Congratulations were in order to Bernie Morgan for winning the Kent ASC speech evaluation contest (see enclosed picture) and to Doug Weale who came as runner up in the speech contest. Both represent Thanet speakers at the forthcoming area regional finals.

Good luck to you both.

Firstly as is expected of her, Bernie Morgan gave an inspired speech, Toasting -The Club, blending encomium and the humour which is her forte. President, Kathleen Smith gave a response demonstrating the mastery of responsibility of her Office with a speech which augurs well for her continued tenure of a [...]]]> Turning what might have been a disaster into a triumph, Margaret Jones inspired all attending a mock dinner, in place of the real thing,which for insurmountable reasons,was cancelled, but as Master of Ceremonies, she played a convincing role in the formalities of reality, introducing the speakers of customary after-dinner protocol.

Firstly as is expected of  her, Bernie Morgan gave an inspired speech, Toasting  -The Club, blending encomium and the humour which is her forte. President, Kathleen Smith gave a response demonstrating the mastery of  responsibility of her Office with a speech which augurs well for her continued tenure of a vital role. Immediate Past President, Doug Weale, Toasting the guests, drew attention to the pleasure afforded the club, by visitors who had converted to members, contributing to the diversity of talent which forms the essence of the club membership, in pursuit of the art of speaking in public: a classic example,on behalf of the guests, Sally Dyos, a recent accession,enhanced her already established potential, by an engaging response.

Following the requisite formal speeches, there then followed a series of impromptu,after-dinner toasts, by invitation, to afford the opportunity to other diners to practise what is undoubtably one of, if not the supreme pleasure of  speaking to entertain. The session, chaired by the president, was an appropriate conclusion to the event. All speeches were evaluated;  the customary accompaniment which forms the basis of the method of learning, as decreed by the Association to which we belong. In a general evaluation Doug Weale, drew attention to the commendable contribution played by  Magaret Jones` chairmanship of a successful meeting and tentatively suggested that from an educational point of view, the evening had been better spent,by foregoing the  meal, thus allowing a full evening in pursuit of the real objective:this would, however,be a matter for discussion.

For details of visiting and membership please contact Doug Weale 01843 592221 or dougweale@dougweale.plus.com or visit http://thanetspeakers.org.uk

Three of the entrants; winner runner-up and a reserve were selected to proceed to the Area round next month in Maidstone. A remarkable performance by Sally Dyos, delivering her very first prepared speech, stunned the audience by her confident ability, with a most entertaining performance, gaining the reserve place, [...]]]> The annual speech competition, chaired by Ron Sheldrake, offered the customary variety of entertaining subject matter in speeches by members: Trevor Kenning, as chief judge was looking for far more, however; delivery, use of words, gestures, voice modulation, and yet  still more; all aspects of public speaking learned at the club.

Three of the entrants; winner runner-up and a reserve were selected to proceed to the Area round next month in Maidstone. A remarkable performance by Sally Dyos, delivering her very first prepared speech, stunned the audience by her confident ability, with a most entertaining performance, gaining the reserve place, alongside Doug Weale and Ian Lockyer, who will
represent the club next month.

As always impromptu speaking is a regular feature of our meetings: Margaret Jones taking over the Chair for this session, offerred an innovative theme, inviting members to respond to a piece of music. The challenge of these ” topics” is a good grounding for practise and learning of fundamentals needed in progression through the syllabus: the skill of the responses,
and their entertaining value are judged by popular vote, for the award of a trophy for the best: this meeting`s winner: Trevor Kenning.

Evaluation, the pivotal factor of our learning curve-earned congratulations for Margaret in recognition of her Chairmanship of the session, and valuable advice to members, where thought necessary, for continued progress in the coveted art which the club, in alliance with the National Association of Speakers Clubs, seeks to promote.

For details of visiting & membership please contact Doug Weale 01843 592221; dougweale@dougweale.plus.com or website;  thanetspeakers.org.uk

Chaired by Ron Sheldrake, the Motion was “People are a Different Life Form from Animals”. Prior to commencement of debate, a vote was taken, showing a majority in favour. There then followed a most forceful [...]]]> The club prides itself on the variety of agendas offered at the twice monthly meetings.  The aim however remains constant; to practise and improve the art of speaking in public. The responsibility for the content is undertaken by our Education Director Frances Pointer, who, for the final meeting of the year, gave the opportunity to engage in debate-one of the most challenging aspects of speaking.

Chaired by Ron Sheldrake, the Motion was “People are a Different Life Form from Animals”. Prior to commencement of debate, a vote was taken, showing a majority in favour. There then followed a most forceful argument in support  by Trevor Kenning and Doug Weale but the audience, were swayed by the eloquent rhetoric in opposition, of the formidable duo of the club President, Kathleen Smith and Vice President Bernie Morgan, who overcame the balance, and in spite of a forceful summing up for the motion, a drawn resulted.

After the interval, the impromptu session followed.  Cchaired by Bernie Morgan, the “topics” were as always, designed to be challenging, yet within the capability of all present, and an enjoyable item on every agenda.

Regular meetings on 2nd and fourth Thursdays will recommence on January 12th with the important annual Speech Competition: winner and runner-up going on to the Area contest, culminating in April at the National final.

Varying format of agendas will continue, such as the debate, team speaking and competitions, and of course - Impromptu speaking-all make for an absorbing formula to learn the art of speaking in public.

For all details please contact Doug Weale 01843 592221 or dougweale@dougweale.plus.com or visit our website www.thanetspeakers.org.uk

Responsibility for Chairmanship of each of these was given to the capable undertaking of Trevor Kenning who introduced John Poole who delivered a speech to demonstrate the vital qualities needed in the assignment labelled “Use of Voice”: this he proceeded to do with a commendable degree of skill,having now been a member of this club for several months. The competition contestants, however, exercising their own aquired skills, by virtue of their longer membership,were able to [...]]]> Further to the important season of competitive speaking, the meeting on November 24th chaired by Kathleen Smith was devoted to our Evaluation and Topics Competitions.

Responsibility for Chairmanship of  each of these was given to the capable undertaking of Trevor Kenning who introduced John Poole who delivered a speech to demonstrate the vital qualities needed in the assignment labelled “Use of Voice”: this he proceeded to do with a commendable degree of skill,having now been a member of this club for several months.  The competition contestants, however, exercising their own aquired skills, by virtue of their longer  membership,were able to recommend certain improvements in their evaluation.  Those, who, in the opinion of the competition chairman, were most helpful and encouraging, were selected to represent the club in the next round at Kent Area, namely Bernie Morgan and Margaret Jones: these same two were also the winners in the Impromptu Speaking competition which followed; again exemplifying the organising abilityof the chairman.

An  evaluation of the evening as a whole, routinely given at each meeting, was on this important occasion, delivered by Ron Sheldrake with complimets for the success, enjoyment and educational values in persuance of the aims of the Association of Speakers Clubs to which we belong,and whose aims are the objective of our meetings.

Visitors are welcome to all our meetings at the Royal Temple Yacht Club on the second and fourth Thursdays monthly.   For further details contact Doug Weale 01843 592221; dougweale@dougweale.plus.com or the website http://www.thanetspeakers.org.uk

Doug Weale,chairing the selection contest, invited all wishing to be considered, to offer their speech on the competition theme, ‘Fly The Flag’. As was imagined,a wide interpretation was given by contestants; the team comprises; Bernie Morgan,Margaret Jones,Kathleen Smith and Doug Weale; with Ben Harris as reserve, who together [...]]]> Kathleen Smith, our enthusiastic President has resolved to ensure that the club has the best possible chance of success in the forthcoming Hopper Cup competition, which we host next year.  With this in mind the team was selected in good time for composition and reheasal  in our meeting on Thursday 10th November.

Doug Weale,chairing the selection contest, invited all wishing to be considered, to offer their speech on the competition  theme, ‘Fly The Flag’. As was imagined,a wide interpretation was given by contestants; the team comprises; Bernie Morgan,Margaret Jones,Kathleen Smith and Doug Weale; with Ben Harris as reserve, who together will begin  preparation for the June event in which we compete with the other clubs in the Kent Area.

The meeting progressed with the customary impromptu speaking session; challenging, enjoyable for the speaker and entertaining for the audience; Bernie Morgan was awarded the Topics Trophy, presented for the best response,by unanimous vote, for what is considered a fine example of the valuable asset of a speaker.

Visitors are welcome to all our meetings at the Royal Temple Yacht Club on the second and fourth Thursdays monthly.   For further details contact Doug Weale 01843 592221; dougweale@dougweale.plus.com or the website http://www.thanetspeakers.org.uk

For some years, people have been asking for a return to holding seminars and workshops at Conference. In April 2012 it is intended to do so, but we need to know what people want.

There will be one Development and one Education Seminar. For the Education one, there are two suggestions so far – The Use of Powerpoint or Speaking with Humour. Which would you prefer?

Would you like these to be on Friday afternoon from 4 pm till 5.30 pm or on Saturday afternoon between 1.30 pm and 2.30 pm. Have you [...]]]> Gwyneth Millard, our National Education Director writes…

For some years, people have been asking for a return to holding seminars and workshops at Conference. In April 2012 it is intended to do so, but we need to know what people want.

There will be one Development and one Education Seminar. For the Education one, there are two suggestions so far – The Use of Powerpoint or Speaking with Humour. Which would you prefer?

Would you like these to be on Friday afternoon from 4 pm till 5.30 pm or on Saturday afternoon between 1.30 pm and 2.30 pm. Have you any other suggestions? Please let us have your ideas by repsonding to the link below?

http://theasc.wordpress.com/2011/08/05/seminars-at-conference/

There followed, after a traditional warm-up, two set speeches delivered in compliance with The Speakers Guide Book, which conducts all members through the basic qualities of public speaking. Firstly John Poole spoke on international cricket , affording an opportunity to demonstrate gestures in support of the spoken word,evaluated by Margaret Jones,who invited a further chance,at a [...]]]> The meeting on October 13th demonstrated all aspects of public speaking which is practised at the club. Chairman, Ron Sheldrake master-minded the agenda, beginning with our enthusiastic President, Kathleen Smith, in a brief Business Session outlining her plan for the annual Hopper Cup Team.

There followed, after a traditional warm-up, two set speeches delivered in compliance with The Speakers Guide Book, which conducts all members through the basic qualities of public speaking.  Firstly John Poole spoke on international cricket , affording an opportunity to demonstrate gestures in support of the spoken word,evaluated by Margaret Jones,who invited a further chance,at a future date, with helpful suggestions to improve upon his delivery.

Kathleen Smith then gave, in complete  contrast, a speech of profound, thought provoking content demonstrating variation of voice, achieving the award of a Pass Mark by Ben Harris. The chairman, then conducted the customary impromptu speaking session; both challenging and entertaining to all present: the Trophy for the best response to her Topic,was awarded by popular vote to Educational Director Frances Pointer.

In his summing-up of the evening, Doug Weale adjudged the meeting to have been enjoyable and  maintaining the standards set by the Association of Speakers Clubs, whose aims are the objective of all our meetings.

Visitors are welcome to all our meetings at the Royal Temple Yacht Club on the second and fourth Thursdays monthly.

For further details contact Doug Weale 01843 592221; dougweale@dougweale.plus.com or the website http://www.thanetspeakers.org.uk