Special Occasions Speeches

Social or Special Occasions Speeches:

 

We have all probably been asked at some social occasion to say: "A few words".  Perhaps it was a moment that motivated you to join Toastmasters? I remember one such member,  that at her wedding, was put in such a position to say some words in front of people and was terrified. This eventually lead her to toastmasters to overcome that fear. 

 

  Since being in toastmasters some many years now I have had many occasions to speak at different social occasions and even lead entire memorial services for loved ones. I never envisioned that when I began my Toastmasters journey but it certainly made a big difference for me and the appreciation of many family members and friends that I was able to do this.

 This perhaps is something you may or may not have thought a lot about. Many times our emphasize is career related and that is our focus regarding public speaking.  

In the olden days of toastmasters their was an entire manual  about “Special Occasions  Speeches “ which addressed  Giving a Toast, Speaking in Praise, The Roast, Presenting an Award and Accepting an Award,   

 These speeches are no in Level three of most if not all pathways.  They are something we should consider being basically prepared for as we go throughout our adult lives.  The ability to communicate at social events is a very valuable and relevant thing in our lives. 

References:

https://d7toastmasters.org/beta/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Pathways-Paths-and-Core-Competencies-11-Paths.pdf

https://www.toastmasters.org/magazine/magazine-issues/2016/dec2016/special

Distinguished Club Program

   I am always be impressed with Pioneer Toastmasters and the achievements in the Distinguished club Program. This will probably be the last time I talk about this for our fiscal year which ends at teh end of June.   

 Congratulations you all have achieved all of the educational goals and all of the other goals other than new members. 

  We are currently showing 13 members and we need 20 to get the distinguished award.   The last several years,   we have struggled to get the required number of members to qualify.  Never give up we have a few weeks to add the required number. 

Note: IF we get the 7 members needed to get to 20 we will check off the remaining new members goals as well and have checked off all the goals. 

No matter how this turns out,  well done Pioneers!   

Speaking Time Limits

We all are familiar that in toastmasters we time a lot of things. We of course time the prepared speeches, as well as Table Topics and Evaluations.  

  Why is timing so emphasized and why is it important? 

 

 Several years back I was in attendance to What we in the Air Force called an Senior NCO (None commissioned Office) induction Ceremony. This is a big deal for enlisted folks and among many things it is an opportunity to honor those entering the top levels of the enlisted Ranks. Top three as they are called. (E-7 to E-9 ranks)

   

  This particular year they invited a retired Colonel to be the keynote speaker. He went over his time limit significantly. It was very awkward and cringeworthy. I don’t recall exact times but it was probably close to double the time limit he was suppose to speak.  I guarantee the planners of this event did not forget this and it definitely went with this gentleman’s reputation after that.   This could be regarded as unprofessional and at minimum it was careless.  This caused the entire evening to run considerably late. 

This is one example of why time limits are important. I think that perhaps little more subtle is the choices on must make when taking your speech down to the time limit allowed. It causes you to focus on what is important. If you can not focus on all of the good things you had hoped to share what is most important?  

  Speech contests in Toastmasters are very strictly timed and if you go outside of the time limits you will be illuminated.  I watched,  one year,  a well known individual in district 26 exceed his time limit for the District Final contest.  He in the most professional way simply said it was my fault I deviated from how I normally gave the speech and I knew better than to do that. 

 To quote an article which I will link below, “Manage Your Speaking Time   By Diane Windingland, DTM"

 “Sticking to time limits is a signal of discipline and respect.It’s not just about following rules; it’s about respect—respect for the audience’s time, respect for fellow speakers, and respect for meeting agendas. Managing time well ensures meetings run efficiently and helps speakers practice delivering concise, impactful messages.”

There is much more that can be written or said about adhering to time limits but it is a very important part of public speaking in a concise and respectful way. It truly deserves the attention that toastmasters gives it as well as our own

Great article to read to go along with my quick thoughts on this subject;

https://www.toastmasters.org/magazine/magazine-issues/2025/feb/manage-your-speaking-time article to read along with my quick thoughts on this subject!