Speechcraft

Speechcraft Public Speaking Course

Speechcraft is a short course teaching public speaking skills, which will help to build self-confidence. Our Speechcraft courses are a supportive, face-to-face course.

Next Speechcraft course

August-September 2025

Monday nights

The course and you
  • It's designed to develop public speaking skills and confidence
  • It's a friendly, positive non-threatening environment
  • Fellow students will be there for similar reasons as you
  • Fellow students will be feeling the same emotions as you
  • You can develop at your own pace
  • You will not be "graded"
  • You'll receive immediate positive and helpful feedback
  • Most assisting Toastmasters have attended Speechcraft themselves
  • You'll develop your own individual style
  • You will gain a huge boost to your self-confidence
How we run the course
  • We have conducted multiple Speechcraft courses consecutively since February 1998.
  • Speechcraft Orientation (1 hour only) is provided to help you prepare for session one.
  • Conducted on Monday nights for 7 consecutive weeks.
  • Sessions start 7.00pm and finish by 10.00pm.
  • Conducted on Monday nights for 7 consecutive weeks.
  • Maximum 10 students each course, ideal for greatest learning.
  • Equal student participation each session (very important).
  • See live educational presentations and demonstration speeches from toastmasters for the following week's project.
  • Six speaking projects during the course, plus one exercise using PowerPoint (or alternatively Research Your Topic).

What you’ll Learn

Prepared speeches

Prepared speeches - researching, preparing, rehearsing and delivering a short speech, first speech 2 to 3 minutes, the rest 3 to 5 minutes.

Proposing a toast

Proposing a toast - learn how to deliver a Toast that is worthy, with style.


Introducing a speaker

Introducing a speaker - learn the correct way to do it.



how to evaluate

How to evaluate - become an effective and helpful evaluator of others.

impromptu speaking

Impromptu speaking - dealing with the unexpected question


speaking etiquette

Public Speaking etiquette - know how to present yourself, as well as your presentation.

Comments from former Speechcraft students ...

The practical skills learnt throughout the speechcrafters course have been excellent. From preparing and delivering a speech each week, to practicing impromptu speaking and the inclusion of everyday life skills such a giving a toast, there is something to learn in this course for everyone. Having the experienced toastmasters in attendance gave experience and guidance to each participant, and created a really fun and engaging course.

If you are unsure about whether to sign up or nervous about speaking in front of people, my advice would be, this is the course for you. The most important thing when building confidence to speak is to practice, this course gets you practicing every week. But you also want to practice in a supportive, encouraging and safe environment, and Speechcrafters is definitely that space. You won't find a more supportive environment to build your confidence in. It's a fantastic course, I can't rate it highly enough.

Michelle  | 

Speechcraft was very well orchestrated with a lot of support and no judgement. I am grateful for all the helpful advice and the way the course is layered.

There is only one way to find out if you can improve on your speech making skills, most people are nervous … the guidelines help.

Debbie C  | 

My speechcraft experience went really well, the growth from week 1 to week 8 was incredible, from being very nervous and self conscious about speaking in front of people to becoming alot more confident and comfortable, delivering my best speech on the last week.

You have to face your fears to be free of them..Mike and the miranda toastmasters a bunch of legends and create a very positive and safe space for the speechcrafters.

Johnny P  | 

This course was fantastic. Its a safe place to learn about public speaking, practise and grow in confidence. The people were incredible, we had some good laughs along the way and i finished feeling confident in my public speaking skills.

Give it a go, you wont regret it! It is such an encouraging safe place to just come and have a go. Everyone else is in the same boat too. You can do it!

Lisa  | 

Speechcraft was a great experience, I can see how it will impact my career massively and it really lessened the fears of public speaking.

Ensure you have the time to devote to it as you only get out what you put in but to take that step! It turns into a lot of fun and there is no way you will finish the 8 weeks not having become a better public speaker.

Elly  | 

I am self employed and work at home so I have limited opportunity to interact with people let alone prepare and deliver speeches. Covid-19 only exacerbated the situation and I was becoming more socially isolated especially with respect of business meeting. I must admit the 1st step was difficult but once I got over the initial meeting and 1st speech I never looked back. This course has propelled me to my business and also my personal life. Even though I have gained confidence in public speaking it has helped me grow as a person. If you are thinking of doing Speechcraft my advice is to take the first step as you won't regret it. It is a very supportive environment as everyone is in the same position as you. The course is fun and positive so no need for nervousness. Have a go you won't regret it

Anthony K  | 

I enjoyed every minute of the Speechcraft course. It was well structured and engaging.

Everyone has a story and a different reason for taking the course, but ultimately the same goal of being a better public speaker. I learned so much and gained confidence I didn't think I would ever have. The course gave me a deeper understanding of the craft of public speaking and a foundation to build my skills upon. If you are thinking about it, you should do it. I guarantee you will have no regrets. It is 8 weeks of commitment that will give you a lifetime of benefit.

I was terrified at first, as were all the people in my course, however, as the weeks went by, confidence grew. It is fun and you learn a lot about yourself and hear some wonderful speakers who are just like you.

Mike & the Toastmasters are extremely knowledgeable and supportive of everyone in the course.

Cathy G  | 

At first nervous but got confident, very encouraging environment have a crack learning the structure of a speech is rewarding plus it was a great environment. Mike is a great teacher

Peter H  | 

I did Speechcraft to practice and improve my public speaking skills, particularly in technical topics to keep the audience engaged and 'not fall asleep'. The Speechcraft course not only improves your confidence within yourself and your public speaking. But it also educates on the theory behind public speaking.

I found the 'know how' and 'why' behind the 'tips and tricks' of public speaking very valuable. With understanding of the fundamentals, and my confidence improving every week via speaking, the Speechcraft course has increased my public speaking ability immensely.

I would recommend this to everyone at any stage in their life. Not only is it great for self development, but its also quite fun and its certainly something different to add some extra spice to your life.

Good things don't come to those who wait. Just do it.

Kurt  | 

What an incredible 9 weeks! Speechcraft was terrifying and exciting at the same time. Being able to speak and address your fears in a judgement-free space helped me grow and become a more confident speaker. The Toastmasters were there the entire time to hold my hand and answer emails at any time of day when I needed help. I cannot thank you all enough!

There is no time like the present to address your fears. Being pushed out of your comfort zone is hard but each week it was progressively easier. Everyone is supportive and judgement-free. I can passionately say that Speechcraft has given me the skills and tools to grow in my career, as a speaker but most importantly as a person.

Alara G  |