Page 42 - 2016 September Voices!
P. 42
Speechcraft: The Most Powerful
Toastmasters Tool
by Michelle Alba Lim, DTM
A Toastmaster friend Voice & Vocal Variety, 5) Using Visual Aids
recently asked me, “What’s Speechcraft?” I and Presentation Skills, 6) Effective Speech
replied, “Speechcraft is the most powerful tool Evaluation to Motivate, and 7) Impromptu
in Toastmasters vast arsenal.” My friend gave Speaking.
me a “here-you-go-being-crazy-again!” look
and insisted, “Seriously, what’s Speechcraft?” Experienced club members are often
I repeated my first response, then added reenergized by their Speechcraft involvement.
with a smile, “Speechcraft is a magnificent Seeing people blossom and grow because of
membership-building tool, a superb strategy to our help is a very fulfilling reward. Speechcraft
motivate, develop, and retain current members, volunteers can also earn credit for delivering
and a wonderful way to start a new club.” speeches from advanced communication
manuals as well as the “Better Speaker Series.”
Wide-eyed, my friend gasped, “Wow! Is New club members are inspired to stretch
Speechcraft really THAT powerful?” beyond their comfort zones and help out. Plus,
the Speechcraft Coordinator can use Speechcraft
“Yes, in my opinion, Speechcraft is REALLY as a High Performance Leadership (HPL) project.
that powerful!” I assured her.
Finally, as immediate past Division C
Toastmasters International calls Speechcraft Director, Janet Zeyen-Hall, has personally
the “#1 membership-building tool for clubs.” experienced, Speechcraft can lead to the birth of
President-elect Balraj Arunasalam goes a step a new club. In March, Janet started Speechcraft
further and considers it the most powerful tool at the Recovery Outreach Community Center
for starting new clubs. “I see it as a “triple crown” (ROCC). The response was very enthusiastic.
program. It’s great for recruiting new members, Within a few months Peer Masters was born!
retaining current members, and starting new
clubs.” The Toastmasters International website
explains, “Speechcraft can be offered as an
Many people find it easier to sign up for a integral part of your club meeting or as a
finite program than for club membership. As seminar-style program presented outside the
they participate in Speechcraft sessions and club. It can be conducted in four, six or eight
become better and more confident speakers, sessions. Conducting Speechcraft inside the club
their desire to join usually increases. Clubs can setting makes it easier for participants to become
help with this decision by covering the joining members. Conducting Speechcraft outside the
fee in the Speechcraft fee. Some clubs even club setting can lead to the formation of a new
charge enough to pay for the first six months of Toastmasters club.”
membership, should the graduate decide to join
the club. Speechcraft Coordinators should also To learn more about the benefits of
highlight that graduates who join get credit for Speechcraft or how to get started, contact me at
the first three speech projects in the Competent ipdd@d7toastmasters.org or Cathy French, Club
Communicator Manual. Growth Director at cgd@d7toastmasters.org.
According to the Toastmasters International Michelle Alba-Lim joined Toastmasters in 1996.
website, “Speechcraft is a program that allows She is a member of Roseburg Toastmasters and
experienced Toastmasters to present the funda- Competitve Speakers PDX. She is serving as the
mentals of public speaking to non-members.” District 7 Immediate Past District Director and
The program covers several topics, such as 2016-17 Speechcraft Coordinator.
1) Speech Organization and Construction,
2) How to Relate to Your Audience, 3) Using
Body Language and Gestures, 4) Your Speaking
42 Volume 3 Issue 3 - SEPTEMBER 2016
