We run every meeting according to a standard agenda, to ensure everyone gets a chance to participate if they want to. Each meeting is run by a selected ‘ToastMaster’ who is in charge of the agenda and ensures we run on time. All ‘speeches’ are timed according to a pre-agreed length. This is usually 1-2 mins for impromptu speaking, 5-7 mins for formal prepared speeches, 2-3 mins for evaluation speeches etc.
An evaluator concentrates during the tea break
A unique feature of Toastmasters is that speakers receive verbal feedback on their speeches from an evaluator during the meeting. This enables us to steadily improve both our speaking skills and our ability to listen objectively. There is a format to how this is done to ensure that it is a positive and helpful process!
In Brief
- 7:45 President Opens Meeting
- Toastmaster – Introduction to agenda and protocols
- Education Speech (we don’t have this every time)
- Table Topics
- General Evaluator – Explains Evaluation Process
- Prepared Speech 1
- Prepared Speech 2
- 8:45 Break for coffee/tea & chat
- Prepared Speech 3
- Prepared Speech 4
- General Evaluator – Introduces evaluators
- Evaluators – Evaluate Prepared Speeches
- General Evaluator – Evaluates Evening (sometimes Table Topics and/or Evaluators)
- Grammarian – grammar feedback, ums/ahs etc.
- 9:40 President awards Best Speaker, Evaluator and Table Topics and closes meeting