Page 20 - November 2019

PERSPECTIVES
Okay, before my mind truly wanders away,
let’s look at what you can do to find something to
speak about. Use something from your personal
life—a family story, something that happened
to you that was a teaching or “aha” moment
or use an historical happening or event. Once
you have determined what it is you want to
speak about, begin your note taking process. Jot
down the key points, or results and the “moral
of the story”. Think about where and to whom
you are delivering this speech. You wouldn’t
want to deliver a grave or sober-sided speech
if your club meeting’s theme in Clowns. Know
your audience as well. Perhaps the last, but not
least, mechanism to think about is what do you
want people to take away from your speech? A
challenge, and admonition? Humor and a good
feeling? All these things should be in the back of
your mind when you are delivering your speech.
Finally, your masterpiece is ready.
Now comes the hardest part. P-R-A-
C-T-I-C-E. Go into that secret room
and read aloud your speech. How did
it sound to you? Did you fall asleep
delivering it? Did your delivery make
your story dynamic and exciting?
Was it a cliff hanger? What might the
changes be-or was it perfect? Now
practice it again. You can also use the
evaluation tool in Pathways whereby
you can record your speech and play it
back so you can watch yourself deliver
it. Follow all the other tips contained
in the Icebreaker Level 1 and you’ll be
amazed that not only can you craft a
speech but deliver it as well.
Fellow Toastmasters, our greatest
growth and personal and professional
20 ONE COMMUNITY
development comes from being successful in
the creation and delivery of our spoken word.
Words are our bread and butter. No longer be
chained to fear of writing or crafting a speech
but vanquish that fear. Okay, you might never
rival Shakespeare, yet you can be admired and
praised through evaluations for your mastery
of the art.
To use the favorite phrase of our District
Director, “at the end of the day” we can change
from “the greatest story never told” to “the best
story I’ve ever heard”—and delivered. Best wishes
for your future career as a master Storyteller
Toastmaster. I’ve even encouraged myself now to You are Invited!
dig out my great story book I began writing and
maybe this time I’ll get to the second chapter!
Happy Thanksgiving! Special Leadership Workshop
Hey. . . there could be a great story about
turkey, stuffing and. . . December 14, 2019
1 - 3:30 pm
Inza R Wood Middle School
Wilsonville, Oregon
Do you want to stand out as a Change Leader? In this informative and interactive seminar, we’ll
look at how we can all be Leaders Through Change. We live in a fast-paced, demanding world,
and understanding your part in the change process is huge.
As a leader - in Toastmasters, your career or life - it’s important to not let change overwhelm. It
can actually inspire you and those you support! This workshop is open to ALL Toastmasters - Club
members, Club officers and District officers.
Register Here
VOICES! |NOVEMBER 2019 21