What is Toastmasters International ???
At Toastmasters, members learn by speaking to groups of people and working with each other in a supportive environment. A typical Toastmasters club is made up of 20 to 30 people who meet once a fortnight for about two hours. Each meeting gives everyone an opportunity to practise:
Conducting Meetings. >>>
Meetings usually begin with a short business session which helps members to learn basic meeting procedures.
Giving Impromptu Speeches. >>>
Members are given the opportunity to present a 2 minutes impromptu speeches on random selected topics.
Presenting Assignment Speeches. >>>
Three or more members present assignment speeches based on the various projects from the Toastmasters International Competent Communicator manuals. Projects cover topics such as speech organization, get to the point, work with words, body language, vocal variety, research a topic, visual aids, persuade with power and inspire the audience.
Offering Constructive Evaluation. >>>
Every assignment speaker is assigned an evaluator who points out the strengths of the speech as well as offers suggestions for improvement.
A lesson to learn from Seth Godin
A presentation is a precious opportunity. It's a powerful arrangement... one speaker, an attentive audience, all in their seats, all paying attention (at least at first). Don't waste it.
The purpose of a presentation is to change minds. That's the only reason I can think of to spend the time and resources. If your goal isn't to change minds, perhaps you should consider a different approach.
- The best presentation is no presentation at all. If you can get by with a memo, send an email. I can read it faster than you can present it and we'll both enjoy it more.
- The second best presentation is one on one. No slides, no microphone. You look me in the eye and change my mind.
- Third best? Live and fully interactive.
- Powerpoint or Keynote, but with no bullets, just emotional pictures and stories.
- And last best... well, if you really think you can change my mind by using tons of bullets and a droning presentation, I'm skeptical.
A presentation isn't an obligation, it's a privilege.
To gain this privilege, join us every 1st and 3rd Wednesday Wisma WIM, TTDI
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