Associates often develop confidence by strengthening their public speaking skills.
Objectives
The Speaking Network, affiliated with Toastmasters International,
gives associates access to a wide range of public speaking
opportunities inside and outside the company through which they
develop leadership, communication and presentation skills in a
supportive environment. This network
Develops accomplished speakers and helps to enhance participants' self-confidence
Builds leadership skills and provides networking opportunities
Delivers a consistent educational program through Toastmasters International
What is Toastmasters International?
Toastmasters International is a nonprofit organization devoted to
making effective oral communication a worldwide reality. Through its
member clubs, the organization helps teach the art of speaking,
listening and thinking and provides a format and training materials
for speaking networks to follow.
Meetings consist of several elements
At regular Speaking Network meetings, members give prepared and impromptu speeches and receive verbal evaluations and written comments in a supportive, noncritical environment.
A Toastmaster conducts the meeting and is responsible for following the schedule, introducing participants and seeing that the meetings end on time.
Table Topics sessions consist of short, impromptu speeches that train speakers to think on their feet.
Prepared speeches build progressively on knowledge and experience gained in previous assignments.
Evaluations are given to emphasize and reinforce good speaking habits.
A timer helps speakers learn to express their thoughts within specific time intervals.
A grammarian introduces new words, monitors proper use of language and helps eliminate use of filler words.
Did You Know?
Several Bank of America speaking networks have received recognition through the Toastmasters International Distinguished Club program. Recognition has included these prestigious Toastmasters International awards:
