Improve your public speaking
01/03/2005
Got a good story to tell - but not sure how to tell it? Enter stage left Robin Chawner, who represents the national network of local speakers’ clubs.
“There are around 150 of them in the UK, altogether,” says Robin. “So, chances are there’s a club near you or one about to start.
“All of our clubs are focused on giving practical help to increase the impact of fledgling and improving speakers. It’s based on a simple, proven formula. Encourage people to learn and practice, give them constructive feedback and recognise their success. All this is done in a no-risk, club environment among like-minded people.”
Robin ‘speaks from experience’. He’s helped found and develop three clubs – in Northavon (Bristol), Arun (Chichester) and Solent (Fareham, Hampshire).
“Our clubs are not-for-profit, meet twice monthly and use speech project manuals that guide you through a ‘syllabus’. You can follow this at your own pace and direct it towards your personal or campaigning objectives. It’s really good value-for-money, at around £1.50 per week.”
Speakers’ Club members have used heir enhanced speaking and presentation skills to practical effect in their personal, work and community lives. The clubs are affiliated to a worldwide organisation called Toastmasters International which has helped more than three million people over the last four decades.
Toastmasters? Isn’t that the brigade of distinguished-looking gents who wear red, three quarter frock coats, dress shirts, dicky bow ties and white silk gloves – and bang gavels. “Well,” explained Robin, “not exactly. Some of our speakers do go on to become professional, paid speakers and Toastmasters. But the majority of us, just want to improve our public speaking to lead more fulfilling lives and, in some cases, that can be to promote a cause.”
To locate your nearest club, visit the link below, select the lists link to point you to those clubs with web sites or click the clubs in the UK link for club contact names and details of meeting times and venues. Or call one of the following UK contacts: David MacLeod, on 01628 671573 or Nick Benning on 0207 918 5935.