Frequently Asked Questions:

About speeches and speaking

If I join, am I "forced" to give a speech right away? / How soon do I have to do a speech?
Generally the Vice President of Education (VPE) schedules new members to present their Ice-breaker speeches (the first speech in the Competent Communicator Manual) for the first available speaking position, usually 4-5 weeks later. However, if a new member feels s/he will not be ready by that point, s/he need only inform the VPE to hold off for a while. Again, the Toastmasters program progresses at the individual's pace.

How do I know when I will speak? How often?
You will have an opportunity to speak nearly every week! What we would like for you to understand before you visit us is that in the Toastmasters program, formal, prepared speaking opportunities are not all there is. The most practical exercises you can do at a Toastmasters meeting are participating in the weekly speaking opportunities that allow you to incorporate leadership skills, communication skills, and critical thinking skills. These weekly opportunities come in the form of either serving as a functionary, or answering a Table Topics question. Each different role involves speaking to the audience, each different role requires some exercise of leadership, and each different role requires some critical thinking skills. You get to practice impromptu speaking, and still get feedback from others to help you improve in the future. Members know what their roles are up to four weeks in advance via the published schedule.

How about formal, prepared speeches? How do I know when I will speak? How often?
The schedule lists (generally) three speakers per meeting (with the exception of Speech-a-Thons) up to four weeks in advance so there is ample time to check who is scheduled to speak when. Since Gilbert has a membership base of over 40, opportunity to present a prepared speech generally comes up every eight to ten weeks. Because we have so many members who all want to speak, we do follow a rigid speaking schedule. Individuals who are unable to present their speeches as scheduled must go to the back of the speaker's line unless arrangements have been made ahead of time. As a general rule, members know they will be up to speak on a particular evening several weeks in advance and should have adequate time to prepare. To increase chances to speak, members may opt to be included on the "On The Spot" speakers list. These speakers are the first to be contacted when a scheduled speaker is unable to switch speaking slots with someone scheduled for a different week, or when a scheduled speaker must back out for some reason and a replacement needed to be found with little advance notice. These individuals should always have their next speeches ready to go at any time. Members may also choose to join a second club for the purpose of acquiring additional formal speaking slots.

How will I know what to talk about?
New members will be issued the "Competent Communicator" manual, which contains 10 basic-level speech projects. The first project, the Ice-breaker, is the only project where the topic is dictated (the new member is to introduce him-/herself to the club). Topics for the remaining 9 speeches are up to the member and for the most part some aspect of the individual's life fits perfectly with each of the projects. Careers, family, hobbies, and trips (among other things), make excellent speech topics. Mentors can also be utilized for topic suggestions.

What are the manuals for and what's in them?
Upon joining a Toastmasters club, you will receive two manuals: the Competent Leadership (CL) manual, and the Competent Communication (CC) manual. The CC manual contains 10 projects, each with a different emphasis. By the time all 10 CC projects have been completed, you will have learned and practiced all the basics of public speaking and will feel much more confident and much better equipped as a speaker. Completion of the CC manual will earn you the Toastmasters distinction of "Competent Communicator." The CL manual also contains 10 major projects designed to help you improve as a leader in practical ways, all within your local Toastmasters club. Completion of the CL manual will earn you the Toastmasters distinction of "Competent Leader." On a regular speaking rotation in Gilbert Toastmasters, you could expect to earn both your CC and CL distinctions in approximately 18 months.
For information on the initial basic "Competent Communication" manual, visit the District 4 website at http://www.d4tm.org/Education/manuals_basic.html. After completing the Competent Communication manual, you will receive two Advanced Communication Manuals for free. For descriptions of the projects in these manuals, click here. Please note that you need to complete the Competent Communication manual first before beginning the Advanced Manuals. Additionally, you may begin working through the "Competent Leadership" manual as soon as you join. Information on the CL manual is also available at the District 4 website at the URL http://www.d4tm.org/Education/manuals_CL.html.

How long does it usually take to get the manual and other educational materials? Generally it takes 7 to 10 business days for your supplies to arrive once you are registered with Toastmasters International. We strive to get you entered within 48 hours of receipt of your dues check, though that does not always happen. We do have loaner manuals on hand for you to take home the night you join. When you do receive your manuals in the mail later, simply bring them back to replace the loaners.

What equipment will be available to me as a member? Our club aims to be on the cutting edge of technology as much as our limited funds allow. Our annual fundraising events area ear-marked for upgrading our club resources. Currently the club owns an older overhead projector and a Sharp 2200 lm presentation projector (one of our members owns a screen to use with this projector) that is Mac & PC compatible and includes a remote that may be used as a mouse to advance slides. Because of the constant change of the computer industry, the club has elected to NOT purchase a laptop for use with the projector. Therefore, the laptop that is used with the projector must be brought by the speaker, or arrangements can be made with members who own laptops installed with PowerPoint software. We are also working to purchase a DVD cam-corder for members to record their own speeches and take home to evaluate themselves.

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