About Speechcraft

Speechcraft is a short course teaching public speaking skills, which will help to build self-confidence. Our Speechcraft courses are a supportive, face-to-face course.

Next Speechcraft Course

1st July - 26th August 2024
Monday nights

The course and you

  • It's designed to develop public speaking skills and confidence
  • It's a friendly, positive non-threatening environment
  • Fellow students will be there for similar reasons as you
  • Fellow students will be feeling the same emotions as you
  • You can develop at your own pace
  • You will not be "graded"
  • You'll receive immediate positive and helpful feedback
  • Most assisting Toastmasters have attended Speechcraft themselves
  • You'll develop your own individual style
  • You will gain a huge boost to your self-confidence

How we run the course

  • We have conducted multiple Speechcraft courses consecutively since February 1998.
  • Speechcraft Orientation (1 hour only) is provided to help you prepare for session one.
  • Conducted on Monday nights for 8 consecutive weeks.
  • Sessions start 7.00pm and finish by 10.00pm.
  • Maximum 10 students each course, ideal for greatest learning.
  • Equal student participation each session (very important).
  • See live educational presentations and demonstration speeches from toastmasters for the following week's project.
  • Six speaking projects during the course, plus one exercise using PowerPoint (or alternatively Research Your Topic).

Primary subjects

  • Prepared speeches - researching, preparing, rehearsing and delivering a short speech, first speech 2 to 3 minutes, the rest 3 to 5 minutes
  • Proposing a toast - learn how to deliver a Toast that is worthy, with style
  • Introducing a speaker - learn the correct way to do it
  • How to evaluate - become an effective and helpful evaluator of others
  • Impromptu speaking - dealing with the unexpected question
  • Public Speaking etiquette - know how to present yourself, as well as your presentation
Some comments from previous Speechcraft graduates

The practical skills learnt throughout the speechcrafters course have been excellent. From preparing and delivering a speech each week, to practicing impromptu speaking and the inclusion of everyday life skills such a giving a toast, there is something to learn in this course for everyone. Having the experienced toastmasters in attendance gave experience and guidance to each participant, and created a really fun and engaging course.

If you are unsure about whether to sign up or nervous about speaking in front of people, my advice would be, this is the course for you. The most important thing when building confidence to speak is to practice, this course gets you practicing every week. But you also want to practice in a supportive, encouraging and safe environment, and Speechcrafters is definitely that space. You won't find a more supportive environment to build your confidence in. It's a fantastic course, I can't rate it highly enough.

Michelle  | 

Speechcraft was very well orchestrated with a lot of support and no judgement. I am grateful for all the helpful advice and the way the course is layered.

There is only one way to find out if you can improve on your speech making skills, most people are nervous … the guidelines help.

Debbie C  | 

My speechcraft experience went really well, the growth from week 1 to week 8 was incredible, from being very nervous and self conscious about speaking in front of people to becoming alot more confident and comfortable, delivering my best speech on the last week.

You have to face your fears to be free of them..Mike and the miranda toastmasters a bunch of legends and create a very positive and safe space for the speechcrafters.

Johnny P  | 

This course was fantastic. Its a safe place to learn about public speaking, practise and grow in confidence. The people were incredible, we had some good laughs along the way and i finished feeling confident in my public speaking skills.

Give it a go, you wont regret it! It is such an encouraging safe place to just come and have a go. Everyone else is in the same boat too. You can do it!

Lisa  | 

Speechcraft was a great experience, I can see how it will impact my career massively and it really lessened the fears of public speaking.

Ensure you have the time to devote to it as you only get out what you put in but to take that step! It turns into a lot of fun and there is no way you will finish the 8 weeks not having become a better public speaker.

Elly  | 

I am self employed and work at home so I have limited opportunity to interact with people let alone prepare and deliver speeches. Covid-19 only exacerbated the situation and I was becoming more socially isolated especially with respect of business meeting. I must admit the 1st step was difficult but once I got over the initial meeting and 1st speech I never looked back. This course has propelled me to my business and also my personal life. Even though I have gained confidence in public speaking it has helped me grow as a person. If you are thinking of doing Speechcraft my advice is to take the first step as you won't regret it. It is a very supportive environment as everyone is in the same position as you. The course is fun and positive so no need for nervousness. Have a go you won't regret it

Anthony K  | 

I enjoyed every minute of the Speechcraft course. It was well structured and engaging.

Everyone has a story and a different reason for taking the course, but ultimately the same goal of being a better public speaker. I learned so much and gained confidence I didn't think I would ever have. The course gave me a deeper understanding of the craft of public speaking and a foundation to build my skills upon. If you are thinking about it, you should do it. I guarantee you will have no regrets. It is 8 weeks of commitment that will give you a lifetime of benefit.

I was terrified at first, as were all the people in my course, however, as the weeks went by, confidence grew. It is fun and you learn a lot about yourself and hear some wonderful speakers who are just like you.

Mike & the Toastmasters are extremely knowledgeable and supportive of everyone in the course.

Cathy G  | 

At first nervous but got confident, very encouraging environment have a crack learning the structure of a speech is rewarding plus it was a great environment. Mike is a great teacher

Peter H  | 

profile-pic

It's all about confidence

I have been helping with Speechcraft courses for over 10 years and I'm always amazed at how these courses transform people who have a real fear of speaking in front of people into confident and capable communicators. It is wonderful to see the students develop each week as they learn new skills - especially the ability to think on their feet in the impromptu speaking game. They have a lot of fun.

Speechcraft is not really about public speaking - it's about confidence.

The 2 things that make you confident are:

  1. Knowing what to do, and
  2. Practicing enough so it feels more familiar.

The Speechcraft program is designed to cover both of those elements. If you are thinking about doing Speechcraft - but are unsure or nervous - then I'd say just take the step. All of the other students will feel exactly as you do, but together you'll have a lot of fun and find enormous support from the Toastmasters.

Mike Smith Miranda Toastmasters Speechcraft Officer

Next Speechcraft Course

Mondays 1/Jul/2024 to 26/Aug/2024

Expressions of Interest - please email speechcraft@miranda-toastmasters.org.au