How can you effectively communicate with audiences?

Is your presentation, media, or speech in tune with the needs of your audience?

Think about the power of social and emotional intelligence.

Appreciation, understanding, and sensitivity can unlock the key to success.

Try it now. It works

Eddy Jackson, a South Lancaster Speakers Club member shows how to successfully engage audiences and viewer with his latest blog post.

Check it now!

Enjoy.

Engage viewers with emotional and social intelligence

John Entwistle Lancaster Speakers Club

SOUTH LANCASTER SPEAKERS CLUB - EVALUATION SESSION

John delivered an excellent synopsis and a strong presentation with little to improve. Could he make it any better? No, I don't think so.

His succinct title and introduction quickly established a framework that mapped out the speeches development. The HS2 speech was topical, informative, and delivered with conviction.

The South Lancaster Speakers members gave feedback and the Education Director fed back on the objectives of this evaluation session. Check out the Chairpersons minutes on the club's Facebook page.

HS2                  WHAT CAN WE DO WITH £100 BILLION

                            100,000,000,000   = 11 zeros

Suggested by Labour in 2009                 approved by Conservative in Feb 2020

Opening in 2030 ???

Stage 1                      HS2A              London Euston to Birmingham and Crewe

Stage 2                      HS”B               Brm to Leeds    + Crewe to M/c & Liverpool

                                    Linked in with Northen Powehouse Rail network

                                = High Speed North    – Liverpool – Leeds

CASE FOR  

Green                        Reduce intercity car and Air transport – less emissions

Business                    Will bring more business to BRM; M/c & Leeds

                                    More business hubs based on cities – draw in locals

                                                Bolton/Bury/Blackpool/Preston/Blackburn/Burnley

                                    More intercity business in the North ( if northern rail )

Capacity                    Less overcrowding

                                    More trains on existing networks for commuters etc

Re Balance the Economy

                                    Generate more jobs and wealth in the North

CASE AGAINST

GREEN                       Green party against it / faster trains use more energy

                                                            Should focus on local connections

                                    Environment – destroy 40 & damage 6) Ancient woodlands

                                    Restrict access to much open country

BUSINESS                  Euston is quietest of London Terminals

                                    No demand for more Intercity travel to London

                                    More demand for better commuter / local services

Rebalance the Economy

                                    Will suck businesses to London

                                    Will suck business activity to Cities with HS2 connections

                                    Will reduce business activity in smaller towns

                                    Need to Build and Invest in the North if we want to uplift

                                    the North – Why spend the money in the South

Crossrail 1 = 18 Billion – ready in 2021

Crossrail 2 = 41 Billion – 2023 –> 2038                        60 Billion for London

107 Billion = £1,500 per person in UK  pop is 67 Million

= £ 70 per person per year over 20 years

= £ 50 per person per year over 30 years

PROFIT – none

WHAT IF WE DO NOT BUILD HS2

Green                        More traffic on roads / expansion of Motorways

                                    More traffic = more pollution

                                    Air Quality in urban areas reduced

                                    BUT ….. Electric vehicles – need to produce more electricity

Business                    Remain focused on the South East

Capacity                    More problems on the rails as we attempt to :

                                                cram in more passengers

                                                cram in more scheduled trains

                                    Overcrowding

Re balance the Economy

                                    No boost to the Midlands or to the North

CONCLUSIONS                     The Wrong Project /  SPEND MONEY ON NORTH

60 BILLION for Crossrail 1 + 2  - could do a great deal with that in the North

BUT WE DO NEED MORE CAPACITY?

South Lancaster Speakers Club delivers training in public speaking

Sunday Video: Public Speaking with Kathleen Hanna from Rookie on Vimeo.

Contact now for public speaking, communication, and essential life skill training in making a presentation or successfully interacting in your community.

Press Release South Lancaster Speakers Club

It was another very successful meeting at Forton of S Lancaster Speakers Club last night. 

Firstly there were 3 speeches of duration 6-8 minutes. The subject of the first speech was  “Ivy.” A fascinating talk outlining the benefits and disadvantages of the plant. The speaker was  a new member and the delivery was  a credit to her.

The second speech entitled “To EV or not to EV “ was delivered by a member who was about to change her company car and stated that having a diesel car, chosen on advice given at the time she last changed her car, she now felt like a ‘pariah’ The advantages and disadvantages of petrol, hybrid, all electric and hydrogen cars were outlined which also included the tax implications of the eventual choice. Another difficult decision was to choose the colour of the new car. Irrespective of her eventual choice the message was that we all need to do our bit to reduce carbon emissions.

The third speech entitled “John Logie Baird, Hero or Villain?” was presented by the Club President. It was certainly a thought-provoking argument. Were we divided in our opinions? I think so.

All speeches were evaluated in the customary way – sensitively and constructively!

After the break a Topics session followed. Subjects included Holidaying, Singing, Saving, Gardening and Reading. They were 3 minute-Topics and most speakers did manage at least 2.5 minutes. The Topics were evaluated and then the evening as a whole.

Yet again a  thoroughly enjoyable and educational evening. Visitors are always welcome to sample what we are about.

Louise Jackson Speakers Club Member

OUT-OF-THE-BOX INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

1. What would your autobiography be called?

       Make Every Day Count.

2. Which animal would make the best type of prime minister if the animal kingdom ever rises up and takes over?

       A pig because they are very clever animals (Animal Farm George Orwell)

3. If you were the CEO of a company, name one thing you would make compulsory in the office and one thing you would ban in the office.

       Introduce standing workstations

      Ban -unpleasant atmosphere

4. If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be and why?

       Beech tree – I just love the colour and smoothness of the bark. Also, they usually grow in family groups and their tall majestic trunks look so elegant at the side of the footpath.    The leaves have a very symmetrical shape and the new leaf colour green has a refreshing sparkle in the spring.

5. What's the colour of money?

      Depends which note you are looking at?

6.  If you had to be shipwrecked on a deserted island, but all your human needs—such as food and water—were taken care of, what two items would you want to have with you?

     A bath with hot water and an endless supply of good books to read.

9. Are you a hunter or a gatherer?

     Both!!!

10. What was the last gift you gave someone?

      Christmas presents so rather a lot, an example- homemade rice therapy bag!!!! Always useful!

Peace or Piece?

The last piece of the best china has been washed and carefully put away at the back of the kitchen cupboard already for the next family gathering.  The cluster of relatives hovering around the draining board have put down their very soggy tea towels and said their ardent goodbyes and thank you’s and been waved off.

And in the words of the poet Walter De La Mere in his poem The Listeners, ‘…and how the silence surged softly backward…’ 

‘…and how the silence surged softly backward…’

Peace….

Those left behind take solace in that comfortable chair where they always sit, to find stillness and peace of mind after all the entertaining, talking and listening, to maybe get carried away by a crossword, a read of the paper, a favourite television programme or even an afternoon siesta.

But…. has that mind got complete peace?  Is that extra piece of quiche eaten at lunchtime hanging rather heavily around the waist?  Is the body calling for another sugar rush desirous of another piece of that delicious chocolate and meringue dessert?

So, is there peace within?  A contentment of how the festive season panned out? Or are there things that could have been different if more planning and thought had been given?  Or maybe things beyond an individual’s control marred that complete enjoyment and peace of mind.  

Christmas and New Year are always a bit of a gamble. 

 In fact, all the parties, flashing lights, decorations, excitement and razzmatazz is in complete contrast to what is happening outside in the garden and the surrounding countryside.  

Nature is asleep. 

All the colour has drained away from the hedgerows, the trees are in sleep mode as are some of the animals.  It is only us humans who are bucking the trend, maybe that’s why exhaustion sets in after a social gathering.

And what about the dreaded new year's resolutions?  There to be made and instantly broken, maybe because all we really want is to be quiet and at peace with ourselves, in a type of hibernation.  

The time isn’t right for new beginnings, spring is the best time when there is a reawakening and a surge of energy.

So, in a straw poll of family members, everyone decided that their new year’s resolution was to enjoy the moment.  To take notice of the simple things.

For example, to saviour that special light at the golden time when the sun goes down.  

And maybe appreciate that first piece of quiche or gateau and not hanker for a second!!!! 

Nor easily done!

But peace of mind doesn’t always come easily…..

For all over the country individuals are returning to a normal routine.  The excitement, the variety of different faces, the food and drink have all come to an end and are now a distant memory. 

The substitution of the humorous, light-hearted pantomime at Blackpool that follows a carefully crafted script that everyone knows, is now replaced by the serious panto at Westminster where the end has yet to be written and acted out.  

We head for uncertain times, where there is no script, where the country is not all singing from the same hymn sheet.  In fact, some people really don’t want to join in and want to sing their own song, even though the words could be as simple as ‘Baby Shark’.

So, whatever happens, here’s to a lasting peace that every person in every community in every piece of the country can sign up to and have peace of mind at the outcome.

Let’s hope we get through 2019… all in one piece!!!!

Diana Douglas Speakers Club Interview

Personal Bio

Small, excitable and blessed with a voice that projects well. Always busy, always wanting to do more. Never enough time in the day.  Adoring of mathematics and latterly, linguistics. The fairly recent development of a love for linguistics has come about from my ASC membership. The challenge to make a good delivery never diminishes. Am on a learning curve at every meeting. The ASC has been a pot of gold for me.

OUT-OF-THE-BOX INTERVIEW QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

1. What would your autobiography be called?

                        “So much unfinished business.”


2. If you were the CEO of a company, name one thing you would make compulsory in the office and one thing you would ban in the office

a)  An exercise machine. b) A preponderance of men   

3.   What's the colour of money?  

                        Green

4. If you had to be shipwrecked on a deserted island, but all your human needs—such as food and water—were taken care of, what two items would you want to have with you?

                  My iPhone and its charger

5. What was the last gift you gave someone?

                A Vax upright cordless cleaner

Out-of-the-box interview questions to Speakers Club Members

Eddy Jackson SLSC Website Editor

• What would your autobiography be called? 
  
  
• Describe your life using film titles. 
  
  
• Which animal would make the best type of prime minister if the animal kingdom ever rises up and takes over? 
  
  
• If you were the CEO of a company, name one thing you would make compulsory in the office and one thing you would ban in the office. 
  
  
• What would your pet say about you if we asked for a reference? 
  
  
• If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be and why? 
  
  
• What's the colour of money? 
  
  
• If you had to be shipwrecked on a deserted island, but all your human needs—such as food and water—were taken care of, what two items would you want to have with you? 
  
  
• Are you a hunter or a gatherer? 
  
  
• What was the last gift you gave someone? 
   
   

New England In 2020  

Chair, members, and guests, what does ‘New England’ look like for you? What image or description are you thinking about? 

To frame this speech and as a way of an introduction, I am going to start with a folk singer’s iteration of New England. 

The main part will make you sit up and think. It is a synopsis of your hopes, dreams, and aspirations for a better life. 

By way of the conclusion and summary, you will leave this building well-informed and invigorated for the transformation and revolution to come to New England. 

Billy Bragg is an English singer-songwriter. He is a left-wing radical whose music encourages change and involving activism by young people.  

Billy’s lyrics in his song New England relate both to a romantic and political theme: 

“I don't want to change the world 
I'm not looking for a new England 
I'm just looking for ………………………………” 

Following December’s momentous and historic parliamentary elections, you the electorate, voters delivered a surprising and decisive answer. Billy Bragg’s default audience switched allegiances. 

The rust belt constituencies in the former coal mining and heavy metal foundries want work, jobs, prosperity, new infrastructure investment to create economic wealth, transport systems, education, and training opportunities. 

Billy Bragg’s white van man has joined the counter-revolution with their blue-collar conservatism. 

The compelling big issue now in the post Brexit zeitgeist is how to successfully build upon this revolution and transform the economic decline of these neglected rust belt regions. 

How? 

Let me inform you, educate you, and deliver economic insights and proactive solutions to build a New England. 

First, establish key regional enterprise centres that are symbiotically nurtured by:

1.Fintech; financial technology development banks linked to 
 

2.Research centre hubs supporting  
 

3.Integrated Hitec entrepreneurial businesses that are monitored and directly supervised politically. 
 

4. Administration and business development leadership by new-style city mayors like Andy Burnham in Manchester. 
 

5. Cutting across dated, old fashion local government boundaries into integrated into dynamic regional zones e.g. The Northern Powerhouse (From Stoke on Trent to Lancaster, Liverpool to Sheffield) 
 

6. Creating regional development zones in the North East, Yorkshire, the Midlands, Ulster, and Central Belt in Scotland. 
 

7.Inviting schools and higher educations that are open, responsive, and delivering outstanding enterprise, entrepreneurial curriculums to provide a skilled workforce for 2020. 

The driver for this Brexit New England is to establish a framework to create work, jobs, prosperity, and new economic infrastructure to develop: 

These five industries could gain the most when Britain starts to break free from Brussels 

First, and most obviously, technology. The EU has the toughest privacy laws in the world and is continually pushing them forward – a ban on facial recognition is the latest example. 

The trouble is, that damages entrepreneurship an innovation. It stops new ideas being tried out. With a lighter touch, the UK can forge ahead as a tech hub, especially in areas such as Artificial Intelligence and robotics. 

Next, financial services. Sure, potentially losing passporting rights will hurt British banks, insurers and fund managers. Against that, the EU has imposed hundreds of meddlesome rules on finance and its two biggest members – France and Germany – are out to get the City. 

As even Mark Carney, the Governor of the Bank of England has now admitted, the second most significant financial centre in the world can’t have its rules made elsewhere. From fintech, to cryptocurrencies, to crowdfunding to financing the space economy, the City can innovate and thrive so long as it is allowed to set its own rules. 

Thirdly, transport. For all the attention it gets, the high-speed rail link from London to the North is ancient technology. France opened its first TGV in 1981. But there is a ton of innovation in transport right now. Flying taxis are getting lots of investment, and so are driverless cars, drones and electric planes. 

Fourth, medicine. The frontiers of medical science are going to be in cloning and gene therapy. The EU has put restrictions on both of those technologies, and shows very little interest in lifting them. And yet that, rather than traditional pharmacology, is where the innovation is. 

The UK already has a huge, and world-beating pharmaceuticals and biotech industry. It may have to move some jobs, and some production, to Europe to make sure it stays in the single market. Against that, it can research and experiment with products that wouldn’t be possible in the rest of the Continent. 

Finally, food and drink. Even the most ardent Remainer would probably admit that the EU’s agricultural protectionism never really worked for the UK. It was always hard to figure out why, to take just one example, we had tariffs on citrus fruits given how few oranges we grow. 

Outside, our supermarkets will be able to import the cheapest food from around the world. On top of that, from lab-grown and substitute meats to vertical farms agriculture is about to go through a technological revolution. The UK can pioneer those industries – which makes sense for a country that gave up on self-sufficiency decades ago. 

True, the traditional, petrol-based car industry may suffer. So might defence, chemicals and other manufacturing sectors. But there will be lots of winners. They will be smaller and won’t have much of a voice. Many of them don’t even exist yet. But they will all benefit from not aligning with the EU rules – and that will create lots of opportunities for companies, entrepreneurs and investors. 

1. Manufacturing low carbon and renewable energy products: 

• • Bioenergy 

• • Low emission vehicles 

• • Nuclear power 

• • Onshore/Offshore wind 

• • Energy-efficient lighting 

• • Solar 

• • Energy monitoring systems 

• • Renewable combined heat and power  

2. Biopharmaceutical manufacturing 

3. World financing for technology 

4. Aquaculture 

Editors Questions to Joyce Meiring South Lancaster Speakers Club

Which animal would make the best prime minister? 

In my estimation that would be a weasel. it's beautiful to look at but it's a fighter. It's crafty and cunning and can catch prey much bigger than itself. It can play hard and work hard. 

If you were a CEO of a company name one thing that would be compulsory in the office and one thing you would ban.

This is not a material thing but I would practice give and take. I would not penalise someone being a few minutes late from lunch if they would stay a few minutes longer to finish something that needed to be done. I would forbid offensive language. 

What would your pet say about you if we asked him for a reference?

My pet would say she puts my needs above hers because I am dependent on her.

If you were a tree, what kind and why 

I would be a silver birch tree. It changes gracefully through all the seasons and I would like to think I can try and do the same. 

Are you a gatherer or a hunter 

I am a gatherer with respect to people and things. I like to gather natures bounty and store it on my shelves in the form of jams, chutneys, jellies, pickles, cordial and marmalade.