is talking.
When introduced, smoothly leave your chair and walk to the lectern as planned.
As you begin your speech, acknowledge the Toastmaster and the audience (Toastmasters and guests).
When finishing your speech, wait for the Toastmaster to return to the lectern, then return to your seat.
During the evaluation of your speech, listen intently for helpful hints that will assist in building better future talks. Pay attention to suggestions from other members.
After the meeting
Get your written evaluation from your evaluator. Discuss any questions you may have concerning your evaluation to clarify any misinterpretations.
Have the vice president education sign off on your level completion in Base Camp (if applicable).
Pathways education credit
In the Toastmasters educational program, you will complete speech projects designed to develop your speaking skills one step at a time. An evaluator will give you verbal and written feedback on every speech you present and should help you become a more effective speaker.
Read before you begin
It is important that you read each project carefully before you embark on each assignment. Be sure you understand the assignment, objectives and the Evaluation Guide so that you can focus on these skills as you prepare and give your speech.
Remember, the objectives of every speech project include a minimum and maximum time limit. There will be time signals as you give your speech, so be sure you finish it within the time allotted in order to receive credit for the project.
Bring your evaluation form
Give the evaluation form to your speech evaluator prior to the meeting to complete the project’s Evaluation Guide. Make sure the evaluator knows which project you’re working on!
In order to earn credit, a speech evaluator will write notes and feedback during your speech and at the end of the meeting will present their personal opinion of your talk, pointing out its strength and offering suggestions for improving your next speech.
After the meeting
Review the evaluator's feedback; discuss opportunities for growth and be sure you understand what you did well.
Log the speech in Base Camp.
Speaker resources
Your Speaking Voice (Item 199)
Gestures: Your Body Speaks (Item 201)
The Better Speaker Series, "Creating An Introduction"
How to Build a Speech — Do you need help writing your next speech, or know someone in your club who might be struggling with structure or word choice? Share this article so they can use it as a guide to master the art and technique of crafting speeches.
Club Members: For more information about any meeting role, or to plan your educational roadmap, check with your mentor or contact WEHOT's Vice President Education.