Advanced Communication
The Advanced Communication manuals train you for different speaking situations that Toastmasters can encounter outside the club environment. There are 15 Advanced Communication manuals each of which includes five speech projects. The individual projects focus on a…
Better Speaker Series
The Better Speaker Series is a set of educational speeches on speaking-related topics. Each module provides practical tips that can be of benefit to all members. Included in the program are a script outlining the module and…
Building Your Thinking Power Part I: Mental Flexibility
Mental flexibility can be defined as a way of thinking - an atitude. It's a way of approaching situations that allows you to adapt your behavior so you can achieve the best outcomes. By increasing your…
Building Your Thinking Power Part II: The Power of Ideas
People who are skilled at producing new ideas can make a profoundly important contribution to our society. This program will clarify the basic principles of creative thinking and explore specific techniques that can make all…
Communicating on Television
Through the projects in this manual, you will learn how to present an editorial, appear as a guest on an interview program, be the host of an interview program, conduct a press conference and use…
Competent Communication
The Competent Communication manual (often called the basic manual) helps you to develop the basic skills that you need to prepare and present an effective speech. The manual is organized into ten separate projects, each…
Education Program
Communication and leadership development The educational program is the heart of every Toastmasters club. It provides members with a proven curriculum that develops communication and leadership skills one step at a time, with many opportunities…
Facilitating Discussion
Group discussions are common, and this manual provides instruction in facilitating the most common types of discussions. Learn about moderating a panel discussion, facilitating a brainstorming meeting, leading a problem-solving discussion, handling challenging people during…
From Speaker to Trainer
Many businesses and organizations have realized the importance of training. Properly trained people increase productivity and make fewer mistakes. But how do you train people? In this program, you'll teach the five steps involved in…
Get Comfortable with Visual Aids
Visual aids help an audience understand and remember what they hear; they are a valuable tool for speakers. The most popular visual aid are computer-based visuals, overhead transparencies, flip charts, whiteboards, and props. The type…
Get to the Point
Every speech must have a general an a specific purpose. A general purpose is to inform, to persuade, to entertain, or to inspire. A specific purpose is what you want the audience to do after…
How to Listen Effectively
When other people talk, do you listen to what they mean or do you just hear what they say? Listening is a much more active skill than some may think. Effective listening requires certain techniques…
How to Say It
Words are powerful. They convey your message and influence the audience and its perception of you. Word choice and arrangement need just as much attention as speech organization and purpose. Select clear, accurate, descriptive and…
Humorously Speaking
Warm Up Your Audience Time: 5-7 minutes Objectives: • Prepare a speech that opens with a humorous story. • Personalize the story. • Deliver the story smoothly and effectively…
Inspire Your Audience
An inspirational speech motivates an audience to improve personally, emotionally, professionally, or spiritually and relies heavily on emotional appeal. It brings the audience together in a mood of fellowship and shared desire, builds the audience’s…
Interpersonal Communication
Conversing with Ease Time: 10-14 minutes Objectives: • Identify techniques to use in conversing with strangers. • Recognize different levels of conversation. • Initiate a conversation with a stranger. • Use…
Interpretive Reading
Read A Story Time: 8-10 minutes Objectives: • To understand the elements of interpretive reading. • To learn how to analyze a narrative and plan for effective interpretation. • To learn and…
Organize Your Speech
Good speech organization is essential if your audience is to understand your presentation. You must take the time to put your ideas together in an orderly manner. You can organize your speech in several different…
Persuade with Power
The ability to persuade – to get other people to understand, accept, and act upon your ideas – is a valuable skill. Your listeners will be more likely to be persuaded if they perceive you as credible,…
Persuasive Speaking
The Effective Salesperson Time: 8-12 minutes (3-4 min speech, short scenario intro, 3-5 min role play) Objectives: • Learn a technique for selling an inexpensive product in a retail store. • Recognize a…
Public Relations
The Goodwill Speech Time: 5-7 minutes Objectives: Prepare a talk that will build goodwill for your organization by supplying useful information of interest to the audience. 2. The Radio Talk Show Time: 3-5…
Research Your Topic
Your speech will be more effective if you can support your main points with statistics, testimony, stories, anecdotes, examples, visual aids and facts. You can find this material on the Internet, at a library, and…
Speaking To Inform
Do you want to tell others about a new product, an important discovery, ways to enhance the uality of one's life? By completing the projects in the the Speaking To Inform manual, you'll learn to…
Special Occasion Speeches
Mastering the Toast Time: 2-3 minutes Objectives: • Recognize the characteristics of a toast. • Present a toast honoring an occasion or person. 2. Speaking in Praise Time: 5-7 minutes Objectives: • Prepare…
Specialty Speeches
Speak Off The Cuff Time: 5-7 minutes Objectives: • Develop an awareness of situations in which you might be called upon to deliver an impromptu speech. • Understand how to prepare for impromptu…
Speechcraft
Speechcraft is a program designed to develop leadership skills as well as teach speaking skills in a seminar workshop format. In delivering this four-to-eight session program you will will help others to gain confidence in…
Speeches By Management
The Briefing Time: 3-5 minutes plus 2-3 minutes Q&A Objectives: Give a briefing according to a specific objective so the audience will have an understanding of the information. Effectively handle a…
Storytelling
Everyone loves a good story! The projects in this manual are designed to help you develop stiorytelling skills. 1. The Folk Tale Time: 7-9 minutes Objectives: • To tell a folk tale that is entertaining…
Success/Communication
The Success/Communication Program is comprised of several modules designed to offer a higher, more comprehensive level of training for developing and improving communication skills. In addition to the presentation materials, each program also provides ample opportunity for…
Technical Presentations
1. The Technical Briefing Time: 8-10 minutes Objectives: Using a systematic approach, organize technical material into a concise presentation. Tailor the presentation to the audience's needs, interests and knowledge levels. 2. The Proposal…
The Art of Effective Evaluation
The Art of Effective Evaluation To many people, evaluations are the most important aspect of the Toastmaster's program. No matter what your vocation, the ability to effectively evaluate any situation or condition is a necessity.…
The Entertaining Speaker
People like to be entertained and the entertaining speaker offers listeners a pleasant diversion from their demanding lives. This manual offers five projects that will help you develop your skills as an entertaining speaker. 1.…
The Ice Breaker
For your first speech project, you will introduce yourself to your fellow club members and give them some information about your background, interests, and ambitions. Practice giving your speech to friends or family members, and…
The Professional Speaker
The Keynote Address Time: 15-20 minutes Objectives: • Identify the basic differences between keynote speeches and other kinds of speeches. • Learn how to evaluate audience feeling and establish emotional rapport. • …
Vocal Variety
Your voice has a major effect on your audience. A lively, excited voice attracts and keeps listeners’ attention. A speaking voice should be pleasant, natural, forceful, expressive, and easily heard. Use volume, pitch, rate, and…
Your Body Speaks
Body language is an important part of speaking because it enhances your message and gives you more credibility. It also helps release any nervousness you may feel. Stance, movement, gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact…