brecon Speakers Club News
ASC members determine TOP UK POLITICAL SPEECHES (in living memory)
WINSTON WINS FROM ROBIN, MAGGIE, NYE AND GALLOWAY
UK's premier public speaking body rates the top British political speeches
Read more...Top UK Political speeches ifo
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Our newly-formed Club's annual Evaluation Contest attracted several entrants, the youngest being 16 yearts of age, the oldest a sprightly 91. Each had to present a 4-minute assessment of a speech by Patricia Douse. Originally from Trinidad and now living in Brecon with her husband Mike (the Club President), Patricia spoke on the subject 'Calypso'.
The contest was won by Helena Jones of Brecon, with Owen Hughes, also of Brecon, runner-up. Chief Judge Noel Collins praised the high standard of all competitors, "especially in such a recently-established club". Noel is the South-West District President of the Association of Speakers Clubs, the largest organisation of its kind in the UK.
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In the worst imaginable weather, Brecon Speakers Club's inaugural meeting took place at the Three Horseshoes Inn on 14th January 2008. Nineteen attended, Mike Douse was confirmed as President, and the ASC charter was formally received.
After introductions, everyone present expressed their expectations of the Club, many citing work-related aspirations, other stressing enjoyment and self-fulfilment. There then followed a discussion on 'What Makes a Good Speech?' followed by the Club's annual speech competition [a surprising element in a foundation meeting, forced upon us by the calendar]. Those not participating acted as judges, having received a tutorial on assessing speeches from Club President.
The contest was won by Alan Badmington with Sid Jeffries coming second: these two will represent the Brecon club in the South Wales area finals in Cardiff on 21st February. Both Alan and Sid are former national finalists but speakers with no ASC club experience gave them a very close run.
Although a small market town, the prospects for its Speakers Club are encouraging. The local newspaper is already contacting the Club Secretary - rather than the other way around - to learn who won the competition and to know of future events. It is fair to say that, from the website, posters, media coverage and word of mouth, very many people are aware of the Club's existence. Already it has provided judges for school contests and speakers for local groups (its initial finances have included donations of speakers' fees so that membership will not be the only source of revenue).
So now, as our website makes clear, as well as the Beautiful Beacons, in addition to the Brecon Jazz Festival, and soaring alongside the Red Kite, we have the Brecon Speakers Club. One meeting down, another ten thousand to go.
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President Mike Douse (seated) with leading contestants in the first ever Brecon Club's speech championships, from left Alan Badmington (winner), Cyril Moyo, Sid Jeffries (runner-up) and Helena Jones |
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Stephen Street from Speakers of Bromley becomes a National Finalist in Carlisle 2006 in the Evaluations Contest. What is surprising is that it was his first year of ASC contests. During this period we had a BBC VideoNation camera tracking Stephen and his progress. Although the video clip below lasts only 3 minutes, it provides an interesting insight into Stephen's motivations for joining a speakers' club, as well as how much he has benefited from the experience. |
| Click here for Stephen Street on BBC VideoNation |
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One of the greatest speeches in the history of humanity. Martin Luther King Junior was a master of language and truly understood how to connect with an audience of 200,000. In his 'I have a dream speech...' he speaks with sincerity, passion and empathy and his compelling delivery was a defining moment in the American Civil Rights Movement.The speech was delivered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, Washington D.C. August 28th 1963. A full transcript of the speech can be found on the College of Public Speaking's web site: I have a dream.... |