"Speech is our most visible communication skill," says Lil Radley, Literacy Services Coordinator at the Lethbridge Public Library. "Often, we're judged on all our skills based on just our first few minutes of speech."

There is risk here for adult learners, but also significant opportunity. Practicing oral communication in a structured environment can reaffirm literacy skills and also self-confidence. One learner told Lil that, before joining the Speechcraft Program, she didn't think anything she had to say had value. "Participating in the program changed her mind," says Lil. "The act of presenting a speech validates you."

What does a Literacy/Toastmasters Partnership look like?

The Lethbridge Public Library (LPL) in Alberta and the Women's Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. (WEST) in Ontario are two groups that are bringing oral communication skills into their literacy programming through partnerships with local Toastmasters clubs. Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organization that has chapters all across Canada. Clubs are dedicated to helping members build and hone effective public speaking skills as well as leadership skills. LPL and WEST's partnerships with local chapters bring that educational experience to their learners for free.

In its 6th year, the Speechcraft + Program, is a Literacy Services and Toastmasters partnership. Each session runs for 8 weeks, and learners write and make their own speeches while also listening and evaluating the speeches of their peers. The + for each learner is additional assistance: their Literacy Mentor who helps them with language skills, while their Toastmaster Mentor helps them with presentation skills.

WEST's program, Public Speaking for Newcomers, serves newcomer women who want to improve their communication skills for personal, professional, and academic purposes while also building their professional networks. Participants attend regular workshops that are divided into both prepared speech-giving and impromptu discussions.  Often local employers and community members also participate to provide feedback from a working professional perspective.

Why is it an important addition to their literacy programming?

For LPL, the Speechcraft+ Program extends what its literacy program can do. Learners apply the skills they learn in writing--the importance of a good beginning, ending with a strong summary--to spoken communication. They also learn and practice the body language and eye contact that helps convey their message to an audience. The Program is educational, but it's also about leadership. When learners feel ready, they can step up, join a club, and assume club positions thereby developing their leadership skills.

While Speechcraft + participants include the Canadian-born as well, it's particularly popular for newcomers. " Effective oral communication skills help learners pass language proficiency tests, succeed in job interviews, participate in small talk, network with new people, and overall, help  them believe in themselves and what they can do," says Lil.

For WEST, Public Speaking for Newcomers provides meaningful language and literacy skills such as in-depth training in reading, writing, listening and speaking.  Participants research, write their speeches, and help each other with proof reading. The participants serve as audience and provide speakers with verbal and written feedback. This is also an opportunity for newcomer participants, guests, and volunteers to learn about each other and increase their cultural awareness.

Newcomer learners gain confidence from seeing that volunteering Toastmaster members, often university students and professionals themselves, are also engaged in lifelong learning by building their speaking skills. At the same time, the program combats myths and stereotypes about newcomers within the community. When community members participate in the workshops, they're learning about the struggles and challenges of migration, and the resiliency of their newcomer neighbours.

Suggestions for organizations who may want to extend oral communication opportunities in their literacy programs:

Connect with your local Toastmasters group. "They're supportive, encouraging, and everywhere!" says Lil. Lethbridge alone has five different clubs. Many of her current and former students are now Toastmasters members in their own right, continuing their learning while supporting others to do the same. 

There are benefits to these partnerships for Toastmasters clubs, too; the learning extends both ways. Many participating members hadn't thought about communication's cultural components, or about the challenges facing low-literacy adults, before taking part in presenting the Speechcraft Program. 

Don't stop at collaborating with Toastmasters groups, either. Rose Anguiano Hurst, WEST's Executive Director, suggests collaboration with other community agencies, employers, and professionals as well. She also recommends speaking to the significant education and life experiences that learners bring. "Acknowledge their credentials," says Rose, "and remind them that you, the program provider, aren't the expert in competent communication -- there's always room to learn. You're there to provide them with the tools."