It is Toastmasters that helps a person practice their public speaking and grow into a leader. The first track is for a "Competent Communicator," which requires ten speeches. Once completed, another ten to thirty speeches will be done for the advanced track. Every ten speeches there is a level and get to the highest level of "Distinguished Toastmaster" can take years. Toastmasters offers many contests and conventions as well.
It is not about a race to get different awards rather it is the practice in front of others and the peer evaluation that is extremely helpful. It is possible to just record speeches on your own and watch them, but the eye and evaluation of the audience is extremely important for growth as a speaker.
Within every area of the country, there are Toastmasters groups and it's up to you to choose the one that suits you best. It took me about a month until I found the group and group(s) I love. It is like the right pair of shoes that either fit or they don't fit. It's great getting open and honest feedback from my group and I welcome their constructive criticism. I absolutely love how positive, kind, and supportive people are as they truly care about you becoming a better speaker.
The great news is that you can be a guest speaker in different cities , which is great when I am traveling. Toastmasters is all over the country, but also All over the World. If you are interested in a speaking career or you would just like to face your fear(first fear for people is public speaking) check out Toastmasters.
At this point, I started about a month ago and have four speeches completed:
1. Icebreaker
2. Let's get Positive
3. Give them a Fighting Chance
4. Lost and Then Found
I will start posting Audio of the speech and video once it become
"Website Worthy."
Tips
How to Prepare:
Record Audio
Record Video
Time It
Watch It
Practice
Practice
Practice
A great book I recommend is "Ted Talks" by Carmine Gallo
He is the Master of the Ted Talks www.ted.com