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- Evaluators Top Tips
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| Try and have a story or theme. If you write the speech in the third person it becomes a speech not a narrative |
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Market Harborough lies on the fringe of the South East Midlands
District which also covers Corby, Rothwell & Kettering |
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The Association of Speakers Clubs
The aim of ASC
The Association of Speakers Clubs exists to improve the art of
speaking in public, and to promote, encourage and develop proficiency in
the spoken word.
The Origins
The Association of Speakers Clubs (ASC) has its origins in
Toastmasters International, an American organisation formed by Ralph C.
Smedley in 1904. The movement spread across the Atlantic in 1935, with
the first British branch being formed in Southport. Development followed
quickly throughout Scotland and England until 1971, when the British
Clubs decided to form a separate organisation, and the Association of
Speakers Clubs was formed. Since that date A.S.C. has grown into a
national organisation of nearly 140 Clubs throughout the United Kingdom.
Organisation
The United Kingdom is divided into 8 Districts which are in turn
divided into Areas. Each Area contains between 3 and 9 Clubs. The
affairs of A.S.C. are governed by decisions of the General Council which
meets annually to determine the management and development strategy of
the Association. The Council is comprised of delegates from every
chartered Club in the country. The annual conference is part business
and part social. At the A.G.M. itself members hear their officers report
on the business of the Association and all delegates can express their
views. At the same event, National Contests for Speeches,
Evaluations and Topics are held, at which members demonstrate the skills
they have developed through the educational programmes conducted within
the Clubs.
The Association is administered by the National Executive Committee,
which consists of the National President, the National Secretary,
Treasurer, Development Officer and Education Director, together with
certain other appointed officers and, most importantly, the President
of each District.
Each District, Area and Club has its own management organisation to
ensure that Clubs and members receive information, help and the
opportunity to develop expertise in preparing speeches, gaining
confidence and speaking in public to the best of their personal ability.
Clubs may choose to be of mixed membership, men only or ladies only,
according to their local needs and membership preferences. There is also
provision for affiliated membership for other Clubs who have empathy
with the aims of the Association, but for some reasons are not able or
do not wish to seek full membership.
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The Speakers Guide
The Association publishes a Guide to provide a framework for the
educational development of members.
Certificate of Achievement
The Association is aimed at all levels of speakers, from those with a
natural ability to the majority of us who need practice and tuition to
help us on what a difficult task, even when the audience is small.
Members are encouraged to work through the ten assignments, and on
completion of these to the satisfaction of the Club Education Director
the members will be awarded a Certificate of Achievement.
Members who stretch their abilities further can complete five of the
eight advanced assignments. These include an assignment outside the Club
and one on the use of the microphone. The successful speaker at this
level is awarded the Advanced Certificate of Achievement.
Communication
In addition to the Guide, there are several helpful publications
available from either the National Education Director, the Development
Officer or the National Materials Officer. These include practical
advice on the management of the Club, how to run a debate or speech
contest and other variations on public speaking.
Communication from the National Executive to Clubs is maintained by
the District and Area Presidents personally, and through regular
mailings from the National Secretary direct to Clubs.
The national magazine, The Speaker, is also published free to every
member in Spring and Autumn each year, containing Association news,
views and events, and entertaining or instructive article submitted by
members.
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- Quips & Quotes
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| The man who makes no mistakes does not usually make anything |
| Edward John Phelps 1822-1900 |
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Improve your Vocabulary
Learn or improve your understanding of over 400 words. This will
increase your ability to deliver speeches
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The 10 ASC steps to becoming a
better speaker
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Making a Start |
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Say What You Mean |
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Speech Construction |
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Use of Gestures |
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Use Your Voice |
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Vocabulary & Word Pictures |
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The Use of Notes |
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The Use of Humour |
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Audience Rapport |
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The Masterpiece |
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