Wimbledon Speakers Club

We had a terrific evening of speaking last Wednesday, beautifully chaired and steered by Joseph.

He set the most simple topics, around the theme of ‘Work’, but every single speaker engaged enthusiastically and did not struggle.  There was clearly much to say about this matter!

Then we reconvened for three prepared speeches, delivered by Will, Ollie and Jan.  Will was delivering his first speech at the club, Ollie was sharing a piece from an outside contest he had been recently involved in, and Jan was attempting her Level 10 ‘Masterpiece’: the culmination of all previous stages of the Association manual, and her now wide-ranging experience.

The whole evening was a great example of all that the Club can accommodate and a reminder of the very different motivations, intentions and goals for everyone that gets involved.

So thank you to all who contributed, and continue to make Wimbledon Speakers Club feel like a diverse and welcome breath of fresh air.  It really is the best way to unwind and to distract from the rigours outside world.

And it’s so much better than work!

… for another gathering of the Wimbledon Speakers Club.

Please do come along at 7.30pm.

We meet every second and fourth Wednesday of the month and our meetings run from now all the way until Wednesday 28th June.

We look forward to meeting you!

Last Wednesday played host to the annual Topics and Evaluation contests at the club, and it was a memorable night.  Thank you to all who got involved and had a go!  The newer guests in particular exemplified the spirit of the group and what we aim to achieve:  that we’ve all got to start somewhere, that this is a safe and supportive environment to take a risk in, and that actually, we are often much better than we think at these things!  The standard really was high across the board.

Alice and Peter took first and second places in each contest.  They have worked hard within the club over the years, have been in these situations before, and their experience showed. The topic of ‘Hot and Cold’, delivered to all contestants, challenged appropriately, and was a great example of how easy it is to become shackled to your first thought in a topic. Weather was a key theme, and most speakers then took time and effort to draw themselves away from that.  These are the great skills of impromptu speaking and it was not easy for anyone, as befits the occasion!

The evaluation contest asked that all contestants feedback on Sam, who bravely agreed to be the ‘target’ speaker for the night.  His 6 minute speech on the gentrification of Tooting won much favour and support in delivery.  It was witty, sharp and energetic and universally approved.

So, Congratulations to Alice, who goes on to represent Wimbledon at the area contests in February.

Our next meeting is on Wednesday 8th February, and we look forward to another great night of public speaking.

1st place.