Final national role for Eric
HERE we are in York at the Association of Speakers Clubs National Conference. as Eric Baker from the Loughborough Club
performed his final role as national president chairing the AGM.
This was certainly an extremely challenging meeting to chair. There was a great deal of discussion about various motions put to the meeting. Amendments proffered, argued and voted upon, points of order to be negotiated and many points of view listened to.
The meeting came to a close with Eric handing over his chain of office to the new incoming national president from the Wigan and District Speakers Club.
With reference to the centenary of the Women’s Suffrage movement it was only fitting that the new president was a woman in this auspicious year of celebration.
Leaving the audience with a smile on their faces with one of his old but entertaining jokes Eric took his place in the audience leaving the new National President to give her address and close the meeting.
We steadfastly sit through the AGM because we know we will be seeing the cream of the association’s speakers later in the day.
Having won at club, area and district levels, eight exceptionally talented speakers perform an eight minute speech to a very appreciative audience with hardly anything between them as far as a winner and runner up goes.
A difficult task for the judges and as with all competitions not everyone will agree with the result.
A gala dinner is held in the evening with more opportunities to entertain with after dinner speeches. A lively social event which gives everyone the chance to compare and contrast the speakers involved and the organisers of the event.
Relief at having completed all the tasks and competitions was certainly evident leaving the successors of next year’s National Conference, which will be in Edinburgh, to ponder the trials ahead.
A great deal of hard work by the organisers and the speakers goes into making a successful event and is appreciated by all attend.
Most people who join a speakers club want to improve their presentation skills and they make noticeable improvements to their confidence and abilities.
It takes time to reach national levels so dedication and hard work is necessary for those who aspire to the challenge.
Most people however are content to stay within their club and continue with the social side of being a club member and enjoy the activity of an entertaining evening with like minded friends.
There are clubs nationwide so even if you need to move because of work or family commitments there could be another club nearby. To find out more visit the website at www. loughboroughspeakers.org. uk The ASC- Where you become a better speaker, presenter and leader.