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Speechcraft Courses

New Zealand Toastmasters Clubs regularly run Speechcraft Courses for novice public speakers.  These courses offer an introduction to public speaking, and run for 6-8 weeks.  Some clubs hold their speechcraft courses within the club, others run the courses outside of the club on a different day/time.  Clubs usually charge a fee for these courses which covers venue hire, refreshments and resources.

Speechcraft Schedule

This schedule lists the upcoming Speechcraft Courses being run by clubs in New Zealand. Check the frequently asked questions section below for more information.  To enrol on the course of your choice, please use the contact or email details listed below.

Consult our Online Calendar for other District 72 Events.

Speechcraft Course Coordinators:
Please complete our Online Speechcraft Notification Form to have your next Speechcraft Course listed in the schedule below.

Resources

For Toastmasters, download and print a Speechcraft Course Credits Checklist listing the speeches and leadership activities you can use to gain credits towards various educational awards..

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Speechcraft course?
A Speechcraft course is a short practical course in public speaking for the novice speaker. You'll be joining several other people who want to learn the basics of public speaking quickly in a supportive, friendly environment.

Everyone is involved in all the activities each session. You'll make new friends, learn new things, and have a lot of fun! It's a great way to start your public speaking career!

How will I benefit from a Speechcraft course?
A Speechcraft course will help you to:

• Gain confidence in public speaking
• Develop your communication and language skills
• Learn to think quickly and clearly
• Become an effective listener
• Use body language and visual aids
• Advance your social skills
• Improve your job or promotion prospects

How are Speechcraft courses run?
Each club may run the Speechcraft course slightly differently depending on the type of club, their meeting times, availability of venues etc. Some clubs run the course on separate nights from their normal club meetings, while others run the course in conjunction with their regular meetings.

The Club appoints a Speechcraft Coordinator who is responsible for the organisation and running of the course, with experienced Toastmasters helping out with educationals, evaluations and support.  Contact the Course Coordinator to discuss details and find out exactly what's involved.

What does a Speechcraft course cost?
Every club charges a slightly different fee depending on their individual costs. Contact the Speechcraft Coordinator for details.

What will I have to do?
During this practical course, you'll prepare and deliver several speeches. These are 4-6 minutes long on a subject of your choice. You'll also participate in impromptu speaking sessions (known as "table topics") and you'll learn how to evaluate other speakers using the criteria in the Speechcraft manual.  Experienced Toastmasters will also deliver "educationals", where you'll learn how to prepare your speech, hear tips on delivery techniques, and find out how to evaluate other speakers.

What manuals do I get?
When you begin the Speechcraft course, you'll be given your own personal Toastmasters Speechcraft manual. This manual sets out the speech projects (or assignments) you'll complete during the course. Each project has set objectives, notes on to how to prepare your speech, and an evaluation guide for your evaluator.

For example, you will deliver an "icebreaker" speech, where you introduce yourself to your fellow Speechcrafters. Other projects include using your voice effectively, using props or body language, speaking with sincerity about a topic, using correct and concise word choice, and organising your speech into a specific format. Each project will challenge you, and the valuable information in the Speechcraft manual will help you prepare your speeches.

Where can I get help from if I need it?
Every Speechcrafter is assigned a mentor. Mentors are usually experienced Toastmasters who are available for advice, help and support during the course. The Speechcraft Coordinator is always available for help as well.

What happens at the end of the course?
At the end of the course, you'll "graduate", and receive a Toastmasters International Speechcraft Course Completion Certificate. Some clubs organise a special graduation night, while others may include graduation as part of their normal meeting. You'll be advised of the arrangements near the end of the course, or you may even want to organise your own graduation!

Remember, this is a short course only, and it is not possible to learn everything in just six to eight weeks. To get the most benefit from the Toastmasters programme, it is likely to be in your best interests to join a Toastmasters Club so you can continue your learning by participating in the Toastmasters Communication and Leadership programme.  The first three speech projects in the Competent Communication Manual are cross-credited on successful completion of the Speechcraft course.  Details of which speeches are counted are in the Speechcraft manual.

What have people said about the Speechcraft course?
Here's what past Speechcrafters have said about the Speechcraft course:

• I have found the course excellent.  I looked forward to Speechcraft nights and felt exhilarated after the meeting.  The meetings were more "fun" than I expected and way less stressful than I anticipated.
• I gained skills in planning my presentation, talking to points, rather than reading my speech, overall confidence, receiving feedback and doing an evaluation.
• I found the course very educational and rewarding.  I gained a great deal, and feel the time was very well spent.
• It was fantastic!  I really felt that I became more confident with each speech I gave, and that I was totally supported by the Toastmasters running the course.

Can Speechcraft courses be run for companies or other organisations?
Yes, some Clubs or interested Toastmasters may run Speechcraft courses specifically for employees of a company, or members of a community organisation. Use the Club Finder database to contact your nearest Club to discuss the possibilities.

OK, I'm interested, what should I do?
Check the Speechcraft Course schedule at the top of this page to see if there is a Speechcraft course being run in your area. Contact the Speechcraft Coordinator for details, and to register your interest.

If there are no suitable courses, go to the Club Finder database to locate a club near you, then contact the club to find out if they are intending to run a course in the near future, or ask to visit the next club meeting.  Good luck!