Come to any meeting for free information:
CIGNA -Wilde Building
900 Cottage Grove Road
Bloomfield CT 06152
After hours Club 1st & 3rd Tuesdays 5:00pm -Training Room 2
Lunchtime Club 2nd & 4th Tuesdays 12:00pm -Training Room 5B
Upon joining you embark on your journey with the basic communication & leadership program outlined below:
Communication & Leadership Program
The key to getting the most out of the Toastmasters' Communication and Leadership Program is active participation. People learn best by doing. Each of the ten project assignments, and the speeches that you will present, are part of a system designed to develop your skills one step at a time.
- The Ice Breaker
Objectives: To begin speaking before an audience. To introduce yourself to your fellow club members. To help understand what areas require particular emphasis in your speaking development.
- Organize Your Speech
Objectives: To organize your thoughts into a logical sequence that leads the audience to a clearly defined goal. To build a speech outline that includes an opening, body, and conclusion.
- Get to the Point
Objectives: Select a speech topic with a general and specific purposes. Organize the speech to achieve thoses defined purposes. Project sincerity and conviction on a speech topic you thoroughly understand. Confront and control any nervousness you might have.
- How to Say It
Objectives: To select precisely the right words required to communicate your ideas clearly, vividly, and appropriately. To gain an understanding of the functions and uses of the spoken word.
- Your Body Speaks
Objectives: To learn the value of gestures and body movements as part of your speech. To explore the different ways of using body language (stance, movement, facial expressions and eye contact). To develop a sense of timing and natural, smooth body movement.
- Vocal Variety
Objectives: To explore the use of voice volume, pitch, rate and quality as assets to your speaking. To apply the principles of a well-developed voice to add meaning and interest to a particular speech.
- Research Your Topic
Objectives: To collect and bring together information about your speech topic from numerous sources and apply the communication skills you have learned in the preceding speech projects. To organize your speech logically and research the facts needed to support your speech and its conclusion.
- Get Comfortable with Visual Aids
Objectives: To present a speech that uses one or more props or visual aids to add impact to the message. To learn how to use props and visuals effectively, adding interest, and focusing attention on the message delivered.
- Persuade with Power
Objectives: To present a talk that persuades the audience to accept your proposal or point of view. To achieve this persuasive effect by appealing to the audiences self-interest, building a logical foundation for agreement, and arousing emotional commitment to your cause.
- Inspire Your Audience
Objectives: To understand the mood and feelings of your audience an a particular occasion. To put those feelings into words and inspire the audience, using all of the techniques you have learned so far.
After you have completed all 10 project speeches, you will apply for the Competent Communicator (CC) Award - a major milestone in your communications development.
Member dues are $33 every six months with a one time $20.00 new membership fee. Cigna employees are often reimbursed as education by CIGNA via C-pay. Membership applications are available at any club meeting from VP of Membership- Ted Hsu (
thsu@horizonsvcs.com) for After Hours Club or Carrie Thompson (
carrie.thompson2@cigna.com) for Lunchtime Club
