20. Complete Toastmaster’s Competent Communicator Series.
February 24, 2012
Upper Cape Toastmasters is a public club open to all interested in improving their communication and leadership skills.
I joined the club in October 2012 and I am on speech number 4 which I will present on Tuesday night March 20th. I enjoy the challenge and constructive feedback plus I have made some wonderful new connections.
The goal is to complete speeches in two different manuals and grow as a communicator and leader in the organization by completing speeches and taking on leadership roles. Each speech in the Competent Communicator Manual and the Competent Leadership Manual has guidelines.
I am on project number 4, HOW TO SAY IT. I have to make sure my speech is organized, vivid and articulate. I must use rhetorical devices to enhance and emphasize my ideas and eliminate jargon or unnecessary words. My topic: Each Day A New Possibility! It will be about my Sunrise Chronicles!
How I started
I joined Toastmasters in September shortly after I was laid off. I wanted to network and my son Michael had mentioned this organization several times as he attended during his college days. I had the time so I figured, “why not?”
My first project was THE ICEBREAKER. I had to make sure there was an opening, body and conclusion and I had to talk about a familiar subject, ME. I focused on 3 periods of my life and how each area influenced who I am today. My speech was within the allotted 4 to 6 minutes. I did so well I earned a ribbon!
My second speech a few weeks later did not go as well. I did not prepare as I should have and I was a bit nervous. My speech project, Organize Your Speech focused on my Occupy Boston project. The speech was evaluated on organization, transition and strong opening and closing. I went over by a minute and I did not stay focused. I also used my notes too much.
Speech number 3 was on 2/21/12. I spoke about a project I am working on for my Landmark Self-Expression and Leadership project – L.I.F.E. Mentors of Cape Cod. The Speech project, GET TO THE POINT was a good exercise as I generally have trouble getting to the point.
I planned my speech around my Landmark project as I have to make this speech formally at a meeting next week! I received positive and constructive feedback. I am now able to brush up on my speech so that I may touch, move and inspire the group for which I am presenting.
The good news is that I touched, moved and inspired three people from Toastmasters and they asked me if they could join my Mentor program! Great feeling!!