Blake’s Tips:

11 Do’s and Don’ts for when you are at a Toastmaster meeting(Or things that got left out of my CC Manual):  Part 1

By Area 44 Governor Blake Smith ACS, ALB

When you are seated at the head table:

• Pay attention to the dress code. Respect your audience.
• Always read your presenters’ introductions BEFORE you get to the lectern. Preferably, read them out loud when you receive them, so the party to be introduced can assist you with any pronunciation.
• Don’t needlessly add to the intro. Assume this is how the speaker wants to be introduced. You can practice your impromptu speaking during Table Topics. 
• You are the head cheerleader when you are in charge. As you bring up your Toastmaster, Table Topics Master, General Evaluator, Evaluator or Speaker to the lectern, AND when they return to their seats, you lead the applause. Show excitement. After a speaker has done their best at practicing their craft, nothing is more disappointing than a silent room. Let them know their effort is appreciated!!
• Not all speakers like to shake hands. Yeah I know, hard to believe, Right?  Unless you are familiar with the speaker, try to remember to let the speaker reach out to you. Sometimes a simple nod of acknowledgement will suffice.
• And lastly, have FUN. When you have fun, your audience will join you.

When you are the presenter being introduced:

Bring an intro that is legible and brief. If possible, send it to your introducer 24-48 hours before the event.
Don’t confuse an intro with a bio sheet. We’re happy that you won “Safe Driver of the Year” for 1986, but if it has nothing to do with your speech, leave it out.
Any personal info (spouse, family, township of residence, etc) should be very brief. It nice to let us know you, but save the rest for a speech when you have time to really tell the story.
Your intro should set up your presentation.

• Do you need any background info to establish your credibility (Past President, etc)?
• From what manual are you speaking? 
• What are the project challenges for this particular speech?
• As an example, let your audience know if it is a reading speech so you can get better quality feedback.
• Let your introducer do the heavy lifting setting up your presentation so you can hit the ground running...............You get the picture.

When you are being introduced, remember you are not a member of the audience. You are the main event! Stand slightly off to the right or left of your presenter so when your intro is completed, you can walk those last few steps, smiling and ready to go.
Part 2 will cover Table Topics and Speaking Dos and Don’ts