How to Write an Icebreaker Speech for Toastmasters

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By coachangela
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Evalutaion Form in the Basic Manual (Competent Communicator)

You've joined a Toastmasters club, and now you are ready to give your first manual speech--the Icebreaker.

In just 4-6 minutes, you just need to "break the ice" to your fellow Toastmsters club members by talking a little about yourself.

Here are some tips on options for how to organize the information and present yourself.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Courage
Membership in a Toastmasters club

Step 1

Don't try to cover too much.

You can't tell your entire life history in 4-6 minutes. You have lots of future speeches to share your interests, your life story, and your passions with your audience.
Step 2

Tell a story.

Instead of a linear format (I was born, family life growing up, career, marriage, etc.), consider sharing just one story from your life. Is there a funny story from your childhood? Is there a vivid, memorable event in your life that you want to share?
Step 3

Show, don't tell.

Instead of using a string of adjectives (I'm sharp, witty, perceptive, etc.), try telling a story that illustrates these characteristics about yourself.

Instead of listing your interests and hobbies, try giving a whole speech about each interest. You could give a speech about an aspect or experience with a hobby of yours.

Instead of listing your accomplishments, give the information to your Toastmaster to use in the introduction of your speech.
Step 4

You can talk about your passions.

Religion and politics are okay to talk about in Toastmasters, even in this politically-correct world of ours. As long as you are not trying to convert, promote/sell, or preach in a way that makes other members uncomfortable, it is okay to share you personal views and passions in the safe, supportive environment of Toastmasters.
Step 5

You can talk about your visions of the future.

Most Icebreakers reveal all about the past, and present of the speaker. Try something different and talk about your plans and goals for the future. Do you have a vision? Share it with the club members, but remember you only have 4-6 minutes!
Step 6

Practice.

You don't have to type out the entire speech word for word if that does not suit your personality. If you are speaking from the heart on a subject you know best, then you should not be over-dependent on your notes.

You do not have to memorize the entire speech. Just be yourself and share some things with the club that will pique their interest about you and want to hear future speeches by you.
Step 7

GOOD LUCK!

The audience is more forgiving than you think. Everyone in the audience has been in your same shoes before, having given their first speech in this type of setting.

Toastmasters is very supportive. The Mission Statement of a club is "to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every member has the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth."