We offer a 10 assignment development programme to help you build your speaking skills. This programme is completely optional, so you can use it whenever you feel ready.
If you prefer, you can skip the programme and just practice speaking without a plan. Many members love giving short, unprepared talks because it feels just like real life. Others simply enjoy watching friends try random topics and seeing their confidence grow over time.
Getting over the fear of speaking happens at your own pace. Taking that brave first step can lead to a wonderful journey.
If you would like a clear path to follow, please take a look at the assignments in our programme!
Click each icon to find access to a downloadable word document for each assignment, this typically includes:
Overview of the assignment
Choosing the topic
Structuring your speech
Writing your speech
Rehearsal
Delivery Day
Self Analysis
Evaluator Feedback Sheet & Mentor Notes
Objective:
Deliver your first speech in a supportive environment to overcome initial nerves and establish your presence.
Core Skills:
• Managing nerves: Using preparation and breathing techniques to stay calm.
• Connecting: Establishing a rapport with the audience from the very start.
• Being authentic: Using a personal story or experience to be relatable.
• Clarity: Delivering a simple, clear message without over-complicating it.
Enhanced Approach:
• Prep work: Work with a mentor to identify a compelling personal story.
• Mindset: Frame this as an exploration, not a high-stakes performance.
• Reflection: Jot down what felt natural vs. challenging after your speech.
• Celebrate: Focus feedback entirely on your strengths and having the courage to stand up.
Objective:
Master the art of clear, purposeful speech structure that guides audiences effortlessly from start to finish.
Core Skills:
• The Hook: Crafting a compelling opening (question, statistic, story, quote).
• Core Points: Developing 2–3 main arguments with supporting evidence.
• Transitions: Creating smooth links between your ideas.
• The Close: Delivering a memorable conclusion with a call-to-action or reflection.
Enhanced Approach:
• Reverse engineering: Watch TED talks to see how they structure their arguments.
• Storyboarding: Visually map out your speech flow before writing a script.
• The "Rule of Three": Organise your content around three memorable pillars.
• The Pub Test: Explain your structure to a mate in the pub; if they don't get it, simplify it.
• Signposting: Use verbal roadmaps ("Firstly...", "Secondly...", "Finally...") to help the audience follow.
Objective:
Connect deeply with your message to inspire belief and action in your audience.
Core Skills:
• Topic selection: Choosing subjects aligned with your personal values and passions.
• Authenticity: Projecting genuine emotion through vulnerable storytelling.
• Emotional intelligence: Gauging the room's mood and adjusting accordingly.
• Avoid performing: Focus on genuine connection rather than "acting" a part.
Enhanced Approach:
• Values check: Identify what you truly believe in before picking a topic.
• Vulnerability: It's okay to share personal struggles or lessons learned.
• Ethical persuasion: Focus on shared values rather than manipulation.
• Passion audit: If you're not bothered about the topic, your audience won't be either.
• Congruence: Ensure your words, tone, and body language all tell the same story.
Objective:
Harness body language, gestures, and stage presence to amplify your verbal message.
Core Skills:
• Posture: Standing tall and open (avoiding crossed arms or defensive positions).
• Gestures: Using purposeful hand movements to emphasise key points.
• Movement: Using the stage space with intention, not just wandering.
• Habits: Eliminating distracting tics (fidgeting, swaying, hands in pockets).
Enhanced Approach:
• Video analysis: Record yourself on your phone to spot unconscious habits.
• Gesture vocabulary: Match specific gestures to specific ideas (e.g., open palms for honesty).
• Power posing: Use confident posture before you speak to boost your mindset.
• Cultural awareness: Be mindful that gestures can mean different things to different people.
• Stillness: Learn when not to move—standing still can be very powerful.
Objective:
Master vocal variety to transform monotone delivery into dynamic, engaging communication.
Core Skills:
• Pitch: varying high and low notes naturally to avoid sounding robotic.
• Pace: Speeding up for excitement, slowing down for emphasis.
• Pausing: Using silence to create anticipation and let ideas land.
• Volume: Lowering your voice for intimacy, projecting for impact.
Enhanced Approach:
• Warm-ups: Do some humming or tongue twisters before the meeting.
• The "Pause Audit": Identify where you rush and insert deliberate silence.
• Emphasis mapping: Highlight your script to practice where to change pitch.
• Record and compare: Listen to yourself alongside skilled podcasters or radio presenters.
• Breath support: Learn diaphragmatic breathing for sustained power.
• Cut the waffle: Replace "um," "er," and "like" with confident pauses.
Objective:
Elevate your speeches through vivid imagery, rhetorical devices, and carefully chosen vocabulary.
Core Skills:
• Imagery: Using metaphors and similes to make abstract concepts concrete.
• Rhythm: Employing alliteration and repetition for memorability.
• Precision: Choosing powerful, specific words over vague generalities.
• Clarity: Avoiding jargon whilst maintaining a sophisticated tone.
Enhanced Approach:
• Sensory language: Engage all five senses (what does success smell like?).
• Rhetoric: Use classic techniques like the "Rule of Three" ("Government of the people, by the people, for the people").
• Contrast: "Ask not what your country can do for you..."
• Anaphora: Repeating a phrase at the start of sentences for effect ("I have a dream...").
• Word economy: Every word must earn its place—edit ruthlessly.
Objective:
Weave compelling narratives that captivate audiences and embed your message.
Core Skills:
• Structure: The "Hero's Journey" (challenge, struggle, transformation).
• Characters: Bringing stories to life with dialogue and description.
• Tension: Building emotional arcs that keep people listening.
• Relevance: Connecting stories to your core message without forcing it.
Enhanced Approach:
• Story bank: Keep a notebook of personal anecdotes and experiences.
• Vulnerability sweet spot: Share enough to connect, but don't overshare.
• Cinematic: Set the scene vividly, like a film script.
• Universal themes: Ground personal stories in shared human experiences (loss, triumph, fear).
• Show, don't tell: "My hands were shaking" beats "I was nervous."
• The Callback: Reference your opening story in your conclusion for a satisfying ending.
Objective:
Use humour appropriately to engage and disarm—without trying to be a stand-up comedian.
Core Skills:
• Self-deprecation: Gently mocking yourself to build likability.
• Observational: Commenting on shared experiences or quirks.
• Timing: Delivering the punchline after a setup.
• Reading the room: Adjusting your humour to fit the audience's mood.
Enhanced Approach:
• Humour as seasoning: Don't force jokes—let them emerge naturally from the topic.
• Rule of Three (Comedy): Two normal items, one absurd one.
• Callbacks: Referencing an earlier joke or moment for a second laugh.
• Stay safe: Avoid punching down or risky topics (politics, religion) unless you're very skilled.
• Study the pros: Watch British stand-up to see how they structure jokes.
• Test material: Try a line out in conversation before using it on stage.
• Embrace the tumbleweed: If a joke fails, just move on confidently.
Objective:
Build deep rapport with your audience through empathy and authentic presence.
Core Skills:
• Eye contact: Connecting with individuals, not just scanning the room.
• Reading faces: Noticing if people look bored or confused and adjusting.
• Interaction: Asking questions or taking a quick poll of the room.
• Empathy: Acknowledging the audience's perspective ("I know what you're thinking...").
Enhanced Approach:
• Do your homework: Understand who is in the room and what they care about.
• Mirroring: Subtly match the energy of the room (formal vs. casual).
• Conversational tone: Speak as if you're chatting to a friend, not lecturing.
• Elephant in the room: Address any awkwardness or scepticism directly.
• Inclusive language: Use "we" and "us" to build a sense of community.
• Post-speech: Stick around for a chat and answer questions.
Objective:
Synthesise all learned skills into a polished, memorable speech that showcases your unique style.
Core Skills:
• Integration: Combining structure, delivery, story, and connection seamlessly.
• Duration: 10–15 minutes of sustained engagement.
• Voice: Your authentic style should be unmistakable.
• Polish: Rehearsed and professional, but not robotic.
Enhanced Approach:
• Meaningful topic: Choose something you could talk about for an hour if asked.
• Drafting: Write and rewrite—aim for at least 5 versions.
• Peer review: Present to a mentor for feedback on all aspects.
• Video critique: Watch yourself with the sound off (for body language) and then listen with the screen off (for voice).
• Dress rehearsal: Practice in the actual venue if possible, wearing your speech outfit.
• External view: Invite a guest evaluator from outside of the club for an objective opinion.
• Milestone: Treat this speech as a celebration of how far you've come.
Quality Standards:
• Each assignment requires a prepared speech delivered to the club.
• Constructive evaluation provided by an experienced member.
• Self-reflection worksheet completed after each speech.
• Mentorship available throughout the journey.
Flexibility:
• Progress at your own pace—there's no deadline.
• Topics are chosen by you (within the assignment guidelines).
• Assignments can be repeated to deepen your skills.
Recognition:
• Certificates presented at club meetings.
• Progress tracked publicly to celebrate growth.
• "Speaker of the Year" award for exceptional development.
We pride ourselves on diversity and inclusion for all.
Members and guests are reminded to speak about non-controversial topics.
We are an independent unincorporated membership club run by an elected committee and volunteers for members only.