Toastmasters International Educational Program

Basic Communication Manual                                                             

Project 1 The Ice Breaker (4 to 6 minutes)                                                  * To begin speaking before an audience.                                                          * To discover speaking skills you already have and skills that need some attention.

Project 2 Organize Your Speech (5 to 7 minutes)                                        * Select an appropriate outline which allows listeners to easily follow and understand your speech.                                                                                * Make you message clear, with supporting material directly contributing to that message.                                                                                                      * Use appropriate transitions when moving from one idea to another.                   * Create a strong opening and conclusion.

Project 3 Get To The Point (5 to 7 minutes)                                                 * Select a speech topic and determine its general and specific purposes            * Organize the speech in a manner that best achieves those purposes.               * Ensure the beginning, body and conclusion reinforce the purposes.                  * Project sincerity and conviction and control any nervousness you may feel.

Project 4 How To Say It (5 to 7 minutes)                                                     * Select the right words and sentence structure to communicate your ideas clearly, accurately and vividly.                                                                         * Use rhetorical devices to enhance and emphasize ideas.                                 * Eliminate jargon and unnecessary words. Use correct grammar.

Project 5 Your Body Speaks (5 to 7 minutes)                                               * Use stance, movement, gestures, facial expressions and eye contact to express your message and achieve your speech's purpose.                              * Make your body language smooth and natural.                                

Project 6 Vocal Variety (5 to 7 minutes)                                                      * Use voice volume, pitch, rate and quality to reflect and add meaning and interest to your message.    .                                                                         * Use pauses to enhance your message.                                                        * Use vocal variety smoothly and naturally.

Project 7 Research Your Topic (5 to 7 minutes)                                           * Collect information about your topic from numerous sources.                          * Carefully support your points and opinions with specific facts, examples and illustrations gathered through research.

Project 8 Get Comfortable With Visual Aids (5 to 7 minutes)                       * Select visual aids that are appropriate for your message and the audience.       * Use visual aids correctly with ease and confidence.      

Project 9 Persuade With Power (5 to 7 minutes)                                          * Persuade listeners to adopt your viewpoint or ideas or to take some action.      * Appeal to the audience's interests.                                                               * Use logic and emotion to support your position.                                             * Avoid using notes.

Project 10 Inspire Your Audience (8 to 10 minutes)                                     * To inspire the audience by appealing to noble motives and challenging the audience to achieve a higher level of beliefs or achievement.                              * Appeal to the audience's needs and emotions, using stories, anecdotes and quotes to add drama.                                                                                    * Avoid using notes.                               

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