Hey Bloomers!
Yep, we’ve tried something new there. Does calling our collective ‘Bloomers’ work? Or does it make us sound like we collect vintage underwear for a living?
Either way, it’s a new year, so we’re standing by it (for this newsletter, at least!).
And because it’s a new year, we want to start by reminding you that whether you’ve been to Bloomsbury Speakers a thousand times or you’ve signed up for our newsletter but never attended a meeting – everyone is welcome.
The perfect place to improve your public speaking skills.
As soon as you step through the door, you’re in a warm, supportive environment that allows you to practise performing speeches.
And the best part?
All feedback is constructive.
We don’t do unhelpful criticism – vital if you’ve lost confidence speaking in front of a group or you’re a first-time speaker.
So, if you’re a former member or guest, come to one of our meetings this month and see for yourself.
2024 – an exciting year ahead!
If you can’t stomach eating the last of the Celebrations, leave 2023 behind and celebrate the exciting events lined up in 2024.
Check out how great the start of the year is:
• 29th January 2024: Your Words Can Inspire – writing an inspirational speech that connects, with Freddie Daniells
Ever wondered what it takes to write an inspiring speech that could take you to the finals of the World Championship of Public Speaking at the Toastmasters International world convention in August?
Then this workshop will help you understand how to:
- Choose a message
- Structure your speech
- Create the right type of content required
You’ll also learn foundational lessons useful for speakers of all levels, whether speaking in Toastmasters, at work or in your community.
And with the help of Freddie Daniells, you’ll learn from the best.
Freddie has attended five World Championships, was a judge in the 2013 finals, and has provided speech mentoring and advice to District Champions, semi-finalists and finalists in the World Championship of Public Speaking.
He’s also a professional speech coach, having worked with companies like Google, Hewlett Packard, Ernst & Young and many others.
Join us on 29th January 2024 and take your first step toward becoming a more inspiring speaker.
Date: Monday, 29th January
Time: 6:45pm-9:15pm
Venue: The Union Tavern, 52 Lloyd Baker Street, London, WC1X 9AA (Map)
Price: £5 or FREE for members of Bloomsbury Speakers
Book your ticket
• 26th February 2024: International Speech and Evaluation contests
Freddie’s workshop leads nicely into the first round of the International Speech contest itself, which starts at club level and culminates at the World Championship of Public Speaking.
Our club contest night on 26th February will consist of both the International Speech and Evaluation contests:
- The International Speech contest
This event involves giving a 5–7-minute speech on a topic of your choice.
The timings are more important than in a regular club meeting because speaking for less than 4½ minutes or more than 7½ minutes will mean you’re disqualified – but the timing lights will guide you.
To be eligible, you must be a paid club member and have completed Levels 1 and 2 of your educational Pathway.
- The Evaluation contest
All contestants evaluate the same speech, with a mystery speaker invited to give a speech, after which the contestants are escorted from the room and given five minutes to write up any notes.
At the end of the five minutes, you’ll be called back into the room to deliver your 2–3-minute evaluation.
You need to speak for at least 1½ minutes and no more than 3½ minutes; otherwise, you’ll be disqualified.
All paid members of the club are eligible for this contest, regardless of your progress in Pathways.
The winners of each contest will represent Bloomsbury Speakers in the next round, facing the winners from the other clubs in our area.
Please let our VP of Education Andrea know if you’d like to take part.
Oh, and good luck!
• 3rd-5th May 2024: District 91 conference
2024 is the centenary year of Toastmasters International, and District 91, which represents clubs in the south of the UK, will be marking this milestone with a weekend of workshops, networking and speeches in Bristol.
This event will also include the finals of the Humorous Speech, Table Topics and Evaluation contests, as well as the fourth round of the International Speech contest.
Don’t miss out; early-bird tickets are available now at a reduced rate.
Celebrating awesome Bloomsbury Speakers!
In November ’23, our members Andrea and Matt competed at the Division C (central London) finals of the Humorous Speech and Table Topics contests.
This being the third of four possible rounds, the competition was tough, and they both did an excellent job, with Andrea placing 3rd in the Humorous Speech contest and Matt coming 2nd in the Table Topics contest.
Nice one, Bloomers!
Get yourself to one of our upcoming meetings.
As usual, upcoming meetings and workshops will take place at The Union Tavern.
Here are the all-important dates for your diary:
- Regular meeting: 8th January 2024 at 6:30pm
- Regular meeting: 22nd January 2024 at 6:30pm
- Your Words Can Inspire (workshop): 29th January 2024 at 6:45pm
And here’s what’s lined up for February:
- Regular meeting: 12th February 2024 at 6:30pm
- International Speech & Evaluation contests: 26th February 2024 at 6:45pm
Venues for February’s meetings will be confirmed soon.
As always, you can book on Eventbrite or Meetup to receive a handy reminder nearer the time. And, don’t forget, our regular meetings and contests are always FREE to attend for guests.
Oh, and before we go, here’s a snap from our Christmas social last month – it was a joint event with the other clubs in our area, but Bloomsbury Speakers definitely had the biggest turnout.
And why wouldn’t we?
We’re blooming marvellous!
This month’s newsletter was edited by Matt at Indelible Think.
