While just getting up there and speaking can be an education in itself, there are a number of ways to learn at the Stamford Chapter:

Evaluations & Feedback
Formal evaluations of your speeches and informal feedback provide suggestions and are valuable in helping to focus on areas for improvement. Our club is known for its solid evaluations that compliment and encourage, but that also analyze and point out opportunities for growth.

Observing
Watching other speakers display refined talents in the areas of vocal variety, gestures, eye contact, introductions, organizing speeches, and inspiring an audience will show you ways you can do the same.

Practice
Regularly speaking in front of people will help you become more confident each time, plus the more feedback, support, and encouragement, the easier it is to meet your goals and improve. Meetings are designed to give you ample practice opportunities.

Speaking Manuals
Toastmasters International has more than 75 years of experience in educating and developing speakers. From this rich background the organization produces detailed step-by-step manuals to help develop excellent speaking abilities no matter what the context is. Click here to learn more about additional resources available for preparing speeches.

Audio and Video Playback
Watching and/or listening to yourself give a speech opens up a new world of self understanding. We rarely get the opportunity to step into the shoes of those watching us speak. Don't forget to check out the additional A/V resources available to club members. Also did you realize that the Greater Stamford Toastmasters can videotape all your speeches?

Mentors
An experienced club member of your choosing can be your mentor. They will act as a role model, coach and advisor for your first few speeches. Click here to learn more about our mentorship program.

Supportive Environment
You never have to worry about a negative reaction from the audience at the Stamford Chapter. Our chapter has long tradition of having supportive culture. We all remember our first nervous speech in front of an audience, and we are here to provide a nurturing and positive environment that builds up the confidence of speakers.

And one last way to learn: from listening to the speeches of the other members! In the last year we have heard speeches on how to protect yourself from pickpockets, the physics of firewalking, where to go in Italy and much much more. Toastmasters is not just an education in public speaking, it is an education in life!