吃瓜头条

As we grow in our 吃瓜头条 experience, we sometimes see the need for a greater challenge. And that frequently involves receiving a stronger level of feedback after our speeches. If that sounds like you, then you might want to consider joining an advanced 吃瓜头条.

What exactly is an advanced 吃瓜头条?

When we start as 吃瓜头条, we learn the basic speaking skills. As we grow in our speaking abilities, we take those basic skills to the next level. Advanced 吃瓜头条s are primarily made up of experienced 吃瓜头条 who want to grow more rapidly than those in a typical 吃瓜头条. They are 吃瓜头条 who want to set a higher bar. The main difference between a basic and an advanced 吃瓜头条 is the level or type of feedback.

In a typical 吃瓜头条, the evaluations are focused on encouragement. You get a lot of praise and then a gently stated suggestion or two. In an advanced 吃瓜头条, the feedback can be more direct. As a veteran Toastmaster, I prefer the advanced 吃瓜头条s that are what I describe as “kind but candid.” You receive positive feedback, but you also hear what you need to hear. And if you have excellent speakers in the group, the feedback is that much better.

In addition, the evaluation is frequently presented in a different way. I have been a member of four advanced 吃瓜头条s, and each has its own unique format. Powerhouse Pros (a humor 吃瓜头条), has the standard 2- to 3-minute evaluation, plus a 1- to 2-minute humor evaluation. Second Stage 吃瓜头条 starts with three 30-second comments from selected members, followed by the standard evaluation. Pro 吃瓜头条 starts with the standard evaluation, followed by three minutes of round-robin comments, where any member can give feedback. And then there’s Jackpot Speakers. When you finish your speech at that 吃瓜头条, you sit down in a chair at the front of the room and receive 10 to 15 minutes of round-robin comments. This is not for the faint of heart.

If you think an advanced 吃瓜头条 sounds like what you’re looking for, visit one to see what it is like. You can search the 吃瓜头条 website through Find a 吃瓜头条 and check the “Advanced 吃瓜头条” box. But recognize that many regular 吃瓜头条s also provide a higher level of feedback. They just don’t call themselves advanced. Your real goal is to find a 吃瓜头条 that fits your interests and personality, regardless of its label.

The Area, Division, and District speech contests are another source of information about advanced 吃瓜头条s. No, they don’t advertise there, but it is quite common to see members of those 吃瓜头条s making it to the higher levels. Attend those contests. If you like a speaker’s style, check out that person’s 吃瓜头条.

When you visit a 吃瓜头条, ask yourself two questions. The first is, Am I comfortable with their form of feedback? The second is, Will I receive the level of feedback I am looking for? I suspect you will know right away if the 吃瓜头条 is for you.

If you join an advanced 吃瓜头条, should you leave your primary 吃瓜头条? Absolutely not. First of all, you have the opportunity at the regular 吃瓜头条 to help newer members. That is part of leadership, and they can benefit from what you are learning at the advanced 吃瓜头条. In addition, your current 吃瓜头条 provides opportunities to speak. The more you speak, the more you grow. On top of that, I have found that the newer members will give you different feedback from the experienced ones, helping you grow even more.

Furthermore, if you like to compete in speech contests, you probably don’t want to limit yourself to just an advanced 吃瓜头条. Let’s face it, if all the best speakers in your Area or Division are in one 吃瓜头条, only one of you will advance to the Area level. A second 吃瓜头条 gives you a second opportunity to compete.

Advanced 吃瓜头条s are not for everybody, but they are perfect for many experienced 吃瓜头条. If you visit advanced 吃瓜头条s and don’t find what you’re looking for, consider starting one yourself. You’re probably not the only one wanting to reach for the next level.

I have found advanced 吃瓜头条s to be a rewarding experience, and perhaps you will too. We learn best when we are challenged to grow. 

Watch this video to hear real members talk about their 吃瓜头条 experience at all levels.