Welcome to Linlithgow Speakers
Today many people are more comfortable communicating by electronic mail or telephone, rather than face-to-face. Speaking to large or small groups, or even one to one, can be a nerve racking or stressful experience. At Toastmasters, you can learn how to overcome these challenges and transform your public speaking experiences into enjoyable and successful ones.
As a member of Toastmasters, you can learn how to successfully formulate, express and sell your ideas and yourself and reduce, if not eliminate, the nervousness you feel when you speak. You can improve your ability to listen and evaluate other people’s ideas, and learn or develop vital leadership skills along the way.
Getting Started
All new members of Toastmasters begin their journey by choosing one of the paths using the new Pathways programme. There are currently 11 paths you can choose:
- Dynamic Leadership
- Effective Coaching
- Engaging Humour
- Innovative Planning
- Leadership Development
- Motivational Strategies
- Persuasive Influence
- Presentation Mastery
- Strategic Relationships
- Team Collaboration
- Visionary Communication
The Pathways website contains details on how to prepare for your speeches and roles. Each path contains 5 levels and every one begins with the Icebreaker speech, where you introduce yourself to your fellow club members.
Additional guidance and support is available from a mentor, club officers or your fellow club members. All you have to do is ask!
Roles in the Toastmaster Meeting
The prepared speeches are only one aspect of the Toastmasters experience. The Toastmasters organisation is designed to help build communication and leadership skills. The various roles build different skills and thus build confidence in different areas of communication and leadership. The key roles and their responsibilities are...
The Toastmaster: The duty of the Toastmaster is to host and conduct the entire program, including introducing participants. He or she also has responsibility for ensuring that all proceedings run smoothly and to time.
The Table Topics Master: The purpose of table topics is to have members “think on their feet” and speak for 2 minutes or so. The table topics master prepares and issues the topics; originality is desirable as much as possible.
The ‘Ah’ Counter: The purpose of the ah counter is to note words and sounds such as a “crutch” word or a “pause filler” used by anyone who speaks during the meeting.
The Timer: is the member responsible for keeping track of time. The timer will time all speakers including table topics and prepared speeches plus all evaluations.
Evaluators: Everything in Toastmasters is evaluated. Evaluators will be assigned for the table topics session, the prepared speeches and the overall evaluation of the evening
Further Advice:
For more information about Linlithgow Speakers please contact:
David McCrae
07756956032 or via email at davidmccrae1992@gmail.com
Alternatively...
Jim Boyd
07763225827 or email at jimboyd79@gmail.com
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