From Start to Finish: A Winning Meeting Structure
At West London Speakers Club, every meeting is a dynamic workshop where members practice, refine, and grow their speaking and leadership skills in a supportive and inclusive environment.
We focus on developing essential skills, such as body language, timekeeping, vocal variety, and more. See below for the agenda of our meeting.
PREPARED SPEECHES
The first half of the meeting focuses on prepared speeches, where members deliver 5-7 minute speeches they have carefully planned and rehearsed prior to the meeting, as part of their chosen Pathways program. They practice skills like storytelling, persuasion, vocal variety, body language, and more.
EVALUATIONS
Evaluations provide speakers with specific, actionable feedback in three minutes, promoting growth in their communication skills. This constructive feedback benefits both the speaker and the evaluator, who develops valuable feedback delivery skills.
IMPROMPTU SPEAKING
The second half of the meeting focuses on impromptu speaking, known as Table Topics. In this session, participants are given short, unexpected topics or questions and have 1-2 minutes to speak on them. This exercise helps participants develop their ability to think and speak on the spot. It’s a valuable skill for job interviews, presentations, networking, meetings, and other public interactions.
AWARDS
As the meeting comes to a close, the Club President proudly recognizes the evening’s standout Table Topic performance and awards a ribbon to the top speaker, chosen by the audience’s votes. With cheers and applause, the meeting wraps up, celebrating another successful night of growth and learning.
Discover the Key Roles That Enrich Our Meetings
At West London Speakers Club, our meetings are a collaborative effort where members take on various roles that not only ensure a dynamic and supportive experience but also offer unique opportunities for personal and professional growth.
By stepping into these roles, you’ll develop valuable skills, strengthen your confidence, and play an active part in fostering the success and energy of our community. Every role is a chance to learn, lead, and make a meaningful impact!
Being a General Evaluator sharpens your observation, communication, and leadership skills. You’ll provide feedback on the overall meeting, evaluating its flow, functionaries, and participants who haven’t been formally assessed. This requires active listening, balanced feedback, and an engaging delivery to wrap up the meeting effectively.
Skills Developed as General Evaluator:
- Critical Thinking: Enhances your ability to assess the meeting structure and performance.
- Balanced Feedback: Develops your skill in delivering constructive insights and praise.
- Leadership: Strengthens your ability to guide and motivate the group.
Conclude with energy, summarizing the meeting’s highlights and offering actionable suggestions for growth!
The Grammarian monitors language usage, evaluates grammar, and introduces the Word of the Day.
Skills Developed as Grammarian:
- Expanding vocabulary and improving language proficiency.
- Sharpening attention to grammar and language usage.
- Refining your own language skills in speeches by evaluating language usage within the club.
- Enhancing listening, critical thinking, and analytical skills.
- Building creative writing skills for preparing on-the-spot reports.
- Boosting speaking confidence when delivering the Grammarian’s Re
The Prepared Speech Evaluator provides valuable feedback on prepared speeches, helping speakers refine their delivery and content. This role develops critical thinking and leadership skills by offering constructive feedback. Ending with encouragement is essential to motivate speakers and foster a positive environment for growth.
Skills Developed as Prepared Speech Evaluator:
- Sharpens analytical skills in evaluating speech content, structure, and delivery.
- Strengthens communication skills by delivering clear, actionable recommendations for improvement.
- Improves listening skills to identify key areas for improvement while recognising strengths.
- Enhances the ability to provide constructive feedback and offer encouragement.
- Builds confidence in providing feedback in a supportive and motivating manner.
The Table Topics Master leads the impromptu speaking session, preparing a range of surprise topics that encourage speakers to think on their feet. The topics are briefly introduced, and each volunteer is called to the stage to deliver an impromptu speech of up to 1 minute 30 seconds.
Skills Developed as Table Topics Master:
- Sharpens creativity and the ability to craft engaging, thought-provoking questions.
- Cultivates skills in leading dynamic and interactive sessions.
- Builds confidence in facilitating impromptu speaking and fostering a supportive environment.
Table Topics speakers volunteer before the meeting and respond to impromptu questions or surprise topics posed by the Table Topics Master, practising concise and effective communication. It’s a great opportunity to have fun and embrace the challenge of impromptu speaking.
Skills Developed as Table Topics Speakers:
- Improves the ability to think on your feet and speak clearly under pressure.
- Builds improvisational skills and the confidence to deliver spontaneous speeches.
- Increases self-assurance in handling unexpected speaking scenarios.
The Table Topics Evaluator is an advanced role that requires providing structured feedback on each Table Topics speaker’s response. This role involves attentive listening and applying analytical and organisational skills to craft thoughtful and supportive evaluations.
The evaluations should be encouraging, highlighting strengths and offering constructive suggestions for improvement.
Skills Developed as Table Topics Evaluator:
- Sharpens the ability to assess impromptu speaking skills and creativity.
- Develops observation skills by analysing spontaneous speech elements.
- Enhances the ability to provide constructive and supportive feedback.
- Strengthens organisational and analytical skills for creating evaluations on the spot.
The Timekeeper plays a crucial role in Toastmasters meetings by managing time for each part of the agenda, helping participants stay within their allotted limits. This role is often given to new members, offering them a chance to speak briefly on stage in a supportive and structured environment.
Skills Developed as Timekeeper:
- Organizing and summarizing information quickly.
- Improving listening and time management skills.
- Using signals to guide speakers and delivering timing reports effectively.
- Gaining confidence in speaking while helping the meeting run smoothly.
The Toastmaster leads and sets the tone for the meeting, introducing speakers and functionaries such as the Timekeeper, Grammarian, and others, while ensuring the session stays on schedule. Enthusiasm, energy, and an engaging presence are key to success in this role.
Skills Developed as Toastmaster:
- Leadership: Motivate speakers, guide functionaries, and engage the audience.
- Organizational Skills: Plan and manage the meeting’s flow effectively.
- Confidence: Build stage presence as you take charge of the meeting.
- Chairing Skills: Introduce speakers and handle transitions smoothly.
- Adaptability: Think quickly and manage unexpected changes with poise.
This role offers multiple opportunities to be on stage, making it perfect for self-assessment, personal growth, and leadership development!
2025 Meeting Dates
Countdown to Our Next Meeting!
28 April 2025 Meeting
Join us for an evening of fun, learning, and public speaking improvement at the King’s Function Room on the First Floor of The Hop Poles, located…
12 May 2025 Meeting
Join us for an evening of fun, learning, and laughter at the King’s Function Room on the First Floor of The Hop Poles, located at 17-19 King St, …
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