Duties of a Speaker

Introduction

A major portion of each meeting is centered around prepared speeches. Speeches are prepared based on manual project objectives and should last from four to ten minutes, depending on the speech, for projects from the C&L Manual. Preparation is essential to success when you are the speaker. Every speech should be well-prepared and rehearsed to ensure quality. Remember, club members learn from one another's speeches. Every speaker is a role model.

Prior to the Meeting

Check the meeting schedule to find out when you are scheduled to speak, or contact the Vice President of Education to be put on the schedule for an upcoming meeting.
Read and study the helps in your manual.
Prepare and practice your speech. Work with your mentor to resolve any difficulties you encounter. It is a good idea to memorize your opening and conclusion so you can give them confidently and without referring to your notes.
Several days before your meeting, let the Toastmaster know the manual and speech number, title, and duration for your speech. Find out who will evaluate your speech.
Provide the Toastmaster with an introduction -- this can be either about you or used as "free time" as an introduction leading to your speech.
Speak to your evaluator and let him or her know which manual speech you'll be giving. Discuss your speech goals and personal concerns with the evaluator. Emphasize where you feel your speech ability needs strengthening.
Remember to bring your Basic or Advanced manual to the meeting.

Upon Arrival at the Meeting

Arrive early.
Arrange any special set-ups with the Sergeant at Arms or the Toastmaster.
Check the agenda to see that it gives the title and duration of your speech correctly. If not, give the correct informatin to the Toastmaster and your evaluator.
Give your manual to your evaluator before the meeting starts.
Protect yourself from all of the problems that can ruin your talk.
Sit near the head of the table or room for quick and easy access to the lectern and/or podium.
Carefully plan your approach to the lectern and speech opening.

During the Meeting

Do your best to relax before your speech.

After the Meeting

Meet with your speech evaluator to retrieve your manual.
Review the written evaluation and ask questions to clarify it.
Have the Vice President of Education sign the record of your accomplishment on the chart in the back of your manual.

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