Toastmasters, which helps people become comfortable speaking in front of crowds, has groups in more than 106 countries. Most groups have weekly, one-hour meetings that consist of about 20 people with no single leader. Each participant fills various roles: speaker, meeting timer, critic and grammarian. Speeches are prepared or impromptu, and an encouraging, comfortable atmosphere is provided.
First-Time Attendees
A first-time Toastmasters attendee may feel nervous, but that feeling can be calmed with a few simple plan-aheads and considerations. Make contact with the local club by emailing a contact person on the group's website or call ahead. Letting someone know your coming means a friendly face will be on the lookout for you when you arrive. When checking the group's website or talking to a club member on the telephone, inquire about attire. Some clubs request that members and guests wear sport jackets or suit jackets. If you are not interested in speaking at your first meeting, let someone know when you arrive, usually the vice president or sergeant-at-arms.
A Proper Speech
When starting a speech, address the crowd with, "Fellow Toastmasters and Honored Guests." Efficient speeches require a beginning, body and a conclusion. The opening needs to keep the audience's attention, and the summation needs to create a call for action. If you don't memorize your speech, print it on note cards or letter-sized paper, leaving it on the lectern. Keep eye contact with the audience members as you turn pages. You should stand to address the group during your speech. To signal the end of your speech, turn toward the person running the group and say, "Mr. (or Madam) Toastmaster."
During the Speech
There is no need to apologize for nervousness or explain why you're presenting the speech. No one is there to criticize. Keep the audience in front of you; do not turn your back on it. Remove noise-making items from your pockets (change, cell phone, keys), which also ensures your hands will not fiddle with them. When there is laughter, pause and enjoy it; do not talk through it. Avoid off-color humor and racial, ethnic or sexual remarks.
