Speechcraft

Speechcraft.  What is it and what does it have to do with Toastmasters?  I'd often wondered this...I looked it up on the Toastmasters.org website and I asked more experienced members of my club.  What is this "Speechcraft" thing?  I was told that Speechcraft is like a mini-version of Toastmasters, ran inside the club or outside the club by members who are willing to put in the extra time. The participants are then invited to join the club once they've completed the "event".  Apparently it's a rare event as no one in my area seemed to be hosting one.  (And just why is it called an "event"?) 

When my club's new president proposed hosting a Speechcraft event, I eagerly jumped on board.  The event was to be held at Alliant Energy (our president is an employee) for interested employees.  To say I was nervous would be an understatement. Yes, I've been a Toastmaster for about three years, and yes, I've completed both my Competent Communicator and Competent Leader levels.  Yet, I still felt like this was it--how would my new skills hold up in front of a room full of business professionals? 

Speechcraft is aimed at a select group of people to help them improve their basic speaking skills.  I was there to teach and to mentor.  After eight weeks of leading and critiquing and cheering, I realized that I learned just as much as I taught.

Unlike the club environment, this was "real".  This group of people were counting on me to show them the way.  Every time I spoke to this group, I was painfully aware of every mistake I made.  When I came unprepared (and I did) I felt like I let this group down.  I let myself down.

This experience taught me where my weaknesses still lie.  I have the basics; I can prepare a speech and include all the essential elements.  I can lead a meeting and get things done.  None of this matters in the face of my greatest weakness--procrastination.  Unlike in college, I can't stay up and prepare anything of worth the night before it's needed. 

Preparation is key.  Time to pull my information together--to create a spell-binding presentation that will not only hold my audience's attention but move them as well, takes preparation.  I'm learning this.  Every time I give a speech, I can hear and feel the impact time and preparation leave on my speech.  It's true: practice makes perfect.

Our "event" ended today.  The skills our "Speechcrafters" learned were evident in the successful final meeting in which I was able to sit back and watch them shine.  Eight weeks of dedication from all parties.  I will miss it. 

So I thank Karen, my club president for initiating this event.  I thank Jim and Stephanie whose presence and participation made eight weeks possible.  And I thank the six warm bodies who allowed me to hone my craft that much more.  I encourage you to participate in Speechcraft should you be lucky enough to encounter this "event".  Whether you participate as a Toastmaster, there to mentor, or as a newbie to public speaking.  The rewards are substantial.