Solihull Speakers Club

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The Aim of the ASC is to help you Achieve Speaking Confidence.

We try to develop our members into better speakers, not just for formal events like dinners, but for any occasion including that unexpected moment when asked to "just say a few words".

Club meetings are organised to guide the prospective speaker through a series of logical set assignments. Some preparation is needed, but The Speakers Guide, a trusted, well-designed manual available to all members, is there to assist.

This manual provides guidance on each of ten basic assignments. There is also an Advanced section, helpful advice on Chairmanship, Impromptu Speaking, Evaluation and much more.

The first assignment in The Guide, is called "Making a Start", nicknamed "The Ice-breaker". This is the point at which the novice speaker takes the first step towards Achieving Speaking Confidence. The speaker is invited to make a short speech, of say five minutes, on an easy subject, perhaps about themselves, or their hobbies or interests.

The next assignment's title should be the watchword for everyone who gives a speech: "Mean What You Say". Here the speaker is asked to speak with feeling and passion about a subject close to their hearts.

Each speech is evaluated by another more experienced member, who gives their view on the performance and offers advice for improvement. This Evaluation is the keystone to success. Positive feedback gives the developing speaker the confidence to improve. The advice is invaluable, and may cover various aspects, such as, how to use body language in a positive manner, how to prepare notes, how to modulate the voice and how to hold an audience by good eye contact.