Ignition Point

(with details on a typical Toastmasters project)

Source of the material ... 

a story by Isaac Asimov, see later

Preparation

(Two months before) I knew I had that story
somewhere in my library, just couldn't remember where!

(One month before) After rereading 6 Asimov books I 
came across it.  It's 8 and a half pages, I will
have to cut out about half.  Out with the high-lighter.

(Two weeks before) Talking to myself in the shower,
inflicting it on my youngest child (who has attended
a Toastmasters meeting so he knows what I am aiming for)
Main tool: an underlining pencil.
Checked on the internet for background and copyright.

(One week before)
Tried it out at a demo meeting and got some useful
feedback on voice and contents.  Half-read,
half spoken.  Keep your own phrasing out, you run off
in wrong directions.  Too long.

(One day before) Back to the underliner.
I should have written it out.  No time any more.

Total preparation time about 4 hours.

Introduction to Graham Tritt and the speech

(This was prepared by Graham for the 
Toastmaster of the Evening to say
while introducing Graham, 
and the relevant objectives 
are taken from the manual)

This spech is the first from the Advanced Manual
on "Interpretive Reading"

The purpose of an interpretive reader
is to comunicate through voice the
work of an author. 
The goal is to so enthrall the audience
with a story that they aren't even aware 
of the reader.

Objectives are:
. to understand the elements of interpretive reading
. to learn how to analyze a narrative
and plan for effective interpretation
. to learn and apply vocal techniques
that will aid in the effectiveness of the reading

About Graham ...

Graham is a founding member of Berne Toastmasters
and currently as you know has the role of President.

Graham was as a youth very interested in 
science, and science fiction, which
eventually lead him to a career using computers.

As an amateur psychologist,
Graham plans to use computers to write speeches.
That's why he has chosen an appropriate story
for Toastmasters.

So here's Graham, to present 
Graham's speech is entitled "Ignition Point",  
and is designed for 8 to 10 minutes.
That means, the green flag goes up at 8 minutes,
the yellow at 9, and the red at ten.  
After this time he has 15 seconds to stop;
he can continue but will not be elegible for
a the "Best Speaker" award.

Graham Tritt, and "Ignition Point"

Introduction to the Speech

(Begin your story with a brief introduction to the material)

One of my favorite authors is Isaac Asimov,
a prolific author of over a thousand novels and short stories
on scientific and social topics.

Asimov, who died in 1992, was also a professional speaker,
and wrote this story in 1981 to appear in the magazine of
a speakers' organisation.  

The verb "to ignite" means to catch afire, alight.
Fuel in your car, or a match, reaches ignition 
when a certain temperature is reached.

I find it "Ignition Point" a very appropriate topic 
for a Toastmasters meeting.

Introduction
...

Body
...

Conclusion
...

Timer's report
Graham unfortunately went over time with this speech,
reaching 11 minutes and 41 seconds.

Evaluator's report
(better left unreported!)

This report - about an hour.