Tag: Public Speaking

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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Wimbledon Speakers Club all set to begin its 20th year!

Competition, Events, WSC Meetings

wsc

The new term at Wimbledon Speakers Club is just around the corner with the first meeting after the Summer break to take place on Wednesday 13th September at 7.30pm. We look forward to welcoming both new and old friends back to the club as we embark on an exciting year ahead.

And as well as being an exciting year ahead, it is also a celebratory year as our club celebrates its 20th anniversary! Since 1998, we have welcomed hundreds of people through the door who have visited the club in order to develop both their confidence and skills in a variety of forms of verbal communication and public speaking in a fun, friendly and supportive environment.

As well as our typical meeting programme which covers improvised speaking, prepared speeches & speech evaluation, we also intersperse these with other word games, debates and other light-hearted entertainment, all of which helps to improve our public speaking skills. You never stop learning at Wimbledon Speakers Club! For those wishing to take part, we also run annual club competitions in the 3 key speaking disciplines of impromptu speeches, prepared speeches and speech evaluation, the winners of which go on to compete in the national competitions.

So whether you’re a total beginner or more advanced, no matter whether you’re preparing to give a speech at a wedding, a work presentation or just want to improve your overall speaking confidence, Wimbledon Speakers Club is for you!

Our meetings are held on the 2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month at the William Morris Rooms (267, The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SD) from 7.30pm-9.30pm, so come along and see what we’re all about!

If you have any questions, simply Contact Us!

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