A TYPICAL  PROGRAMME 

The evening normally consists of a number of different parts. These are: Introductions, an education session, table topics, prepared speeches, and evaluations. Each of these is explained below.

INTRODUCTION 

The Toastmaster for the evening will introduce the evening explaining the format and outline the programme of events.

EDUCATION

Most evenings we have an opportunity for one of the more experienced speakers to speak for typically 10 minutes on a subject related to public speaking. These sessions are informative and entertaining and of value even to experienced speakers.

TABLE TOPICS 

Table topics develops impromptu speaking skills. The Table Topics Master will select a theme, and invite members of the club to speak on a topic for a maximum of two minutes. You have no preparation whatsoever, so this is a good exercise to learn to think on the spot. Although initially quite daunting, as your experience grows so it becomes easier. Good impromptu speaking is particularly useful in many aspects of life such as meetings and we offer a safe environment in which to develop that skill. Visitors and new members are not expected to contribute to this part of the evening (unless they have expressed a wish to do so).

PREPARED SPEECHES 

We typically have three or four prepared speeches each evening. These speeches may last from 5 to 20 minutes. These speeches are based on speaking projects in the development manuals and would be focused on a particular aspect such as 'Body Language' or 'Using props'. Your first speech would normally be the 'ice breaker', a four to six minute speech about yourself that will introduce you to the other members. After that there are a number of categories of talks specified in the Toastmaster handbook. All speeches are timed. You can download a useful timing tool here.

EVALUATION

This is where we provide advice on your development as a speaker. Every speech is evaluated by another member of the club. The purpose of an evaluation is to provide friendly feedback which will help you to improve, and at the same time give you more confidence as a public speaker by pointing out your plus points and areas to improve upon.

OVERALL EVALUATION 

Often this is provided by a guest from another Toastmaster club, and this is in effect an evaluation of the whole evening. The main focus is on the evaluators, if it was points they missed out in their evaluation, and if they put across their evaluation in a efficient manner.

BALLOT  

Another part of the feedback process is the ballot. Everyone present (including guests) are invited to vote for the best speaker, evaluator and table topic speaker. An award is made to the winner in each category. It is a matter of great pride to win the first of these awards and an affirmation of your development as a speaker.

BRIEF EVALUATIONS  

We also encourage members to write a brief private evaluation of each speaker, to be delivered directly to the speaker in question.

CONTESTS