Speaker

It is very important for the Toastmaster of the Day ( TMotD ) to confirm participants are planning to attend so he/she may adjust the agenda if necessary.

If you are not going to be able to attend the meeting and fulfill your role, PLEASE notify the TMotD of your replacement by noon on the Monday before the meeting. It is your responsibility to find a replacement for your position on the agenda. It is recommended NOT to utilize standard e-mail communications to secure your replacement. Instead, review the three-month rolling schedule and see if you can find a replacement for your position on the agenda. A higher success rate of finding a replacement has been found by picking up the phone and making a few calls to other Toastmasters who would welcome the opportunity and swap for a future role. Once you find your replacement (or are unsuccessful after moderate attempts), please call the TMotD immediately so he/she may make any necessary adjustments to the agenda.

PURPOSE:
Your speech should be prepared based on manual project objectives and should last from five to seven minutes for the basic manual and eight or more minutes, depending on your assignment, for the advanced manuals.

Preparation is essential to your success when you are the speaker. Your speech should be well-prepared and rehearsed to ensure quality. Remember, club members learn from one another's speeches.

PRIOR TO THE MEETING:
In order to derive the most benefits from the program, plan to speak from your manual. It is not required, but recommended that you present the speeches in numerical order in the manual.

Speak with your Evaluator and share which manual speech you'll be giving. Discuss your speech goals and personal concerns. Emphasize where your feel your speech ability needs strengthening. Remember to bring your manual to the meeting.

AS YOU ARRIVE AT THE MEETING:
Arrive early before everyone else arrives. Check any equipment you may be planning on utilizing and the position of the lectern in relationship with the audience. This will allow you to plan eye contact and best position for delivery.

Sit near the front of the room for quick and easy access to the lectern. Carefully plan your approach to the lectern and speech opening. Be sure that you give your manual to your Evaluator BEFORE the meeting starts. Be sure to write your own speech introduction for me to use as the TMotD.

DURING THE MEETING:
Give your full attention to the speakers at the lectern while waiting for your scheduled speech. Try to avoid studying your speech notes while someone else is talking.

When introduced, smoothly leave your chair and move to the lectern, shake my hand, and assume control of the lectern as planned. Wait until I have taken my seat before beginning your presentation. You may choose to acknowledge the Toastmaster and the audience by beginning with "Mr. Toastmaster, fellow Toastmasters, and guests".

Plan your speech closing as carefully as your opening. It's the finishing touch that will bring on the applause. This is your last chance to reach your audience, and it is a notice that your talk is ending. Never thank your audience, but do return control of the meeting back to me as the TMotD by simply turning toward me and saying, "Mr. Toastmaster" or "Madame Toastmaster". Wait for me at the lectern, shake my hand, and then return to your seat.

During the evaluation of your speech, listen intently for helpful hints that will assist in building better future speeches. Pay attention to the advice of other members present as they may offer additional comments on improvements.

AFTER THE MEETING:
Get your manual from your Evaluator. At this time, discuss any questions you may have concerning your evaluation to clarify any misinterpretations.

Have the club Vice President of Education initial the "Record of Assignments" in the back of your manual.

RESOURCES:
Communication and Leadership Manual ( Code 225 ) included in your new member kit
Your Speaking Voice ( Code 199 ) included in your new member kit
Gestures: Your Body Speaks ( Code 201 ) included in your new member kit