Don’t Waste an Opportunity!

by Christine Duez, CC - Winter Haven Toastmasters

What does your club do when the calendar presents you with an extra week. Winter Haven Toastmasters 2104 decided to make the most of the occasion! We have a Speakathon and can accommodate up to eight speakers that night. It is a great opportunity for members to get in one extra speech toward their goals.

When we first discussed this exciting possibility, our VPE, Richard Hoar, ACB, ALB, wanted members to have an oral evaluation, but the time constraints of the meeting were a challenge. He came up with a great idea that we would like to present to all Toastmaster Clubs.

During those wonderful third meetings, we have the Thought and Pledge, a few opening remarks from our President and then begin a "Speakathon." Each speaker’s introduction includes the goals of the speech they are presenting. After their speech, the Toastmaster/Table Topics Master reads one of the speech goals and calls on a member of the club to give an impromptu evaluation. This gives the speaker meaningful feedback and the evaluator gains experience in extemporaneous speaking. After the speeches are concluded, we call for the General Evaluator and the Timer reports.

We conclude with any upcoming events and then adjourn. These meetings are usually done at the same time as a regular meeting. It requires the Toastmaster/Table Topics Master to do a bit more preparation, but it’s always worth the effort.

Richard Hoar, ACB
Winter Haven Toastmasters

Richard Hoar, was the Toastmaster/Table Topics Master for our first "Speakathon." We had seven speakers that evening, a General Evaluator, and a timer. The new format ran smoothly. Everyone was paying close attention when the goals of the speech were read since they might be called upon to give an evaluation. Most of the members were free to give a speech or an evaluation. The two, third Tuesdays we had during the winter season has helped two of our members complete a manual and helped the club earn points towards the Distinguished President Award. If you can get access to your meeting room on those special third meeting nights, try having a "Speakathon." It is great fun and helps everyone with their goals.