Speechcraft

For close to 100 years, when people hear 'Toastmasters,' they think of excellence in public speaking. Speechcraft provides that digital experience. It heped turn people's speaking skills into a craft - to advance their professional and personal communication through a condensed version of Toastmasters member experience in a four, six, eight-week program. Worksho attendees, "Speechcrafters," are provided with opportunities to boost their confidence to improve their communcication, public speaking, and leadership skills in a safe, nurturing environment. Many go on to become long-term Toastmasters members as a result. 

For more information about the Digital Speechcraft courses visit: https://speechcraft.toastmasters.org/

For the Club & its Members

• Opportunity for the experienced Toastmasters to present fundamentals of public speaking to non-members in a Toastmasters Club-style setting. 

• Promotes the club to the wider community and corporate clubs. 

• Many Toastmasters have indicated they joined the club after participating in a Speechcraft program. 

• Provides club members with opportunities to practice their communication, evaluation and leadership skills. 

• It increases interest and attendance among all members. 

• It is a great team building exercise for the club. 

For Attendees

• Attendees practice and learn communication, evaluation and leadership skills.

• Attendees get a "taste of Toastmasters"

• The program is available to many non-members to participate in as time is dedicated to them. 

• It helps the attendees transition to membership to a Toastmasters Club easily. 

In-house or external 

• Speechcraft conducted inside the club setting makes it easier for participants to become members. 

• Speechcraft conducted externally or in a group setting, e.g. a civic club or company's location. can lead to these groups and companies forming their own club to suit their culture and needs. 

A new Speechcraft digital experience was unveiled at the start of 2021, which means the existing Speechcraft format was retired. 

For clubs that have held Speechcraft sessions, please note important changes announced by Toastmasters International.

• As with any volunteer organisation, there are conditions to be met regarding fundraising to protect the not for profit status of the organisation with the government and tax authorities. 

• NOTE: Protocol 8.2: Fundraising: This protocol outlines the approved use of Speechcraft, the Success Communication Series, the Success Leadership Series, the Better Speaker Series, the Successful Club Series,  and the Leadership Excellence Series. 

• Under Protocol 8.2, clubs may continue to conduct these programs as fundraising activities and charge participants a materials fee. In keeping with the spirit of Toastmasters International and the goal of fundraising, this Protocol now also specifies that, "The fee charged participants must not exceed the cost of 12 months Toastmasters International membership dues." 

• Speechcraft fees should not exceed US$90. Please view the current US$ exchange rate for details (Google "exchange rate converter." Things to note are: 

• Allow for fluctuations in exchange rates (noted by TI):
  “The only restriction, per Protocol 8.2, is that the amount cannot exceed 12 months of membership dues or $90 USD. The exchange rate is out of all of our control, and the best way to proceed is to take a more conservative approach in determining the amount charged to the participants. The protocol states that the amount cannot exceed 12 months, which means a lower amount can be charged. This conservative approach should accommodate any fluctuations in exchange rates and ensure the club conducts Speechcraft in accordance with the protocol.”

• District 70 recommends: Speechcraft participant x US$90 x date of invoice conversion rate USD to AUD (even allowing for daily changes it will never be perfect) = rate of AUD charge per person.

• The product or service rendered is donated or voluntary.

• No individual member profits financially from the activity.

• The profits are used to further Toastmasters International's tax-exempt purpose.

• Funds must be used for the benefit of the members of the club conducting the Speechcraft.

• Any violation of this Fundraising Protocol is subject to disciplinary action.

• Exceptions:  Should a club experience extenuating circumstances, special permission may possibly be granted for higher fees. 

• Email: speechcraft@toastmastersd70.org.au for clubs with extenuating circumstances, BEFORE submitting a request to World Headquarters. It should include the desired fee, explanation of extenuating circumstances, and planned date of workshop.  

• In the kit you will receive a copy of the Speechcraft Coordinator's Guide and workbook for each participant from Toastmasters International. These documents have everything you need to run a Speechcraft course. 

• Produce a package for each participant which includes: handouts, tips, workbook, evaluation forms, and note-taking paper. 

• Get members to support you - you cannot do this alone. Your members will need to give up their time to volunteer to help run the workshop. Make sure to get their permission first and that you have enough support to run the course. It is another way for them to also learn and grow. 

• Ask yourself, "If I was paying for this course, am I getting value?" ... Keep that in the back of your mind. It will drive decisions on everything. 

• Arrive early, ensure the course starts on time as that is what they are paying for, be prepared and professional, prepare a professional presentation pack which includes templates, "how-to" information and guides - material they can build upon. 

• Provide receipts for any payment. 

• Provide Certificates upon completion. Ask if anyone would like a letter sent to their employer. 

• Choose presenters with good presentation skills and knowledge on the subject; make sure they are given ample time to prepare and practice and have the appropriate equipment set up ahead of time (e.g. PowerPoint Projector). 

• Pick a time of day that will ensure attendance for that audience. (Absences dent the energy and the benefit.)

• Ensure all speeches keep to the allocated times so that the course will run smoothly. 

• Plan ahead and adapt the course to participants' needs and strengths. Be flexible. 

• Enthuse individuals to present their weekly speech in whatever shape or form they want. (They can use the same speech repeatedly but deliver it in different styles to lesson the writing load.)

• Seek commitment from the participants - they must be dedicated to the course for both preparation and meetings. For corporate clubs, they may get support from their management. 

Acknowledgement & Welcome

Housekeeping

• Share where amenities are located.

• Be prepared for changes to meetings, the online format, and/or the layout of the venue.

• Start on time (therefore arrive a bit early). 

Introductions: 

• Get attendees to introduce themselves by stating their name, work/study.

• E.g. and one fantastic thing that happened in the past week. 

Establish ground rules for mutual respect:  

• Remind everyone to turn their mobile devices off or on silent.

• If they need to make a call please ask them to leave the room to do so. 

• Avoid entering or leaving the room while a participant is presenting; if online, be present and keep the video on during an online session. 

• During evaluations, wait for the person to finish - see them afterwards if you have comments. 

• Be encouraging. 

Requirements to complete the course or session

• Provide them with their learning outcomes

• Handouts and homework

• Some corporations may require attendance records.

Completion event

• Certificates and/or letter to their employer

• Attendee round the room feedback

Grammarian

• Encourage the use of the 'word-of-the-day'.

• Highlight great uses of words and phrases heard.