EDUCATIONAL FORUM

" The time for action is now. It's never too late to do something."

January 2009

Getting to the Beginning of Your Speech

When you are going to give a speech at your next club meeting, remember, there is more to your speech than just getting up from your seat, moving to the front of the group and talking.

Be Prepared:  Practice, practice, practice, have an introduction which you have prepared and given to the toastmaster prior to the start of the meeting.  If you have props or visual aids, make sure you have pre-positioned them or have the Sgt-at-Arms set them up for you.

Approaching the Lectern:  When the toastmaster begins to announce the beginning of the speeches and or you are next, get up from your seat, push in your chair and move to a position opposite from where the toastmaster will sit after you are introduced.  When the toastmaster finishes your introduction with your name, approach the toastmaster and shake hands.  The toastmaster will then turn and move to his or her seat, because you have approached the lectern from the opposite side, the toastmaster will not pass in front of you.  All this will expedite and facilitate a smooth transition.  Wait until the toastmaster is seated before you begin your speech.

Acknowledging the Toastmaster and Your Audience:  Once the toastmaster is seated you have two options;  you can begin your speech by saying, "Mr. or Madam Toastmaster, (while using your hand, gesturing towards the toastmaster) fellow toastmasters and honored (welcome) guests" (while gesturing with open arms as if to embrace the audience).  At this point you go into your speech.  Your second option is to begin your speech with the first one or two sentences and then acknowledge the toastmaster and your audience (same as option 1).

Getting Back to Your Seat:  When you reach the end of your speech, turn towards the toastmaster and with your hand gesturing just say, "Mr. or Madam Toastmaster" and then wait until the toastmaster approaches and shakes your hand, then turn and return to your seat.  This will ensure that neither of you will pass in front of the each other.

Now go and sign up for your next speech and if you do this you appear more confident and professional than ever before.

Al Gramando DTM

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