• Back

Speeches are a required part of the toastmasters curriculum and are the way in which individual members are best able to measure their progress.

A new toastmaster receives a manual as part of their membership package which outlines ten speeches that are required in order to achieve CTM (Competent Toastmaster) status. The first speech is called the "Icebreaker" and requires a new member to deliver a short speech about themselves. A member who has a fear of public speaking will receive a great deal of support and help in achieving this first milestone.

A very important part of toastmasters membership is the opportunity to be assigned a mentor who is usualy an experienced speaker and tutor. The new member is encouraged to rely on their mentor for help in identifying areas for improvement. One-on-one sessions with a mentor can be an extremely rewarding part of the toastmasters experience.

Preparing and delivering speeches helps the member to focus on areas such as body language, the use of vocal vaiety and pauses to create emphasis, preparation and use of notes, and the structure of the speech itself.

A speech typically lasts between 6 and 10 minutes. The timing of the speech is very important and the timekeeper will help the speaker to stay within his/her desired timeframe.

Speeches allow toastmasters to learn a great deal about themselves as well as their fellow members.