Toastmasters District 17 – Speechcraft Program Perth

Overview

The Toastmasters District 17 Speechcraft Program is a structured, short-course public speaking training initiative run across Perth, Western Australia, under the banner of Toastmasters International District 17. Designed for non-members and newcomers alike, it delivers practical communication skills — including prepared speeches, impromptu speaking, body language, and constructive evaluation — across four focused two-hour sessions. The program is delivered by experienced volunteer Toastmasters in a warm, encouraging, and non-commercial environment, making it one of the most accessible entry points into public speaking development in Perth.

Best For

• Professionals seeking to communicate more confidently and persuasively at work
• Individuals with a fear of public speaking who want a structured, low-pressure starting point
• Employers or HR teams looking for an affordable corporate communication training option for staff groups

Meeting Format

• Mode: Offline (in-person; corporate editions may be hosted at the employer's premises)
• Frequency: Weekly sessions over the course of the program cycle; courses are offered every few months throughout the year
• Duration: Two hours per session (four sessions per standard course cycle)
• Group size: Limited to approximately 10 participants per course to maximise individual learning and participation

Typical Session Flow

1. Welcome and orientation — Participants are introduced to the session's theme and the experienced Toastmaster team facilitating the class; the Speechcrafter Manual and learning materials are referenced
2. Educational presentation — An experienced Toastmaster delivers a short demonstration speech or educational segment on the session's focus topic (e.g., vocal variety, body language, use of visual aids, or impromptu speaking)
3. Participant speeches — Speechcrafters deliver their own prepared or impromptu speeches, progressively building skills across the four sessions; each session is structured like a traditional Toastmasters club meeting with a specific thematic focus
4. Constructive evaluations and wrap-up — Seasoned Toastmasters provide oral, structured feedback on each participant's speech, highlighting strengths and offering actionable guidance; the session closes with networking and encouragement

Language And Speaking Level

• Languages used: English
• Recommended level: No prior experience required — the program is explicitly designed for beginners
• Beginner friendly: Yes — the curriculum starts with the novice speaker in mind, with initial speeches kept short and progressively building in complexity across the course

Membership And Costs

• Trial policy: Not applicable as a standalone course; participants register and pay for the full course upfront via an online booking platform
• Membership fee: A per-person course fee applies for public programs; per Toastmasters International protocol, fees must not exceed the equivalent of 12 months of Toastmasters International membership dues (approximately AU$140 at recent exchange rates). Corporate programs are charged a flat fee regardless of participant numbers. Exact current pricing is not publicly listed and should be confirmed directly with the Speechcraft Manager at the time of booking.
• Extra costs: Each participant receives a professionally published Speechcrafter Manual and a range of learning materials included in the course fee. No GST is applicable as Toastmasters is a not-for-profit organisation.

Venue And Accessibility

• Address context: Most courses are held in or near the Perth city centre; a recurring venue used for public courses has been the Business Centre behind the Palms Community Centre, located at the corner of Nicholson and Rokeby Road, Subiaco. Periodically, courses are also run at suburban Perth locations. Corporate programs may be conducted at the host employer's own premises.
• Transit/parking: Subiaco is well-served by Perth's train network (Subiaco Station on the Fremantle Line) and bus routes. Nearby community centre venues in Subiaco generally have access to street parking and nearby public car parks.
• Accessibility: Not publicly specified; prospective participants with specific accessibility requirements are encouraged to contact the Speechcraft Manager prior to booking to confirm venue suitability.

Joining Steps

1. Check availability — Visit the District 17 Toastmasters website to view upcoming course dates and locations, then register via the online booking platform (TryBooking) for your preferred intake
2. Contact the Speechcraft Manager — After expressing interest or completing registration, the Speechcraft Manager will send full course details, confirm your place, and provide any pre-course information
3. Arrive ready to participate — No preparation is required before the first session; simply arrive at the venue, meet your facilitating Toastmasters team, and be ready to engage in a supportive, structured learning environment. At the end of the course, participants receive a signed Certificate of Completion.

Community Notes

• The program is delivered entirely by experienced volunteer Toastmasters and is run as a not-for-profit activity; no individual financially benefits from the course
• Feedback is constructive and structured, following the Toastmasters tradition of recognising speakers' strengths while offering specific, actionable suggestions for improvement — competitive awards are typically not given during Speechcraft to avoid intimidating newer participants
• The atmosphere is consistently described by past participants as positive, encouraging, and non-judgmental; the small group size (capped at around 10) fosters a close-knit cohort dynamic
• Participants who wish to continue developing their skills after completing Speechcraft are encouraged to join one of the 80-plus Toastmasters clubs across Perth and regional Western Australia; Speechcraft is explicitly designed as a gateway into the broader Toastmasters community
• The program is available in two formats: public (open to individuals and work-sponsored attendees) and corporate (hosted in-house for employee groups)

Last Verified

• Date: 2025-05-24