After the Ice Breaker
I recently wrote about why I feel that the Toastmasters program works. The first step in the Toastmasters program is to give the Ice Breaker speech. It doesn’t matter how well written the speech is or even how well it’s given. The main goal is to overcome the initial fear of speaking in front of others. Once you’ve gotten up and done that, you’re ready to move on to the next steps.
Projects 2-9 in the Competent Communication Manual build on each other starting with how to build a speech and moving on to using gestures and props or conducting research. While Toastmasters does not require that members go through the manual’s projects in order, I do recommend it as they each build on the previous exercises.
Each of Projects 2-10 has a 5-7 minute time limit. Adhering to time limits is important because nobody is ever given an unlimited amount of time to give a speech. Too short and you may not be giving enough information. Too long and you are either giving too much information or boring your audience to death. Sticking to a standard time-frame allows a new speaker to learn how long that time frame feels so they can adjust their speech on the fly if necessary.
Finally, as with any new skill, it’s important to practice, practice, practice. Beyond practicing your speech before a mirror, it’s important to practice giving speeches before an audience. The more you give presentations, the better a presenter you will become.
Next in this series – How to deal with feedback…
Image Credit: This image was retrieved on December 20, 2009 from Freedom to Think using Google Images.
The projects in the Competent Communication Manual also force us out of our comfort zone a bit too. Projects like Research, Persuasion, Inspiration and techniques that include using Visual Aids and Vocal Variety all make us confront more than our fear of public speaking. But, the environment is so supportive that broaching these subjects doesn’t seem to ever bother the speaker.
After completing the CC manual, I have purposely chosen Advanced Manuals that are far from my comfort zone, including Humorously Speaking and Storytelling. With the support, encouragement and advice of my fellow Toastmasters, I am gaining ground on two types of speaking that I would previously try to avoid.
Hi Dan! I know what you mean about getting out of your comfort zone. I chose Public Relations and Communicating on Television. I’m scheduled to give my first speech from one of these books on January 15th. I’m not sure what I’ll do yet, but I’m looking forward to it. Thanks for sharing!
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