What we do in our meetings

Almost every meeting we have consists of a Table Topics Session and Prepared Speeches. Sometimes, we hold speaking competitions and special presentations.

For each meeting, members take it in turns to assume the roles of Toastmaster of the Evening, Sergeant-At-Arms, Grammarian, Timekeeper, Speech Evaluator and General Evaluator. As a result, everyone gets to speak in public during each meeting, and every meeting we hold is unique!

We meet twice a month, typically bringing in 20-30 people each time (visit us at our next meeting). If this is your first time, you will be greeted by our Sergeant-at-Arms and welcomed by the other club members.

You can choose to speak, or you can just watch and enjoy
the performances. The meetings last about 2 hours (7.30-9.30pm).

The basics

The first half of a meeting consists of a Table Topics session – where participants give impromptu 1-2 minute
speeches on a random topic given to them by the Table Topics Master. In the second half, members give Prepared Speeches and are given constructive evaluation to help them improve.

The meeting is presided over by the Toastmaster of the Evening, whose role is to introduce the speakers, and to keep the evening running smoothly. There is also a Grammarian,
a Timekeeper, and General Evaluator.

At each meeting, different members of the club take on
the different roles, so that everyone gets the chance to experience
different aspects of speaking.

The Table Topics Session keeps us on our toes

During the Table Topics Session, a Table Topics Master will challenge us to give impromptu one- to two-minute public speeches on just about anything. Previous topics have included things beginning with the letter B (such as a bucket, beards, and bishops), or selling stuff like double-glazing and a grey squirrel charity.
At the end, everyone votes on slips of paper for their favourite speaker and the session gets evaluated by the Table Topics Evaluator, who gives all participants (including the Table Topics Master) useful pointers for improvement and commends them on what they did well.
This part of the meeting can be challenging, but it is also great fun and a terrific way to develop your ability to think on your feet. After some practice, you will be able to speak on any topic in a very structured and fluent way. Very impressive and useful!

Prepared Speeches: The way to great speaking

In this part of the meeting, three or four Club members will give Prepared
Speeches for which they will receive constructive pointers for improvement from an Evaluator and everyone else.

Each speech usually lasts for five to seven minutes and is aimed towards improving a particular aspect of speaking (eg vocal variety, using visual props etc) that is listed in either the Competent Communicator Manual or Advanced Communicator Manual.

The speakers choose their own topics for the speeches. Everyone votes for the Best Speaker and Evaluator before the General Evaluator gives their thoughts on how the meeting was run and evaluates each Evaluator.

At the end, the President of our Club presents prizes to the Best Speaker, Best Evaluator, and Best Table Topics.

Come along to our next meeting

Do come along! Around twenty to thirty of us attend each meeting, making every meeting a great experience. You will learn some valuable communication skills, meet friendly new people and,of course, have fun! You can either speak, or just watch and enjoy
the performances. Each meeting is about two hours long (7.30-9.30pm).

We meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month at the Town Hall at 7.15pm (for a 7.30pm start).

Find out how to come to our next meeting....