Topics Evaluation: Top Tips

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debra

At a recent meeting, Club Founder, Debra Owen-Hughes gave us all some valuable advice regarding the role of Topics Evaluator. The challenging task of Topics Evaluation becomes even more challenging when there are a large number of people who have taken part in the topics session and only a 10-minute set period to conduct the evaluation. Here were Debra’s main points:

1. Don’t run over time.  Count how many speakers you have and work out how you can get it into 10 minutes. Begin with a brief reflection on the Chairing of and choice of topics and then get going with the speakers. Leave out any of the more experienced speakers and you can always include them later if you have spare time.  Or, you could exclude anyone with a speaking role in the second half as they will be evaluated elsewhere in the meeting. One good tip would be to list and evaluate the new speakers on one page, and the ‘older’ speakers on another so they are clearly defined and you can move on to the second page only if there is time.

2. Depending on the time available, mention only 3 things per person at most. If you make a point for improvement, include a suggestion for how to improve, don’t just point it out.  Everything needs a solution or an idea about how to change it.

3. Be adaptable and flexible and keep it brief.  Better to say too little than too much, and if you’re feeling the time constraints, offer a single point well made.

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Meeting Review! Wednesday 28th October

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The latest meeting of Wimbledon Speakers Club was once again an action-packed affair as members and new guests came together for an enjoyable evening.

This time it was Michael’s turn in the Chair and, as a 9 time National Finalist and 4 time UK Public Speaking Champion, it was a great pleasure to watch such an experienced speaker up close, putting everyone at ease and orchestrating events with such aplomb.

Michael delivered a variety of Topics for the audience to get their teeth stuck into, including ‘put your best foot forward’, you get what you pay for’ and ‘money can’t buy happiness’. And it was this latter topic that Joe, on his first ever visit to the club (!) attempted, delivered so well and was voted as the ‘best topic of the evening’ – well done Joe!

joe

Like so many new visitors, Joe has come down to Wimbledon Speakers Club to simply improve his confidence in speaking in front of large groups, to help him to perform more effectively in meetings and presentations at work, as well as for upcoming events such as weddings. It really is the perfect place to hone those skills.

The second half of the evening saw an ‘Icebreaker’ (Level 1) speech from Josie on only her second visit to the Club. Alice evaluated Josie’s speech, gave it a pass with flying colours and we’re all looking forward to seeing Josie quickly move up the Levels!

Another round of quick-fire topics gave the audience the opportunity to speak again, before Katherine rounded the evening off with the general evaluation – giving us all insightful hints & tips to help us on our speaking journey.

katherine

We look forward to meeting once again on Wednesday 8th November (kick off 7.30pm) for more practice and progress! Everyone welcome – especially new visitors!

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Meeting Review! Wednesday 11th October

WSC Meetings

19 enthusiasts arrived at Wimbledon Speakers Club last Wednesday evening for another occasion of speaking fun!

There was a great mix of new guests and long term members and the latter shared much of their knowledge and experience by acting as Evaluators throughout the evening.

Alice offered us an educational on speech preparation and primarily the why’s and how’s of using notes. And as a speaker who has been involved in many competitions, varied work assignments and stand up gigs, she was well qualified to comment! Key to the process was that she involved the audience in the process, inviting us to respond, share ideas and help to create the presentation. Sincere thanks to her for such a valuable session.

Pleasingly, every single newcomer took part in the Topics session and Alpna (pictured below) took the trophy for best topic on her first attempt. Congratulations, Alpna!

Alpna

All speakers were encouraged to declare strong opinions on this occasion, and to mean what they said about allocated topics, rather than to ponder and consider them. Other strong contenders were Arsh with ‘PlayStation is better than Playground’, Alice with ‘It’s better to plant a cabbage than a rose’, and Debra with ‘The 70s, the Best decade’.
But Alpna pipped them all to the post with ‘Parents know best’!

We look forward to meeting once again on Wednesday 25th October (kick off 7.30pm) for more practice and progress! Everyone welcome – especially new visitors!

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