After much deliberation, thought, research and discussion, we finally have a plan and, more importantly, a possible date for the first round of auditions- March 20th - More details to follow as they become available. In the meantime, please fill out the application form, write up a brief bio and write and practice your speech. If you need more information, please email shu1@cox.net.
I am including an outline of the selection and audition process along with the judging criteria and form for your information.
Anyone who wishes to be considered may submit an application. Applicants will audition for a speaking slot.
The Audition:
- Auditions will be held at scheduled TM events
- The candidates will deliver a 5-7 minute speech on the topic of their choice and area of expertise
- The speeches are open to any Toastmaster who wishes to attend
- At least 5 (of 10) judges will be present and will be interspersed in the audience
- The judges will be anonymous
- The judges will have a judging form/criteria to use for the judging process (example copied below)
- The judges will convene after the auditions to vote on a pass/fail basis
- It will require an 80% pass rate for a candidate to become a member of the Speakers Bureau
- Successful candidates will be listed on a District web site
- Each candidate will provide a photo, a bio along with a list of topics the speaker can talk about.
- The site will include a video clip of the speaker that "clients" can watch.
- It will include contact info for the speaker AND the District
- There will also be an evaluation form to be filled out by the client of how well - or poorly - the speaker did.
ACCREDITED SPEAKER PROGRAM
Instructions to Evaluator: This judging and accreditation is to be undertaken with the sole purpose of determining the skill and expertise of the speaker as a professional. Toastmasters International considers the professional speaker as one who applies his or her communication skills toward the various purposes of speaking: informing, motivating, inspiring, entertaining, leading seminars and discussion groups, handling public relations, and dealing with problems of management.
CONTENT
Speech development: Did the speaker put ideas together so the audience can understand them? Was the speech structured around the purpose, and did the structure include an opening, body and conclusion? Did the speech immediately engage the audience’s attention and then move forward toward a significant conclusion? Was the development supported by relevant examples and illustrations, facts and figures …… (line is whited out) …. with a unified whole.
Audience response: Were you able to determine the speaker’s purpose? Did the speech relate directly to that purpose? Was the audience’s interest held by speaker? Was this speech subject appropriate for the particular audience?
Speech value: Did the speaker say something meaningful and original to the audience? The listeners should feel the speaker has made a contribution to their thinking. The ideas should be important ones, although this does not preclude a humorous presentation of them. If humor was used, did the speaker incorporate appropriate humor during the presentation?
DELIVERY
Physical: Did the speaker’s appearance reinforce the speech, whether profound, sad, humorous, and instructional? Did the body language support points through gestures, expressions, and body positioning?
Voice: Was the voice flexible, moving from one pitch level to another for emphasis, and did it illustrate a variety of rate and volume? A good voice can be clearly heard and words easily understood.
Platform style: Did the speaker speak with enthusiasm and assurance, showing interest in the audience and confidence in their reactions?LANGUAGE
Appropriateness: This refers to the choice of words that relate to the speech purpose and to the particular audience hearing the speech. Did the language promote clear understanding of thoughts and precisely fit the occasion?
Correctness: Did the speaker make proper use of correct pronunciation?
A total of 80 is necessary to pass the live presentation. 68 points are required to pass the taped presentation.
100 points possible for live presentation; 85 for taped presentation
