The Speaker is about to hit our screens!
By now you've probably seen the trailers for the new BBC2 show The Speaker...A group of young people declaiming from JFK's inaugural speech "Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country."
The search in on to find Britain's best young speaker in this show hosted by Jo Brand. Starting with 1000s of 14-18 year olds one minute application speeches 160 were selected to take part. Put through their paces at regional auditions the final 20 participants are on a steep learning curve to develop their skills and win the contest.
The show starts tomorrow Tuesday 7th April 8pm -9pm with participants from Glasgow and London. Followed by a second programme on Wednesday 8th April 8pm-9pm with participants from Cardiff and Manchester. From programme 3 they will work with celebratory mentors Alastair Campbell (persuasive speaking), Kate Silverton (storytelling);
Lord Spencer (delivering information)
and Deborah Meaden (speaking with conviction).
If you saw the Yes We Can. The Lost Art of Oratory. Last night on BBC2 you will have got the message that interest in public speaking and persuasion is riding high. Toastmaster club committees can use this interest to generate local pr for our clubs and collectively for their Area. Remember the new District 71, UK and Ireland press kit is available on www.d71.org to help you. This is valuable resource. As a London Division B we are making contact with London wide press, radio etc and we hope every club/Area will be in touch with local newspapers and other local media. Please contact Dorothea Stuart if you have any questions or ideas.
As individual members we can also all take the opportunity to encourage friends,family, colleagues indeed anyone who expresses and in interest in the show to come and visit a Toastmasters club. After all if 14-18 year olds can become great speakers with help and encouragement so can they!
