What Happens at a Rostrum Meeting ?
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Although the atmosphere is friendly and informal the protocal of a general meeting is followed and members learn the essentials of meeting etiquette such as standing up when speaking and addressing relevant people. Once the business of the club has been attended to a series of exercises are conducted which help members to hone their speaking skills. There are varying levels of participation, those who are not so experienced are not expected to launch into a ten minute speech on their first meeting as a member but there is plenty to offer all levels to help speakers develop and exercise their skills. Here are some examples: |
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The pertinent question: This is a question posed by a member to the meeting. The question is read out and members are given some time to reflect upon it. Usually another exercise follows the reading of the question and then the chair calls upon certain members to answer the pertinent question in the affirmative or negative. This helps members to develop skills in forming opinions and verbalising them in a very short period of time. A sample question might be; mobile phones, are they a help or a hindrance? |
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Demonstrations: Members can do demonstrations which help to develop speaking skills whilst showing others how to do something of their choice. The object is obviously to develop skills at conveying information and instructions to others.
Word Definition: A member chooses an unusual word, one which is not in the dictionary and one which most people would not know the meaning of. This word is given, prior to the meeting, to three members. One will speak on the true meaning of the word, the other two must make a convincing story about the meaning of the word and deliver this to the audience. At the end of the delivery the audience votes for whom they believe is telling the true story. This exercise certainly stretches the imagination and develops creativity. |
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Speeches: Usually there is one prepared speech made by a member during the night, the speech is ten minutes in duration and allows members to practice their speaking skills based on good preparation and structure of the speech. This speech is organised at the previous weeks meeting to allow the member adequate preparation and practice time.
Reviews: A member may review a book, play or perhaps a movie they have seen. The choice of material is entirely theirs and is an easy introduction to speaking in front of others. If a person is passionate or enthusiastic about something then they are more likely to bring this into their speech and delivery.
Constructive Evaluation: As part of the training process an accredited critic evaluates and comments on all speakers including The Chair. |
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Socialising is also part of the after meeting scene as members sit and chat with each other, sharing skills and stories in the process. Usually members have after meeting drinks downstairs in the RSL club where the comaraderie continues.
Training and Learning is a continual process with Rostrum, you can learn proven skills to communicate with confidence in an enjoyable inexpensive, relaxed and encouraging atmosphere.
Hot Air Balloon Debates: Imagine you are in a hot air balloon, the air is leaking and only one of you can stay. You must be convincing about why your character should stay. |
Competition: For those with a competitive streak there is the Cairns City Club competition and the Far North Queensland competition to find the Champion of Champions who will represent the region in the State Championships
The Rostrum Club of Cairns City is also involved in the The Voice of Youth Competition which helps to foster and encourage good public Speaking in the younger generation.
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