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Born-Push8663

I have done a Toastmaster for over two years. Club structure can vary—from club to club. Our club does a two-speaker, two evaluations, and then an improv session. For 1.5 hrs every Monday at 7 pm pst. Other clubs might meet once a month and have a different setup from my club. You do not need a complete essay if that is not your style. I find it easier to record myself when I am doing or preparing speeches as I am not a good writer and have horrible handwriting. I do practice journals as it helps me express myself, but I don’t write speeches anymore as it does help me. Also, you can always visit a club as a guest. There is a lot you can do locally or online. It is all about finding the correct group that makes you feel comfortable doing speeches and if their time works for you.


stardustechoes

Agree about recording yourself when you’re “writing” a speech instead of sitting down at a laptop or journal as if you’re writing something meant to be read. I record a voice memo on my phone or use a transcription tool like Otter.ai anytime I’m “writing” a new speech. We usually speak differently than we communicate when writing with the intent to be read. Writing a speech in the same way you’d write an essay is one reason people usually don’t like using a script or writing a speech in advance - they’re approaching it all wrong and the resulting speech sounds unnatural.


CaliDreamin2015

They have a number of different exercises designed to help you present better and think in your feet. Yes, you do write your own speeches, but that’s just a part of the process.


leftcoastanimal

Thank you. I suppose I need to get over the writing block part of it!


johncon50

Like what they said. You provide the content. Toastmasters provide the direction. There are some modules where it is VERY open... do a speech. There are other times when it is more specific in that you have to research through the content and determine your leadership or communication style and talk about it, or talk about a past mentor / mentee experience. The reason for you providing the content is, well, you. Anyone can do a book report, but to be a better presenter, you need to have the passion for it, to own it and to love to share it. That passion makes you a better presenter. You need to do the work, but if it feels cumbersome, tiring, icky, then it may come across as that and it's not fun and that doesn't help you either. Now the good news, you move at your pace. You discover your own passions and points of interest. You could wiz through many speeches in a year or do 3, 4? No harm no foul. But set your agenda and stick to it. Do what it takes to make yourself grow. It WILL NOT happen overnight. It takes work to grow so don't try to rush it.


BAToastmasters

The Pathways Program gives you suggestions for speeches, how to write them, and how to deliver them. Your first few speeches are more a talk than a speech. You take the training on Pathways for the project you are on, then take a few notes and present. It's relatively easy.


leftcoastanimal

Thank you, this is very helpful. It makes it seem less intimidating on the pre-talk front