The Program

How the Program Works
The Toastmasters' program exposes each participant to a wide range of communication exercises and the program can be tailored to meet your personal objectives.  Whether you desire improvement in prepared speaking, greater skill in the use of visual aids etc, experience and knowledge in the areas that most interest you.  There is no pressure to participate in the events

New Member Kit
Each new Toastmaster receives a New Member Kit issued from Toastmasters International. The kit features a copy of the Competent Communication manual, and a copy of the Competent Leadership manual, general orientation materials and information regarding skill improvement in areas such as speech evaluation and the use of gestures.

Upon completion of the Competent Communication manual (which contains 10 speaking projects), Toastmasters may then participate in any of the 15 Advanced Communication manuals. The Advanced Communication manuals provide the opportunity for Toastmasters to advance personally or professionally. Participants may choose specific projects such as Speeches by Management, Technical Presentations, Story Telling, Speaking to Inform, Humorously Speaking, and Speciality Speeches to name a few.

Speeches
The 10 speaking projects in the Competent Communication manual, are designed with the new Toastmaster in mind as they cover the basic fundamentals of public speaking. The new Toastmasters will develop competency by participating in the following projects; controlling nerves, speech structure, speaking with conviction, selecting the correct words, gestures and body language, vocal variety, researching the topic, using visual aids, persuading with power, and inspiring your audience.

Table Topics
During the meeting's Table Topics session, members learn to think on their feet by delivering short impromptu speeches, lasting 1 to 2 minutes. This is not so much an exercise in general knowledge, it is purely an exercise for members to develop style and confidence when asked to stand and answer that unexpected question in front of a group of people. A situation which can occur often within your career activities.

Evaluations
After the Table Topics and Prepared Speeches sessions, each Toastmaster receives a positive and constructive verbal evaluation, and a verbal and written evaluation for speeches.. This evaluation process recognises speakers for their strengths and provides one or two points for improvement so that the speaker has something constructive to work with for the next occasion. The speaker is always left feeling happy about the delivery.

Mentors
Menai Toastmasters can provide each beginning Toastmaster with a mentor to guide you in preparing and delivering your speeches and table topics.

Come and visit us to see how it all works ...