Business & Professional Toastmasters
Club#1169
Metairie, Louisiana
Toastmasters Manuals
Projects, Times & Objectives
Index of
Toastmasters Manuals:
(click a title to view that projects objectives and time
guidelines)
The Basic Manual
Advanced Communication Series:
Communicating on Television
Humorously Speaking
Interpersonal Communications
Interpretive Reading
Public
Relations Speaking to Inform
Special Occasion Speeches Specialty Speeches
Speeches by Management Storytelling
Technical Presentations The
Discussion Leader
The Entertaining Speaker The Professional
Salesperson
The Professional Speaker Persuasive Speaking
Leadership Manual
Want to find out how the manuals relate to the
Toastmaster experence?
See: Toastmasters Communication &
Leadership Tracks.
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The Competent Communication (CC) Manual
- previously known as The Communication & Leadership (CL) Manual -
This is the Basic Manual is where all Toastmasters begin their journey in improving their speaking, listening and thinking skills. Note: Toastmasters International continually updates it's manuals. So, The project titles listed below reflect a few of the changes that have been made. Whether the project title has changed or not, the project objectives may have changed -- please check your manual for your current objectives.
Projects:
The Ice Breaker (4 to 6 minutes)
To begin speaking
before an audience
To help you
understand what areas require particular emphasis in your
speaking development.
To introduce
yourself to your fellow club members.
Get to the Point (5 to 7 minutes) was "Speak with Sincerity" - before that - "Be In Earnest"
Select a speech
topic and determine its general and specific purposes.
Organize the speech
in a manner that best achieves those purposes.
Ensure the
beginning, body and conclusion reinforce the purposes.
Project sincerity
and conviction and control any nervousnes you may feel.
Organize Your Speech (5 to7 minutes)
Select an
appropriate outline which allows listeners to easily follow and
understand your speech.
Make your message
clear, with supporting material directly contributing to that
message.
Use appropriate
transitions when moving from one idea to another.
Create a strong
opening and conclusion.
Your Body Speaks (5 to 7 minute) was "Show What You Mean"
Use stance,
movement, gestures, facial expressions and eye contact to express
your message and achieve your speech's purpose.
Make your body
language smooth and natural.
Vocal Variety (5 to 7 minute)
To explore the use
of voice volume, pitch, rate, and quality as assets to your
speaking.
To Achieve a
pleasing natural voice quality when speaking
How to Say It (5 to 7 minute) was "Work with Words"
Select the right
words and sentence structure to communicate your ideas clearly,
accurately and vividly.
Use rhetorical
devices to enhance and emphasize ideas.
Eliminate jargon
and unnecessary words. Use correct grammar.
Research Your Topic (5 to 7 minute) was "Apply Your Skills"
Collect information
about your topic from numerous sources.
Carefully support
your points and opinions with specific facts, examples and
illustrations gathered through research.
Get Comfortable with Visual Aids (5 to 7 minute) was "Add Impact to your Speech" - before that - "Make It Persuasive"
Select visual aids
that are appropriate for your message and the audience.
Use visual aids
correctly with ease and confidence.
Persuade with Power (5 to 7 minute) was "Speak With Knowledge"
Persuade listeners
to adopt your viewpoint or ideas or to take some action.
Appeal to the
audience's interests
Use logic and
emotion to support your position.
Inspire Your Audience (5 to 7 minute)
To inspire the
audience by appealing to noble motives and challenging the
audience to achieve a higher level of beliefs or achievement.
Appeal to the
audience's needs and emotions, using stories, anecdotes and
quotes to add drama.
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Time Your Speech
Television presentations differ from other presentations, and they require special considerations. With this manual you'll learn to present editorials, appear as a guest on a "talk" show, conduct a press conference, and use television to train.
Projects:
Straight Talk (3 minutes +/- 30 sec)
To effectively
present an opinion or viewpoint in a short time.
To stimulate giving
a presentation as part of a television broadcast.
The Talk Show (10 minutes +/- 30 sec)
To understand the
dynamics of a television interview or "talk" show.
To prepare for the
questions that may be asked of you during a television interview
program.
To present a
positive image on the television camera.
To appear as a
guest on a simulated television talk show.
When You're the Host (10 minutes +/- 30 sec)
To conduct a
successful television interview.
To understand the
dynamics of a successful television interview or "talk" show.
To prepare
questions to ask during the interview program.
To present a
positive, confident image on the television camera.
The Press Conference (4 to 6 minutes presentation; 8 to 10 minutes question period)
To understand the
nature of a television press conference.
To prepare for an
adversary confrontation on a controversial or sensitive
issue.
To employ
appropriate preparation methods and strategies for communicating
your organization's viewpoint.
To present and
maintain a positive image on television.
Training On Television (5 to 7 minutes; 5 to 7 minutes video tape playback )
To learn how to
develop and present an effective training program on
television.
To receive personal
feedback through the videotaping of your presentation.
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Audiences love to laugh. This manual shows you how to use humorous stories and jokes throughout your speech to grab and keep listeners' attention and illustrate your points. You also learn how to give an entirely humorous speech.
Projects:
Warm Up Your Audience (5 - 7 minutes)
Prepare a speech
that opens with a humorous story
Personalize the
story
Deliver the story
smoothly and effectively
Leave Them With A Smile (5 - 7 minutes)
Prepare a serious
speech that opens and closes with a humorous story
Prepare a closing
story that reemphasizes the speech's main point
Deliver the stories
smoothly and effectively
Make Them Laugh (5 - 7 minutes)
Prepare a serious
speech that opens and closes with humorous stories
Include jokes in
the speech body to illustrate points or maintain audience
interest
Deliver the stories
and jokes smoothly and effectively
Keep Them Laughing (5 - 7 minutes)
Prepare a speech
that opens with a self-deprecating joke
String together two
or three related jokes in the speech body
Close the speech
with a humorous story
The Humorous Speech (5 - 7 minutes)
Use exaggeration to
tell a humorous story
Entertain the
audience
Effectively use
body language and voice to enhance the story
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Topics covered include conversing with ease, negotiating, handling criticism, coaching someone to improved performance, and expressing dissatisfaction effectively.
Projects:
Conversing with Ease (10 to 14 minutes)
Identify techniques
to use in conversing with strangers.
Recognize different
levels of conversation
Initiate a
conversation with a stranger.
Use open-ended
questions to solicit information for further conversation.
The Successful Negotiator (10 to 14 minutes)
Employ win/win
negotiating strategies to achieve your goals
Enjoy the benefits
of win/win negotiating.
Diffusing Verbal Criticism (10 to 14 minutes)
Respond
non-defensively to verbal criticism.
Employ a five-step
method to identify the problem, diffuse the attack and arrive at
a solution.
The Coach (10 to 14 minutes)
Determine reasons
for someone's substandard performance
Coach the person to
improve performance.
Asserting Yourself Effectively (10 to 14 minutes)
Enjoy the mental
and physical benefits of being assertive.
Employing the
four-step method for addressing a problem and asking for
help.
Overcome resistance
to your requests
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This manual will help you develop your interpretive reading skills. The projects include presenting stories, poetry, monodramas, plays and oratorical speeches.
Projects:
Read A Story (8 to 10 minutes)
To understand the
elements of interpretive reading.
To learn how to
analyze a narrative and plan for effective interpretation.
To learn and apply
vocal techniques that will aid in the effectiveness of the
reading.
Interpreting Poetry (6 to 8 minutes)
To understand the
differences between poetry and prose.
To recognize how
poets use imaginary, rhythm, meter, cadence and rhyme to convey
the meanings and emotions of their poetry.
To apply vocal
techniques that will aid in the effectiveness of the reading.
The Monodrama (5 to 7 minutes)
To understand the
concept and nature of the monodrama.
To assume the
identity of a character and to portray the physical and emotional
aspects of this character to an audience.
The Play (12 to 15 minutes)
To adapt a play for
interpretive reading.
To portray several
characters in one reading, identifying them to the audience
through voice changes and movement.
The Oratorical Speech (10 to 12 minutes)
To understand the
structure of an effective speech.
To interpret and
present a famous speech.
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This complete guide to preparing and delivering the public relations speech will help you develop resources and techniques, "speak under fire", and handle the media talk.
Projects:
The Public Relations Speech (5 to 7 minutes)
Prepare a talk that
will build goodwill for your organization by supplying useful
information of interest to the audience.
Resources for Goodwill (8 to 10 minutes)
Research the
operation and benefits of an organization or company.
Prepare a talk
designed to build goodwill toward it by presenting factual
information.
Analyze the common
interests of your audience and focus your presentation on those
interests.
Effectively use at
least one visual aid to enhance the audience's understanding.
The Persuasive Approach (8 to 10 minutes)
Direct a persuasive
appeal to the audience's self-interests using a combination of
fact and emotion in a speech delivered in such a manner that it
appears extemporaneous.
Persuade the
audience to adopt your viewpoint by the use of standard
persuasive techniques.
Speaking Under Fire (6 to 8 minutes, 8-10 min question period)
Prepare a talk to
persuade a hostile audience at least to consider your position on
a controversial issue.
Conduct a
question-and-answer period on the speech subject.
The Media Speech (8 to 10 minutes +/- 30 seconds)
Write a speech
script on behalf of a social cause.
Using the script,
present the speech to persuade a general television audience.
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The projects in this manual will help you give informative and interesting speeches. Topics covered include the demonstration talk, the fact-finding report, the abstract concept and resources for informing.
Projects:
The Speech to Inform (5 to 7 minutes)
Select new and
useful information for presentation to the audience.
Organize the
information for easy understandability and retention.
Present the
information in a way that will help motivate the audience to
learn.
Resources for Informing (8 to 10 minutes)
Analyze the
knowledge level of your audience regarding your chosen
subject.
Focus your
presentation at the audience's level of knowledge.
Build a supporting
case for each major point through use of explanation examples,
and information gathered research.
Effectively use at
least one visual aid to enhance the audience's understanding.
The Demonstration Talk (10 to 12 minutes)
Prepare a
demonstration speech to clearly explain a process, product, or
activity.
Conduct the
demonstration as part of a speech delivered without notes.
A Fact-Finding Report (10 to 12 minutes)
Prepare a report on
a situation, event, or problem of interest to the audience.
Deliver sufficient
factual information in your report so the audience can base valid
conclusions or a sound decision on it.
The Abstract Concept (10 to 12 minutes)
Research and
organize the thought of experts on an abstract concept, theory,
historical force, or social/political issue.
Present the ideas
in a clear and interesting manner.
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Provides instruction in giving toasts, speaking in praise, "roasting" someone, and presenting and accepting awards.
Projects:
Mastering the Toast (2 to 3 minutes)
Recognize the
characteristics of a toast.
Present a toast
honoring an occasion or person.
Speaking in Praise (5 to 7 minutes)
Prepare a speech
praising or honoring someone, either living or dead.
Address five areas
concerning the individual and his/her accomplishments.
Include anecdotes
illustrating points within the speech.
The Roast (3 to 5 minutes)
Poke fun at a
particular individual in a good-natured way.
Adapt and
personalize humorous material from other sources.
Deliver jokes and
humorous stories effectively.
Presenting an Award (3 to 4 minutes)
Present an award
with dignity and grace.
Acknowledge the
contributions of the recipient.
Accepting an Award (5 to 7 minutes)
Accept an award
with dignity, grace and sincerity.
Acknowledge the
presenting organization.
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Speakers must be able to speak in many situations and this manual will help. Types of speeches covered include impromptu speeches, sales presentations, introductions, inspirational speeches, and oral interpretations.
Projects:
Speak Off The Cuff (5 to 7 minutes)
Develop an
awareness of situations in which you might be called upon to
deliver an impromptu speech.
Understand how to
prepare for impromptu speaking.
Develop skill as a
speaker in the impromptu situation by using one or more patterns
to approach a topic under discussion; for example, comparing a
past, present, and future situation, or before and after.
Uplift the Spirit (8 to 10 minutes)
Identify and
understand the basic differences between inspirational speeches
and other kinds of speeches.
Learn how to
evaluate audience feeling and develop emotional rapport.
Develop a speech
style and delivery that effectively expresses inspirational
content by moving the audience to adopt your views.
Sell a Product (10 to 12 minutes)
Understand the
relationship of sales technique to persuasion.
Skillfully use the
four steps in a sales presentation: Attention, interest, desire,
action.
Identify and
promote a unique selling proposition in a sales presentation.
Read Out Loud (12 to 15 minutes)
Arrive at an
understanding of the elements that comprise oral interpretation
and how it differs from preparing and giving a speech.
Learn the
preparation or planning techniques of effective
interpretation.
Learn the
principles of presentation and develop skill in interpretive
reading with regard to voice and body as instruments of
communication.
Introduce the Speaker (duration of a club meeting)
Focus on the
special occasion talk from the standpoint of the introducer
(function, chairman, toastmaster, master of ceremonies).
Become
knowledgeable and skilled in the functions associated with the
master of ceremonies.
Handle the
introduction of other speakers at a club meeting.
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This manual will help you successfully handle a variety of speaking situations managers encounter in their work environment. Subjects covered include briefings, technical speeches, motivational talks and confrontations.
Projects:
The Briefing (8 to 10 minutes; plus 5 minutes question period)
Apply the key steps
in the preparation of a briefing and the organization of
material.
Give a briefing
according to a specific objective so the audience will have an
understanding of the information.
Effectively handle
a question-and-answer session following the briefing.
The Technical Speech (8 to 10 minutes)
Convert a technical
paper or technical material and information into a technical
speech.
Organize a
technical speech according to the inverted-pyramid approach.
Write a technical
speech and present it
Manage And Motivate (10 to 12 minutes)
Understand the
concept and nature of motivational magnagement
Apply a four step
motivational method with the objectives to persuade and
inspire
The Status Report (10 to 12 minutes)
Organize and
prepare a status report involving the overall condition of a plan
or program
Construct the
report according to a four step pattern
Give an effective
presentation of the report
Confrontation: The Adversary Relationship (5 minutes speech ; plus 10 minutes question period)
Understand the
definition and nature of the adversary relationship
Prepare for an
adversary confrontation on a controversialissue
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Everyone loves a story. Types of stories covered in this manual include the folk tale, the personal story, stories with morals, the touching story, and the historical story.
Projects:
The Folk Tale (7 to 9 minutes)
To tell a folk tale
that is entertaining and enjoyable for a specific age group
To use vivid
imagery and voice to enhance the tale.
Let's Get Personal (6 to 8 minutes)
To learn the
elements of a good story.
To create and tell
an original story based on a personal experience
The Moral of the Story (4 to 6 minutes)
To understand that
a story can be entertaining yet display moral values.
To create a new
story that offers a lesson or moral.
To tell a story
using skills developed in the previous two projects.
The Touching Story (5 to 7 minutes)
To understand the
techniques available to arouse emotion
To become skilled
in arousing emotions while telling a story.
Bringing History to Life (7 to 9 minutes)
To understand the
purpose of stories about historical events or people.
To use the
storytelling skills developed in the preceding projects to tell a
story about a historical event or person.
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The projects in this manual will help you prepare and present briefings, proposals, technical papers and technical team presentations.
Projects:
The Technical Briefing (8 to 10 minutes)
Using a systematic
approach, organize technical material into a concise
presentation, tailoring to the audience's needs, interests and
knowledge levels.
The Proposal (8 to 10 minutes; 3 to 5 minutes question period)
Prepare a technical
presentation advocating a product, service, idea, or course of
action.
To present your
viewpoint logically and convincingly, using an inverted-pyramid
approach. To effectively handle a question-and-answer period.
The Nontechnical Audience (10 to 12 minutes)
Understand the
principles of communicating complex information to nontechnical
listeners, using overhead transparencies to illustrate your
message.
Answer audience
questions that arise during the presentation.
Presenting a Technical Paper (10 to 12 minutes)
Deliver an
interesting speech based on a technical paper or article.
Effectively use a
flipchart, overhead projector or slides to illustrate your
message.
The Team Technical Presentation (20 to 30 minutes)
Understand the
nature and process of a team technical presentation.
Conceptualize a
briefing or proposal involving three or more speakers, including
yourself.
Assemble a team of
club members capable of getting the job done.
Orchestrate the
planning, preparation and delivery of a team technical
presentation.
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This manual offers guidance in presenting workshop and conference presentations. Role-playing and problem-solving sessions are also covered. This manual is a must for managers, trainers, teachers and administrators.
Projects:
The Seminar Solution (20 to 30 minutes)
Present an
introductory short talk or brief lecture describing a theory,
model or information about a topic that will be discussed by a
group following the presentation.
Organize the
information so that it is easy to understand and can be
remembered.
Orient the group to
think about the specific goal of the discussion
Use a buzz session
discussion technique to promote group participation in deriving
information leading to a solution to the problem.
The Round Robin (20 to 30 minutes)
Establish the
meaning of a question with a discussion group.
Using a problem
solving pattern, lead the participants in a brainstorming
session.
Screen the possible
solutions and lead the group in deciding what action to take.
Pilot a Panel (30 to 40 minutes)
Select a problem
for panel discussion. Select not less than three members in
advance to speak on the panel.
Define the common
goals and the purpose of the panel.
Acting as
moderator, monitor the panel discussion to inform the
audience.
Make Believe (Role Playing) (20 to 30 minutes)
Understand what
role-playing is and how to use it effectively in group
communication.
Select a problem
involving human relations in which you may use the role-playing
method to illustrate and explore the problem.
Create a plot and
characters relevant to the discussion problem and select a cast
from among the group members.
The Workshop Leader (30 to 40 minutes)
Building group
unity, guide the workshop participants in an investigative
discussion of the problem.
Follow a problem
solving pattern to arrive at a solution.
Bring the group to
an agreement before the discussion ends.
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This manual includes valuable information on how to give an entertaining or dramatic speech, where to find material, how to make an audience laugh, and what to do when you're asked to speak after dinner.
Projects:
The Entertaining Speech (5 to 7 minutes)
Entertain the
audience through use of humor and/or drama drawn from your
personal experience.
Organize an
entertaining speech for maximum audience impact.
Resources for Entertainment (5 to 7 minutes; old: 8 to 10 minutes)
Draw humorous
and/or dramatic material from sources other than your own
personal experience.
Adapt your material
to suit your topic, your own personality and the audience.
Use entertaining
material as means of conveying a serious message.
Make Them Laugh (5 to 7 minutes; old: 8 to 10 minutes)
Prepare a humorous
speech drawn from your own experience.
Strengthen the
speech by adapting and personalizing humorous material from
outside sources.
Deliver the speech
in a way that makes the humor effective
A Dramatic Talk (5 to 7 minutes; old: 10 to 12 minutes)
Develop an
entertaining dramatic talk about an experience or incident, or
give a dramatic reading.
Include vivid
imagery, characters and dialogue.
Deliver the talk in
an interpretative manner.
Speaking After Dinner (8 to 10 minutes; old: 13 to 15 minutes)
Prepare an
entertaining after-dinner talk on a specific theme.
Deliver the talk
extemporaneously, using the skills developed in the preceding
entertainment projects.
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(Replaced by Persuasive Speaking) Everyone is a salesperson. At one time or another we must sell ideas or products to others. This manual will help you develop sales presentations, conduct sales meetings and train other salespeople.
Projects:
The Winning Attitude (8 - 10 minutes)
Understand the
importance of a selling attitude that puts customer's interests
ahead of your own
Learn to translate
product features into "people" benefits
Utilize the
five-step structural sequence for building a sales
presentations
Prepare and deliver
a sales presentation that focuses on meeting audience needs
Closing The Sale (10 - 12 minutes)
Understand the
importance of closing in successful selling
Master several
closing techniques applicable to various products and sales
situations
Prepare and deliver
a sales presentation incorporating one or more closing
techniques
Effectively handle
audience questions and / or objections
Training The Sales Force (Speech 6 - 8 minutes Roll Play 8 - 10 minutes Final Discussion 2 - 5 minutes
Understand the role
of a sales trainer in helping salespeople to function
successfully
Select a specific
aspect of selling and prepare an educational and / or
motivational presentation
Present an
interesting, interactive sales training speech and conduct a role
play to enable the audience to practice asles techniques
The Sales Meeting (15 - 20 minutes)
Learn to coordinate
an effective sales meeting
The Team Sales Presentation (15 to 20 minutes plus 5 - 7 minutes per person for manual credit)
Understand the
nature and process of a team sales presentation
Develop a concept
and plan for a sales presentation involving three or more
speakers
Assemble a teem who
can work together effectively
Coordinate the
planning, and delivery of a teem sales presentation
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This manual is a complete guide to becoming a professional speaker. Subjects covered include speaking as a company representative and speaking for pay.
Projects:
The Keynote Address (15 to 20 minutes)
Identify the basic
differences between keynote speeches and other kinds of
speeches.
Learn how to
evaluate audience feeling and establish emotional rapport.
Learn and use the
professional techniques necessary for a successful keynote
presentation.
Develop a speech
style and delivery that effectively inspires and moves the
audience to adopt your views as a collective reaffirmation of its
own.
Speaking to Entertain (15 to 20 minutes)
Entertain the
audience through the use of humour drawn from personal experience
and from other material that your have personalized.
Deliver the speech
in a way that makes the humour effective.
Establish personal
rapport with your audience for maximum impact.
The Sales Training Speech (15 to 20 minutes)
Tell a sales
audience how to sell a product by using a planned
presentation.
Inform a sales
training audience about the human experience of the buyer-seller
relationship.
Use entertaining
stories and dynamic examples of sales situations.
Inspire salespeople
to want to succeed in selling.
The Professional Seminar (20 to 40 minutes)
Plan and present a
seminar with specific learning objectives.
Relate to the
audience by using a seminar presentation style.
Use seminar
presentation techniques to promote group participation, learning
and personal growth.
The Motivational Speech (15 to 20 minutes)
Understand the
concept and nature of motivational speaking.
Apply a four-step
motivational method with the purpose of persuading and
inspiring.
Deliver a
motivational speech to persuade an audience to emotionally commit
to an action.
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(Replaced Professional Salesperson) The ability to influence and persuade others to accept your ideas, products, or services is vital. The projects in this manual are all designed to help you develop excellent persuasive techniques and expand your presentation skills.
Projects:
The Effective Salesperson (8 to 12 minutes = 3-4 min speech, short scenario intro, 3-5min role play)
Learn a technique
for selling an inexpensive product in a retail store.
Recognize a buyer's
thought processes in making a purchase.
Elicit information
from a prospective buyer through questions.
Match the buyer's
situation with the most appropriate product.
Conquering the "Cold Call" (10 to 14 minutes = 3-4 min speech, short scenario intro, 5-7 min role play, 2-3 min discussion)
Learn a technique
for "cold call" selling of expensive product or services.
Recognize the risks
buyers assume in purchasing.
Use questions to
help the buyer discover problems with his or her current
situation.
Successfully handle
buyer's objections and concerns.
The Winning Proposal (5 to 7 minutes)
Prepare a proposal
advocating an idea or course of action.
Organize the
proposal using the six-step method provided.
Addressing the Opposition (7 to 9 minutes speech; 2-3 minutes Q&A)
Prepare a talk on a
controversial subject that persuades an audience to accept or at
least consider your viewpoint.
Construct the
speech to appeal to the audience's logic and emotions.
The Persuasive Leader (6 to 8 minutes)
Communicate your
vision and mission to an audience.
Convince your
audience to work toward achieving your vision and mission.
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Each of the ten projects in the Competent Leadership manual focuses on a different leadership skill, providing you background information and an assignment that requires your serving in one or more specified meeting or club roles in which you can practice aspects of that skill. Roles can include Evaluator, Timer, Toastmaster, Ah-Counter and General Evaluator. In most projects you can choose which roles to serve in. While leadership roles can be learned in every meeting role, some roles provide better learning experiences than others.
Projects:
Listening and Leadership
Listening is an important leadership skill. Good listening helps you to identify and clarify issues, make decisions, resolve conflict and be creative. Listening skills also play a major role in team-building. You can learn to be a leader by following a few simple suggestions.
Determine your
current listening skills
Identify the seven
steps to better listening
Practice listening
skills in various club meeting roles
Critical Thinking
A leader gathers information, then analyzes, interprets and understands it before acting. Critical thinkers question what they read and hear, then determine the quality of a piece of information and use logical reasoning to reach conclusions. Critical thinkers make better decisions. You can learn to think more critically by following a few suggestions.
Determine your
current thinking skills
Practice critical
thinking skills in various club meeting roles
Giving Feedback
Team members need to know that they are doing well, what they are not doing well and how they can improve. Giving performance feedback is a necessary leadership function. When done properly, feedback can relieve stress, improve interpersonal relationships and promote trust and respect for leaders and team members.
Determine your
current skills in giving feedback
Identify the steps
in giving feedback effectively
Practice giving
feedback as you serve in various club meeting roles
Time Management
Time management helps leaders make the most of the time available to them. You can budget your time and accomplish projects and tasks efficiently by identifying long-term and short-term goals, make a daily to-do list, prioritize the list, make a schedule, delegate when possible, leave time for unexpected tasks, and manage interruptions.
Determine your
current time management skills
Identify the steps
to effectively manage time
Practice time
management skills in various club roles
Planning and Implementation
A plan provides direction for the leader and the team. The planning process involves setting goals and objectives and preparing plans and schedules to accomplish them. The process forces leaders to look beyond their everyday activities and think about what they want to happen in the future. Involving team members in the process will encourage their committment.
Determine your
current planning and implementation skills
Identify steps in
planning and implementation process
Practice planning
and implementation skills in various club roles
Organizing and Delegating
Leaders must ensure the team is organized and capable of accomplishing goals and objectives, and they must provide the structure in which the team will operate. Delegation also plays a major role. A leaders should accomplish functions that only he or she has the knowledge and authority to do and delegate all other tasks to team members.
Determine your
current skills in organizing and delegating
Identify steps in
the organizing and delegating process
Practice skills in
organizing and delegating during various club roles
Developing Your Facilitation Skills
A facilitator establishes the structure of the team needs to function effectively, ensures the structure is working and removes obstacles that may be impeding progress. A facilitator also resolves conflicts which are inevitable any time two or more people are required to work together. Good facilitation skills can help the group reach a resolution.
Determine your
current facilitation abilities
Identify
facilitation strategies
Practice
facilitation skills in various meeting roles
Motivating People
A motivated team can overcome obstacles of all types to achieve its goals. A leader creates and maintains an environment where team members are likely to become motivated. Leaders find out what motivates team members, then develops reward systems that match what team members value. They also look for ways to reward team members for doing the right things.
Determine your
current motivational skills
Identify conditions
that motivate people
Practice
motivational skills while serving in club roles
Mentoring
A mentor recognizes an individual who has less experience and cultivates that person's potential and talents and helps him or her succeed. Leaders are also mentors. You can be a mentor by offering someone opportunities for skill development, helping the person recognize areas needing work, providing helpful advice, being a role model, and encouraging the person to think for himself or herself.
Determine your
current mentoring skills
Identify the steps
in being a good mentor
Practice mentoring
skills in various club roles
Team Building
Teams offer great benefits. Team members have a variety of knowledge and skills, which results in more creativity and greater productivity. When a good team is in place, a leader has more time to devote to leadership issues. Team members must be carefully chosen and trained and encouraged to openly discuss issues with you and among themselves.
Determine your
current motivational skills
Identify steps in
building a team
Practice
team-building skills while serving in various club roles
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Index of Toastmasters Manuals
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