Welcome To Lewisham Speakers

Lewisham Speakers, is Multi -Cultural club, in the heart of South East London. With its friendly, supportive encouraging environment, it is perfect for nervous speakers to develop confidence and excellent speaking skills. Just 5 mins walk from Lewisham Train, DLR and Bus Stations.
Lewisham Speakers club is Affiliated to Toastmaster International - world Leaders in improving Communication and Leadership.Greenwich, Canada Water, Woolwich, Canary Wharf, Catford, Croydon, Penge, Locksbottom, Paddington, Sydenham, Bexleyheath, Dulwich, Forest Hill, Sidcup, Eltham, Plumstead, Bexley, New Cross and Central London.

Advanced Manuals

 Each Advanced Communication Manual contains 5 speeches to be studied and given in any order. We finish two Manuals at a time...


The Entertaining Speaker

1. The Entertaining Speech:
* Entertain the audience using humour and/or drama drawn from your personal experience.
* Organise an entertaining speech for maximum audience impact.
Time: 5-7 minutes

2. Resources for Entertainment:
* Draw humorous or dramatic material from sources other than your own personal experience.
* Adapt your material to suit your topic, your own personality, and the audience.
* Use entertaining material to convey a serious message.
Time: 5-7 minutes

3. Make Them Laugh:
* Prepare a humorous speech drawn from your own personal experience.
* Strengthen the speech by adapting and personalising humorous material from outside sources.
* Deliver the speech in a way that makes the humour effective.
Time: 5-7 minutes

4. A Dramatic Talk:
* Develop an entertaining dramatic talk about an experience or incident, or give a dramatic reading.
* Include vivid imagery, characters, and dialog.
* Deliver the talk in an interpretive manner.
Time: 5-7 minutes

5. Speaking After Dinner:
* Prepare an entertaining after-dinner talk on a specific theme.
* Deliver the talk extemporaneously; using the skills developed in the preceding entertainment projects.
Time: 8-10 minutes

Speaking to Inform

1. The Speech to Inform:
* Select new, useful information for presentation to the audience.
* Organise the information for easy understanding and retention.
* Present the information in a way that will help motivate the audience to learn.
Time: 5-7 minutes

2. Resources for Informing:
* Analyse the knowledge level of your audience regarding your chosen subject.
* Focus your presentation at the audience's level of knowledge.
* Build a supporting case for each major point through use of explanation, examples, and information gathered from research.
* Effectively use at least one visual aid to enhance the audience's understanding.
Time: 5-7 minutes

3. The Demonstration Talk:
* Prepare a demonstration speech to clearly explain a process, product, or activity.
* Conduct the demonstration as part of a speech delivered without notes.
Time: 5-7 minutes

4. A Fact Finding Report:
* Prepare a report on a situation, event, or problem of general interest to the audience.
* Deliver sufficient factual information in your report so the audience can base valid conclusions or a sound decision on it.
Time: 5-7 minutes

5. The Abstract Concept:
* Research and organise the thoughts of experts on an abstract concept, theory, historical force, or social/political issue.
* Present the ideas in a clear and interesting manner.
Time: 6-8 minutes

Speciality Speeches

1. Speak Off the Cuff:
* Develop an awareness of situations in which you might be called upon to deliver an impromptu speech.
* Understand how to prepare for impromptu speaking.
* Develop skill as an impromptu speaker by using one or more patterns to approach a topic under discussion; for example, comparing a past, present, future situation before and after.
Time: 5-7 minutes

2. Uplift the Spirit:
* Identify and understand the basic differences and similarities between inspirational speeches and other kinds of speeches.
* Learn how to evaluate audience feeling and establish emotional rapport.
* Develop a speech style and delivery that effectively expresses inspirational content by moving the audience to adopt your views.
Time: 8-10 minutes

3. Sell a Product:
* Understand the relationship of sales technique to persuasion.
* Skilfully use these four steps in a sales presentation:
1. Attention, 2. Interest 3. Desire 4. Action
* Identify and promote a unique selling proposition in a sales presentation.
* Be able to handle objections.
Time: 10-12 minutes

4. Read Out Loud:
* Understand the elements of oral interpretation and how it differs from preparing and giving a speech.
* Learn the preparation or planning techniques of effective interpretation.
* Learn the principles of presentation and develop skill in interpretative reading with regard to voice and body as instruments of communication.
Time: 12-15 minutes

5. Introduce the Speaker:
* Focus on the special occasion talk from the standpoint of the introducer (Chairperson, Toastmaster, Master of Ceremonies).
* Become knowledgeable & skilled in the functions associated with the Master of Ceremonies.
* Handle the introduction of other speakers at a club meeting.
Time: duration of club meeting

Storytelling

1. The Folk Tale:
* Tell a folk tale that is entertaining and enjoyable for a specific age group.
* Use vivid imagery and voice to enhance the tale.
Time: 7-9 minutes

2. Let's Get Personal:
* Learn the elements of a good story.
* Create and tell an original story based on personal experience.
Time: 6-8 minutes

3. The Moral of the Story:
* Create and tell a new, entertaining story that offers a lesson or moral.
Time: 4-6 minutes

4. The Touching Story:
* Understand and use techniques to arouse emotions while telling a story.
Time: 6-8 minutes

5. Bringing History to Life:
* Understand the purpose of stories about historical events or people and use the storytelling skills developed in the preceding projects to tell a story.
Time: 7-9 minutes

Public Relations

1. The Goodwill Speech:
* Prepare a talk that will build goodwill for your organization by supplying useful information of interest to the audience.
Time: 5-7 minutes

2. The Radio Talk Show:
* Prepare a positive image of your company or organization on a simulated radio talk show.
* Prepare a talk designed to build goodwill toward it by presenting factual information.
* Understand the dynamics of a successful radio talk show.
* Prepare for the questions that may be asked of you during the radio interview
Time: 8-10 minutes

3. The Persuasive Approach:
* Direct a persuasive appeal to the audience's self-interests using a combination of fact and emotion in a speech delivered in such a manner that it appears extemporaneous.
* Persuade the audience to adopt your viewpoint by the use of standard persuasive techniques.
Time: 8-10 minutes

4. Speaking Under Fire:
* Prepare a talk to persuade a hostile audience at least to consider your position on a controversial issue.
* Conduct a question-and-answer period on the speech subject.
Time: 6-8 minutes for speech, 8-10 minutes for questions

5. The Crisis Management Speech:
* Learn strategies for communicating to the media about a company crisis.
Time: 4-6 minutes for speech, 3-5 minutes for questions

Facilitating Discussion

1. The Panel Moderator:
* Select a topic for a panel discussion.
* Identify differing viewpoints to be addressed by panelists.
* Organize and moderate a panel discussion.
Time: 28-30 minutes, or 22-26 minutes

2. The Brainstorming Session:
* Select a problem for a brainstorming session for which you serve as a facilitator.
* Conduct a brainstorming session.
* Have participants reduce the list of ideas to the three best.
Time: 31–33 minutes, or 20–22 minutes

3. The Problem-Solving Discussion:
* Discuss the three ideas generated in the previous project, The Brainstorming Session.
* Determine which one best resolves the problem.
Time: 26–31 minutes, or 19–23 minutes

4. Handling Challenging Situations:
* Select a problem and ask club members to discuss and resolve it by either a majority vote or by compromise.
* Serve as facilitator for the discussion.
* Effectively handle any member's behavioural problems that may interfere with the discussion.
Time: 22–32 minutes, or 12–21 minutes

5. Reaching a Consensus:
* To select a problem for the group to discuss and resolve.
* As facilitator, help the group reach a consensus.
Time: 31–37 minutes, or 20–26 minutes

Speeches by Management

1. The Briefing:
* Apply the key steps in the preparation of a briefing and the organisation of material.
* Give a briefing with a specific objective so the audience will understand the information.
* Effectively handle a question-and-answer session following the briefing.
Time: 8-10 minutes

2. The Technical Speech:
* Convert a technical paper or technical information into a technical speech.
* Organise a technical speech using the inverted-pyramid approach.
* Write a technical speech as "spoken language," not as an article.
* Give the speech by effectively reading it aloud.
Time: 8-10 minutes

3. Manage and Motivate:
* Understand the concept and nature of motivational method in management.
* Apply a 4-step motivational method with the objectives to persuade and inspire.
* Deliver a motivational speech to persuade an audience to agree with your management proposal.
Time: 10-12 minutes

4. The Status Report:
* Organise and prepare a status report involving the overall condition of a plan or program, or performance of a department or company in relation to goals.
* Construct the report according to a 4-step pattern.
* Give an effective presentation of the report.
Time: 10-12 minutes

5. Confrontation: The Adversary Relationship:
* Understand the definition and nature of the adversary relationship.
* Prepare for an adversary confrontation on a controversial management issue.
* Use appropriate preparation methods, strategy, and techniques for communicating with an adversary group as the representative of your company or organisation.
Time: 5 minutes for speech, 10 minutes for questions

Technical Presentations

1. The Technical Briefing:
* Using a systematic approach, organise technical material into a concise presentation.
* Tailor the presentation to the audience's needs, interests, and knowledge levels.
Time: 8-10 minutes

2. The Proposal:
* Prepare a technical presentation advocating a product, service, idea, or course of action.
* Present your viewpoint logically and convincingly, using an inverted-pyramid approach.
* Effectively use a flipchart to illustrate your message.
* Effectively handle a question-and-answer period.
Time: 8-10 minutes for speech, 3-5 minutes for questions

3. The Non-technical Audience:
* Understand the principles of communicating complex information to non-technical listeners.
* Build and deliver an interesting talk based on these principles.
* Answer audience questions that arise during the presentation.
* Use overhead transparencies to illustrate your message.
Time: 10-12 minutes

4. Presenting a Technical Paper:
* Deliver an interesting speech based on a technical paper or article.
* Effectively use a flipchart, overhead projector, or slides to illustrate your message.
Time: 10-12 minutes

5. Enhancing a Technical Talk with the Internet:
* Understand the nature and process of a technical presentation supported with professional-level visual aids.
* Arrange pre-meeting communications via e-mail.
* Find or create a post-meeting Web site for further dissemination of information supporting or enhancing your verbal presentation. You may create a Web page and add it to your club's Web site, making use of podcasting, webcasting, or a basic Internet template.
* Use a desktop computer, word processor, a Web browser, a simple graphics program for photos and other images, presentation software as well as the venerable flip chart to support your presentation.
Time: 12-15 minutes

Persuasive Speaking

1. The Effective Salesperson:
* Learn a technique for selling an inexpensive product in a retail store.
* Recognise a buyer's thought processes in making a purchase.
* Elicit information from a prospective buyer through questions.
* Match the buyer's situation with the most appropriate product.
Time: 8-12 minutes

2. Conquering the "Cold Call":
* Learn a technique for "cold call" selling of expensive products or services.
* Recognise the risks buyers assume in purchasing.
* Use questions to help the buyer discover problems with his or her current situation.
* Successfully handle buyer's objections and concerns.
Time: 10-14 minutes

3. The Winning Proposal:
* Prepare a proposal advocating an idea or course of action.
* Organise the proposal using the six-step method provided.
Time: 5-7 minutes

4. Addressing the Opposition:
* Prepare a talk on a controversial subject that persuades an audience to accept or at least consider your viewpoint.
* Construct the speech to appeal to the audience's logic and emotions.
Time: 7-9 minutes for the speech, 2-3 minutes for questions

5. The Persuasive Leader:
* Communicate your vision and mission to an audience.
* Convince your audience to work toward achieving your vision and mission.
Time: 6-8 minutes

Communicating on Television

1. Straight Talk:
* Effectively present an opinion or viewpoint in a short time.
* Simulate giving a presentation as part of a television broadcast.
Time: 2½-3½ minutes

2. The Talk Show:
* Understand the dynamics of a television interview or talk show.
* Prepare for the questions that might be asked of you during a television interview programme.
* Present a positive image on the television camera.
* Appear as a guest on a simulated television talk show.
Time: 9½-10½ minutes

3. When You're the Host:
* Conduct a successful television interview.
* Understand the dynamics of a successful television interview or talk show.
* Prepare questions to ask during the interview programme.
* Present a positive, confident image on the television camera.
Time: 9½-10½ minutes

4. The Press Conference:
* Understand the nature of a television press conference.
* Prepare for an adversary confrontation on a controversial or sensitive issue.
* Use appropriate presentation methods and strategies for communicating your organisation's viewpoint.
* Present and maintain a positive image on television.
Time: 4-6 minutes for presentation, 8-10 minutes for questions

5. Training on Television:
* Learn how to develop and present an effective training programme on television.
* Receive personal feedback through the videotaping of your presentation.
Time: 5-7 minutes for presentation, 5-7 minutes for playback of videotape

Interpretive Reading

1. Read a Story:
* Understand the elements of interpretive reading.
* Learn how to analyse a narrative and plan for effective interpretation.
* Learn and apply vocal techniques that will aid in the effectiveness of the reading.
Time: 8-10 minutes

2. Interpreting Poetry:
* Understand the differences between poetry and prose.
* Recognise how poets use imagery, rhythm, meter, cadence, and rhyme to convey the meaning and emotions of their poetry.
* Apply vocal techniques that will aid in the effectiveness of the reading.
Time: 6-8 minutes

3. The Monodrama:
* Understand the concept and nature of the monodrama.
* Assume the identity of a character and portray the physical and emotional aspects of this character to an audience.
Time: 5-7 minutes

4. The Play:
* Adapt a play for interpretive reading.
* Portray several characters in one reading, identifying them to the audience through voice changes and movement.
Time: 12-15 minutes

5. The Oratorical Speech:
* Understand the structure of an effective speech.
* Interpret and present a famous speech.
Time: 10-12 minutes

Interpersonal Communications

1. Conversing with Ease:
* Identify techniques to use in conversing with strangers.
* Recognise different levels of conversation.
* Initiate a conversation with a stranger.
* Use open-ended questions to solicit information for further conversation.
Time: 10-14 minutes

2. The Successful Negotiator:
* Use win/win negotiating strategies to achieve your goals.
* Enjoy the benefits of win/win negotiating.
Time: 10-14 minutes

3. Diffusing Verbal Criticism:
* Respond non-defensively to verbal criticism.
* Use a five-step method to identify the problem, diffuse the attack, and arrive at a solution.
Time: 10-14 minutes

4. The Coach:
* Determine reasons for someone's substandard performance.
* Coach the person to improved performance.
Time: 10-14 minutes

5. Asserting Yourself Effectively:
* Enjoy the mental and physical benefits of being assertive.
* Use the four-step method for addressing a problem and asking for help.
* Overcome resistance to your requests.
Time: 10-14 minutes

Special Occasion Speeches


1. Mastering the Toast:
* Recognise the characteristics of a toast.
* Present a toast honouring an occasion or person.
Time: 2-3 minutes

2. Speaking in Praise:
* Prepare a speech praising or honouring someone, either living or dead.
* Address five areas concerning the individual and his or her accomplishments.
* Include anecdotes illustrating points within the speech.
Time: 5-7 minutes

3. The Roast:
* Poke fun at a particular individual in a good-natured way.
* Adapt and personalise humorous material from other sources.
* Deliver jokes and humorous stories effectively.
Time: 3-5 minutes

4. Presenting an Award:
* Present an award with dignity and grace.
* Acknowledge the contributions of the recipient.
Time: 3-4 minutes

5. Accepting an Award:
* Accept an award with dignity, grace, and sincerity.
* Acknowledge the presenting organisation.
Time: 5-7 minutes

Humorously Speaking


1. Warm Up Your Audience:
* Prepare a speech that opens with a humorous story.
* Personalise the story.
* Deliver the story smoothly and effectively.
Time: 5-7 minutes

2. Leave Them with a Smile:
* Prepare a serious speech that opens and closes with humorous stories.
* Prepare a closing story that re-emphasises the speech's main point.
* Deliver the stories smoothly and effectively.
Time: 5-7 minutes

3. Make Them Laugh:
* Prepare a speech that opens and closes with humorous stories.
* Include jokes in the speech body to illustrate points or maintain audience interest.
* Deliver the jokes and stories smoothly and effectively.
Time: 5-7 minutes

4. Keep Them Laughing:
* Prepare a speech that opens with a self-deprecating joke.
* String together two or three related jokes in the speech body.
* Close the speech with a humorous story.
Time: 5-7 minutes

5. The Humorous Speech:
* Use exaggeration to tell a humorous story.
* Entertain the audience.
* Effectively use body language and voice to enhance the story.
Time: 5-7 minutes

The Professional Speaker

1. The Keynote Address:
* Identify the basic differences between keynote speeches and other kinds of speeches.
* Learn how to evaluate audience feeling and establish emotional rapport.
* Learn and use the professional techniques necessary for a successful keynote presentation.
* Develop a speech style and delivery that effectively inspires and moves the audience to adopt your views as a collective reaffirmation of its own.
Time: 5-7 minutes

2. Speaking to Entertain:
* Entertain the audience through the use of humour drawn from personal experiences and from other material that you have personalised.
* Deliver the speech in a way that makes the humour effective.
* Establish rapport with your audience for maximum impact.
Time: 15-20 minutes

3. The Sales Training Speech:
* Tell a sales audience how to sell a product by using a planned presentation.
* Inform a sales training audience about the human experience of the buyer-seller relationship.
* Use entertaining stories and dynamic examples of sales situations.
* Inspire salespeople to want to succeed in selling.
Time: 15-20 minutes

4. The Professional Seminar:
* Plan and present a seminar with specific learning objectives.
* Relate to the audience by using a seminar presentation style.
* Use seminar presentation techniques to promote group participation, learning, and personal growth.
Time: 20-40 minutes

5. The Motivational Speech:
* Understand the concept and nature of motivational speaking.
* Apply a four-step motivational method with the purpose of persuading and inspiring.
* Deliver a motivational speech to persuade an audience to emotionally commit to an action.
Time: 15-20 minutes