Toastmasters International’s The Better Speaker Series is a set of presentations offering instruction
on basic speaking skills. Designed to be delivered by members to their clubs, presentations in this
series provide new speaking techniques and facts that can help all club members develop their
communication skills.
Presentations in The Better Speaker Series may be delivered by any club member and require 10
to 15 minutes to present.
These workshops consists of four parts:
- Definition and explanation of the presentation
- Guidelines for your introduction to the audience
- Outline for the development of your speech
- PowerPoint presentation
Beginning Your Speech
“Beginning Your Speech” emphasizes how a speaker’s opening words are critical. By providing
proven criteria and techniques for speakers to apply and practice, speakers can win their audiences
with their opening remarks.
Concluding Your Speech
“Concluding Your Speech” helps members learn effective ways to end a speech. The presentation
identifies the criteria that every speech ending should fulfill and offers methods for ending a
speech.
Controlling Your Fear
“Controlling Your Fear” helps participants identify the fears that trigger their anxiety and offers
techniques for managing it.
Impromptu Speaking
“Impromptu Speaking” addresses those occasions when you are expected to speak without preparation.
Selecting Your Topic
“Selecting Your Topic” identifies several different approaches for choosing a subject that will suit the
audience, the occasion, and the abilities of the speaker.
Know Your Audience
“Know Your Audience” addresses the importance of researching and understanding the people
who will be listening to your speech so that you might best serve their needs—as well as your own.
Organizing Your Speech
“Organizing Your Speech” offers several strategies for planning an effective presentation.
Creating An Introduction
“Creating an Introduction” focuses on the need for effective speech introductions and the process
of creating them.
Preparation and Practice
“Preparation and Practice” offers several strategies for planning and executing an effective presentation.
Using Body Language
“Using Body Language” offers information on using facial expressions, gestures, and whole body
movement to enhance a presentation.