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In response to change and the prevailing socio-economic trends, the South Lancaster Speakers Club, which is to become a new 2022 chartered Association Speakers Club, is to evolve into a hybrid organisation by delivering physical and online meetings using Zoom.

After a review and evaluation process, led by the new President, David Knox, the technology to deliver the change process will be based on the Meeting Owl Pro 3 integrated video and audio computer. Trials will be carried out in early September before the club's opening event later in the month.

Other ASC hybrid clubs have informed consultations. Careful consideration will be given to the successful running and organisation of meetings to ensure high-quality member interactions using this new hybrid format. Ongoing reviews and audience feedback will inform future developments.

 Do your YouTube search for Meeting Owl. What did you find?

These YouTube videos may help gain insights into the simple plug-and-play experience that the South Lancaster Speakers Club is seeking:

The Meeting Owl

How to Set Up the Meeting Owl for the First Time

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Check out the South Lancaster Speakers Club Meeting Owl technology here

Owl Meet Pro Set Up and Getting Started

The Meeting Owl Pro Using Zoom

Eddy Jackson

How to Be More Articulate: 8 Must-Follow Secrets to Improve Your Speech

https://www.rd.com/list/how-to-be-a-better-speaker/

Reciting a speech allows for preparation. But what about those people who sound rehearsed in everyday exchanges?

Check out the link now.

Are you looking to develop confidence in public speaking?

South Lancaster Speakers Club

Programme 23^rd February 2022

President                 Louise

Chair                         John

Timekeeper             Luisa

Note taker               Joyce

6 minute speeches  Lara, Luisa, Lewis

Evaluator                 Jane

Everyone else prepare a 4 minute speech “The best tool in the......

Speech about your favourite tool and room it is located. Avoid over use of first person pronoun. Visual aids can be used.

Evaluator                  Discretion of chair. ( could use the daisy chain )

Refreshments          Time, discretion of chair

Topics, if time allows.  Lewis

Evaluator                   David

General evaluator     Albert

President close meeting at 9.30. including any relevant remarks. Check out the Facebook page.

Here are insights and solutions to developing effective communication skills? Can you hack it?

Notes on South Lancaster Speakers Club live meeting

on Wednesday 09 February 2022 at Galgate Methodist Chapel Hall.

The President opened the meeting.

The Chair for the evening hastily re-arranged the programme as some members who were scheduled to speak had sent in their apologies because of illness.

Visitor, Andrew, was welcomed and spoke a few words about himself.

As an innovative warm-up session the Chair gave attendees, in turn, a different letter of the alphabet to speak about, without any preparation, for 1 minute. It was highly successful.

(Andrew Hawkes felt unwell at this point. He assured us he was Covid-free but felt it better that he should leave. He hoped to return in 2 weeks.)

The Topics session included subjects such as “Is the High Street dead?”, “Are driverless cars a thing of the future?”, “Would you survive without your TV for a sustained period of time?”, Is the BBC losing out to such as Netflix?”  John Entwistle evaluated.

Jane Entwistle was invited to tell the Club about the recent occasion in London at which she was inaugurated as the President of the National Institute of Structural Engineers. At the event Jane had delivered a 42-minute presentation.

Finally a General Evaluation by Diana Douglas rounded off an excellent eve.

Members were reminded they would be welcome at the West Pennine Area Conference on Sat 26 February at Morecambe Golf Club at 10 am. Cost £10. Prior booking essential and thro’ Club Treasurer, David Knox. Lunch can be ordered (and paid for) on arrival.

The Treasurer informed attendees that the application to become an ASC Candidate Club had been sent, on 06/02/2022, to the ASC National Secretary, Michael Cox.

Next meeting Wednesday 23 February 2022. 7.30 pm. (Meetings are 2^nd & 4^th Wednesdays, most months from Sept to May.) Check out the Facebook page.

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ASC expert trainer delivers essential public speaking and communication skills in Lancaster

Hybrid meeting at Galgate Methodist Chapel Hall.

S Lancaster Speakers Club. Wednesday 26 January 2022

Past National ASC President Dilwyn Scott zoomed in from Stourbridge to present an educational session on giving a Vote of Thanks.  The PowerPoint lists of Do and Don’t were useful to note and enhanced his chat. An excellent session. During an 8-minute lull, everyone wrote their own version and then several members delivered their efforts; Dilwyn evaluated them.

Topics followed-with members who had not spoken contributing by way of speaking about certain games. Subjects varied from Monopoly and Scrabble to tennis and hockey. They were evaluated. Finally, a General Evaluation rounded off an excellent eve.

Members were reminded they would be welcome at the West Pennine Area Conference on Sat 26 February at Morecambe Golf Club at 10 am. Cost £10. Prior booking essential and thro’ the Club Treasurer. Lunch can be ordered (and paid for) on arrival.

The Treasurer reminded attendees that the application to become an ASC Candidate Club will soon be sent to the ASC National Secretary, Michael Cox. Attendees were told that a database of members’ names and email addresses might be needed to be sent too.

Next meeting Wed 9 February 2022. 7.30 pm

Members who had not delivered their V of T will do so.

Lara, Luisa and Lewis will give speeches.

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SOUTH LANCASTER SPEAKERS CLUB

                                 WEDNESDAY 24th November 2021

                                     Methodist Chapel, Galgate

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION

The President opened the Meeting by welcoming those present to the fifth meeting of the new season.

The Chair for the evening was Diana Douglas 

SPEECHES

         The contributions for this session, consisted of four minute speeches, partly prepared at last meeting, under heading

                             “quick speech preparation “

                                    Louise - 

The ‘seaside’ was the subject matter in this speech and included a description of a Victorian seaside. The speaker also talked about ice creams on a hot summer’s day as well as people enjoying the waves

the Evaluator was Albert..

                                     Albert – 

Albert talked about is ‘space exploration a waste of time’  A brief history of space exploration was given including unmanned, animals and human flight. Mention was also made to the recent launch of a rocket for the purpose of experimenting changing the trajectory of an asteroid that might strike earth at some time in the future.

Evaluated by David 

                                  David - “It’s a knockout”

This speech dealt with the theme ‘should boxing be banned.’  The speaker talked about the merits and demerits of boxing as well as the consequences of other contact sports. 

           Evaluated by Joyce.                         

 Joyce

 ‘Flowers’ was the choice of this speaker and included such matters as using flowers as a teaching aid for early years pupils.

 Evaluation was carried out by Carol

                                     Carol –

‘ Singing’ was the area for Carol’s speech which included information on how singing was a feature in the history of various countries as well as being good for your physical and mental health.

Evaluated by James.

                                     James –

‘is space exploration a waste of time’  The Speaker felt that space exploration should be banned and that these resources would be better spent on looking how to improve planet earth given the problems we are currently experiencing and that space be looked at when things have improved here or at least stabilised.

                                      This speech was Evaluated by Louise.

                                      Lewis gave an amusing speech about the ‘seaside’ and although many people like the seaside and the beach he hated it. The sand going everywhere , as well as the putrid smell of seaweed. Reference was also made about the constant battle with some people from Continental Europe commandeering the sun loungers round the pool.

Evaluated by Diana

                                      Luisa spoke about why we should be curious about what is around us and that the exploration of space was not a waste of time or money. The speaker suggested that there were some extremely useful side benefits of space science ie  gadgets and technology that we might not have had if the program had not taken place.

Evaluated by Diana 

TOPICS SESSION 

The Chair for this session was Carol Kershaw.

Eddy- “The place where I grew up”

Luisa – “Should all 18 year olds go to University”

Lewis-“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me”

Lara – “Should the Internet ever have been invented”

The Topics were Evaluated by James and Eddy was the General Evaluator.

BUSINESS SESSION 

For the next Meeting, Lara would make her Icebreaker speech and Lewis and Luisa would speak to Assignment F4

The question of having more Training Sessions was raised. Members were informed that at the next meeting of the Management Committee to be held on 6th December there was already an item on the Agenda for training to be discussed.

The ASC website has training manuals on public speaking; The Speakers Guide - The Association of Speakers Clubs (the-asc.org.uk)

Download Evaluation forms for the New Guide

Diana reminded those present about the meal at The Fleece, Dolphinholme on Wednesday 15th December and that those attending should let her know their menu choices on or before Sunday 5th December.

The President closed the Meeting and thanked everyone for their contributions especially Lara, Lewis and Luisa

The Meeting ended at 9.28

Date of next Meeting 8th December 2021

CHECK OUT THE SPEAKERS CLUB ON FACEBOOK (2) South Lancaster Speakers Club | Facebook

Download Evaluation forms for the New Guide

As part of the ongoing education program to help self-evaluation, the Zoom recording below has been uploaded to YouTube.

If you need advice, guidance, or support in public speaking contact the South Lancaster Speakers Club.

The meeting program includes feedback to members.

SOUTH LANCASTER SPEAKERS CLUB

WEDNESDAY 22^nd September 2021

Methodist Chapel, Galgate, LA2 0PT

WELCOME

The President opened the Meeting by welcoming those present to the first meeting of the new season and at a new venue.

The President stated that Graham Bailey and Yashoda Auchombit would not be attending anymore meetings.

The Chair for the evening was James Douglas.

 SPEECHES

Speakers had been asked to prepare an up to five minute speech on “Times they are a Changing “ Joyce Meiring spoke about the Environment in the 1980’s compared with today and Albert Kelsall’s speech involved events that happened during the years 1963 and 2021

The speeches were evaluated by Eddy Jackson and Jane Entwistle.

TOPICS SESSION

The Chair for this session was Diana Douglas and the theme was a quotation from Albert Einstein  “the only thing you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library”. Speakers were allocated a genre of book that one might find in a library or in a bookcase in one’s house.

John Entwistle – Gardening Books

David Knox – Crime Books

Greig Morton – Science Fiction Books

James Douglas – Motoring Books/Magazines

Eddy Jackson – Geography Books

Jane Entwistle – Arts and Crafts Books

Carol Kershaw – Holiday Book/Brochure

The Topics were Evaluated by Louise Jackson and the General Evaluation of the evening was carried out by Carol Kershaw.

Greig Morton (Area President) said that he was impressed with what he had heard and that he really enjoyed the refreshments.

Greig made reference to the coming West Pennine Conference, due to be held at Morecambe GC. He requested volunteers to make a speech and for Stewards etc. Greig also asked Members if anyone wanted to become Area Vice President, who would then take over his position when he stood down.

BUSINESSES SESSION

Recruitment of Students

The President requested the views of  Members as to whether following ‘freshers week’ at Lancaster University the Club should put on some refreshments at our next meeting on 13^th October and advertise the meeting with more posters. Agreed

Hybrid Meetings

After a short discussion on whether the Club should have hybrid meetings in the future, it was agreed that we should.

The Chair thanked those present for their contributions to what was a very enjoyable and successful meeting. He also thanked Louise, Joyce and Jane for baking the scones and Welsh cakes and Sue for washing the dishes.

The Meeting ended at 9.29

Date of next Meeting 13^th October 2021

GALGATE HERE WE COME – our new venue

Wednesday 22 September 2021, 7.30 pm

Galgate Methodist Church Hall

Could be a life-changing opportunity for you

Free coffee and scones!

            DO YOU WANT TO

            🔅 LEARN A USEFUL LIFE SKILL?

            🔅 SPEAK CONFIDENTLY TO AN AUDIENCE (OF WHATEVER SIZE)?

            🔅IMPROVE YOUR PRESENTATIONS - ACADEMIC OR OTHERWISE?

            🔅OR JUST DEVELOP YOUR CIRCLE OF FRIENDS?

BY JOINING OUR GROUP YOU WILL IMPROVE THE ART OF SPEAKING to an audience.

WE OFFER A CONGENIAL WAY IN WHICH TO INCREASE YOUR CONFIDENCE,

A HOBBY TO ENJOY DURING THE WINTER MONTHS, A LIFE SKILL TO ENHANCE YOUR CAREER

AND PERHAPS MOST IMPORTANTLY ... FUN and new friends.   

Pop this date in your diary:-

SOUTH LANCASTER SPEAKERS CLUB

Wednesday 22 September, Galgate Methodist Church Hall, Chapel Street, Ellel, Galgate, LA2 0PN.

NO OBLIGATION,    ALL WELCOME. FREE COFFEE & SCONES ON 22 SEPTEMBER

For more details contact: Louise Jackson,

Tel: 07938 032703;

Email: [email protected]

   Become a better speaker, better presenter, better leader or just make new friends!

                       Morecambe Bay Marine Life

MINUTES SOUTH LANCASTER SPEAKERS CLUB

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 12th MAY 2021

By Zoom

In attendance:- Graham Bailey, Diana Douglas, James Douglas, Jane Entwistle, John Entwistle, (Vice President), Eddy Jackson, Louise Jackson (President)  Albert Kelsall, Carol Kershaw, David Knox and Joyce Meiring

Apologies:-  Laura Edwards and Sue Solloway (both had indicated that they would not be attending any future meetings)

1. Welcome

The President welcomed those present

2. Attendance and Apologies

The Secretary informed those present that there were 11 attending with two apologies.

3. Minutes of AGM 27/05/20

It was proposed by Diana Douglas and Seconded by Jane Entwistle that the Minutes of the AGM on 27^th May 2020 be accepted. AGREED

Matters arising.

Item 8  Public Liability Club Insurance

Diana Reported that in the event of the Club not joining the ASC the annual fee for Insurance would be in the region of £100.80. NOTED

Item 8 Minutes name to be altered to read “David Battersby” AGREED

4. Officers Reports
5. a) President
6. b) Secretary
7. c) Education Director
8. d) Social Secretary
9. e) Treasurer (Item 5)

The reports from the Clubs’ Officers were presented to the meeting.

It was proposed by David Knox and seconded by Carol Kershaw that the reports be accepted. AGREED

5. Statement of Accounts 2020/21

AGREED to accept report.

6. Appointment of Examiner for 2021/22

It was AGREED that Louise Jackson be appointed Examiner for the year 2021/22.

7. Election of Officers
8. a) President - Louise Jackson
9. b) Vice-President - John Entwistle
10. c) Secretary - David Knox
11. d) Education Director - Joyce Meiring
12. e) Social Secretary - Diana Douglas
13. f) Treasurer - David Knox
    
    

There being no further nominations and having been put to the vote the above mentioned were elected to the positions shown. (Proposed by Jane Entwistle Seconded by Carol Kershaw.) AGREED

8. Matters from Management Committee Meeting 04/03/21
9. a) Club Subscriptions for 2021/22

The motion was: -

THAT the South Lancaster Speakers Club Subscription for the year commencing 1st September 2021, payable on that date, shall be £10 for ALL members, plus a fee of £4 per meeting for any person actually attending at a venue.

The above motion was moved by David Knox and Seconded by John Entwistle. AGREED

The motion was: -

THAT there will be no South Lancaster Speakers Club Subscription, for year commencing 1st September 2021, for Juniors or full-time Student members.

Proposed by Jane Entwistle Seconded by Eddy Jackson. AGREED

1. 
   b) Recommendation to charter.

The Management Committee recommends that SLSC submit an appropriate application for Candidate status in January 2022.

 A wide ranging discussion toke place which included a somewhat confusing/unclear message from the ASC as to the situation with fees which would have to be paid as a Candidate Club progressing to being a Full Member of the Association.

The motion was: -

THAT the South Lancaster Speakers Club shall apply to the Association of Speakers Clubs to become a Candidate Club early  2022.

Proposed by Diana Douglas Seconded by David Knox  AGREED

1. c) Club Meetings

It was decided that we would continue with Club Meetings on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month but have a Summer break during July and August resuming on Wednesday 22nd September.

As has been the practice over the last two years we have had a ‘cream tea’ at the first meeting of the new year, Covid-19 permitting. AGREED     
                                                     

1. d) Zoom Meetings

Members views were requested on whether the Club wishes to split meetings between Zoom and ‘in person’ e.g. alternate meetings.

Following a lengthy discussion it was proposed that the Club has one Zoom Meeting every quarter and in the event of any severe inclement weather. AGREED

1. e) Changing the meeting place?

 Ellel Village Hall, Galgate or Dolphinholme Methodist Hall were suggestions put forward.

Following a full discussion where Members were informed that Louise and Diana had visited Ellel Village Hall, Galgate who had been impressed with the facilities available and hire costs. It was also suggested that there might be some potential for the recruitment of new members.

It was AGREED that further investigations take place in order to further determine the suitability of Ellel Village Hall, Galgate for future meetings. Further information to be submitted to a future Club Meeting for a final decision .                                             

Members views were requested on the following items.

1. f) Recruitment of new members.

Members of the Committee felt that the existing Website and ‘word of mouth’ were effective therefore no further action was considered necessary at present.

Following a discussion it was decided that as a move to Ellel Village Hall, Galgate was possible we should advertise the Meetings at Lancaster University, the Rhubarb and Gaslight Times in addition to the above. AGREED (Proposed by John Entwistle Seconded by David Knox)

1. g) Education sessions.

Members are asked to indicate what sort of training they would like, and it was suggested that we could have about four sessions in any year.

During the discussions the following areas were put forward for consideration.

Evaluation Forms

Word Pictures and Vocabulary

The feeling of the meeting was that there should be a structured programme of Training, that where a member is willing and able to carry out a session on a specific topic then that be encouraged and that where appropriate ask an external trainer to attend.

9. Any Other Business

As part of the Social Secretary’s Report the Members had agreed that we would have a meal at The Fleece, Dolphinholme on Wednesday 14^th July 2021, Covid-19 permitting.

Clarification was requested as to when a Guest becomes a Member of the Club as there were Guests who have been attending meetings for some time.

The general position is that a Guest becomes a Members when they pay the appropriate subscription/ fee.

There being no further business the President thanked those present for their contributions and closed what was a successful and timely Meeting.

The Meeting ended at 8.48

South Lancaster Speakers Club caters for a diverse membership

SPEAKERS CLAUB TOPICS SESSION 24 FEBRUARY

The Chair for this session was Joyce Meiring, assisted by Eddy Jackson. Each speaker was shown a picture of an unknown person or persons in olden day clothing and they had to make up a story about that photograph.

Louise – Two well dressed young ladies +

Dressed in their finery for the first photograph taken in their family with a description of how the event went, including how they found the whole thing whilst trying to contain their laughter.

John – Four Ladies one old three young. +

This photograph reminded the speaker of his grandmother and the clothes shown in the photograph were very similar to the clothes that the family still had in their possession. John marvelled at the thin wastes of the ladies and posed the question as to whether modern day women would be able to fit these dresses.

Graham – Soldier in Uniform +

“A picture paints a thousand words” The photograph was of his grandfather who was a linguist able to speak German, French and Italian

Laura – A very old woman with a hearing trumpet 

The speaker spoke about the recession and a holiday in Blackpool in 2008  where a member of the family was encouraged to dress up in 1900’s clothing and have their photograph taken.

The Topics were Evaluated by Carol Kershaw + and David Knox §

Check out David Knox's notes of the meeting on Facebook