The manual

The Communication and Leadership manual offers ten speech projects through which you can gradually build up your speaking skills and become a masterful speaker.

The new manual brings with it some major changes so please consult your copy carefully for each project you undertake.

When you have completed all ten speeches, you are eligible to receive the Competent Communicator (CC) award from Toastmasters International.


1. The Ice Breaker

Time: 4-6 minutes

  • Begin speaking before an audience
  • Identify areas requiring growth
  • Introduce yourself to your fellow members

2. Organize Your Speech

Time: 5-7 minutes

  • To select an appropriate outline which allows listeners to easily follow and understand your speech
  • Make your message clear, with supporting material directly contributing to that message


3. Get to the point

Time: 5-7 minutes

  • Select a speech topic and determine its general and specific purposes
  • Organise the speech in a manner that best achieves those purposes

4. How to say it

Time: 5-7 minutes

  • Select the right words and sentence structure to communicate your ideas clearly, accurately and vividly
  • Eliminate jargon and unnecessary words and use correct grammar
  • Use rhetorical devices to enhance and emphasise ideas

5. Your body speaks

Time: 5-7 minutes

  • Use stance, movement, gestures, facial expressions and eye contact to express your message and achieve your speech's purpose
  • Make your body language smooth and natural

6. Vocal variety

Time: 5-7 minutes

  • Use voice volume, pitch, rate and quality to reflect and add meaning and interest to your message
  • Use vocal variety smoothly and naturally

7. Research your topic

Time: 5-7 minutes

  • Collect information about your topic from numerous sources
  • Carefully support your points and opinions with specific facts, examples and illustrates gathered through research


8. Get comfortable with visual aids

Time: 5-7 minutes

  • Select visual aids that are appropriate for your message and the audience
  • Learn how to use props effectively in your presentations

9. Persuade With Power

Time: 5-7 minutes

  • Present a talk that persuades the audience to accept your viewpoint

10. Inspire Your Audience

Time: 8-10 minutes

  • Understand the mood of an audience on a particular occasion
  • Put those feelings into words and inspire the audience, using all the techniques you have learned so far