Knowing the why

Before planning your toastmaster journey you need to ask yourself why you have joined in the first place. Toastmasters offers a lot more that simply a platform to speak. Once you understand what you are set out to achieve it will be easier to plan your journey in toastmasters.

                                  

Many people join toastmasters to conquer stage fear. If this is in your agenda then plan your toastmaster journey to include the following :

• Start with prepared speeches as table topics is a whole different set of challenges
• Speak as often as possible. Try to get slots in advance. If you are unable to find slots find other roles that allow you to speak : Tabletopics Master, ToastMaster of the day
• Do not feel shy to repeat your speech for multiple projects so that you spend less time memorising but more time rehearsing and conquering your fears
• Repeat the same speech in different clubs so that you get to perform in front of varied audience. 
• Do not focus on completing the manual. Focus on getting over your fear of public speaking

                                   

I am completely terrified of impromptu speaking. If you are like me you are at the right place!! ToastMasters provides you plenty of opportunities for impromptu speaking

• Start with doing ah-counter. As an ah-counter you get to take note of the usage of unnecessary pause fillers used by speakers. Towards the end of the meeting you would have to read out your report. You could do it simply by reading it right out. Or you could find creative ways of presenting it. This is one chance for you to practice your impromptu speaking at the most basic level.
• Once you have completed your P4 project consider doing a project evaluation for P1. You will have very little time to prepare your evaluation speech so it forces you to think on your feet.
• Grab hold of a couple of like minded toastmaster peers and practice tabletopics between yourselves. 
• Finally practice practice practice tabletopics at as many meetings as possible
• When you do ToastMaster of the day use the opportunity to comment on speeches, or joke impromptu.

                                            

That's the comic version of me - trust me. I have major writer's blocks and am always ready for my speeches only at the last minute! Preparing for several speeches eventually alleviates this situation!

• Listen to as many speeches as possible - on youtube, go to various clubs, contests. This will give you more perspective on structuring your speech
• Attend speech craft workshops held by various toastmasters to learn techniques
• Speak often so that you get the chance of writing and forcing yourself out of the block

                                     

Toastmaster gives you an excellent platform to improve your leadership skills. From famous politicians, to models, to management experts - many leaders have had a go at toastmasters.

• Join the ExCO to be part of the team that manages your toastmasters club
• Chair and organize Contests and other big toastmasters events
• Spearhead new initiatives to improve membership and education at your club.

No matter what your reason is in joining toastmasters, I can assure you that you will have a "Speak"tacular time here! Once you are sure of your goals, you can design your journey accordingly!