Tag Archives: Association of Speakers Clubs

Thanet Speakers Club Report – 27th October 2011 (by Doug Weale)

With exemplary chairmanship by Trevor Kenning, the meeting on October 27th, attended by club members and several visitors, demonstrated the art of speaking as practised  following the standards of the Association of Speakers Clubs to which we belong.  The format of the agenda was customary;  a traditional warm-up, all present being invited by the chairman, to speak briefly on a subject of his choice; topical and effectively ensuring his objective-to induce an atmosphere  of welcome and readiness to further participation and ensuring the enjoyment of all present : chairmanship is but one of many skills related to the art of speaking in public which is learned at the club.   

Speeches in succession by two members, followed by Ben Harris and John Poole, of widely differing subject matter, each written and delivered, to meet the  criteria of the respective assignment; vocabulary and word pictures, followed by the use of gestures.  Evaluation, the essence of our learning in the absence of professional tuition-given by Ron Sheldrake and Kathleen Smith  on this occasion ,adding to a consensus of opinion of other club members, on progression  through the Manual as successive assignments are undertaken.

Impromptu speaking completed the agenda.  The Topics offered to all in attendance were  carefully chosen to be challenging but well within the ability  and proving -as always-an entertaining  exercise in this vital factor of speaking.  Andrew Thomson conducted  this session and was complimented in the General overall evaluation by Ian Lockyer for his able endeavours, also drawing particular reference to Trevor Kenning, who was awarded by popular vote, the Topics Trophy,h aving given the best response; and who,together with his Chairmanship offered a fine example of all that is in evidence at our meetings,which he himself will testify gained from a long-standing membership.

Visitors are welcome to all our meetings at the Royal Temple Yacht Club on the second and fourth Thursdays monthly.

For further details contact Doug Weale 01843 592221; dougweale@dougweale.plus.com or the website http://www.thanetspeakers.club

Thanet Speakers Club Report, Topics Competition (November 11th 2010)

Topics or Impromptu Speaking is one of the most exciting forms of Public Speaking and every year the Association of Speakers Clubs runs a national competition to find the best impromptu speaker in the UK.  Thanet Speakers Club organised their local heat on November 11th  2010.  President, Doug Weale hosted this meeting and got everyone into the swing of impromptu speaking by asking them to speak for a minute on a single word subject.  Everyone was up to this task which provided useful practice for the coming competition.
 
It was really pleasing to see that nearly everyone from the club entered the Impromptu completion which saw some fascinating and interesting speeches.  The audience voted Trevor Kenning as winner and Kathleen Smith as runner up.  Both Trevor and Kathleen will go on to represent Thanet at the county competitions.
 
The second half of the meeting was the standard club impromptu topics contest which was hosted by France Pointer.  She asked members of the audience to speak on the subject of philosophy.  There was a three way tie for this competition with Ian Lockyer winning the club trophy.
 
Strapped for time, because so much had been fitted into the session, Andrew Thomson gave a brief yet concise evaluation of Frances topics session.  Feedback and advice about the whole evening was given by the General Evaluator, Margaret Jones.
 
Thanet Speakers Club Meetings are held fortnightly on Thursday evenings at the Royal Temple Yacht Club, Ramsgate at 8.00 p.m.  For further details contact Ian Lockyer (Thanet Speakers Club Publicity Officer) on 01843 592785 or 07775815500 or via email at info@easimarketing.com. Further details can be found on our website http://www.thanetspeakers.club.  Guests are very welcome to attend without any obligation.

Afraid Of Public Speaking? Come to Our Open Evening!

Thanet Speakers Club are holding an open evening for all those interested in public speaking or those who are afraid of the thought of public speaking but want to give it a go.  The club who meet fortnightly at the Royal Temple Yacht Club in Ramsgate will be explaining the benefits public speaking can provide an individual and demonstrate that public speaking as a skill can be developed in relaxed and friendly surroundings.  The Open Evening will take place on 14th October 2010 at 8.00pm.  Guests are welcome at no charge.

Ian Lockyer of Thanet Speakers Club said, ‘Having the confidence and ability to communicate effectively in public is a valuable asset in both your personal and professional life.  Our club can help you to develop your skills and make you more relaxed about giving presentations. Our structured programme and friendly, supportive members provide a safe environment to practice your presentation skills, experiment with new techniques and build confidence.’

He added, ‘On our Open Evening, you will see a traditional meeting.  You will see 2 members give prepared presentations of 5-10 minutes in length. Each will be practising a particular aspect of public speaking such as gestures, speech construction, use of voice or rapport. After the interval, everyone will be given the opportunity to give an impromptu 2-minute speech on a subject chosen by the Topics chair. At the end of the evening some of our experienced members will constructively evaluate every speech, each evaluator and the evening as a whole. They will offer praise, encouragement and useful tips for improvement.’

Thanet Speakers Club is affiliated to the Association of Speakers Clubs – a national organisation comprising approximately 130 clubs in England, Scotland and Wales.  It helps members acquire and improve skills and techniques for effective public speaking.

Each member receives a manual giving guidance on various matters such as chairing meeting or developing particular skills in public speaking.  It contains the ten tasks, which make up the basic manual (such as developing vocal variety, improving body language or constructing a speech).

Ian Lockyer said, ‘The Association of Speakers Clubs is a fantastic environment in which to develop speaking skills in a friendly and constructive environment.  Knowing that one has the skills to deliver a presentation is terrific for personal confidence.’

Thanet Speakers Clubs meets on the second and fourth Thursday’s of the month at the Royal Temple Yacht Club. Meetings begin at 8.00pm and last for 2 hours.  If you are interested in attending the Open evening of if you would like more information, please contact Ian Lockyer on 01843 592785 or via email at i.lockyer@sky.com.  Check out the Thanet Speakers Club website at http://www.thanetspeakers.club.

Thanet Speakers Club Report, March 25th 2010

The meeting on March 25th, chaired by June Edwards, accentuated the tremendous progress of recently enrolled members: Frances  Pointer,  Kathleen Smith and the club`s newest and youngest member, Ben Harris, each in turn fulfilled challenging assignments putting into practice their skills, aquired by membership,in the art of speaking in public, which the club promotes. 

Firstly, Frances delivered a most entertaing speech,  requiring the ability to speak with conviction on a chosen subject.  The Education Director, Andrew Thomson, had, as custom decrees, assigned an experienced  member to give a constructive evaluation: in doing so, Trevor Kenning drew attention to the ideal choice of subject, upon which the speaker ably expounded,and gave helpful advice on further progress.

Kathleen Smith followed with a most perceptive evaluation of a speech from the advanced manual by a long standing  club member;  her confidence and authority in adressing this assignment so early in her career with the club, was evidence of the learning process.

The impromptu speaking session in the second half was chaired by the versatile Andrew Thomson was a further example of  the aquisition, so readily gained, by Ben Harris, of the skills on offer by the Association of Speakers Clubs. Doug Weale, in his appraisal of the Agenda paid tribute to the educational value, and the contribution to a successful meeting, by all present.

For full details of visiting and membership,please contact Doug Weale 01843  592221; dougweale@dougweale.plus.com or visit our website: http://www.thanetspeakers.club