The Better Speaker Series
Unlock Better Speaking: How the Better Speaker Series Can Elevate Your Club
Great speaking doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built through practice, reflection, and guidance. Toastmasters International’s Better Speaker Series offers a powerful set of tools to help members strengthen the foundations of public speaking.
Designed as short, focused presentations (10–15 minutes each), the modules in this series are perfect for club meetings and training sessions. Any member can present them, and they provide immediate, practical value to speakers of all levels.
For club officers, the Better Speaker Series is a ready-made resource to:
- Enrich club educational efforts
- Support new members with practical advice
- Encourage experienced members to mentor others
- Fulfil club officer roles and contribute to club success
How to Use It
Club officers—especially Vice Presidents of Education—can schedule one module every few meetings or include them in themed sessions. Use them during Speechcrafts, open houses to foster a culture of speaking excellence. You can include them in your Club Success Plan.
The Better Speaker Series Modules
Here’s a brief overview of the modules available:
1. Beginning Your Speech
Learn how to start a speech with impact. This session explores methods for grabbing audience attention and establishing rapport within the first 30 seconds.
📘 Key tip: A strong opening sets the tone for everything that follows.
2. Concluding Your Speech
Explore the importance of finishing strong. This module outlines how to leave a lasting impression, achieve closure, and deliver a memorable message.
📘 Key tip: Audiences remember your last words the most.
3. Controlling Your Fear
Fear of public speaking is common. This session offers practical strategies for recognising, understanding, and managing that fear.
📘 Key tip: Nervous energy can be transformed into dynamic delivery.
4. Impromptu Speaking
Ideal for mastering Table Topics or handling unexpected speaking opportunities. Learn a simple five-step approach to responding when called upon with no notice.
📘 Key tip: Listening well is the first step to speaking well.
5. Selecting Your Topic
Struggling to choose what to speak about? This module shows how to identify engaging topics by drawing from personal experiences, interests, and your audience’s needs.
📘 Key tip: Speak on what you’re passionate about—your energy is contagious.
6. Know Your Audience
Tailoring your message begins with knowing who you’re speaking to. This session highlights demographic, cultural, and situational factors to consider.
📘 Key tip: Relevance creates engagement.
7. Organising Your Speech
Structure is everything. Learn how to logically order your ideas to create clarity, impact, and flow. Includes practical methods for outlining your content.
📘 Key tip: “Tell them what you’re going to tell them. Tell them. Tell them what you told them.”
8. Creating an Introduction
Introductions matter! Discover how to craft and deliver compelling speaker introductions that set the stage for success. A must for club officers and Toastmasters of the meeting.
📘 Key tip: A good introduction builds credibility and anticipation.
9. Preparation and Practice
This session helps members get the most out of their rehearsal process. Learn strategies for note use, timing and mental readiness.
📘 Key tip: The best speeches are practised, not memorised.
10. Using Body Language
Communication is more than words. Explore how facial expressions, gestures and movement enhance your message and reveal your confidence.
📘 Key tip: Your body speaks—make sure it’s saying the right things.
Bring It to Your Club
Whether you’re looking to energise a club meeting, mentor a new member, or enhance your educational programme, The Better Speaker Series is a brilliant tool at your disposal. All materials are free to download from toastmasters.org, and the modules require no special experience to deliver—just a desire to help others grow.
