President's Tip of the Week

Ready, Set, Speak!
(5/11/09)

The sooner I fall behind, the more time I have to catch up.
~ Author Unknown.

If you can relate to this quote, you may not be getting as much out of the Toastmasters program as you could. A calendar could be your best friend. If you use Outlook, even better—you could set reminders for yourself. I would suggest you set your reminders in the following increments, and see if the timeline and process below helps you to be ready to speak. It shouldn’t take too much time each week.

Coming up soon: Check the schedule. Where are you in the speakers’ line? If you’re toward the top of the line but not on the 4 week schedule yet, you know you’ll be up soon. What project are you working on next? Read through that and start thinking of a topic now.

4 Weeks from now: You’re on the schedule for the 4th week out. You’ve read your speech project and you have a topic. This week, write your introduction and conclusion and create an outline for your body.

3 Weeks from now: Expand the points of your outline and incorporate facts, supporting material, etc.

2 Weeks from now: Edit, edit, edit. Time yourself as you read your speech aloud to make sure you will meet your timing objectives. Start blocking your speech with vocal variety, gestures, and movement within the speaking area.

1 Week from now: Refine your presentation by rehearsing. If your style is to not spend so much time on rehearsal, make sure you are very familiar with your outline and that you have an idea of how long to spend on each of your points so that you have a well-rounded speech.

If you set reminders for yourself, you’re more likely to be prepared to speak as assigned, and less likely to have to give up your speaking slot.

If you don’t suffer from this problem and would relish the chance to speak more often, get on the On the Spot Speakers List, and/or talk to me or Liz about additional speaking opportunities at other clubs. The clubs we are coaching could often use an additional speaker.