16 March 2011

Toastmasters Public Speaking Group (Talking Matters)

Don't know what to do in Doha? Every two weeks the Toastmasters Club I belong to has a meeting. The Club is called Talking Matters Toastmasters Club and it has a Facebook page and will have a website soon too!

There are about 40 Toastmasters Clubs in Qatar. The Toastmasters International organisation is American based, starting in the 1920's.

Every two weeks the club has a meeting where people give prepared speeches building up to become a Competent Communicator (10 speeches checking for different aspects of public speaking). Speeches last from 5 to 7 minutes. Other Club members play roles such as the Grammarian, Timer, Ah Counter etc. Every encouragement is given to you, there is no criticism just suggestions to help improve you.

I am up to P2 level that is I have given my second speech towards the ten to become a Competent Communicator. So far, even in this brief time, it has enabled me to overcome the fear of public speaking (there is no holding me back now!), to consider how I structure speeches, to practice beforehand etc. My wife gave her first P1 Icebreaker speech yesterday and she is still buzzing from the experience.

It costs 400 QAR for each six months to be a member. 27 US$ of this is for Toastmasters International and the rest of the money goes to hiring the hall, snacks at the interval etc.

The people at our club are very welcoming so please check out the Facebook page of Talking Matters Toastmasters Club in Doha. Please come along to our next meeting as a guest, no charge, the meeting will be at 7pm on Monday 28 March 2011 (Venue to be decided).

Look forward to seeing you then!!!

No comments:

Post a Comment

Total Pageviews

Followers