Basic Manual Speeches

During your membership in Toastmasters, you will be encouraged to complete the 10 "manual speeches" from the Communication and Leadership Program manual. Although you will pick the specific topic yourself for each of those speeches, each speech has several objectives. The manual and other materials that you will be given, will help you achieve these objectives. We have listed them below, so that you can see for yourself the types of skills you will be striving to improve.

Basic Manual (2004, current version)

Speech #1 The Ice Breaker

Time: 4-6 minutes
Speech Objectives
  • 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

Speech #2 Organize Your Speech

Time: 5-7 minutes
Speech Objectives
  • Select an appropriate outline which allows listeners to easily follow and understand your speech
  • Make your speech clear with supporting material directly contributing to that message
  • Use appropriate transitions when moving from one idea to another
  • Create a strong opening and closing

Speech #3 Get To The Point

Time: 5-7 minutes
Speech Objectives
  • 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 nervousness you may feel
  • Strive not to use notes

Speech #4 How To Say It

Time: 5-7 minutes
Speech Objectives
  • 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.

Speech #5 Your Body Speaks

Time: 5-7 minutes
Speech Objectives
  • 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.

Speech #6 Vocal Variety

Time: 5-7 minutes
Speech Objectives
  • Use voice volume, pitch, rate and quality to reflect and add meaning and interest to your message.
  • Use pauses to enhance your message
  • Use vocal variety smoothly and naturally

Speech #7 Research Your Topic

Time: 5-7 minutes
Speech Objectives
  • Collect information about your topic from numerous sources
  • Carefully support your points and opinions with specific facts, examples and illustrations gathered through research

Speech #8 Get Comfortable With Visual Aids

Time: 5-7 minutes
Speech Objectives
  • Select visual aids that are appropriate for your message and the audience
  • Use visual aids correctly with ease and confidence

Speech #9 Persuade With Power

Time: 5-7 minutes
Speech Objectives
  • Persuade listeners to adopt your viewpoint or ideas or to take some action
  • Appeal to the audience's interests
  • Avoid using notes

Speech #10 Inspire Your Audience

Time: 8-10 minutes
Speech Objectives
  • 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 quote to add drama
  • Avoid using notes