What we’re about
Welcome to Berkeley Square Speakers!
Are you ready to conquer your public speaking anxiety and become a more confident communicator? Do you crave a community of like-minded individuals focused on personal growth? Do you long for captivating storytelling sessions that draw from diverse human experiences? And do you want to do all of this in a warm, energising environment? If you've nodded 'yes' to any of these, then Berkeley Square Speakers is your perfect match!
We are not just a public speaking club, we are a supportive community that helps individuals develop life-enhancing presentation, communication, and leadership skills. With over 25 years of experience, we've guided hundreds of members to personal and professional growth. Our diverse membership, spanning various backgrounds, nationalities, ages, ethnicities, and genders, adds a unique richness to our weekly meetings, leaving you motivated and inspired.
What's in it for you?
An estimated 75% of people experience some degree of anxiety when it comes to public speaking. The only way to conquer that fear is through practice. Whether you need to present for work, lead a team, prepare for a big wedding or birthday speech or want to communicate better in one-on-one situations, Berkeley Square Speakers can help. Our club will help you develop the skills and confidence you need to express yourself in any situation effectively. You can learn, practice and grow your public speaking ability in a safe and supportive environment under the expert guidance of our experienced members.
How does it work?
Don't worry! We understand that everyone starts somewhere. It takes courage to attend your first meeting, but after you do, you will find a welcoming community. We are here to support you every step of the way, so take that first step with confidence!
Our weekly meetings follow a structured format, divided into three sections, providing a clear roadmap for your growth.
Section 1: Impromptu speaking - In this section, we call upon members (and sometimes guests) to give a short impromptu speech on a topic chosen by the Table Topics master. This allows us to practice our unplanned speaking skills so that we are ready if called upon at work or in a social situation, to speak off the cuff.
Section 2: Prepared speeches - Every week, up to three members deliver a 5-7 minute prepared speech. Toastmasters has a wide array of resources to which members get access, including online speech courses (Called Pathways) built around different objectives. Members choose which objectives most align with their goals and then deliver speeches accordingly. These speeches can be on any topic under the sun!
Section 3: Evaluations - Evaluations and constructive feedback are essential to progression because they provide actionable advice on how to improve. Everything we do at Toastmasters is evaluated, and this section is the opportunity to do so.
When and where we meet
We meet every Wednesday morning between 7:15am and 8:45am. Please note that members and guests must arrive promptly at 7.15am and stay for the duration of the meeting. This shows respect for the participants and avoids disruption. Don't feel nervous about attending your first meeting – we were all there once!
We meet in the following beautiful venue a short walk from both Green Park and Bond Street underground stations, 5 minutes from Berkeley Square (hence our name!): The Grosvenor Chapel, South Audley Street, W1K 2PA.
Come along and join us!
