Speaker Feature
John Kemp's Experience of the ASC
“If you're thinking about joining the ASC, let me tell you how I nearly didn't! ...
John Kemp - Winner of the National Speech Competition 2005
... I'd found the details of Solihull Speakers Club on the net, and went down to Downing Hall one Wednesday - but I was about 10 minutes late. I stood outside in the foyer, placed my hand on the door handle, and suddenly there was a burst of applause. Then someone started speaking, and being too self-conscious to interrupt, and have all eyes turn on me - a stranger - I waited. A minute later, there was another burst of applause. I took a deep breath - and then held it again, because somebody else had started speaking. This sequence was repeated several times, and eventually, I slunk off into the night.
It was only curiosity about what had been happening on the other side of that door that persuaded me to give another Speakers Club a go. Less than two years later, I'd won the National Speech Trophy in 2005! So don't hesitate in the 'foyer' any longer (and try not to be late).
Oh yes! One more thing - sorry Solihull!”
John Kemp
Yardley Speaker’s Club
This is the first in an occasional series - "Speaker Feature" - where Members write about their experiences of ASC, or you can write about someone else in your Club who you feel deserves recognition (do ask them first, though!). If you would like to submit an article, please e-mail the National Development Officer or the Webmaster.
Melton Mowbray - It's Not Just Pies!
Russ Ince, Midlands District Development Officer, is working hard to start a Speakers Club at Melton Mowbray. He has set up a website to let the folk of Melton know we're around. The website address is http://members.lycos.co.uk/meltonspeakers/ . Why not pop along to the website and give Russ some support?