Creating An Introduction

From Toastmasters International "The Better Speaker Series"

This presentation focuses on the need for effective speech introductions and how to create them. The script/outline for this presentation is part of the club's ongoing educational program and is available in the club's educational materials library or from Toastmasters International. Ask your Vice President of Education about presenting this program to the club as part of the Advanced Leadership Bronze designation.

Conversing With Ease

Interpersonal Communication - Advanced Communication Manual

Project #1 – "Conversing With Ease" Objectives:

• Identify techniques to use in conversing with strangers.
• Recognize different levels of conversation.
• Initiate a conversation with a stranger.
• Use open-ended questions to solicit information for further conversation.
• Time 10-14 minutes

The Successful Negotiator

Interpersonal Communication - Advanced Communication Manual

Project #2 – "The Successful Negotiator" Objectives:

• Employ win/win negotiating strategies to achieve your goals.
• Enjoy the benefits of win/win negotiating.
• Time 10-14 minutes

Diffusing Verbal Criticism

Interpersonal Communication - Advanced Communication Manual Project #3 – "Diffusing Verbal Criticism" Objectives:

• Respond non-defensively to verbal criticism.
• Employ a five-step method to identify the problem, diffuse the attack and arrive at a solution.
• Time 10-14 minutes

The Coach

Interpersonal Communication - Advanced Communication Manual

Project #4 – "The Coach" Objectives:

• Determine reasons for someone’s substandard performance.
• Coach the person to improved performance.
• Time 10-14 minutes

Asserting Yourself Effectively

Interpersonal Communication - Advanced Communication Manual

Project #5 – "Asserting Yourself Effectively" Objectives:

• Enjoy the mental and physical benefits of being assertive.
• Employ the four-step method for addressing a problem and asking for help.
• Overcome resistance to your requests.
• Time 10-14 minutes

The Ice Breaker

Competent Communication Manual project # 1 "The Ice Breaker" Objectives:

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

Organize Your Speech

Competent Communication Manual project # 2 "Organize Your Speech" Objectives:

• 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

Get To The Point

Competent Communication Manual project # 3 "Get To The Point" Objectives:

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

How To Say It

Competent Communication Manual project # 4 "How To Say It" Objectives:

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

Your Body Speaks

Competent Communication Manual project # 5 "Your Body Speaks" Objectives:

• 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

Vocal Variety

Competent Communication Manual project # 6 "Vocal Variety" Objectives:

• 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