A Guide to the Basic Education Program
 

The Educational Program

The Educational Program is the heart of a Toastmasters Club. It is the means through which members develop their communication and leadership skills and achieve their goals of becoming better communicators.

There are two tracks - a communications track and a leadership track. The communications track (CC - Competent Communicator) is the major part of the system and this brochure covers that part of the Educational Program.

The core of this program is the Communication and Leadership manual (basic manual), which contains 10 speech projects.  Every new member will receive one of these.

The basic manual helps members develop the basic skills needed to prepare and present an effective speech. Speeches are best given in project sequence because each builds on skills learned in previous speeches. Members should always try to meet the objectives of the speech project within the time limits for that speech. Members receive oral and written evaluations for each project and are awarded their CTM award on completion of the manual speeches. There is no time limit for completing the manual - speeches are scheduled by the Vice President Education at the frequency requested by the member, within the constraints of time available at scheduled meetings.

Competent Toastmaster (CTM) Award

The CTM award is attained by completing the 10 speech projects listed below.
Each project has objectives which aim to enhance your skills.

Speech 1. - The Icebreaker

• To begin speaking before an audience.
• To discover speaking skills you already have and skills that need some attention.
Time: 4 - 6 minutes.

Speech 2. - Organize your Speech

• Select an appropriate outline which allows listeners to easily follow and understand your speech.
• Make your 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.
Time: 5 - 7 minutes

Speech 3. - Get to the Point

• Select a speech topic and determine its general and specific purpose.
• Organise the speech in a manner that best achieves those purposes.
• Ensure the beginning, body and conclusion reinforce the purpose.
• Project sincerity and conviction and control any nervousness you may feel.
• Strive not to use notes.
Time: 5 - 7 minutes

Speech 4. - How to Say It

• Select the right words and sentence structure to communicate your ideas clearly, accurately and vividly.
• Use rhetoric devices to enhance and emphasize ideas.
• Eliminate jargon and unnecessary words.
• Use correct Grammar
Time: 5 - 7 minutes

Speech 5. - Your Body Speaks

• 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.
Time: 5 - 7 minutes

Speech 6. - Vocal Variety

• 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.
Time: 5 - 7 minutes

Speech 7. - Research your Topic

• Collect information about your topic from numerous sources.
• Carefully support your points and opinions with specific facts, examples and illustrations gathered through research.
Time: 5 - 7 minutes

Speech 8. - Get Comfortable with Visual Aids

• Select visual aids that are appropriate for your message and the audience.
• Use visual aids correctly and with ease and confidence.
Time: 5 - 7 minutes

Speech 9. - Persuade with Power

• 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.
Time: 5 - 7 minutes

Speech 10. - Inspire your Audience

• 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.
Time: 8 - 10 minutes


AT THIS STAGE, THE VP EDUCATION WILL HELP YOU APPLY TO TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL FOR RECOGNITION AS A COMPETENT COMMUNICATOR - CC.

Congratulations !!!!

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