Epic poetry is a long narrative told with carefully selected language. If I were to compare epics to speeches- I’d say that an epic poem is like the State of the Union Address, wherein the President is orating using carefully selected language and words to tell a story and provide information about the direction of an entire nation.
The shortest type of poem I am familiar with is the haiku. Haiku poets tell a story and paint images with words using only 17 syllables! At Toastmasters, there are several opportunities for participants to practice speaking briefly- in about 2 minutes!
The Quotemaster is most like the poet. The individual will read chosen words and attempt to woo the audience and create an emotional connection of some sort with the words that were chosen. The Quotemaster will stand before the club and speak for 1-3 minutes* and share a thought provoking proverb, idiom, or a quote before the gathered members. They often share a few sentences about why they selected the quote. The Quotemaster may not seem to be as artful as Wadsworth or Longfellow, their ability to compel with only a few short minutes to speak makes them more like EE Cummings.
At Toastmasters meetings, there is a role named Table Topics Master. This individual selects a category or some fun mini topics. The Table Topics Masters spends approximately 2 minutes to present the category. Volunteers may then speak for 1-2 minutes on the presented category. Some Toastmaster clubs will even have small club-wide contests to select a best speaker and offer recognition for this impromptu speaking. Once again- these speech crafters are not composing epic works like Goethe or Virgil. These speakers are conquering their anxiety with practice and brevity.
The last role that I would like to highlight as being a brief and impactful speaker is that of the Speech Evaluator. Toastmaster members work to prepare and craft meaningful speeches. Individuals will be presenting projects that range in length from 4 minutes to 15 minutes **. After the speech is given, the Speech Evaluator will prepare a 2-3-minute speech wherein they provide compliments and constructive feedback to the speaker. Evaluators do not have a great deal of time to prepare and they must choose their language carefully to aid the speaker. Once again, a Toastmaster is being tasked to function as a poet. They are delivering words to encourage improvement and compliment desirable features that already exist. That reminds me Emerson and Thoreau- aspirational and grounded.
I encourage you to visit a Toastmasters meeting to witness Quotemasters, Table Topics Masters and Speakers, and Speech Evaluators in person. As you listen to them present, think about the way they are like poets- choosing words selectively, using language that has meaning and impact, and managing to tell stories and communicate messages in such short amounts of time.
*Length may vary depending on the agenda in an individual club
** 15 minutes is the longest duration I have personally seen in a manual. My knowledge may be incomprehensive and this number should be taken as an estimate and not fact presently.
