Your First Speech
Unless you volunteer to fill in for an upcoming
open functionary position, your first formal role will likely
be as speaker approximately four weeks from the night you
turned in your membership application. [If you have volunteered
to fill a function prior to your first speech, please check
this orientation packet or the New Member Resource section
of the club website for tips on filling the various club
roles.] You may begin preparing for that speech by obtaining
a loaner Competent Communicator Manual from the Sergeant
at Arms. In a few weeks when your own manual arrives in
the mail from Toastmasters International, bring it in to
the club to replace then one loaned to you. Read through
the first "Icebreaker"
project and begin working on and rehearsing your speech.
Your "Icebreaker" Speech:
Tips on presenting your first speech
First:
During the week prior to your scheduled speaking slot, confirm
your intentions to fulfill your speaking role with the evening's
Toastmaster.
Second:
You will need to prepare an introduction for your speech for
the Toastmaster to read prior to welcoming you up to the lectern
(the stand for your notes; get familiar with the term "lectern"
-- Toastmasters tend to frown upon the use of the term "podium,"
which is a speaker's platform). You may contact your mentor
or any other club member for help composing your introduction.
It can be as simple as "Our next speaker will be presenting
his Icebreaker speech. Please help me welcome John Doe!"
or as complex as having the Toastmaster ask the audience to
assume a particular role.
Third:
You will need to tell the Toastmaster whether or not you want
to use the lectern, or if you want it repositioned.
Fourth:
Let the Timer for the evening know what your speech time will
be (for the Icebreaker speech it needs to be 4-6 minutes).
Fifth:
No matter which function you are performing, never leave the
lectern unattended; always wait until the next speaker/functionary
assumes control of the meeting before walking away from the
lectern.
Finally:
Keep this in mind - everyone wants you to succeed!
Follow these steps for every speech you present.
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