1) Read
Remember, we need some knowledge of the subject matter before we can even start thinking, pondering or even ask questions. The first thing you need to do is read. Read the summary of the 15 manuals. Get an idea of what each manual is about. Summary is too short? No problem, request for help from your VPE to provide you with the advance manuals that your club has. If not, check with members who are already doing their advance manuals. Flip through the manuals, read and feel them. Without knowing the manuals, you can't choose, can you? Get started, click here - Toastmasters International Advance Manual Series.
2) Ask
Now that you know the manuals, at least the summary, you need to start asking around for opinions. Ask your mentor, seek for his/her guide and personal opinion. Be sure to remember that his/her opinion may not be the same as yours. Always agree to disagree if that's the case but never let the opinion direct you to a different choice. Talk to other members in or outside the club about the potential manuals you will be choosing. What difficulties did they face? Was it a fulfilling journey for them? Contact your VPE for guidance as well. The end of the tunnel can be a train or the light to freedom, whatever it is, you will reach the end. Therefore, the journey is what matters more. And, gathering opinions can be a way to get you thinking further, but never resort to them when you make your choice. The choice is always yours to make, not anyone else's.
3) Reflect
Go through your Competent Communicator manual. From the first speech to the final, 10th speech. What have you noticed? Did you improved your weaknesses? Read the comments and suggestions. You will get a better idea on your own development with all the feedback given from different evaluators. I believe you will already have two manuals in mind, just look at them and think if this is what you need? If not, open your mind to other manuals. There are 15 manuals to choose from, plenty of choices. Set your goals. Are you doing these manuals for development purposes? If yes, what kind? Do not ever do it only because you want to contribute to the DCP points. No one wants to resent completing the manuals and regret. Take your time to choose, but remember to give yourself a reasonable deadline as well.
4) Search
Decided? Great. That's already a good start. Now, the tricky part here is that you may not know how to craft your first speech. Go to the Toastmasters International main site and read stories of other toastmasters' journey. You can get valuable ideas from there. For discussions, you can join Toastmasters International group in LinkedIn. There are members around the world who would offer great suggestions. Last but not least, talk to your mentor. He/she will be able to guide you through your advance manuals as well. Just be prepared to absorb, digest and give it your best shot.
5) Start
Got your first speech ready, but you're getting the jitters? We all do and there's nothing to be ashame about that! Since you have come this far, it is time to seek your VPE once again and set a date for your speech slot. Request for help if you have props or need the TME to read out an introduction. I believe everyone will be more than willing to assist you. Always remember that in toastmasters, we learn in a safe and conducive learning environment. Never be shy to ask for your help, because you have nothing to lose.
I hope this simple guide may help you to get started with your advance manuals, by the next term! That means, start with these guidelines now so that you won't be the one left behind. And besides, who knows? You might be the one inspiring another club member to start with the advance manuals as well.
Have a great weekend!
