Info for 4/15/24 Meeting

 This will be a Zoom only meeting from 6-7pm Monday, April 15, 2024.

Here is the Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84147051443?pwd=VEZQbHhzOHVoVW5EZWN4VTFQbm1TQT09

Meeting ID: 841 4705 1443 Passcode: 677481

The basic agenda for this meeting:

Introductions

Presentation of overall purpose of SpeechCraft program.

Presentation on selecting a topic.

Table Topics - 60-90 second impromptu speeches on assigned topics.

Evaluation of speakers and meeting.

Discuss plans for future meetings and volunteer for roles. We will want up to 3 volunteers to do their Ice Breaker speech which is 2-3 minutes at our next meeting with the purpose of telling other participants about yourself.

Adjourn.

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SpeechCraft Information

8 meeting program designed to provide or improve basic presentation skills.

Seminars on selecting topics, organizing a speech, using body language, using vocal variety, etc.

Practice extemporaneous speaking with table topics.

Make short prepared speeches (up to 3 for each participant) of typically 2-4 minutes depending on the exercise to practice speaking skills including staying within time limits.

Improve listening skills by taking roles including tracking other people's performance and reporting on it. This includes being a timer, ah counter, grammarian, or speech evaluator.

Once you have given a speech and been evaluated, you are eligible to evaluate speeches others give. This is a very important role for your development. It helps with listening skills and tactfully coaching others to improve. Also, it is a very focused impromptu speaking exercise because you have to prepare a 2 minute evaluation in a relatively short time. Speech evaluators typically do not get called on for Table Topics for this reason.

At the end of 8 meetings, you should be well prepared to communicate with more proficiency at meetings. You can continue your development by participating in more SpeechCraft programs or by actively participating in a Toastmasters club.

The value of this for politicians and political activists should be obvious. We might even have table topics on this to drive the point home!