CTM Manual Speeches

Competent Toastmaster

Manual Speeches

Everyone who joins Toastmasters starts with the Competent Toastmaster Manual, a collection of speeches of varying levels of difficulty. Speeches are done in sequence, with each new speech building on skills learned in the previous one. Each participant determines his or her own pace. This page describes the ten speeches in the CTM manual, and provides the objectives of each.

After receiving CTM recognition you can enter the Advanced Communication and Leadership Program, where you can refine and enhance your basic skills. This program gives you a choice of 15 manuals, each containing five speech projects. Many of the manuals are career-oriented; several are not. You choose the manuals you want to complete and the skills you want to learn. District 21 Toastmasters in BC has an online summary of the Advanced speech manuals.

Basic Communication and Leadership Manual Objectives

1	The Ice Breaker Time: 4-6 minutes	To begin speaking before an audience To help identify areas requiring growth To introduce yourself to your fellow members
2	Speak with Sincerity Time: 5-7 Minutes	To convince the audience of your earnestness, sincerity, and conviction on a subject you understand To confront and control any nervousness you may have
3	Organize Your Speech Time: 5-7 Minutes	To organize your thoughts into a logical sequence that leads the audience to a clearly defined goal To build a speech outline with an opening, body and conclusion
4	Show What You Mean Time: 5-7 Minutes	To learn the value of gestures and body movements while speaking To explore the different ways of using body language To develop a sense of timing and natural, smooth body movement
5	Vocal Variety Time: 5-7 Minutes	To explore the use of voice volume, pitch, rate, and quality To achieve a pleasing natural voice quality when speaking
6	Work With Words Time: 5-7 Minutes	To select the right words to communicate your ideas clearly & vividly To avoid lengthy words, sentences and jargon
7	Apply your skills Time: 5-7 Minutes	To apply the communication skills you have learned to date To organize your speech in a logical manner, following an outline To research the facts needed to support your speech To make a personal evaluation of your progress
8	Add Impact Time: 5-7 Minutes	To learn the value of props in speaking To learn how to use props effectively in your presentations
9	Persuade With Power Time: 5-7 Minutes	To present a talk that persuades the audience to accept your viewpoint To achieve this persuasive effect by appealing to the audience's self-interest, building a logical foundation for agreement, and arousing emotional commitment to your cause
10	Inspire Your Audience Time: 8-10 Minutes	To understand the mood of an audience on a particular occasion To put those feelings into words and inspire the audience, using all the techniques you have learned so far