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A typical programme

A meeting normally consists of a number of different speeches, co-ordinated by the Toastmaster of the evening. All members are invited to speak, and there are opportunities for everyone to have a go. The regular speaking slots 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 public speakers.

TABLE TOPICS Table topics develops impromptu public 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 - and speak - 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 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 Toastmasters 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.

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 Twice a year the club runs speaking competitions among the members. Two representatives then compete in the area contest, from there to steadily through to the International contest in the US to become world champion. The standard of these speeches is of the highest order and an inspiration to all of us.