Speechcraft
The Speechcraft program allows experienced Toastmasters to present the fundamentals of public speaking to non-members in an atmosphere of a Toastmasters club meeting. It’s a great way to promote membership in our community or company club, as Speechcraft brings prospective new members to a meeting to see, first-hand, what Toastmasters is all about.
Speechcraft has several benefits. Participants become a part of our club meetings. They come to know and enjoy the club's fellowship while gaining confidence and training in their communication skills. Many Toastmasters members indicate they joined their club because they participated in a Speechcraft program. Clubs that conduct a Speechcraft program at least once each year have few membership problems.
Speechcraft also benefits the members of your club. The program gives club members new opportunities to exercise their communication and leadership abilities. It also increases interest and attendance among all members.
How the Program Works
Speechcraft can be presented as an integral part of our club meeting or as a seminar-style program presented outside the club, at a different location and time. It can be conducted in four, six or eight sessions.
Presenting the program inside the club setting has advantages. It provides participants with a sample of the Toastmasters club experience, making it easier for participants to become members at the conclusion of the program. The Speechcraft program need not disturb the usual club programming. Instead, a portion of each of the eight meetings is devoted to Speechcraft. It is suggested an extra 30 minutes be added to the club meeting. Trimming the business portion of the meeting can also yield extra time for Speechcraft.
Conducting the program outside the club setting has advantages too. More participants can be accommodated because more time is available. You can conduct the program for a particular group, civic club or company at the group's location. Also, a Speechcraft program outside the club often leads to the formation of a new Toastmasters club in that location.
