Welcome to the
Colchester Division
We meet at the Colchester Conservative Club on the second Tuesday of the months of September through to May, from 8.00pm.
All are welcome.
Why do People Join Speakers Club?
"We will fight them on the beaches". Those were the words of Sir Winston Churchill who inspired a generation to fight in the face of adversity during the second World War. His words still live on in peoples memory. The power of public speaking has been behind many great men and quotable parts of their speeches live on as part of their legend. "Give us the tools and we will finish the job".
Churchill found the tools to finish the job but where did he acquire the skill to deliver that message? Most people are surprised to learn that in the beginning he had a speech impediment, hated public speaking and shook with fear at the thought of it. With practice he overcame these problems.
If you want to practice your ability to speak to groups of people where can you go?
A speakers club is the answer. We cannot guarantee to make you a brilliant speaker, but you will be a better one.
What is the Colchester Speakers Club?
In a friendly and informal atmosphere, the aim of Colchester Speakers Club is to develop public speaking and other oral communication skills. The secret of making successful presentations at work and in public is simply preparation and practice. We give guidance on preparation, and supply ample opportunities for members to practice speaking in an informal and supportive atmosphere. Members have a common bond in helping each other to develop these skills and gain the confidence to communicate effectively.
Colchester Speakers Club is open to both male and female members.
There are nearly 200 Speakers Clubs around the country affiliated to the national Association of Speakers Clubs (ASC). The Association has no political or sectarian interests. It is served by unpaid officers elected from the membership.
How Does the Club Operate?
he year's programme will include practical guidance reinforced by immediate practice. At the end of the evening you will have learnt what to do and experienced what it feels like to do it.
Colchester Speakers Club is a workshop for self development. A comprehensive manual is supplied covering all aspects of oral communication which includes:-
Speech construction - Use of the voice - Gestures - Vocabulary - Word pictures - Humour - After dinner speaking
When you have mastered these basic skills and completed the assignments you are eligible for an ASC Certificate of Competence. You can then move onto the advanced manual and work for the Advanced Certificate. Colchester has a particularly good record of helping people to achieve in this way. All speeches at the club receive helpful evaluation and advice. This enables members to continually improve their performance. Members also have the opportunity to evaluate other members speeches, developing critical listening skills and gaining a further insight into communication.
And There is More.....
Members are invited to chair some or all of an evening's programme, allowing them to develop valuable skills in chairmanship. Other aspects of communication are covered, such as debating, use of microphones, audio/visual aids and the art of thinking on your feet. Visitors are also welcome along to our club nights to sample the programme of events.
The programme includes visits to other local speakers clubs, and a number of social events, the more formal of which give members a chance to polish their after-dinner speaking skills.
Competitions, for both speakers and evaluators, are run at local, district and national levels.
The Members Last Word
"I originally joined the club in order to improve the presentations I gave at work. At first I was highly nervous, but found that the feedback and suggestions from other members quickly helped me to improve. As my knowledge and skills increased, the nervousness lessened. Trying out speeches in the club, entering competitions and visiting other clubs has taught me a great deal. It's also been a lot of fun to work with like-minded people. I know there is still much to learn but I have at last reached the stage of approaching public speaking with pleasure and confidence. At one time I would not have believed that this was possible."
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