example toastmasters speech

65 Toastmasters Speech Topics

Delivering a speech can be a daunting task, but with the right topic and preparation, you can make it a rewarding experience. To help you get started, here are 65 Toastmasters Speech Topics to choose from. From humorous stories to heartfelt reflections, these topics will help you find the perfect fit for your next presentation.

• A Memorable Travel Experience and the Lessons Learned
• Overcoming a Personal Challenge or Obstacle
• Memorable Events From Your Childhood
• A Time When You Had to Adapt to a New Situation
• Memorable Experiences With a Friend or Loved One
• A Time When You Had to Make an Important Decision
• Lessons You Learned the Hard Way
• A Memorable Failure and What You Learned From It
• A Memorable Experience Volunteering or Giving Back to the Community
• A Time When You Had to Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
• Memorable Experiences With a Mentor or Role Model
• A Time When You Had to Confront a Fear or Phobia
• Memorable Experiences That Changed Your Perspective on Life
• Memorable Experience That Taught You a Valuable Lesson
• A Time When You Had to Overcome a Personal Weakness or Flaw
• Memorable Experiences That Helped You Discover a Hidden Talent or Passion
• A Time When You Had to Deal With a Difficult Person or Situation
• Memorable Experiences That Helped You Grow as a Person
• A Time When You Had to Overcome Adversity or Challenge
• A Memorable Experience That Taught You the Importance of Perseverance
• A Time When You Had to Make a Difficult Choice
• The Power of Positive Thinking and How It Can Change Your Life
• A Time When You Had to Believe in Yourself
• A Memorable Experience That Taught You the Value of Compassion
• A Time When You Had to Put Others Before Yourself
• The Power of Gratitude and How It Can Transform Your Life
• A Time When You Had to Make a Difficult Sacrifice
• The Power of Kindness and How It Can Create Positive Change
• A Time When You Had to Overcome a Setback or Failure
• The Power of Self-Belief and How It Can Help You Reach Your Goals
• The Importance of Self-Care and How It Can Improve Your Mental and Physical Well-being
• The Power of Mindfulness and How It Can Help You Manage Stress and Anxiety
• The Importance of Taking Risks and Following Your Dreams
• The Power of Generosity and How It Can Help You Create Lasting Connections
• Value of Self-Awareness and How It Can Help You Reach Your Potential
• The Power of Positive Self-Talk and How It Can Help You Overcome Challenges
• Value of Taking Time for Yourself and How It Can Help You Recharge and Refresh
• The Importance of Setting Goals and How It Can Help You Achieve Success
• Humility and How It Can Help You Reach Your Goals
• Memorable Experiences That Helped You Appreciate the Little Things in Life
• The Most Important Lesson You Learned From a Family Member
• Memorable Experiences That Deepened Your Understanding of a Different Culture
• A Time When You Had to Overcome a Fear
• How You Became an Advocate for Something You Believe In
• A Time When You Had to Make a Difficult Decision
• A Memorable Experience That Taught You the Value of Compromise
• A Time When You Had to Rely on Your Inner Strength
• A Time When You Had to Take a Stand Against Injustice
• The Most Important Lesson You Learned From a Role Model
• A Time When You Had to Make a Difficult Choice Between Two Good Options
• A Memorable Experience That Helped You Overcome a Difficult Situation
• A Time When You Had to Take a Stand Against a Task You Disagreed With
• Time When You Had to Make a Difficult Choice Despite What Others Thought
• A Memorable Encounter With a Stranger
• A Time When You Were Able to Help Someone or Make a Positive Impact in Some Way
• A Memorable Experience You Had While Traveling or Living Abroad
• A Time When You Faced a Significant Change or Transition in Your Life and How You Adapted
• Memorable Event or Experience From Your Time in a Creative Pursuit, Such as Writing, Painting, or Music
• A Time When You Had to Overcome a Fear or Phobia
• The Impact of Social Entrepreneurship
• The Impact of Positive Psychology
• The Benefits of Living Sustainably
• The Impact of Volunteerism
• The Benefits of Living in the Moment
• The Power of Intuition

In conclusion, these Toastmasters speech topics are designed to help you become a better public speaker. Whether you are looking to sharpen your rhetoric skills or just want to have fun and practice your communication skills, these topics can provide you with an excellent opportunity to do so.

Related Posts:

• Games, topic printables & more
• The 4 main speech types
• Example speeches
• Commemorative
• Declamation
• Demonstration
• Informative
• Introduction
• Student Council
• Speech topics
• Poems to read aloud
• How to write a speech
• Using props/visual aids
• Acute anxiety help
• Breathing exercises
• Letting go - free e-course
• Using self-hypnosis
• Delivery overview
• 4 modes of delivery
• How to make cue cards
• How to read a speech
• 9 vocal aspects
• Vocal variety
• Diction/articulation
• Pronunciation
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• Body language
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• 60 body language speech topics

 Toastmasters body language speech topics

60 vocal variety and body language speech topic suggestions.

By:  Susan Dugdale  

The fifth of the seven Level Two: Learning Your Style projects in Toastmasters International is "Effective Body Language".  Its main goal is to help a speaker become more aware of, and to effectively use, the power of body language.

Obviously some speech topics have more potential than others when it comes to deciding what you’ll talk about to fulfil the project’s purpose. What are they? And how do you choose the right one?

What's on this page

• What makes a good body language topic
• Choose a personal story
• Once upon a time: 20 topics from our youth
• 20 grown up body language speech topic suggestions
• Lessons from life: 20 slices of truth topic ideas
• About Toastmasters vocal variety and body language speech projects
• Further vocal variety and body language resources

What makes a good body language topic?

Body language is defined by the Oxford Dictionary as the conscious and unconscious movements and postures by which attitudes and feelings are communicated.

Therefore the very best speech topic you could choose is one that you are genuinely and sincerely interested in, even passionately so. The more feeling you have, the easier it will be to work on drawing out, refining, and amplifying your body language to enhance the delivery of your speech.

(Please note: These topics also suit the third project of Level One: Mastering Fundamentals: An Introduction to Vocal Variety and Body Language. Body language and vocal variety work side by side. To be effective, each must complement the other.) 

Return to Top

 Choose a personal story for the project

Personal stories work well. We can all recall events that are indelibly etched in our minds. We will always remember the sight, the sounds, maybe a smell, the feelings wrapping them around, who was there, the words that were spoken... The before and, the after.

Because what we’re sharing is meaningful to us, the gestures, the body language, we use as we retell the story will be natural: without conscious orchestration. This makes the delivery authentic and effective. Our words and our actions are in harmony.

Once upon a time time... 

The majority of these story ideas belong to our youth.

• How I learned to ride a bike
• My first day at school
• Family celebrations: birthdays, Christmas or its equivalent...
• The arrival of a baby sister or brother and what it meant
• Sibling rivalry: the good, the bad and the ugly
• My favorite childhood foods
• Things I learned I could get away with as a child
• The object (toy, book, piece of clothing or sports gear...) I most valued and why
• My idol or hero as a child or young person
• How I first learned about death
• My first friendship
• My favorite childhood fantasy
• The imaginary monsters that waited in the shadows to get me
• Who, and what, I wanted to become when I grew up
• My favorite hobby or sport as a young person
• The place I felt safest as a child
• My favorite places to visit as a young person
• The rooms, streets... I remember most clearly
• When I was a child I always wondered about..., or was puzzled by...?
• My earliest memories

 Story suggestions from our grown up adult lives

Firsts are often frequently and vividly remembered experiences that could be become the basis of a speech.

• My first job interview
• My first job
• My first date
• The first car I owned
• My first driving lesson
• My first Toastmaster’s speech – the story of getting ready to give, and giving, my Ice Breaker
• My first international travel
• The first time I realized I was completely out of my depth
• The first time I felt really proud of myself
• The first time I knew I was liked/loved for being exactly who I was
• The first time I saw my new-born child
• My first real home
• The first time I realized I was different in some way from the people around me
• The first time I went to hospital
• The first time I heard...{name of band playing, name of person speaking, singing, laughing, crying, shouting, or name of instrument: guitar, piano, drums, saxophone... etc.} I knew that...
• The first time I was completely lost for words
• The first time I questioned the rights and wrongs of a situation
• The first time I felt betrayed by someone I had looked up to
• The first time I was publicly acknowledged for doing something well
• The first time I realized how fortunate or lucky I was to be me

Lessons from life

Slices of personal truth served with a side of humor and grace on a bed of well seasoned story telling skills! ☺

Use your own experiences to show as well as tell what you have learned.

• How I recovered from knowing I was not the most physically beautiful person in the room
• What I’ve learned through years of people watching
• How the body language for friendliness is universal – eg. a smile goes a long way
• The truth behind power posing: how to, why to and when to
• How I learned to recognize fear in myself, and challenge it
• Body language gestures that do not translate well across cultures and cause misunderstandings
• How to tell when your child is lying and what to do about it
• How becoming aware of our habitual unconscious gestures and what they convey is empowering
• The most powerful words I know: Yes, no, mother, father, love, money...
• My most embarrassing experience
• How to tell who is the most well-regarded or influential person in a group
• The top tell-tale signs of anger that would be helpful for people to recognize before it was too late
• What does a feeling look like? Learning to read and communicate with non-verbal people
• Does fake it until you make it really work?
• How I learned I was not good at pretending to be someone I’m not
• How I learned I was going to recover from having my heart broken despite the pain
• How our habitual body language, (how we walk, stand, sit, use our faces...), impacts on our mental and physical health
• How seeing yourself giving a presentation on video is challenging but really helpful
• That the best things in life truly are free
• The one that got away: the job, relationship, fish...

Toastmasters vocal variety and body language projects

* In 2021 Toastmasters altered several Pathway p rojects. An introduction to vocal variety and body language became the third project of four in Level One: Mastering Fundamentals.

In Level Two: Learning Your Style, the project ' Effective Body Language' deepens the foundation work done in Level One, while vocal variety is revisited in Level Three: Increasing Knowledge.

Prior to the introduction of Pathways working with body language was the fifth project of ten required for the Competent Communicator award. It was called: Your Body Speaks.   

Further body language and vocal variety resources 

Onsite resources.

• 125 examples of narrative speech topics  - more great prompts to help you find the perfect personal story to share
• The vocal aspects of speech delivery - 9 features of effective speech delivery (which includes vocal variety)
• Why is eye contact important?  Information about eye contact with activities for teaching and practicing it
• Characterization techniques for effective storytelling in speeches : exercises to develop compelling body language and voice 
• Teach yourself body language : becoming aware of and working with our habitual unconscious body language and gestures to increase the effectiveness of our speech delivery

Offsite Toastmaster resources

• An Introduction to Vocal Variety and Body Language : Level One: Mastering Fundamentals, Toastmasters International, pdf
• Effective Body Language : Level Two: Learning Your Style, Toastmasters International, pdf

Other onsite resources for Toastmasters

Four themed sets of 20 table topic questions : Christmas, music, life-lessons and thought-provoking topic ideas. There's a printable for each set, plus an overview of table topics: its benefit, how a Toastmasters table topics session is run, what makes a good topic, the value of feedback, and more. 

Master your icebreaker for Toastmasters : a thorough step by guide, with examples, going from selecting a topic, writing and rehearsing, through to delivery. With an example icebreaker speech.

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10 Ideas For Your Next Toastmasters Speech

Anyone who has ever had to give a speech knows that coming up with ideas can be the most difficult part. You want to say something that will engage your audience and leave a lasting impression, but sometimes it feels like your mind is completely blank.

If you’re a member of Toastmasters, you know that giving speeches is a big part of the program. And if you’re not a member, you’ve probably been asked to give a speech at some point in your life.

Whether it’s a speech at a baby shower , for your best friend’s wedding, a quick lunchtime brown bag speech at work, or just to get up in front of your friends and tell a story, we all have to do it at some point. (Remember 8th grade graduation ? haha!)

But wait, What is Toastmasters?

Toastmasters International is a worldwide organization that helps people develop their public speaking and leadership skills. It was founded in 1924, and today there are more than 16,000 clubs in 135 countries.

Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that operates on a unique model of learning by doing. Members learn through experience, and they have the opportunity to practice their skills at club meetings and events. There are also many opportunities to compete in speech contests, which help members to further develop their skills.

This network of learners, mentors and friends brings together people from diverse backgrounds and gives them the opportunity to improve their communication and leadership skills by:

• Learning in a safe and supportive environment
• Practicing at their own pace
• Receiving constructive feedback
• Gaining confidence with each speaking assignment

So now that we know what it is, let’s get back to those toastmaster speech ideas…

Toastmasters Speech 12 Ideas

Whether you’re giving your first speech or your hundredth, it’s always helpful to have a few ideas in mind for what you want to talk about. Here are 12 ideas for your next Toastmasters speech.

• Talk about a time when you overcame adversity.
• Share an interesting hobby or activity that you participate in.
• Talk about why people text and drive despite the dangers .
• Tell a funny story about something that happened to you.
• Offer suggestions for living a healthy lifestyle .
• Discuss the importance of staying positive and having a good attitude.
• Offer tips for managing stress and anxiety effectively.
• Share ideas for easy ways to start living a zero waste life .
• Review a book , movie, or TV show that you recently watched or read.
• Introduce the audience to another culture or way of life .
• Talk about your favorite hobby and why you love it so much.
• Giving a pet peeve speech is a great way to get your audience laughing and engaged in your speech

Easy Speech Topic Ideas

If those didn’t do it for you here are some more generalized ideas of things you can talk about in a speech that may help get your creative juices flowing.

Educational speech: Teach your audience something new. Is there a skill or piece of knowledge that you can share with your audience? Teaching something new is a great way to engage your audience and leave them with something valuable. This could be a hands-on demonstration, a historical overview or even something as simple as teaching them a new recipe.

Personal story: Share a personal story or experience that has had an impact on your life. This could be something that made you laughed, made you cry or simply inspired you. We all have stories that can inspire, motivate, or entertains others. Sharing a personal story is a great way to connect with your audience and deliver a powerful message.

Persuasive speech: Attempt to persuade your audience to see things from your perspective. This could be anything from convincing them to vote for a particular candidate to encouraging them to adopt a healthier lifestyle .

Informative speech: Share some useful information with your audience that they may not be aware of. This could include tips on saving money , staying healthy or improving productivity.

Motivational speech: Inspire your audience to take action and reach for their goals. Whether it’s getting through tough times or taking their business to the next level, everyone needs a little motivation now and then. 

Tribute speech: Honor someone special in your life with a tribute speech. This is a great way to show your appreciation for someone who has made a positive impact on you and your journey through Toastmasters. 

Compare and contrast: Help your audience understand complex ideas by breaking them down into smaller, easier-to-understand pieces and comparing them side-by-side. This technique is often used in speeches that discuss complicated topics such as politics or current events.

Demonstration speech: Show off your talents and skills by demonstrating how to do something – like baking an intricate cake or performing a complicated yoga pose – in front of your fellow Toastmasters. 

Inspirational message : We all need a little inspiration from time to time. If you have an inspirational message that you believe will resonate with your audience, share it!

Make them laugh: Everybody loves a good laugh, so if you have some humorous material that you think will appeal to your audience, go for it! Just be sure not to overdo it – too much jokes can be distracting and take away from your overall message.

Get them thinking: Engage your audience’s brain power by challenging them to think about controversial or thought-provoking topics. This is a great way to stimulate discussion and get people talking after your speech is over.

Take them on a journey: transport your audience to another place – real or imaginary – with vivid descriptions and carefully crafted words. This is an excellent way to keep people’s attention focused on your speech throughout its entirety.

Use props or visuals aids: Props and visual aids can help bring your speech to life and make it more memorable for your audience. If used judiciously, they can be extremely effective tools for conveying your message. Just be sure not to overdo it – too many props can be distracting and take away from what you’re actually saying.

Tips for Delivering a Good Speech

• Keep it simple: A good speech should be easy for your audience to follow. Avoid using big words or complicated concepts that people might not be familiar with.
• Be clear and concise: Make sure your points are clearly stated and easy to understand. The last thing you want is for your audience to walk away feeling confused or lost.
• Engage your audience: Keep your audience engaged by speaking in a way that is interesting and relatable. Use stories, jokes, or personal experiences to connect with them on a deeper level.
• Practice, practice, practice: The more you rehearse, the better you’ll be at delivering your speech. Time yourself so that you know how long it takes to get through each section. This will help ensure that you stay within the allotted time limit.
• Be confident: It’s normal to feel a little nervous before giving a speech, but try to channel that energy into positive vibes. Speak with confidence and conviction, and your audience will be more likely to respond positively.
• End on a strong note: Leave your audience with something to remember by ending on a strong note. Whether it’s an inspirational quote or a call to action, make sure your last words are powerful and impactful.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to delivering an excellent speech that will engage and inspire your audience. Remember, the key is to keep it simple, clear, and relatable. If you do that, you’re sure to deliver a speech that will be well-received by all.

If you’re struggling to come up with ideas for your next speech, just try to remember these few things:

First, try to think of a topic that you’re passionate about. If you’re interested in what you’re saying, chances are your audience will be as well.

Second, consider your audience’s needs and interests. What would they like to hear about? What would be most valuable to them?

And finally, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Sometimes the best ideas come from unexpected places. So if you’re feeling stuck, take a step back and look at the situation from a different perspective.

Remember to focus on delivering your message in an engaging and interesting way, and you’ll be sure to leave the audience wanting more! With a little creativity, you’ll be sure to come up with an idea that will wow your audience.

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• Toastmasters →

Toastmasters Speech Ideas to Inspire Your Next Speech

Are you having a hard time finding the perfect toastmasters speech ideas? Is mind blanking every time you try to come up with a good topic? If you’re already racking your brain trying to figure out what to say in your next toastmasters speech, then read on!

As a toastmasters veteran , I have compiled some of the most interesting and inspiring toastmasters speech ideas so you can get some inspiration and be the star of the show. From the funny to the informative, these ideas will ensure your next toastmasters speech is one that your audience will remember. So get ready to fire up your speech-making engines and let’s get inspired!

Creative Topics for Toastmasters Speeches

When it comes to Toastmasters speech ideas, creativity is the name of the game. There are numerous creative topics from which speakers can choose when crafting their next big presentation. These topics range from humorous stories to strange historical facts and outlandish theories about why the world works the way it does. The best creative topics for Toastmasters speeches evoke vivid images in the listener’s mind and challenge them to think critically about the subject at hand. Some particularly effective topics of this type include: exploring the difference between fantasy and reality; sharing a story about an out-of-this-world experience someone has had; discussing what it means to be an outsider; recounting a dream that seems irrational but has come true; or pondering how life might be different if certain mythical creatures were real. These creative topics for Toastmasters speeches help engage listeners by appealing to their own creative spirit and get them thinking in new ways. Another interesting approach for creative topics for Toastmasters speeches is telling stories from history that contain humorous or tragic elements. Tales of famous figures such as King Arthur or Joan of Arc can capture people’s attention while also provoking thought as they consider how history shapes our present. Similarly, reflecting on memorable moments in one’s own life that highlight strong emotions such as regret or happiness can resonate well with listeners who may have experienced similar events in their own lives. No matter what type of creative topics for Toastmasters speeches one chooses to address, any good speech should strive to bring the listener along on a journey of imagination and contemplation. By engaging listeners in this type of dialogue, presenters are sure to captivate their audiences and create memorable presentations. Ready to take a look at using Debate and Persuasion within a presentation? In the next section we’ll explore different ideas on how debate and persuasion can enhance your next speech.

Debate and Persuasion Ideas

A great way to engage your audience and hone your public speaking skills is to offer up a topic that invites debate and persuasion. You can challenge the audience by asking them to take a side on a subject and then defending it with evidence. Make sure not to make any sides of the argument right or wrong but instead craft your speech around why each point of view is valid. Some classic topics for debate and persuasion are: Should the minimum wage be raised? Should taxes be lowered or increased? Should we have stricter gun control laws? Does prayer have a place in public schools? Are parents too protective of their children? Should animal testing be allowed in scientific research? Whatever you decide, ensure all arguments come from reputable sources and use facts wherever possible. To make your speech more memorable, consider introducing something personal about yourself that ties in with the issue at hand. Maybe your stance changes when talking about something with an emotional connection, such as sending troops into a foreign country, or censorship on public media. This helps humanize the situation, showing your audience the perspectives of both sides of the debate. It also lends greater resonance to the conclusion you draw – ensuring it will stick in your audience’s minds long after your speech has ended.

Making Your Speech Memorable

It can be difficult to make sure your speech stands out in the minds of your audience. To make your speech memorable, it is important to create a unique viewpoint and present interesting context for your message. Consider adding anecdotes, stories, jokes , or life lessons that your audience can relate to. This will help you highlight your key points and keep the audience engaged. You can also use a more sophosticated memorandum such as strong sound effects, visual aids , or dramatic pauses throughout your speech. For example; beginning with statistics that shock the audience and grabbing their attention before transitioning into a personal story – this could be especially effective if the topic is about change management. Furthermore, winding up with an engagingly inspiring moral at the end of the talk could make it even more memorable by providing a lasting impression of transformation. Nevertheless, when using these tools it’s important to remember not to overuse them or rely too heavily on these memory aids as they can distract from the content of your speech and may cause confusion for your audience.

Relevant Stories

Telling a relevant story can be an effective way to add color and context to any topic. Stories humanize ideas and can illustrate major points in ways that are more persuasive than simple facts and figures. When well-told, stories can make information memorable, draw out emotions from the audience, and make presenters stand out from the competition. Stories should always be carefully chosen for relevance. If your story does not fit in with the central point of your speech, it will come across as off-topic and tedious. It’s often best to choose stories that have personal significance rather than trying to tell any generic example. Additionally, remember to check the length of your story against the total time allotted for the talk. Longer stories must be cut short or used sparingly if a speaker wants to avoid overwhelming their audience. It is also important to find a balance between humorous and serious stories. Lightening up the mood can be beneficial at times unless overused; then it can become distracting or even unprofessional. Always strive to use stories that relate directly to your Toastmaster speech while also offering something special in terms of style or emotion. By considering these key points when choosing relevant stories for your Toastmaster speech, you can create an engaging experience for your audience that will leave a lasting impression. Moreover, these storytelling abilities will come in handy for just about any other public presentation you might tackle in the future.

Predictions and Emotional Reactions

Predictions and emotional reactions are great ways to get audiences engaged in a discussion. By making predictions up front, you can challenge the audience to think critically about what would happen if your prediction is correct. Similarly, eliciting an emotional response can enhance an audience’s engagement with your speech. When used thoughtfully and intentionally, predictions and emotional reactions can create interest around a topic by giving it a personal or real-world context. However, predictions and emotional reactions should be used cautiously as too much of either can lead to a tired or unmotivated audience. Furthermore, stirring strong emotion for the wrong reasons could lead to misunderstanding or arguments instead of thoughtful dialogue. When utilized responsibly, predictions and emotional reactions can enrich a speech and give it greater meaning. With the right tone and approach, they can provide context and pay off in the end to create a lasting impact on listeners.

Speeches with Meaning

Speeches with Meaning provide a unique opportunity to offer insight and commentary on current events. These types of speeches ask speakers to first identify an important issue or problem, then outline potential solutions or ways to address it. Speeches of this variety demand careful research and extensive knowledge of the topic. By thoroughly examining particular issues—such as racism, education disparities, and healthcare reform—public speakers can develop powerful arguments that can move audiences. When crafting a speech with meaning, it is important for public speakers to think beyond the surface level material. They must be able to effectively capture and dissect aspects of their topic in a way that offers fresh perspectives. A successful speech of this kind requires finding out what makes this specific issue urgent, why it is currently facing opposition, how people are affected by it, and any new developments concerning the issue. Speakers may also choose to debate both sides of an argument in speeches with meaning. Through exploring different angles or points of view on a subject written or oral debate can compel audiences to engage in thoughtful reflection on the topic at hand. Debating various sides of an argument may also provide public speakers with different ways to address pressing issues as well as potential solutions for resolving them. Ultimately, researching for and writing a meaningful speech provides public speakers with an opportunity to create a lasting impression on their audience. To ensure that speakers thoroughly understand the message they are trying convey, they should practice delivering their speech time and time again until they deliver it confidently and fluently enough to truly make an impact within their audience.

How to Find Interesting Facts

Finding interesting facts is a crucial step in preparing to give a Toastmasters speech . Start by identifying the key elements of your speech—such as the main point, audience, and the time allotted for speaking—which will help you determine what types of facts are most relevant. After that, it’s important to conduct thorough research to find reliable and accurate information. Look for sources such as books, online journal articles, industry experts, and interviews. Once you collect all of this data, you can easily organize it into categories or points on which you will base your speech. When selecting facts for inclusion into your speech it is important to stay objective without leaving out any crucial details. It can be tempting to pick only those facts which support your point of view but it’s important to include facts from both sides of the argument if you’re debating a topic. This not only allows the audience to understand both sides but also makes your argument more convincing if backed up with evidence about why one side outweighs the other. Additionally, keep your audience in mind when selecting facts and make sure they are appropriate level for them to understand and engage with your presentation. Now that you have identified interesting facts for your Toastmasters speech, it is time for the next step: tips for preparing to give a Toastmasters speech!

Tips for Preparing To Give a Toastmasters Speech

Preparing to give a Toastmasters speech can be a daunting task. It’s important to take the time to plan, organize and practice your speech. Here are some tips for getting ready: Research Your Topic: Before you can effectively address any topic, it is essential to do your research. Take the time to understand both sides of an argument – if applicable – and think about the facts and perspectives that each side holds. This will provide you with more to discuss during the speech and help inform your audience. Organize Your Thoughts: Once you have researched, start organizing the information in a logical fashion. Many Toastmasters speeches focus on objectives or points that will be addressed throughout the presentation. Make sure everything builds towards a clear statement or idea that resonates with the audience. Use visual aides when needed to break up sections of your talk and make it more engaging for the listener. Practice Public Speaking: The best way to become comfortable with public speaking is practice, practice and practice some more! No matter what level of experience Toastmasters have, there is always room for growth and improvement when it comes to speaking publicly. Practice your speech in front of a mirror, record yourself speaking, or practice in front of friends or family who can provide helpful feedback afterwards. Use Humor: A little bit of humor can really engage an audience and breathe life into any topic. If used correctly, this type of self-deprecatory humor can be an effective way to lighten up the mood in a presentation and also make it memorable for listeners. Be Prepared for Anything: As a public speaker, you should be prepared for anything that might occur during your delivery— including questions from the audience or technical glitches like malfunctioning audio visual equipment . If possible, rehearse answering questions from various sources so you feel comfortable responding on the spot during your presentation. End Strongly: Endings are often forgotten but they should stick firmly in the minds of listeners just as much as introductions and main points throughout a Toastmasters Speech. Summarize key points made in the speech at the conclusion or leave audience members with something thought-provoking; ending with something powerful will often leave an impression long after you’ve left the podium

Common Questions Answered

What are some tips i should keep in mind when researching toastmasters speech ideas.

When researching Toastmasters speech ideas, it’s important to remember a few key tips. First, make sure you have a clear and focused goal in mind. Take the time to think about what kind of message you want to convey and who your target audience is. This will help ensure that your research and speech are both tailored to their needs. Second, keep an open mind when researching potential ideas. Explore different angles, even if they may be outside of your comfort zone. The best speakers are those who can take an unexpected spin on a topic to make it unique and interesting. Third, use reliable sources to support your research. Look for authoritative websites and reputable books so you know your information is accurate and up-to-date. Make sure to also check out existing Toastmasters speeches for inspiration—seeing how others have approached similar topics can be very informative! Finally, use the resources at your disposal such as Toastmasters clubs or online forums for assistance in honing your idea. Finding people who can offer insight and feedback on your topic can be invaluable when it comes to creating a successful speech.

Questions are a great way to engage an audience and draw out interesting dialogue during a speech. They can be used strategically throughout the course of a speech to ensure each point resonates with the audience, furthering their understanding of the material at hand. Questions can pose reflections on past experiences, stir up curiosity about future outcomes, or even encourage participation in group exercises. Asking questions also helps to keep your audience active and attentive, rather than allowing the energy level to dip while you’re speaking. In addition to encouraging active participation among attendees, effective questions can have them thinking deeply about the content presented and make meaningful connections that they may not have otherwise made.

How can I find the best topic for my Toastmasters speech?

Finding the best topic for your Toastmasters speech can seem daunting at first, but by following a few simple steps, you can easily choose an inspiring and engaging topic to present. First, consider what topics appeal to your interests and strengths as a speaker. What topics do you find most interesting or are passionate about? Also think about topics that would compliment your personal experiences and stories; this will make it easier to craft a speech with natural enthusiasm. Once you’ve narrowed down some potential topics, consider the needs and interests of your audience. Keep in mind that the content should not only be relevant to them but also challenge their current way of thinking about the subject matter. It’s also important that you tailor the message depending on their age group, profession, background and culture. This will help ensure that your speech resonates with them. Finally, make sure to choose an interesting angle to explore with your topic. Doing a bit of research beforehand can help you uncover utterly unique aspects of your chosen topic which will make it more engaging. By considering both yourself and your audience when choosing a topic for your Toastmasters speech, you can be sure to present something captivating and inspiring!

What topics could I use for a Toastmasters speech?

For a Toastmasters speech, topics could range from personal experiences to lessons learned to humorous anecdotes. Depending on the level of difficulty and content desired, you could discuss anything from self-improvement tips to leadership advice. If you’re looking for an entertaining speech, consider telling a story with a moral lesson, or provide some humorous observations about life. If you’re going for something more serious and educational, try exploring current events and social issues. Additionally, timely topics like health trends and technological advancements are great sources of inspiration, as well as publishing books or producing movies that talk about the same important topics in your community or industry. The beauty of Toastmasters speeches is there is no one-size-fits-all approach; people have the freedom to explore virtually any topic they want. So get creative and think outside the box – find something meaningful and inspiring that resonates with you; Chances are your audience will appreciate it too!

What resources can I use to find sample topics and ideas for my Toastmasters speech?

There are a variety of resources available to help find sample topics and ideas for a Toastmasters speech. The most obvious one is the Toastmasters’ website itself, which is filled with great information about upcoming topics, samples of speeches from other members, and how-to articles about crafting effective speeches. In addition, there are many websites that contain extensive lists of possible Toastmasters speech ideas, such as Pro Speech Writer, which offers numerous ideas categorized into different categories. There are also plenty of books available specifically devoted to speech writing and speaking in general. Other helpful resources include blogs dedicated to giving tips on presenting and public speaking, such as https://icebreakerspeech.com. Not only do these sites have useful advice on crafting persuasive presentations, they also have tons of inspiring examples of past speeches written by successful presenters. Finally, if you need some assistance coming up with creative speech ideas that are tailored for a specific audience or occasion, there are even professional speechwriting services available online that specialize in customized scripts for all kinds of occasions .

Toastmasters Speeches

This free resource of sample Toastmasters speeches has tips, techniques and examples of topics and ideas for writing your speech or presentation.

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Toastmasters Speech 7: Research Your Topic

Imagine that you are writing your next great speech. As you scour your mind for the fact that will clinch your case, you will discover one of two things: either you know it, or you don’t.

Most of the time, you won’t know every piece of information you need to make a compelling argument, but you can find it.

The seventh Toastmasters speech project encourages you to go beyond your own knowledge and opinions, and fill in the gaps with various forms of research.

This article of the Toastmasters Speech Series examines the primary goals of this project, provides tips and techniques, and links to numerous sample speeches.

Why is This Speech Important?

• The Ice Breaker
• Organize Your Speech
• Get to the Point
• How To Say It
• Your Body Speaks
• Vocal Variety
• Research Your Topic
• Get Comfortable with Visual Aids (coming next)
• Persuade with Power
• Inspire Your Audience

The objectives for this speech project are to conduct appropriate research and then incorporate this research into your speech to provide support for your key arguments.

Tips and Techniques

1. don’t know what to research anticipate audience questions..

As you take your speech from an idea to an outline, and then to a rough draft, ask yourself the following question: “If I delivered this speech as is, what question would my audience have?” If you don’t have the answer (due to your subject expertise), then you’ve got to research it. Then, once you incorporate this new research into your speech, ask yourself the question again. Repeat a few times until you’ve covered the key questions.

2. Use websites, but use them wisely.

There’s a wealth of information out there, and you’d be stupid not to utilize it.

But don’t be lazy when choosing your sources. I’m a huge fan of Wikipedia and I have used it for early speech research. However, I wouldn’t always trust my reputation as a speaker on the information provided by an encyclopedia that anyone can edit. Instead, look for primary sources. For example:

• Speaking about the health benefits of apples? Seek out a nutrition website , not a chat room.
• Speaking about high-definition televisions? Grab specifications from the  manufacturer website , not Twitter.
• Speaking about the Oregon Dunes? Head to the US Forest Service website , not Facebook.

The quality of your source matters. (See this article about speaking ethos .)

3. Don’t use only websites.

“ Don’t include statistics just because they are jaw-dropping. Include them because they improve the strength of your argument. ”

Sure, the Internet has lots of answers, but not all of them. You might also try:

• Books, newspapers, magazines, etc.
• Go to the business, the attraction, the town hall meeting, the park, the beach, the mall, or whatever location allows you to gather first-hand knowledge.
• Interview an expert, whether in-person, on the phone, or via email.
• Conduct a survey yourself.

You will raise your credibility by going beyond the “easy” or “expected” source (the web).

4. Keep it relevant.

Remember the lesson learned in speech 3 : every element of your speech must reinforce your purpose.

Don’t include statistics just because they are jaw-dropping. Include them because they improve the strength of your argument.

Similarly, don’t include quotations from a famous person or source with the intent of name-dropping. Include them because they express one of your arguments more succinctly than you could otherwise express it.

5. Cite your sources.

As mentioned in a previous article about improving your persuasiveness :

A statistic may be accurate, but without citing a source, your audience may dismiss it. By citing a source, you tip the scale towards believability.

6. Provide necessary context.

Facts, statistics, quotations, and whatever else you discover in your research can rarely be presented all alone. In most cases, you’ll need to wrap your research by providing some context, and explaining the relevance.

For example, suppose that your research tells you that a certain exercise burns 800 calories of energy. Depending on the knowledge of your audience, this may be a meaningless number. To give it meaning, you have to provide the context. e.g. 800 calories is one third of the recommended daily caloric intake. (Note that this value depends on gender, weight, etc. Choose a value which is representative of your audience… or provide a range of values.)

7. Don’t cram too much in.

Avoid the temptation to just collect an array of statistics and then spew them at your audience, one after the other. Your speech should be supported by your research; it should not be the research.

But what if you have more research than you can reasonably fit…?

8. Surprise your audience with a handout.

In your speech, you only have time to refer to the most relevant research. But a great way to follow up your speech (all speeches, but especially for this project) is to provide additional research on a handout. A single page is often enough. It’s a good place to list websites or other sources, or any other information which leads your audience towards your call-to-action.

“ Your speech should be supported by your research; it should not be the research. ”

What I Did for Speech 7

I researched options for cutting the fuel costs for your car, and presented these to my audience.

I included the following research in my speech:

• A chart showing gas prices for a 3-year period (on gasbuddy.com ). I presented this as a chart early in the talk to illustrate how drastic the overall change has been to set the context for my talk.
• The sum of federal, provincial, and local (transit) taxes that are included in the gas price. (Where I live, taxes add up to one third of the total price!)
• The range of fuel efficiency among different classes of vehicles (a factor of six between a Toyota Prius hybrid and a Dodge Ram truck), and also between vehicles in the same class (varies from five to forty percent).
• The fuel efficiency difference between a vehicle which is properly maintained, and one which is not (up to 13%).
• The fuel costs associated with running your air conditioning rather than opening your windows (up to 10%, depending on your speed).
• Fuel savings from driving style (up to 25%) e.g. maintaining a steady speed rather than constantly speeding and braking.
• Fuel savings from streamlining your car (up to 5%) by removing roof racks or heavy items from the trunk.
• Fuel savings from buying at the “right” time of day (up to 5%).

Most of my research was done on various government, automotive, and consumer websites. I presented the sources as part of my talk. (Unfortunately, the links are dead now.)

For the “time of day” research, I compiled this myself by recording the price difference at the same gas station every day for one month when I drove by it several times per day (to and from work, etc.) On average, the gas was 5% cheaper in the evening relative to the morning price.

To make the research more meaningful, I also presented the dollar savings which could be realized for an average commuter in Greater Vancouver, where I live. ($632 a year!)

Toastmasters Speech 7 Examples

Here are a few sample video speeches which may provide inspiration for you. As you watch them, ask yourself which elements of the speech were likely researched, how well was this researched material presented, and did it support the speaker’s arguments?

• Average American consumes more than 100 pounds of sugar every year, compared to 8 pounds of broccoli.
• Lemon poppyseed Clif Bar has 21 grams of sugar (5 teaspoons). Chocolate glazed cake donut (Dunkin donuts) has 14 grams (3 teaspoons). 16 ounce Starbucks frappucino has 44 grams of sugar (10 teaspoons). “That’s like eating 3 donuts!”
• Although the speaker cites the USDA as the source for the 10 teaspoons/day recommendation, no other sources are cited through the speech. For example, who says Americans consume more than 100 pounds of sugar a year? Since the speaker is an authority herself (she is a nutrition counselor), citing her sources isn’t critical, but it would be good.
• Adapt or Die – Income Diversification by Mary Ann
• Let the Music Play by Ravi Mittal
• The Monster that Ate Wall Street by Srinivas Ankareddy
• The Hug Effect by Heather
• The Federal Reserve by Frank
• Things You Did or Did Not Know About Victoria by Matt
• Some Like it Hot by Reuben
• Fear of Rejection by Anonymous
• Who gets more rebounds? by Jason Zhang

Next in the Toastmasters Speech Series

The next article in this series will examine Speech 8: Get Comfortable with Visual Aids.

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18 comments.

I’d love to see you continue with this series, just three more. They have been very helpful as i progress through the first book.

Really liking your help with theCompetent Communicator manual. Hope you finish the series. Realizing your website will be a great resource as when I start my MA in Communication Studies this Fall. Thank you so much!

Are you going to do articles on CC speeches 8, 9, and 10?

I’m doing the seventh speech now and like reading these columns before the writing begins.

Yes, they are coming.

I’m pretty late to the conversation and may have missed an update to this thread. Did you ever do articles on speeches 8, 9, and 10?

I have a question: any tips for remembering the speech? As the material is full of numbers and is quite dry, it’s hard to memorize it.

Samantha: [1] There’s no magic… rehearsing several times over is probably the best advice. [2] There’s nothing wrong with using a note card to help you remember the numbers themselves (the idea is that you don’t want to read your speech, but if you have specific numbers you want to say, then glancing quickly at a note isn’t so bad) [3] If you still find there are too many statistics to remember, perhaps there are just too many statistics, period. Try reducing the number of statistics, and focus instead on conveying each statistic in the best way possible. This may help: http://sixminutes.dlugan.com/statistics-speech/ Good luck!

Hi Andrew, English is not my primary language, and I am trying my best to Improvise.

Your articles on the 10 Speeches of CC of Toastmasters are really good.

Please continue the series, and write more on the Get Comfortable with Visual Aids, Persuade with Power and Inspire Your Audience topics.

With regards, Kumaran (from the third world)

Thank you, Andrew, for your articles. I’m not a native speaker and they are really helpful.

Dolly (Mongolia)

Curious…with many statistics, quotes,, and specific facts, how does one remember all this without reading them directly from notes? We don’t have available a flip chart, white board, or poster support means. Power point is unrealiable and seems to seldom work. Any suggestions?

There was a great article in the a recent Toastmaster magazine about data (women was lead of Alumni relations @ Cornell). Key points I remember. Less data is better.

Hi, Don: I have been a Toastmaster “forever,” however I still find it difficult to force myself to give a prepared speech. Anyway, after many years I am repeating the Basic Manual so find your website a valuable resource for suggestions, ideas and reference. So thanks for “being here.” –Gerry

I find the Toastmaster Speech Series really helpful. This is my go to website every time I prepare for my Competent Communicator Speech Projects. The tips, techniques and reference links you put in each of the article are really useful. I’m currently on my speech project 7 and very thankful that your article for this project is available. I look forward to seeing your articles for speech projects 8, 9 and 10 – hopefully soon for number 8.

Great article! I hope to see more!!!

Awesome! very helpful for my next speech!

Hi Andrew, I liked your articles on toastmasters speeches. When are you going to write for Project 8, Get comfortable with visual aids? Looking forward to read it.

Regards, Namrata

Same! Will you finish with projects 8-10??

i come here for help on my Toastmaster speech projects. wish you had done tips for project 8-10 🙁

Great website.

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5 Blog Links

Competent Communicator Objectives « Calgary Toastmasters — Oct 26th, 2010

Sanctuary – extricate.org — Nov 27th, 2010

How Geeks Won The War – extricate.org — Mar 1st, 2011

Updated Toastmasters Speech Series: Your Guide to the First 10 Speeches | "Public Speaking in Singapore" — Apr 25th, 2011

Your first 10 speeches | Speakmasters — May 4th, 2011

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June 14 is the last day for District Directors to place District supply orders for the 2023-2024 term.

Magazine Article

Article of magazine.

By Alex Malley

Shortly after joining my Toastmasters club here in Germany, I discovered I had a problem. When I gave a speech, my evaluator would provide their feedback related to the objectives of the speech project and how I could improve as a speaker. The problem was that each time I included some humor in my speech, it just didn’t seem to land with the audience.

Club members were from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, India, Poland, and Germany. Perhaps they didn’t understand my accent, or my choice of words was confusing , I wondered.

Eventually, an astute evaluator took me aside after a meeting and explained that different cultures have different approaches to humor. His advice proved useful to me when presenting at work and relating to colleagues, neighbors, and friends. It also allowed me to tailor my message to people in the country where I was living.

Laughing together creates a bond. For many of us, humor is an essential part of our lives.

As a native of Scotland, I was used to self-deprecating humor. Such humor abounds on television and in literature there and has its own distinct character. It is part of everyday life, and you’ll hear it trip off the tongues of taxi drivers, bartenders, and passengers waiting for a bus.

In Germany, humor is not self-deprecating in the way I was used to. While in Scotland, self-deprecation is seen as an indication of strong character, Germans don’t like to mock themselves in private or in public. For sure they have a sense of humor—it is simply different than the one I was familiar with.

For example, in Germany each New Year’s Eve, a 1963 black-and-white comedy sketch airs on TV about a woman celebrating her 90th birthday and her butler serving her dinner and getting progressively more drunk. Dinner for One originated in the UK, yet it’s almost unknown there; however, in Germany it has acquired a cult following.

People have many attributes that help us identify with each other. The ability to speak the same language is one, and our ability to laugh is another. Laughing together creates a bond. For many of us, humor is an essential part of our lives.

The advice from the speech evaluator really helped me to settle into my new culture and communicate more effectively. It gave me confidence to take on the “Jokemaster” role at club meetings and practice different approaches to humor.

How does your club help its members get comfortable with humor?

Morag Mathieson, DTM

2023–2024 International President

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