Hello and welcome to Solent Speakers.
If you would like to improve your public speaking skills, you have come to the right place. Whether you’re used to communicating with groups and want to improve your performance or are nervous about speaking in front of others, or just plain terrified, we can help.
Every minute of every day, somewhere around the world, a Toastmasters club like Solent Speakers meets with the aim of helping someone like you develop your communication and leadership skills.
My name is Marian Way and I’m delighted to have been elected President of Solent Speakers for 2010-2011. Together with the club’s leadership team and our encouraging and supportive members I extend a warm welcome to our friendly and fulfilling club.
My slogan for this year is “Take Small Steps; Exceed Your Expectations”. I’ve chosen this slogan because I know that with the support of a Toastmasters group, and taking one step at a time, it’s possible to travel far beyond what you once thought was possible – or even impossible!
That’s because every time we meet, you’ll be encouraged to try something new that will stretch you a little bit. To start with, that can be ‘backstage’ roles like timing or videoing others’ speeches or welcoming new members. Once you’re comfortable with the group and have seen the kind of support and encouragement others get when they take more active roles, you can join in as a speaker – and even with this you can go easy on yourself and choose small speaking roles to start with if you wish. Or you can dive straight in at the deep end – it’s up to you. Everyone progresses at their own speed.
Whatever speed you go, all the small steps will add up and take you towards your own communication and leadership goals. And before very long, you’ll be looking back and seeing how far you’ve come – and how much further that was than you first thought possible. I certainly didn’t imagine when I attended my first meeting or did my first speech that I would one day be president of the club.
My confidence, public speaking and leadership skills have developed directly as a result of joining Solent Speakers and the support and feedback I’ve received over the years. I’m confident you will find the same.
Don’t just take my word for it though. Join us as a guest at any of our scheduled meetings and I guarantee you’ll receive a warm welcome and the support you need to take those small steps and exceed your expectations
Marian Way
President 2010-2011
