York Speakers Club is a place to practise public speaking, get honest feedback and learn from others. All abilities are always welcome.

York Speakers Club exists to promote the art of public speaking by giving everyone the chance to practise in a friendly and supportive atmosphere.

At our meetings, members give prepared and impromptu speeches. In return they receive encouragement and helpful advice on how to improve. Our system works because there is no substitute for experience. You have a go, you get feedback, and you learn a great deal from watching and listening to others.

“All the great speakers were bad speakers at first.”Ralph Waldo Emerson

Is it for you?

It might be, if you:

want more confidence and better communication skills

need to speak as part of your job, or want better promotion prospects

need to speak at a social or business occasion, such as a wedding or a leaving do

Speaking in public can be enjoyable. The club is relaxed and well structured, with plenty of support, and it is a lot of fun. You will make some good friends too. Within a short time you will learn how to deal with the butterflies, get your point across, use the secrets of effective communication, and feel comfortable standing in front of an audience.

Members take on different roles each evening: chairing, timekeeping, giving speeches, evaluating them and running table topics.

Speeches are evaluated by a fellow member, who shares encouraging feedback and tips. Table topics give everyone a chance to speak off the cuff on a theme, with no notes and no preparation. There is a break for tea and coffee part way through.

Visitors are always very welcome. Come along for an evening and see what we do. Take part if you wish, or simply watch and listen. You will not be put under any pressure, honestly.

Description supplied by the event organiser.