The basic Toastmasters manual, 'Communication & Leadership Manual', contains ten speech projects designed to develop skills one step at a time. Each speech will build upon what has been learned in preceding speeches.

Below are the speech objectives taken from the current manual being used by most members and, below that, are the speech objectives taken from the new manual issued by Toastmasters January 2004.

Manuals

Speech Topics and Numbers

Speech number 1 - The ice breaker (timed at 4-6 minutes)
* To begin speaking before an audience
* To discover speaking skills you already have and skills that need some attention

Speech number 2- Organize your speech (timed at 5-7 minutes)
* To select an appropriate outline which allows listeners to easily follow and understand your speech
* Make your message clear, with supporting material directly contributing to that message
* Use appropriate transitions when moving from one idea to another
* Create a strong opening and conclusion

Speech number 3 - Get to the point (timed at 5-7minutes)
* Select a speech topic and determine its general and specific purposes
* Organise the speech in a manner that best achieves those purposes
* Project sincerity and conviction and control any nervousness you may feel
* Strive not to use notes

Speech number 4 - How to say it (timed at 5-7 minutes)
* Select the right words and sentence structure to communicate your dieas clearly, accurately and vividly
* Use rhetorical devices to enhance and emphasise ideas
* Eliminate jargon and unnecessary words and use correct grammar

Speech number 5 - Your body speaks (timed at 5-7 minutes)
* Use stance, movement, gestures, facial expressions and eye contact to express your message and achieve your speech's purpose
* Make your body language smooth and natural

Speech number 6 - Vocal variety (timed at 5-7 minutes)
* Use voice volume, pitch, rate and quality to reflect and add meaning and interest to your message
* Use pauses to enhance your message
* Use vocal variety smoothly and naturally

Speech number 7 - Research your topic (timed at 5-7 minutes)
* Collect information about your topic from numerous sources
* Carefully support your points and opinions with specific facts, examples and illustrates gathered through research

Speech number 8 - Get comfortable with visual aids (timed at 5-7 minutes)
* Select visual aids that are appropriate for your message and the audience
* Use visual aids correctly with ease and confidence

Speech number 9 - Persuade with power (timed at 5-7 minutes)
* Persuade listeners to adopt your viewpoint or ideas or to take some action
* Appeal to the audience's interest
* Use logic and emotion to support your position
* Avoid using notes

Speech number 10 - Inspire your audience (timed at 8 to 10 minutes)
* To inspire the audience by appealing to noble motives and challenging the audience to achieve a higher level of beliefs or achievement
* Appeal to the the audience's needs and emotions, using stories, anecdotes and quotes to add drama

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Communicating on television - speech objectives

Speech number 1 - Straight talk (timed at 3 minutes, + or - 30 seconds)
* To effectively present an opinion or viewpoint in a short time
* To simulate giving a presentation as part of a television broadcast

Speech number 2 - The talk show (timed at 10 minutes + or - 30 seconds)
* To understand the dynamics of a television interview or 'talk' show
* To prepare for the questions that may be asked of you during a television interview program
* To present a positive image on the television camera
* To appear as a guest on a simulated television talk show

Speech number 3 - When you're the host (timed at 10 minutes + or - 30 seconds)
* To conduct a successful television interview
* To understand the dynamics of a successful television interview or 'talk' show
* To prepare questions to ask during the interview program
* To present a positive, confident image on the television camera

Speech number 4 - The press conference (timed at 4-6 minutes for presentation, 8-10 minutes for question period)
* To understand the nature of a television press conference
* To prepare for an adversary confrontation on a controversial or sensitive issue
* To employ appropriate preparation methods and strategies for communicating your organisation's viewpoint
* To present and maintain a positive image on television

Discussion leader manual - speech objectives

Speech number 1 - The seminar solution (timed at 20-30 minutes)
* Present an introductory short talk or brief lecture describing a theory, model or information about a topic that will be discussed by a group following the presentation
* Organise the information so that it is easy to understand and can be remembered
* Orient the group to think about the specific goal of the discussion that follows
* Use a buzz session discussion technique to promote group participation in deriving information leading to a solution to the problem
* Group size: club members
* Materials: flip chart, grease pencil, six notepads and pencils

Speech number 2 - The round Robin (timed at 20-30 minutes)
* Establish the meaning of a question with a discussion group
* Using a problem solving pattern, lead the participants in a brainstorming session
* Screen the possible solutions and lead the group in deciding what action to take
* Group size: club members
* Materials: flip chart, grease pencil, pad and pencil

Speech number 3 - Pilot a panel (timed 30-40 minutes)
* Select a problem for panel discussion. Select not less than three members in advance to speak on the panel
* Define the common goals and the purpose of the panel
* Acting as a moderator, monitor the panel discussion to inform the audience
* Group size: One discussion leader and three panelists selected in advance from among the club members. Club members who participate as panelists will receive credit for other basic or advanced manual projects that relate to the purpose of the individual presentations eg speaking to inform, the persuasive speech, constructing your speech, clarify your meaning, etc

Speech number 4 - Make it make-believe (role playing) (timed at 20-30 minutes)
* Understand what role playing is and how to use it effectively in group communication
* Select a problem involving human relations in which you may use the role playing method to illustrate and explore the problem
* Create a plot and characters relevant to the discussion problem and select a cast from among the group members
* Direct the role play enactment, relate it to the discussion problem, and lead the group in arriving at a solution
* Group size: One group leader and participants selected in advance from among the club members
* Material: flip chart, grease pencil

The entertaining speaker manual - speech objectives

Speech number 1 - The entertaining speech (timed at 5-7 minutes)
* Entertain the audience by relating a personal experience
* Organise an entertaining speech for maximum impact

Speech number 2 - Resources for entertainment (timed at 5-7 minutes)
* Draw entertaining material from sources other than your own personal experience
* Adapt your material to suit your topic, your own personality and the audience

Speech number 3 - Make them laugh (timed at 5-7 minutes)
* Prepare a humorous speech drawn from your own experience
* Strengthen the speech by adapting and personalising humorous material from outside sources
* Deliver the speech in a way that makes the humour effective

Speech number 4 - A dramatic talk (timed at 5-7 minutes)
* Develop an entertaining dramatic talk about an experience or incident
* Include vidid imagery, characters and dialogue
* Deliver the talk in an entertaining manner

Humorous speaking - speech objectives

Speech number 1 - Warm up your audience (timed at 5-7 minutes)
* Prepare a speech that opens with a humorous story
* Personalise the story
* Deliver the story smoothly and effectively

Speech number 2 - Leave them with a smile (timed at 5-7 minutes)
* Prepare a serious speech that opens and closes with humorous stories
* Prepare a closing story that re-emphasises the speech's main point
* Deliver the stories smoothly and effectively

Speech number 3 - Make them laugh (timed at 5-7 minutes)
* Prepare a speech that opens and closes with humorous stories
* Include jokes in the speech body to illustrate points or maintain audience interest
* Deliver the jokes and stories smoothly and effectively

Speech number 4 - Keep them laughing (timed at 5-7 minutes)
* Prepare a speech that opens with a self-depreciating joke
* String together two or three related jokes in the speech body
* Close the speech with a humorous story

Interpersonal communication - speech objectives

Speech number 1 - Conversing with ease (timed at 10-14 minutes)
* Identify techniques to use in conversing with strangers
* Recognise different levels of conversation
* Initiate a conversation with a stranger
* Use open ended questions to solicit information for further conversation

Speech number 2 - The successful negotiator (timed at 10-14 minutes)
* Employ win/win negotiating strategies to achieve your goals
* Enjoy the benefits of win/win negotiating

Speech number 3 - Diffusing verbal criticism (timed at 10-14 minutes)
* Respond non-defensively to verbal criticism
* Employ a five-step method to identify the problem, diffuse the attack and arrive at a solution

Speech number 4 - The coach (timed at 10-14 minutes)
* Determine reasons for someone's substandard performance
* Coach the person to improved performance

Interpretative reading - speech objectives

Speech number 1 - Read a story (timed at 8-10 minutes)
* To understand the elements of interpretative reading
* To learn how to analyse a narrative and plan for effective interpretation
* To learn and apply vocal techniques that will aid in the effectiveness of the reading

Speech number 2 - Interpreting poetry (timed at 6-8 minutes)
* To understand the differences between poetry and prose
* To recognise how poets use imagery, rhythm, meter, cadence and rhyme to convey the meanings and emotions of their poetry
* To apply vocal techniques that will aid the effectiveness of the reading

Speech number 3 - The monodrama (timed at 5 to 7 minutes)
* To understand the concept and nature of the monodrama
* To assume the identify of a character and to portray the physical and emotional aspects of this character to an audience

Speech number 4 - The play (timed at 12-15 minutes)
* To adapt a play for interpretative reading
* To portray several characters in one reading, identifying them to the audience through voice changes and movement

Persuasive speaking manual - speech objectives

Speech number 1 - The effective salesperson (timed at 8-12 minutes)
* Learn a technique for selling an inexpensive product in a retail store
* Recognise a buyer's thought processes in making a purchase
* Elicit information from a prospective buyer through questions
* Match the buyer's situation with the most appropriate product

Speech number 2 - Conquering the 'cold call' (timed at 10-14 minutes)
* Learn a technique for 'cold call' selling of expensive products or services
* Recognise the risks buyers assume in purchasing
* Use questions to help the buyer discover problems with his or her current situation
* Successfully handle buyer's objections and concerns

Speech number 3 - The winning proposal (timed at 5-7 minutes)
* Prepare a proposal advocating an idea or course of action
* Organise the proposal using the six-step method provided

Speech number 4 - Addressing the opposition (timed at 7-9 minutes for speech and 2-3 minutes for questions and answers)
* Prepare a talk on a controversial subject that persuades an audience to accept or at least consider your viewpoint
* Construct the speech to appeal to the audience's logic and emotions

Professional speaker - speech objectives

Speech number 1 - The keynote address (timed at 15-20 minutes or longer if club program allows)
* Identify the basic differences between keynote speeches and other kinds of speeches
* Learn how to evaluate audience feeling and establish emotional rapport
* Learn and use the professional techniques necessary for the a successful keynote presentation
* Develop a speech style and delivery that effectively inspires and moves the audience to adopt your views as a collective reaffirmation of its own

Speech number 2 - Speaking to entertain (timed 15-20 minutes or longer if club program allows)
* Entertain the audience through the use of humour drawn from personal experience and from other material that you have personalised
* Deliver the speech in a way that makes the humour effective
* Establish personal rapport with your audience for maximum impact

Speech number 3 - The sales training speech (timed at 15-20 minutes or longer if club program allows)
* Tell a sales audience how to sell a product by using a planned presentation
* Inform a sales training audience about the human experience of the buyer-seller relationship
* Use entertaining stories and dynamic examples of sales situations
* Inspire salespeople to want to succeed in selling

Speech number 4 - The professional seminar (timed at 20-40 minutes)
* Plan and present a seminar with specific learning objectives
* Relate to the audience by using a seminar presentation style
* Use seminar presentation techniques to promote group participation, learning and personal growth

Public relations - speech objectives

Speech number 1 - The public relations speech (timed at 5-7 minutes)
* Prepare a talk that will build goodwill for your organisation by supplying useful information of interest to the audience
* Favourably influence the audience by the skillful and friendly delivery of your talk

Speech number 2 - Resources for goodwill (timed at 8-10 minutes)
* Research the operation and benefits of an organisation or company
* Prepare a talk designed to build goodwill toward it by presenting factual information
* Analyse the common interests of your audience and focus your presentation on those interests
* Effectively use at least one visual aid to enhance the audience's understanding

Speech number 3 - The persuasive approach (timed at 8-10 minutes)
* Direct a persuasive appeal to the audience's self-interests using a combination of fact and emotion in a speech delivered in such a manner that it appears extemporaneous
* Persuade the audience to adopt your viewpoint by the use of standard persuasive techniques

Speech number 4 - Speaking under fire (timed at 6-8 minutes (speech), 8-10 minutes (question period)
* Prepare a talk to persuade a hostile audience at least to consider your position on a controversial issue
* Conduct a question and answer period on the speech subject

Speaking to inform - speech objectives

Speech number 1 - The speech to inform (timed at 5-7 minutes)
* Select new and useful information for presentation to the audience
* Organise the information for easy understandability and retention
* Present the information in a way that will help motivate the audience to learn

Speech number 2 - Resources for informing (timed at 5-7 minutes)
* Analyse your audience regarding your chosen subject
* Focus your presentation at the audience's level of knowledge
* Build a supporting case for each major point using information gathered through research
* Effectively use at lease one visual aid to enhance the audience's understanding

Speech number 3 - The demonstration talk (timed at 10-12 minutes)
* Prepare a demonstration speech to clearly explain a process, product or activity
* Conduct the demonstration as part of a speech delivered without notes

Speech number 4 - A fact-finding report (timed at 5-7 minutes (speech) and 2-3 minutes (question and answer period))
* Prepare a report on a situation, event or problem of interest to the audience
* Delver sufficient factual information in your report so the audience can make valid conclusions or a sound decision
* Answer questions from the audience

Special occasion speeches - speech objectives

Speech number 1 - Mastering the toast (timed at 2-3 minutes)
* Recognise the characteristics of a toast
* Present a toast honouring an occasion or person

Speech number 2 - Speaking in praise (timed at 5-7 minutes)
* Prepare a speech praising or honouring someone, either living or dead
* Address five areas concerning the individual and his/her accomplishments
* Include anecdotes illustrating points within the speech

Speech number 3 - The roast (timed at 3-5 minutes)
* Poke fun at a particular individual in a good natured way
* Adapt and personalise humorous material from other sources
* Deliver jokes and humorous stories effectively

Speech number 4 - Presenting an award (timed at 3-4 minutes)
* Present an award with dignity and grace
* Acknowledge the contributions of the recipient

Speciality speeches - speech objectives

Speech number 1 - Speak off the cuff (timed at 5-7 minutes)
*Develop an awareness of situations in which you might be called upon to deliver an impromptu speech
*Understand how to prepare for impromptu speaking
*Develop skills as a speaker in the impromptu situation by using one or more patterns to approach a topic under discussion, for example, comparing a past, present, future situation or before and after

Speech number 2 - Uplift the spirit (timed at 8-10 minutes)
*Identify and understand the basic differences and similarities between inspirational speeches and other kinds of speeches
*Learn how to evaluate audience feeling and establish emotional rapport
*Develop a speech style and delivery that effectively expresses inspirational content by moving the audience to adopt your views

Speech number 3 - Sell a product (timed at 10-12 minutes)
* Understand the relationship of sales technique to persuasion
* Skillfully use the four steps in a sales presentation: attention, interest, desire, action
* Identify and promote a unique selling proposition in a sales presentation
* Be able to handle objections and close a prospective buyer

Speech number 4 - Read out loud (timed at 12-15 minutes)
*Arrive at an understanding of the elements that comprise oral interpretation and how it differs from preparing and giving a speech
*Learn the preparation or planning techniques of effective interpretation
*Learn the principles of presentation and develop skill in interpretative reading with regard to voice and body as instruments of communication

Storytelling manual - speech objectives

Speech number 1 - The folk tale (timed at 6-8 minutes)
* To tell a folk tale that is entertaining and enjoyable for a specific age group
* To use vivid imagery and voice to enhance the tale

Speech number 2 - Let's get personal (timed at 6-8 minutes)
* To learn the elements of a good story
* To create and tell and original story based on a personal experience

Speech number 3 - The moral of the story (timed at 4-6 minutes)
* To understand that a story can be entertaining yet display moral values
* To create a new story that offers a lesson or moral
* To tell the story, using the skills developed in the previous two projects

Speech number 4 - The touching story (timed at 6-8 minutes)
* To understand the techniques available to arouse emotion
* To become skilled in arousing emotions while telling a story

Speeches by management - speech objectives

Speech number 1 - The briefing (timed at 8-10 minutes (speech) and 5 minutes (question period))
* Apply the key steps in the preparation of a briefing and the organisation of material
* Give a briefing according to a specific objective so the audience will have an understanding of the information
* Effectively handle a question-and-answer session following the briefing

Speech number 2 - The technical speech (timed at 8-10 minutes)
* Convey a technical paper or technical material and information into a technical speech
* Organise a technical speech according to the inverted-pyramid approach
* Write a technical speech as 'spoken language' not as an article
* Give the speech by effectively reading out loud

Speech number 3 - Manage and motivate (timed at 10-12 minutes)
* Understand the concept and nature of motivational methods in management
* Apply a four-step motivational method with the objectives to persuade and inspire
* Deliver a motivational speech to persuade an audience to agree with your management proposal

Speech number 4 - The status report (timed at 10-12 minutes)
* Organise and prepare a status report involving the overall condition of a plan or program, or performance of a department or company in relation to goals
* Construct the report according to a four step pattern
* Give an effective presentation of the report

Technical presentations - speech objectives

Speech number 1 - The technical briefing (timed at 8-10 minutes)
* Using a systematic approach, organise technical material into a concise presentation
* Tailor the presentation to the audience's needs, interests and knowledge levels

Speech number 2 - The proposal (timed at 8-10 minutes (speech), 3-5 minutes (question period))
* To prepare a technical presetnation advocating aproduct, service, idea or course of action
* To present your viewpoint logically and convincingly, using an inverted-pyramid approach
* To effectively use a flipchart to illustrate your message
* To effectively handle a question and answer period

Speech number 3 - The non-technical audience (timed at 10-12 minutes)
* Understand the principles of communicating complext information to non-technical listeners
* Build and deliver an interesting talk based on these principles
* Answer audience question that arise during the presentation
* Use overhead transparencies to illustrate your message

Speech number 4 - Presenting a technical paper (timed at 10-12 minutes)
* Deliver an interesting speech based on a technical paper or article
* Effectictively use a flipchart, overhead projector or slides to illustrate your message