Speech 2 and 3 in an 8 day period, complete. #2 was “Impromptu Speaking” from the Specialty Speeches manual. Speech #3 was “The Roast” from Special Occasions. Education #1 – Evaluate to Motivate from The Successful Club Series.
Archive for March, 2010
Theme: World Water Day; Role: Speaker
Author: rebeccaMar 22
Objective:
- Develop an entertaining dramatic talk about an experience or incident
- Include vivid imagery, characters, and dialog
- Deliver the talk in an entertaining manner
Assignment
For this project, prepare, rehearse and deliver a five to seven minute dramatic speech, including narration, as you set the scene and describe what is taking place, and dialogue between characters. Use your own experience or imagination. Your speech purpose is to entertain.
As you develop the story, keep these points in mind:
- Describe the setting (time, place, circumstances) quickly and concisely, omitting unnecessary details
- Make clear the nature of the conflict or difficulty that had to be overcome
- Personalize the story to attract and maintain listeners’ interest
- Build realistic images and characters through imagery
- Establish a mood of excitement and drama from the beginning
- Keep the story moving and building
- End with a powerful climax
Speech 1 of 3 in an 8 day period. I was nervous doing a speech that was completely out of my comfort zone. I make people smile, laugh, and occasionally shake their heads – especially at Stone Road Toastmasters. To invoke strong emotion on a serious topic is something new for me. “The End of Water” was completely outside the box of anything I had ever considered. I ended to sheer silence. (Almost) never have I been so flattered than when a guest referred to me as a “Thespian”. I don’t think I have ever been as flattered during a meeting.
Looking to the Future
Author: rebeccaMar 15
I find myself looking to the future quite a bit. It’s not that I’m necessarily living there, but I believe it’s crucial to plan for it. Whether it’s a career goal, personal success milestone, or a romantic relationship, I think it’s important to have a sense of where it’s going, even if it’s not 100% defined at the current time.
At the moment, I’m rather focused on what the 2010-2011 year is going to look like for me – especially in terms of my Toastmasters involvement. I have 3 speeches scheduled this month, one at each club. Royal City is putting me in for an education session a month, starting in April. April is also club elections, and I am planning to run for President at Stone Road – I am also expecting my appointment to the Area Governor position for the following year. In June, I hand over my Treasurer role at High Noon. Starting July, I will be the Area Governor for Guelph, President of Stone Road (if voted in), and I will need to start thinking about my HPL (High Performance Leadership) project for the year of my AG appointment.
I am a bit intimidated by all of this. I’m not retired, nor do I have a wealthy husband to support me while I pursue my dreams. I say this very tongue-in-cheek
However, what I do have is a strong work ethic, desire to succeed, and an endless supply of energy, enthusiasm, and dedication to the success of everyone involved. I’ve already found an employment possibility that will allow me the flexibility and time to dedicate myself to my Toastmasters goals. I am occasionally concerned that all of my endeavors may pose an issue for my relationship in terms of time commitment, but I also strive for a balanced life and I know I will find the balance required so that everyone involved prospers through my dreams. Lofty goal, no. It’s simply a matter of having a strong sense of self, knowing what I want, and being aware that clear and honest communication is the way to bring it all together!
Without further adieu, I’m pleased to be stepping into the role of Timer at High Noon in Cambridge today. I haven’t done this “light” role in awhile and it will give me the chance to really focus on the speeches. I’m also thrilled to be submitting my paperwork (finally) to receive my CL (Competent Leader) and ACB (Advanced Communicator Bronze) awards. Today will be filled with success!
A Real Ice Breaker
Author: rebeccaMar 1
Today, I had the pleasure and privilege of evaluating the most “real” Ice Breaker I have ever heard. Any one who knows me even an iota knows that I love critiquing speech #1 – not because I am necessarily a harsh critic (although I am!) but more so because I enjoy giving useful feedback to those who are solid speakers from the get go. However, today left me nearly speechless. Never, in my almost two years of Toastmasters, have I heard someone introduce themselves with such brutal honesty, integrity, and conviction. I was humbled and honoured by the experience of praising them to the club! How often at Toastmasters do we strive to be both real people and eloquent speakers? Sadly, I would say less often than not.



