Members prepare their speeches based on projects in the education program, known as Pathways. Giving a prepared speech offers an excellent opportunity to hone your communication and leadership skills, including planning, organization, and time management. The inaugural speech of a club member is aptly named the "Icebreaker." Icebreakers are delivered at the beginning of every new Pathway too. Speech lengths vary depending on the type of speech being delivered.

Guidelines:

Prior to the meeting

• Check the meeting agenda for your time to speak.
• Begin working on your speech enough in advance to allow time for research, organization, and rehearsal. Consult the „Base Camp“ Pathways website to make use of the materials provided. It will give you a comprehensive overview of each step you need to accomplish to complete your speech project.
• You can communicate in advance with your scheduled evaluator about your project and the speech you will be presenting. You can discuss together your goals and any personal concerns about your speaking skills. Emphasize areas you are working on that you would like your evaluator to note.
• If possible, email the evaluation resource for your Pathways project to your evaluator.
• You may also choose to bring a printed version of your Pathways evaluation resource to your meeting.
• Make sure you enter the final speech title in EasySpeak at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.

During the meeting

• When announced by the toastmaster, come on the stage and shake his/her hand. Deliver the speech.
• After you finish your talk, wait for the Toastmaster to return to the lectern before taking your seat.

After the meeting

• You can follow up with your evaluator with any questions you might have.
• Take a moment to review any evaluations or comments you receive from other club members in the form of written notes.
• Make sure to log your speech completing in the Pathways website („Base Camp“).
• If you have completed all the requirements for a one level and you are ready to move on, send the level completion request to your Vice President Education in the Pathways website („Base Camp“).

Resources: