Tag Archives: Thanet Speakers Club

Thanet Speakers Club Report – 9th February 2012 (by Doug Weale)

Bernie Morgan, chairing the meeting on 9th February, introduced an agenda of public speaking; commencing with two impromptu speeches in succession.  Each speaker was given a choice from three subjects on which to speak, with very little preparation: widely differing and reflecting the style and forte of them both. In the 200 years since Charles Dickens` Birth -What Progress Has Been Made? Was answered in unequivocal terms by Doug Weale; who drew attention to some aspects of decline in society, rather than progress. Trevor Kenning addressing the proposition that the role of grandparent is difficult infused humour along with thought provoking logic into his personal reflections on this demanding age of a man, of which he is an exemplar.

The customary impromptu speaking session followed: chaired by Ian Lockyer, the club`s skilful webmaster, who, with an imaginative theme, drew on childhood for totally unprepared responses: a vital quality in the speakers armoury is to be able to speak with authority on diverse subjects; the topics session is on every agenda, challenging but within capability and always entertaining; a trophy being awarded -by popular vote, for the best response, presented on this occasion to Trevor Kenning.

Evaluation of the “Topics” by Ben Harris, our youngest member, demonstrated his recognition of the qualities displayed, by both members and chairman, for the success of the session.

In a final overall evaluation, Margaret Jones drew attention to the skill of speaking without preparation, and how well the whole meeting had been chaired. For all details of visiting and membership, please contact Doug Weale 01843 592221 or dougweale@dougweale.plus.com  or http://www.thanetspeakers.club

Thanet Speakers Club Report –28th April 2011

It was a delight and honor to welcome Ambassador Speakers Club members and other guests at Thanet Speakers Club meeting on the 28th of April. The evening began with a fun impromptu debate on the topic of alternative parliamentary voting which challenged participants to persuade the for, or against vote through persuasive speech. The public speaking exercise was such a success that a draw was declared.

This was proceeded by the impromptu speech half which invites those wishing to take part to take the floor, and speak on a given topic. The impromptu theme was bird quotes chosen by Francis Pointer the topics chair. All participated including a first time visiting quest who engaged the audience with a cautionary tale of an eagle’s revenge. The topic trophy was won by Trevor Kenning.

All Thanet Speakers meetings our open to visitors.  Our next meeting is 7.45pm on 28th April at the Royal Temple Yacht Club in Ramsgate. Full contact details can be found on www.thanetspeakers.club

Thanet Speakers Club Report – Thursday 13th January 2011 (Speech Contest)

On Thursday 13th January 2011, Thanet Speakers Club began their first meeting of the year with the annual prepared speech competition.  All speakers taking parting gave excellent speeches making the positioning of  the winning participants very close. Trevor Kenning took first place with a humorous speech using a lime as a prop. Doug Weale took second place with a powerful speech that captivated the audience.  Ron Sheldrake took third place with his comical and yet insightful look at the function of music in lifting human emotions.

The impromtu speaking session was chaired by Francis Pointer who focused on the theme of January which elicited very engaging and humorous responses. Margarette Jones won the impromtu speaking trophy with Ben Harris coming a close second.

All Thanet Speaker group evenings are open to anyone. So if you like to come as a guest our next meeting is 11th January 7.30pm at the Royal Yacht Club Ramsgate. Contact details 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.