Spread the word about new club
Palms sweating, dry mouth, heart thumping and the sudden urge to run from the room.
That’s the way many people feel when asked to speak in public.
Now help is at hand in the form of Stirling Speakers’ Club, a new group which is starting next month at the Mayfield Centre in St Ninians.
Part of the renowned Toastmasters International organisation, the club will meet twice a month to give members a chance to practise speaking in a variety of situations, but always in a safe, friendly and nonjudgemental environment.
The ethos of the club is quite simple: everything is run for the members by the members. Speeches are given and evaluated, every meeting has a team of helpers to ensure its smooth running and mentors can be assigned to help members. As well as speaking, there are opportunities to practise leadership skills.
The Stirling club is being set up by experienced toastmaster member Avril Stringer, from Linlithgow, and Nick Mockler, a member of Perth Speakers.
Avril said: “Our philosophy is that communicating effectively is a skill like any other – it can be learned and needs to be practised. We have regular meetings so members keep improving and don’t become rusty.
“My favourite aspect is the feedback you get through evaluation. This is always supportive and lets you see that you are probably better than you think as well as pointing out things that you could improve.
“I’ve been a member for 15 years and I continue to learn and hone my skills. But after 15 years, it is more than just that for me. I love finding out about other people and their interests through their speeches. Since Toastmasters is international, I have formed friendships with fellow speakers throughout the UK and Ireland, so it is about the social side for me as well.”
Stirling Speakers’ Club will be holding a demonstration meeting on Monday, October 9 from 7-9pm at the Mayfield Centre and thereafter will meet on the second and fourth Monday of each month. This is a free meeting and all are welcome.
The event will be run like a typical meeting with prepared speeches, one of which will give more information on the club. There will be a chance for visitors to speak - no-one will be forced – but it is encouraged.
Nick added: “The meeting is free and you can come along to three subsequent meetings before committing so you can assess if it is for you or not. Membership costs around £100 per year, we are non-profit and just need to cover our costs.”
More details can be found on the website www.stirlingspeakers.co.uk.