Toastmasters International's Competent Communication Manual (225)
The Competent Communication (CC) manual, which has 10 speech projects, is the first step in the Toastmasters' communication track. You will develop your speaking skills one step at a time and every project builds upon what you learned in the preceding projects. As you prepare and present each project speech you'll learn the importance of organization, how to use body language and voice to convey your message, select the right words and use visual aids. You also learn how to speak persuasively and inspire others.
The Ten Speech Projects & Objectives
- Icebreaker
- To begin speaking before an audience;
- To learn what areas require particular emphasis in your speaking development; and
- To introduce yourself to members of your club.
- Organize your Speech
- To organize your thoughts into a logical sequence that leads the audience to a clearly defined goal; and
- To build a speech outline that includes an opening, body and conclusion.
- Get to the Point
- To determine the general and specific purposes of your speech and organize your speech to meet those purposes;
- To strengthen the opening and conclusion to reinforce the purposes; and
- To project your sincerity and conviction in the topic to control any nervousness .
- How to Say It
- To select precisely the right words required to communicate your ideas clearly and vividly; and
- To avoid lengthy words, sentences and jargon.
- Your Body Speaks
- To learn the value of gestures and body movements as part of a speech;
- To explore different ways of using body language; and
- To develop a sense of timing and natural, smooth body movement.
- Vocal Variety
- To explore the use of voice, volume, pitch, rate and quality as assets to your speaking voice; and
- To develop a pleasing natural voice quality when speaking.
- Research Your Topic
- To learn to collect information about your topic from numerous sources;
- To learn how to support your points and opinions with specific facts.
- Get Comfortable with Visual Aids
- To learn the values of props in speaking; and
- To learn how to use props effectively in your presentations.
- Persuade with Power
- To present a talk that persuades the audience to accept your proposal or viewpoint; and
- To achieve this persuasive effect by appealing to the audience's self interest, building a logical foundation for agreement and then arousing emotional commitment to your cause.
- Inspire your Audience
- To understand the mood and feelings of your audience on a particular occasion; and
- To put those feelings into words and inspire your audience, using all the techniques you have learned so far.
A Toastmaster member will be assigned as your evaluator and will give you feedback on the speech project you present and help you to improve. The evaluator will provide written comments and recommendations; to be recorded in your manual. When you complete the CC manual you are eligible for Competent Communicator (CC) recognition. Complete the CC application in the manual and ask your vice president education to submit it online to TI World Headquarters.
Competent Communicator (CC) Award Application (1225 CC)