"A good orator is pointed and impassioned." - Marcus T. Cicero

Role: Toastmaster

The Toastmaster introduces speakers and provides a bridge between speakers. Before the meeting, contact each speaker to gather information for your introductions. You need:

• The speech title
• The manual name and project number
• Objectives
• Speech time
• Information about the speaker
• The correct pronunciation of the speaker’s name.
• Prepare introductions—aim to make the speaker feel welcome and the audience interested and attentive.
• Confirm the time for each speech with the speaker and make sure the timer has the correct times

At the meeting:

1. Explain the purpose of the Prepared Speeches and your role as Toastmaster. Mention that there are a number of different manuals that speakers may be using.
2. Encourage members to listen carefully to speeches and to provide their own constructive evaluation to speakers using the designated portion of the ballot.
3. Give your prepared introduction; be sure to include:
   • The speaker’s name, manual title, and project number.
   • The objectives of the project.
   • Finish with a phrase like “Please help me in welcoming (Speaker’s name), (title of speech)….(title of speech), (speaker’s name)".
4. Lead the applause.
5. Shake the speaker’s hand and vacate the lectern, but remain nearby. (HINT: When you arrive at the meeting select a seat near the front of the room).
6. Provide a bridge between speakers by commenting on the previous speech in some way.
7. Ask for a minute of silence so the evaluators can work on their evaluations. Encourage others to write down comments for the speaker as well.
8. After the last speech, ask the Timer to report on each speaker's time.
9. Call for a vote for the best speaker. Instruct the members on the criteria for the vote—normally the speaker who best met the objectives of the project.
10. Introduce the General Evaluator using your prepared introduction.
11. Take your seat

Related Rescources

• Speaker Introduction Form (send this to the speakers for them to fill out. Send it by the Thursday before the meeting.)
• When you are Toastmaster Script (pdf)

Back

Visit us!

Schooner Toastmasters is open to all and guests are always welcomed. Simply fill out the form below and someone will contact you with more information.

Meeting details:

Time: Tuesdays, 6:50 pm to 8:50 pm
Location: Halifax Chrysler Dodge Jeep,12 Lakelands Boulevard, Halifax, NS B3S 1S8, Canada (Bayer's Lake)(see map)
Please do not park in front of the show room, there is plenty of parking on the side of the building. We meet upstairs in the lunch room.

The names "Toastmasters International," "Toastmasters," and the Toastmasters International emblem are trademarks
protected in the United States, Canada, and other countries where Toastmasters clubs exist. Unauthorized use is prohibited

another creative solution by à la Carde Graphic Design
Contributions and editing by Rosemary Drisdelle