This section contains limited advice which attempts to introduce our methods to potential members.  Current members should refer to the Speakers Guide which provides detailed advice on all areas of speaking and club affairs.

The Edinburgh Speakers Club provides a forum to practice both formal and impromptu speaking in a social and friendly atmosphere.  We can provide advice, evaluation of performance and most of all encouragement to improve your public speaking and presentation skills.  One reason, often cited by members, for joining the club is for professional development.  Many people are required to give presentations or chair meetings at work and therefore want to improve their skills in this area.  We can provide a challenging, fun and cost effective way to develop these skills; we are a training organisation but don't provide professional courses.  We focus instead on learning from each other. 

Every time people speak at the club there speech is evaluated by another member.  The focus of evaluation is on encouraging what is good whilst offering advice on how to improve.  Our method for achieving speaking confidence is laid out in the 'Speakers Guide' and is based around ten assignments:

• B1: Making a Start
• B2: Mean What You Say
• B3: Speech Construction
• B4: Use of Gestures
• B5: Use of Voice
• B6: Vocabulary and Word Pictures
• B7: The Use of Notes
• B8: Use of Humour
• B9: Audience Rapport
• B10: The Masterpiece

After completing these assignments members may if they wish go on to ten advanced assignments which include the used of visual aids, lecturing, business presentations and after dinner speaking.  The guide also gives advice on topics (impromptu speaking), chairmanship and the conduct of meetings.  It is the basis of the work of the club and gives members advice on the full range of speaking activities both within the club and outwith.