Competent Communication Manual: Goals for your  Speeches

Also known as CTM Manual or the Basic Manual, it is where all Toastmasters begin their journey in improving their speaking, listening and thinking skills. Note: Toastmasters International continually updates the CTM manual.  The manual was originally known as the "Communication and Leadership Manual." TI renamed the manual to "Competent Communication Manual" for use starting in  2006. TI previously reorganized the 10 projects of the original manual for issuance  to new members starting in 2003. Any member completing any version of the basic manual, no matter when it was published, is eligible for the Competent Communicator award.

* The goals listed below are for the current version of the manual, issued to new members starting in 2003.

1. The Ice Breaker (4 to 6 minutes)

• To begin speaking before an audience
• To help you understand what areas require particular emphasis in your speaking development.
• To introduce yourself to your fellow club members.

2. Organize Your Speech (5 to7 minutes)

• Select an appropriate outline which allows listeners to easily follow and understand your speech.
• Make your message clear, with supporting material directly contributing to that message.
• Use appropriate transitions when moving from one idea to another.
• Create a strong opening and conclusion.

3. Get to the Point (5 to 7 minutes)
     was "Speak with Sincerity" - before that - "Be In Earnest"

• Select a speech topic and determine its general and specific purposes.
• Organize the speech in a manner that best achieves those purposes.
• Ensure the beginning, body and conclusion reinforce the purposes.
• Project sincerity and conviction and control any nervousness you may feel.

4. Your Body Speaks (5 to 7 minute)
    was "Show What You Mean"

• Use stance, movement, gestures, facial expressions and eye contact to express your message and achieve your speech’s purpose.
• Make your body language smooth and natural.

5. Vocal Variety (5 to 7 minute)

• To explore the use of voice volume, pitch, rate, and quality as assets to your speaking.
• To Achieve a pleasing natural voice quality when speaking

6. How to Say It (5 to 7 minute) was "Work with Words"

• Select the right words and sentence structure to communicate your ideas clearly, accurately and vividly.
• Use rhetorical devices to enhance and emphasize ideas.
• Eliminate jargon and unnecessary words. Use correct grammar.

7. Research Your Topic (5 to 7 minute)
    was "Apply Your Skills"

• Collect information about your topic from numerous sources.
• Carefully support your points and opinions with specific facts, examples and illustrations gathered through research.

8. Get Comfortable with Visual Aids (5 to 7 minute)
     was "Add Impact to your Speech" - before that - "Make It Persuasive"

• Select visual aids that are appropriate for your message and the audience.
• Use visual aids correctly with ease and confidence.

9. Persuade with Power (5 to 7 minute) was "Speak With Knowledge"

• Persuade listeners to adopt your viewpoint or ideas or to take some action.
• Appeal to the audience’s interests.
• Use logic and emotion to support your position.

10. Inspire Your Audience (8 to 10 minute)

• To inspire the audience by appealing to noble motives and challenging the audience to achieve a higher level of beliefs or achievement.
•  Appeal to the audience’s needs and emotions, using stories, anecdotes and quotes to add drama.