Speechcraft
What is Speechcraft?
Speechcraft courses are designed to quickly develop basic public speaking skills. They are given in small intensive groups where all participants work on the same exercises.
Speechcraft vs Toastmasters Training
Speechcraft concentrates on basic public speaking skills, but is designed to develop those skills very rapidly. It is given in a classroom situation, staffed with a number of experienced Toastmasters who give workshops, act as mentors and give positive feedback. . The course is designed for a high level of interactivity and is more expensive than regular Toastmasters training.
Regular Toastmasters training is given in a club situation where all members work through the Toastmasters training program at their own pace. Typically there is a wide variety of skills and experience, ranging from beginners through to very experienced members who work on advanced programs. All members learn to support each other, regardless of their level of experience.
Peninsula Speechcraft
Each Toastmasters club bases its Speechcraft program on the standard Toastmasters model but, because there is some freedom in interpretation, courses vary from area to area depending on which club is presenting.
Following is the program used by Peninsula Toastmasters in Maylands:
The courses run over seven weekly sessions. In all sessions participants practice impromptu speaking and in sessions 2 to 7 they also give a prepared speech using techniques covered in the previous sessions workshop. An evaluation is given after all presentations, initially from an experienced Toastmaster but in later sessions participants learn to give constructive evaluations to each other.
There is a limit of ten participants per group. Participants are able to have their prepared speeches recorded on DVD for self-evaluation at home. There is no additional charge for DVDs.
A total of 12 educational segments are given, covering all important aspects of professional presentations.
SESSION 1
Educational: Controlling Nervousness. This is an interactive workshop and the material is tailored to suit the participants.
Educational: Impromptu Speaking. Particular emphasis is placed on responding to Table Topics. Participants learn various methods for approaching impromptu speaking and techniques for effectively filling while a speech structure is formulated.
Educational: Selecting a Topic. Discussion on selecting a topic best suited to developing specific skills.
SESSION 2
Educational: Speaking with Conviction. The workshop covers techniques for projecting sincerity and earnestness, looking authoritative and involving the audience.
Educational: Introducing Speakers.
SESSION 3
Educational: Speech Organization and Structure. Topics covered include planning a speech, identifying an effective structure, adjusting material to suit the audience and techniques to highlight the main message.
SESSION 4
Educational: Evaluation of Speeches. Techniques for identifying and highlighting speakerts skills are covered as well as techniques for giving constructive recommendations in a sensitive way. The Commend-Recommend-Commend technique is highlighted.
Educational: Body Language. Topics covered include looking positive and eliminating distracting movements, highlighting a message with appropriate gestures, the importance of eye contact and communicating with facial expressions.
SESSION 5
Educational: The Voice and Vocal Variety. Techniques for making the voice sound pleasant and project well are covered as well as the use of vocal variety to add impact, varying volume, pitch, rate and quality of voice.
SESSION 6
Educational: Working with Words. Topics covered include the power of short words, avoiding jargon, using vivid words, writing for the ear not the eye and the use of rhetorical devices.
Educational: Using microphones effectively.
SESSION 7
Educational: Use of Props. Two educationals are given, the general use of props and a specialised educational on the effective use of Powerpoint.
What are the details on the next course?
The next public Speechcraft course in Maylands will begin on 4 February 2008
To get information on courses run by other clubs ring Eric on 9377 1418.
How can I get more information?
For more information you can call Eric on 9377 1418 (day/evening) or email him at toastm@iinet.net.au.
For more contact details visit our contact page
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