Edinburgh Speakers Club

Member of the Association of Speakers Clubs (ASC)

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Topics

The purpose of the 'topics' session is to encourage and develop ability in the art of 'impromptu speaking', that is, speaking without any previous preparation or even warning. 'Impromptu speaking' is used to cover the situation in which, as you rise to your feet, you begin to consider the form of words with which you intend to give expression to your thoughts (and may very well be developing the thought at the same time).

Topics speeches ussually last for 30 seconds / 2 minutes / 3 minutes and the time you are expected to achieve will be given to you before you speak. In competition a speaker must finish with 15 seconds of the required time to avoid being penalised.

The topics session is a vitally important part of your training. Do not consider it as a form of light relief from what has sometimes been referred to as 'the serious part of the evening'. Your reputation as a speaker will be substantially enhanced by your ability to rise to the unexpected occasion. Most new members await the topics session with apprehension. This tension, the 'butterflies in the stomach', is quite normal when the body prepares for a special effort; mind and body are being 'keyed up' to do something rather better than usual. What you aim to do is not get rid of your nervousness, but to control it and channel this nervous energy into the effort you are about to make.

Meeting Dates

Wednesday 19th January 2011 -
Club Competitions

Wednesday 2nd February 2011 - Normal Meeting

Wednesday 16th February 2011 - Normal Meeting

Wednesday 2nd March 2011 -
Normal Meeting

Wednesday 16th March 2011 -
Normal Meeting

Wednesday 30th March 2011 -
Normal Meeting

Wednesday 13th April 2011 -
Annual General Meeting

Wednesday 27th April 2011 -
Normal Meeting

Wednesday 11th May 2011 -
Normal Meeting

Wednesday 25th May 2011 -
Normal Meeting