HOBBY HORSE:As forums for enthusiasts in the art of public speaking, Toastmasters clubs can assist anyone to speak on any topic, writes Michael Kelly
WE NEED LOOK no farther than the political soap opera currently playing out in the US to know that a well-written, well-delivered speech can pack an incredible punch. Much of the focus of the US presidential campaign has been on the improbability of Barack Obama's candidacy - just how exactly did a 47-year-old junior senator get this far, this quickly? The answer is: he wrote and delivered a speech - one incredible, remarkable scene-stealer of a speech - at the 2004 Democratic National Convention. It's worth bearing in mind that when Obama approached the lectern that day, he hadn't even been elected to the US senate (he had to wait another four months for that). When he walked off stage, 17 minutes later, he was already being talked of as a potential candidate for the 2008 presidential election.
That's the power of public speaking.
For the rest of us mere mortals, the idea of getting up to speak in public (never mind delivering an entire speech) is simply terrifying, so perhaps it is not surprising that more than three million people have turned to Toastmasters International for help with public speaking. The organisation was established in 1924 in California by Dr Ralph Smedley and aims to provide its members with practice and training in the art of public speaking.
There are almost 100 Toastmasters clubs in Ireland and approximately 20 in the greater Dublin area alone. Toastmasters clubs typically meet once or twice a month and meetings are divided into two one-hour sessions. In one session, three club members give a short speech (five to 10 minutes) to the group on a topic of their own choosing. In the other session, all attendees can be asked to speak for two minutes on a random topic.
When a Toastmaster has delivered 10 speeches to the group, they are given a Competent Toastmaster (CTM) award. "We provide a basic manual that you work from, which outlines what is required from each speech," says Gary Jacques, a former president of Toastmasters in Waterford. "It's entirely up to the individual what pace they want to go at."
Jacques joined Toastmasters after taking a speech-craft course at work. "About five or six of us joined Toastmasters at the time, I suppose because the course gave us an insight and an interest in it. It was something I was looking for to help me in a work environment for meetings and presentations."
Toastmasters is a great way for people to improve their communication and leadership skills, according to Jacques. "I think for the majority it's a personal development or improvement thing. Some people do come along for a given project or speech that they have to deliver, and then they move on. Obviously, we prefer people to stay involved. We have people from all walks of life - from professionals to students - and from many nationalities."
On the night I visit, the Toastmasters are back from their summer break and three members at different levels of ability have been selected to give speeches. Mary is first up, delivering a speech on her experience of hot-air ballooning - it's her second speech to the group and she gives an entertaining and witty performance.
After she has finished, members rate her performance on a simple scorecard under headings such as "eye contact", "speech structure" and "vocal projection". An evaluator stands up to give a brief critique of her speech.
Subjecting your own abilities to such public scrutiny may seem intimidating, but the idea, according to Jacques, is to provide feedback, encouragement and support (though Mary's evaluator suggests that she needs to rely less on her notes).
"We are not here to knock or criticise," says Jacques. "It's amazing the improvements that we've come across in individuals in the space of a year or two. You can see a person walking in the door a nervous wreck, and within a short time that person is up making speeches and totally involved."
Next up is Liam, who is delivering his fourth speech - he has chosen the future of the Irish economy as his topic. A stage-four speech requires the use of rhetorical devices (according to the manual) and Liam delivers a gem in relation to global economics - "It's only when the tide goes out that you know who's been swimming naked," he says. "Ireland may not have been naked, but we've been wearing a skimpy bathing suit."
His speech is delivered almost entirely without reference to his notes, and though it's hard to talk about the economy without sounding like a prophet of doom, it's informative and interesting nonetheless. "Brian Cowen should have you on speed-dial," says Liam's evaluator afterwards. Quite.
The last speaker is Mary, a long-time Toastmasters member. Having already progressed beyond her 10 speeches, she has moved on to advanced communication and has the Toastmaster's ultimate accolade (Distinguished Toastmaster Award) in her sights. This evening, Mary must deliver an interpretation of a dramatic performance, and she has opted for a scene from Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest, playing all three key roles (Mr Worthing, Gwendolen Fairfax and the terrifying Lady Bracknell) herself.
I find myself riveted - with just the slightest turn of the head or change in vocal tone, Mary manages to portray all three characters accurately. Clearly, if public speaking doesn't work out for her, she has a career in drama ahead of her.
With all three speeches delivered, we sit back to take stock - from hot air balloons to financial meltdown to Oscar Wilde, all in one night. Sure where else would you get it?
To find your local club, see www.toastmasters.org