FAQ

Birth of Shropshire Speakers

What is Shropshire Speakers?

Shropshire Speakers is a non-profit public speaking club which is part of the Toastmasters International organisation.

The Toastmaster aims are to promote confidence in public speaking, leadership and inter-personal communication.

Shropshire Speakers is a very friendly club where you will be made welcome, and encouraged to fulfil your goals at your own pace. We strongly believe that anyone will improve no matter what level they are currently at.

Shropshire Speakers is the perfect environment to improve:

  • Managerial and Leadership skills
  • Presentation skills
  • Managing your nerves, and feeling more confident speaking in front of others
  • Speech construction, how to to use slides effectively, stagecraft
  • How to give and receive valuable actionable feedback
  • Occasion speeches – such as wedding speeches; Best Man, Groom, Father/Mother of the Bride, Head Bridesmaid, Eulogies, After Dinner Speeches, etc
  • Business Networking
  • Effective inter-personal communication
  • Thinking on your feet to answer unexpected questions, like interviews or in Q&A sessions

Furthermore, it is an opportunity to meet a diverse group of people and have fun!

Many people have an anxiety or even phobia about Public Speaking. Shropshire Speakers is the perfect environment to overcome such fears, because you will be able to speak without fear of criticism, and be encouraged every step of the way. You can request a Mentor to help get you on your way, even if you are terrified!

Who can join Shropshire Speakers?

Anyone over the age of 18 can join Shropshire Speakers. No prior knowledge or experience is required.

When do we meet?

The first and third Wednesday every month from 7.15-9.45pm. We also meet on the fifth Wednesday (if there is one), and aim to change the format of the meeting, usually to a ‘speech-a-thon’, or competition.

Where do we meet?

Admaston House Community Centre, Wellington Road, Admaston TF5 0BN.  See the interactive map for its location.  There is free on-site parking.

Do I have to book?

No, just come along, there’s no need to book.

What does it cost?

There is no charge for guests who are very welcome. Annual membership costs £170 and there is a one-off joining fee of £20.  Click here for more details.

As a Member, you will be encouraged to find a Mentor from one of the more experienced members, who can help you get started towards achieving your goals.

How many members do you have?

We have around 30 members in our club at present, which usually get around 20 members and guests per meeting.

What happens at the meeting?

Shropshire Speakers follows a standard format in which the evening is divided into two halves. The first half will usually be three short prepared speeches given by club members, which will then be evaluated by other members. The second half is the “Table Topics” challenge in which members (and guests) are invited to speak (unprepared or impromptu) for up to 2 minutes on a topic about which they will have no prior knowledge.

Our meetings have a formal structure, but they are always a lot of fun, and there’s lots of variety in what people share on stage.

Will there be refreshments?

Yes we provide free hot and cold drinks for all attendees.

Do I have to speak at the meeting?

No. No-one is made to do anything they are not comfortable doing. Members and guests can sit back and watch proceedings without participation if they prefer. However, we encourage all members and guests to give it a go, because our aim is to build confidence in a supportive environment.

I’m interested. What do I do next?

If you would like to know more, then please contact us, or just turn up to our next meeting to see what we’re all about.