Speaking Freely with no ands, buts or Uhm's

Are you interested in joining Freely Speaking Toastmasters? Come to one of our meetings at Group Health and talk to one of the officers afterwards.

What's a Meeting Like?

Each Monday night is divided into three parts: one or two speakers, Table Topics and evaluations. The mood of the evening is set by the designated Toastmaster. The Toastmaster introduces guests and members who may be performing roles during the fast-paced 90-minute meeting.

Each speaker presents a speech following guidelines set out in several manuals. Toastmaster manuals begin with the first 10 speeches that prepare speakers to become Competent Toastmasters. Once a member completes these 10, he or she begins working from several advanced manuals in pursuit of an Advanced Toastmaster pin.

What are Table Topics?

First and foremost, Table Topics are fun. Here is your first opportunity to step in front of the podium and speak without preparation on a given topic. The Topic Master will present an opportunity for everyone — including you, our guest — to step up and speak. While, at first glance, this may sound like less fun than a root canal, you'll be surprised how quickly you'll want to step in and tell that tale about the rutabaga incident in Tijuana or what happened with Aunt Emma.

What is the Evaluation All About?

The evaluation part of the evening is where we measure our growth and discover ways to improve our performance in the future. As with each part of the program, this portion has its own leader.

The General Evaluator calls on members designated to help the measurement process. These include:

• The Grammarian who helps us mind our P's & Q's. We've all heard speeches that are loaded with time fillers like "umm" and "ah's." The Grammarian keeps us aware of when we slip into this and other poor habits.
• The Timer who keeps track of the time of each speech and table topic presentation.
• Speech evaluators are members chosen to appraise the speaker(s). There is time after each evaluation for members and guests to offer their own comments to the speaker(s).

Each of these positions gives you additional opportunity to practice your public presentation and organizational skills. By participating in the evening's program, you overcome a bit of fear each time you step in front of the podium. It won't be long before you will be not only a Competent Toastmaster, but an all around improved human being.

For more information, see theToastmasters International Club Mission page.