Keys to shape leader-speakers: The 188th Regular Meeting, March 16, 2024

Senri Toastmasters aims continuously to shape leader-speakers who are communicatively competent. HOW DO WE ACHIEVE THIS?

We don’t have teachers to teach us, but we rely on each other to help as we grow and improve. I have seen this more actively practiced during the last March 16th Regular Meeting.

We have the Prepared Speech Session where assigned speakers deliver speeches of their choice following the path they have chosen. The speakers deliver freely, with ease coupled with motivation the messages of their speeches. They incorporate the acquired delivery skills of an effective speaker like voice, body movements, gestures, eye contact, and other aspects. To deliver a speech doesn’t end here . . .

We have the Evaluation Session where assigned evaluators evaluate the speakers. Evaluators serve as “ala teachers” - our peers, club members. The evaluators try to apply the “Sandwich Approach” to give feedback. Evaluators are “teacher-like” wherein they state the positives of the speech delivered, suggest an area or two for improvement, and finish with another positive comment.

On this day, Speech Evaluator Hiko evaluated Prepared Speaker Kazu’s speech. His evaluation feedback was helpful and valuable not only to the speaker but to everyone. Then, Speech Evaluator Hiko got precious feedback from the General Evaluator Mune who gave his comments. And General Evaluator Mune got his share of feedback from the Toastmaster of the Day Kiyono. This is caught in the picture below wherein three Toastmasters engage in their respective meeting roles, supporting each other, acknowledging each other, and working as one in a “unique Toastmasters cycle.” Each member learns from a co-member and the cycle goes on. It is a unique teamwork. It facilitates the smooth flow of our meetings and productively fosters a warm atmosphere of growth. Each member on his own pace but equipped with the needed public speaking skills.