Speechcraft: Grow Your Club While Growing New Speakers
Are you looking for a way to energize your Toastmasters club, attract new members, and give back to your community?
Speechcraft could be the answer.
Speechcraft is a short, intensive public speaking course designed by Toastmasters International to introduce non-members to the fundamentals of communication and leadership. It offers a condensed version of the Toastmasters experience, giving participants a taste of what the program has to offer; and giving clubs a powerful tool for membership growth and community engagement.
Speechcraft is typically run over four to eight sessions and can be delivered in person or online. During the course, participants (known as Speechcrafters) learn essential speaking and leadership skills, guided by experienced Toastmasters from your club. They prepare and present speeches, practice impromptu speaking, and receive constructive feedback; all in a supportive, learn-by-doing environment.
Speechcraft is not only an educational outreach initiative, it is also one of the best and proven membership building tools Toastmasters has to offer.
Why Should Your Club Run a Speechcraft Course?
Here are just a few of the reasons clubs choose to run Speechcraft:
1. Grow Your Membership
By showcasing what Toastmasters is all about in a low-commitment format, you give participants a clear path to becoming members. The supportive mentorship they receive during the course often builds strong connections that translate into long-term club engagement.
2. Develop Your Current Members
Running a Speechcraft course gives existing members an opportunity to grow their leadership and mentoring skills. Acting as coordinators, speech evaluators, or educational presenters lets your members flex their experience in new and rewarding ways and can even help them complete Pathways projects.
3. Build Community Connections
Whether you are reaching out to local professionals, students, business groups, or nonprofits, Speechcraft positions your club as a resource for communication and leadership development in your community. It can be a fantastic way to create partnerships and raise your club’s profile.
What's Included in the Speechcraft Digital Experience?
Toastmasters International offers a fully digital Speechcraft experience, which includes:
Online access for coordinators and participants
Speechcrafter workbooks
Coordinator guides and session outlines
Customizable content to suit your club’s style and format
Tools for both in-person and online delivery
The digital format gives clubs flexibility in how they present the program and reduces administrative overhead.
Getting Started
Running a successful Speechcraft course does not require a large club or extensive resources or previous experience. Just a few committed members and a clear plan. Here are a few tips to get started:
Form a small organizing team. Identify members willing to help coordinate and mentor.
Choose your format. Decide how many sessions to offer and whether to run them weekly, bi-weekly, or over a few intensive days.
Promote the program. Use social media, word-of-mouth, community boards, and local organizations to attract participants.
Follow up. After the course, make it easy for Speechcrafters to join your club by inviting them to regular meetings and explaining the benefits of membership.
Conclusion
Speechcraft is more than a course; it is a bridge between the community and your club. It is a proven way to showcase the value of Toastmasters, help people find their voice, and strengthen your club in the process.
If your club is looking to make an impact and grow in the coming year, consider running a Speechcraft course. You will be amazed at what it can do; not just for your participants, but for your members and your club as a whole.
Getting started can be the hardest part; but you are not alone. District 90 Speechcraft Chair Sabesh is here to support you every step of the way; from planning and preparation to running the course.
By Sabesh Sitsabesan DTM (D90 Speechcraft Chair 2025/26)
Image credits: Mike Kano-McCallum DTM (Cover photo), Paul Sterman and https://shop.toastmasters.org/shop/8600--Speechcraft-Digital-Bundle
