Develop Author & Speaker Platforms

Come and get the chance to speak in a supportive and friendly environment. Public Speaking will boost your confidence and give you more power to speak and to be listened to in both your personal and professional life. **What makes this public speaking session different from others you ask?** There is a strong emphasis on self-expression, creativity, trial and error, and most importantly, speaking practice! **What will you gain from this event?** * Gain confidence by overcoming your fear of public speaking * Learn to think on your feet with our Impromptu speaking format * Get feedback and improve your public speaking with a real audience * Tips and opportunities to practice: body language, voice, tone, pitch, uses of stories, use of pauses, humour, etc... **Here's how it works:** \*I may choose to change the format from time to time based on numbers, and to practice different aspects of public speaking in order to keep it challenging\* You will put your name in a hat/bowl and when your name is chosen, you will be asked to perform. You will speak for 2 minutes on a random topic given by the audience. This is called an impromptu speech. We will do 2-3 rounds of speaking followed by a feedback session at the end of the workshop. **Public Speaking suggestions:** TIP: Give your impromptu speech the following 3 sections below. 1. Introduction ("Today, I'm going to talk about....") 2. Body ("Here is my personal experience....") 3. Conclusion ("So, my key message is ....") Each speech is to be 2 minutes long. Audience size 10-15 people. You're not obligated to speak, although I may strongly encourage you to do so. **What to bring:** Yourself only- There are no mandatory necessities which you must bring. **Dress Code:** There is no dress code. It is best practice however, that you wear the attire for the occasion which you are practicing for. **Where to find us:** **Closest underground stations:** Bank, Monument, Liverpool Street, Aldgate - All 5 minutes walk away **Theatre Delicatessen** **107 Leadenhall Street** **EC3A 4AF** Should you have any problems locating the venue, please feel free to contact me before the start of the event. The event is wheelchair accessible. **\*Please note we start and end strictly on time\*** \*You will be refused entry beyond 7:10pm, so please reschedule if you should not make it\* **EVENT DURATION:** 3:45pm - Registration :: 4:00pm - Event start - 6:00pm - End **\*This event is FREE - for first timers only\* -** **FIRST TIMERS PLEASE NOTE:** You MUST book a free "First timer" ticket through Eventbrite and present this on attendance. Failure to do so means that you will need to pay £15. This is a measure intended to keep control of the number of students attending the event. **Cost: £15 per session** **First-timers only discount: £35 for 5 sessions**. Please speak to the organiser for registration. (These can be used within 60 days and you can attend any of our public speaking practice sessions on any day.) **Payment methods:** Cash in hand, Card reader, Pay on www.veespeak.co.uk ***Marketing and email subscription disclaimer:*** *We value your privacy, and would never we will never share or sell your details to a 3rd Party.* ***Email Subscription:*** *By signing up and attending our events you explicitly agree to be contacted by email from Veespeak's marketing team regarding our newest courses, discounts, and upcoming events. You can always opt-out if you feel the information shared is no longer relevant to you.* We may take pictures or record sections of the workshops for training and quality purposes. We will never use this information without your prior consent. **Website & Social Media:** *Website: [www.veespeak.co.uk](http://www.veespeak.co.uk/)* *Instagram: @veespeak - [https://www.instagram.com/veespeakps/](https://www.instagram.com/veespeak/)* *Facebook: @veespeak - [https://www.facebook.com/veespeakps/](https://www.facebook.com/veespeak/)* *Linkedin: @veespeak - [https://www.linkedin.com/company/veespeakps](https://www.linkedin.com/company/veespeak)* *Meetup Group: [https://www.meetup.com/veespeak](https://www.meetup.com/veespeak)* **Contact Information:** Email: hello@veespeak.co.uk Contact No: 07713 123321 Valentin Todorov - Organiser

**Write together with other writers. If you write more surrounded by others, I hope you'll join these new sessions.** Starting up regular Saturday sessions where we writers will gather to write in the same space. There will be plenty of time for you to push forward your own individual projects, but I can provide a writing prompt, short exercise or challenge to anyone who needs them. You can book a spot for a guest with your ticket if you want to bring a writing friend with you. They don't have to be a member of our group. Timing: From **12:30** grab a drink, a table and set up **12:35** individual writing time\* *\*if you'd like a prompt or writing exercise, please ask when you arrive.* **13:15** take a breath (stand up, stretch, look out window, tea, wine etc) **14:00** end of writing time **14:00** we'll gather at the same table to say hello, compare notes and how we got on with our projects in the session **14:45(ish)** end of session but you don't have to stop if you're mid-flow. If you want to stay on and keep writing, please do so. I'm hosting this in the main public area of the pub so you can come and go as you please. You can come to write for a short time or the whole thing. I've allowed two hours for the session but you can easily stay on longer if you wish. I will be there for 12pm when the pub opens to grab us the horseshoe of tables (pictured above) so most of us can be sitting in the same vicinity together. That said, it's a spacious pub so if you want to spread out and choose your own spot, feel free. Manners suggest that you'll buy a drink and perhaps a snack or two from the pub as a part of using their table. Please don't bring your own drinks from elsewhere (water bottles included) as the pub will never let us back in. See their menu on the website for more info. Location: The Square Pig, 30-32 Procter St, London WC1V 6NX. Closest tube is Holborn. Timing: Doors open 12pm for a 12:30pm start and we'll finish the main session by 3pm at the latest. Cost: £10 for hosting, venue arrangement, writing task prep etc. Please follow the steps to pay via PayPal when you RSVP. Refunds or credits will only be offered if the meetup is cancelled by admin. If you change your mind after booking, please change to RSVP to 'not going' as we often have people waiting. Download the Meetup app (check the app store) to manage your RSVPs on the go and be notified about new workshops. Questions or concerns? Please post a comment below and I'll respond. I'm looking forward to it already!

Public speaking workshops can be so boring! so many of them teach a business/political style of speaking which feels inauthentic and insincere. The meetings themselves are often a repetitive format with the same style of speaking week in week out. Do you want something a bit more playful? A bit more fun? A bit more varied? Then you have come to the right place! My philosophy is that, at some point in our lives, we’ve learnt that it isn’t safe to be ourselves in front of others. We don’t learn to be ourselves by learning how to stand, how to move our arms or how to walk on stage, the truth is you can’t learn to be yourself, because you already are yourself. The real question is: why don’t we feel safe enough to express it? The aim of this weekly drop-in class is to liberate you from your own social inhibitions. To get to a point where it makes no difference whether you are speaking to a close friend one on one or speaking to an audience of 20 strangers, imagine how powerful it would feel to get to that position, a position where the audience has no influence over your behaviour and no influence over your nervous system. The class itself will include, warm up games, questions, playful improv style speaking exercises, light hearted debates and much more ! . If this sounds too hard,know that you don’t have to take part in every single exercise, you can go at your own pace and advance when you’re ready ! Looking forwarded to seeing you there !

Come and get the chance to speak in a supportive and friendly environment. Public Speaking will boost your confidence and give you more power to speak and to be listened to in both your personal and professional life. **What makes this public speaking session different from others you ask?** There is a strong emphasis on self-expression, creativity, trial and error, and most importantly, speaking practice! **What will you gain from this event?** * Gain confidence by overcoming your fear of public speaking * Learn to think on your feet with our Impromptu speaking format * Get feedback and improve your public speaking with a real audience * Tips and opportunities to practice: body language, voice, tone, pitch, uses of stories, use of pauses, humour, etc... **Here's how it works:** \*I may choose to change the format from time to time based on numbers, and to practice different aspects of public speaking in order to keep it challenging\* You will put your name in a hat/bowl and when your name is chosen, you will be asked to perform. You will speak for 2 minutes on a random topic given by the audience. This is called an impromptu speech. We will do 2-3 rounds of speaking followed by a feedback session at the end of the workshop. **Public Speaking suggestions:** TIP: Give your impromptu speech the following 3 sections below. 1. Introduction ("Today, I'm going to talk about....") 2. Body ("Here is my personal experience....") 3. Conclusion ("So, my key message is ....") Each speech is to be 2 minutes long. Audience size 10-15 people. You're not obligated to speak, although I may strongly encourage you to do so. **What to bring:** Yourself only- There are no mandatory necessities which you must bring. **Dress Code:** There is no dress code. It is best practice however, that you wear the attire for the occasion which you are practicing for. **Where to find us:** **Closest underground stations:** Bank, Monument, Liverpool Street, Aldgate - All 5 minutes walk away **Theatre Delicatessen** **107 Leadenhall Street** **EC3A 4AF** Should you have any problems locating the venue, please feel free to contact me before the start of the event. The event is wheelchair accessible. **\*Please note we start and end strictly on time\*** \*You will be refused entry beyond 7:10pm, so please reschedule if you should not make it\* **EVENT DURATION:** 3:45pm - Registration :: 4:00pm - Event start - 6:00pm - End **\*This event is FREE - for first timers only\* -** **FIRST TIMERS PLEASE NOTE:** You MUST book a free "First timer" ticket through Eventbrite and present this on attendance. Failure to do so means that you will need to pay £15. This is a measure intended to keep control of the number of students attending the event. **Cost: £15 per session** **First-timers only discount: £35 for 5 sessions**. Please speak to the organiser for registration. (These can be used within 60 days and you can attend any of our public speaking practice sessions on any day.) **Payment methods:** Cash in hand, Card reader, Pay on www.veespeak.co.uk ***Marketing and email subscription disclaimer:*** *We value your privacy, and would never we will never share or sell your details to a 3rd Party.* ***Email Subscription:*** *By signing up and attending our events you explicitly agree to be contacted by email from Veespeak's marketing team regarding our newest courses, discounts, and upcoming events. You can always opt-out if you feel the information shared is no longer relevant to you.* We may take pictures or record sections of the workshops for training and quality purposes. We will never use this information without your prior consent. **Website & Social Media:** *Website: [www.veespeak.co.uk](http://www.veespeak.co.uk/)* *Instagram: @veespeak - [https://www.instagram.com/veespeakps/](https://www.instagram.com/veespeak/)* *Facebook: @veespeak - [https://www.facebook.com/veespeakps/](https://www.facebook.com/veespeak/)* *Linkedin: @veespeak - [https://www.linkedin.com/company/veespeakps](https://www.linkedin.com/company/veespeak)* *Meetup Group: [https://www.meetup.com/veespeak](https://www.meetup.com/veespeak)* **Contact Information:** Email: hello@veespeak.co.uk Contact No: 07713 123321 Valentin Todorov - Organiser

**\*\*To book your ticket go here [https://dateinadash.com/events/london/shoreditch/speed-dating/16May2026-7777](https://dateinadash.com/events/london/shoreditch/speed-dating/16May2026-7777)\*\*** Go on 15 dates at our popular Saturday night [Speed Dating](https://dateinadash.com/) event at our fun Circus themed bar Trapeze in the heart of trendy Shoreditch. This event is for ages 21-30 (age guide) and has an equal ratio of men and women. Expect to meet a lots of single professionals at the best Speed Dating event on Saturday night. Easily one of our most popular events with a great crowd every week. Speed Dating kicks off at 6:30pm prompt and any guests arriving late may not be able to take part so please ensure you arrive 15-30 minutes before the scheduled start time to allow for registration. When all the guests have arrived the host will explain how the evening will unfold and you will be provided with a scorecard and pen. When the event begins women will be seated and men will rotate between tables every 4 minutes. At the end of each date guests mark on their scorecard or phone using our mobile website whether they would like to see that person again. The event will finish around 8pm but guests are welcome to stay and mingle if they wish. The following day we'll contact you with the results and you can communicate with anyone you've matched with through our website. Please be aware that speed dating places are limited and the majority of our events do sell out, so please book early to avoid disappointment. If you have any queries about this event please contact us at enquiries@dateinadash.com or call our telephone bookings hotline on 0845 862 1448 (9am 5pm).

Join us for some beautiful stories from Jean Marc, and a talk about integrated people and why we should integrate with ourselves and work towards change or overcoming ourselves. There will also be time for discussion and to socialise.

Tired of small talk and ready to connect on a real level? Join us for **deep**, **meaningful conversations** and **new friendships** 👯‍♀️🎉 with a group of like-minded individuals who share your interests. This event is **free** but you will be **required** to buy food or drink before you can join us 🍭🍬🧁🍰🥤🧃- having water doesn't support the venue **Who is it for?** * You want more satisfying, deeper conversations * You want more meaningful and long-lasting connections in your life * You crave more from life and know its out there * You are bored of just socialising and want to have fun and explore a new type of event! **What's in it for you?** * **No more awkward silences!** We'll provide questions to spark engaging conversations. 💡 * **Meet like-minded people** who crave deeper connections. 🤝 * **Have fun** in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. 😊 **How does it work?** * We'll pair you up with different people for **15-minute 1-1 chats**. 🔄 * **Use our questions** as a starting point, or go off on your own tangent! 🗺️ * Be **open**, **honest**, and **curious**. 👂 * 15 minutes is a good amount of time to explore a question deeply and **not have awkward silence**.⏳ * You are also **free to take the conversation in any direction** you choose.🤩 * You can always sit out a round to **take a break** 😪 **Examples of questions that we provide:** * "If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?" 🦸‍♀️ * "What's your biggest fear, and why does it scare you?" 😱 * "What's the most meaningful thing you've ever done?" ❤️ * "What would you do if you had all the money and time in the world?" 💰 **Why do we love deep conversations?** * They're **authentic**, **raw**, and **honest**. * There are **no limits** to where they can go. * You'll feel **uplifted**, **inspired**, and **connected**. 🌟 **How to be a great conversation partner?** * **Be Respectful:** Listen attentively and avoid interrupting others. 👂 * **Be Open-Minded:** Consider different viewpoints and challenge your own assumptions. 🧠 * **Be Engaging:** Ask thoughtful questions and contribute to the conversation. 💬 * **Be vulnerable:** We are a safe space, so it’s okay to be yourself 🥺 🙈 * **Be honest:** Be honest about our experience of life 🌍 * **Be curious:** Be interested in the other person ❓ 🤔 👀 **Ready to take the plunge?** 🌊 Join us and experience the magic of deeper conversations! 💫 You may leave feeling **uplifted**, **inspired**, **connected**, **invigorated**, **positive**, **grateful**!❤️ **What others have to say**: * **Parimal**: "I had the most amazing time! The conversations were refreshing and genuinely authentic." * **David Saville**: "This is a wonderful event run by two extraordinary individuals." * **Edomi**: "This is one of the best meetups I've been to. Highly recommended!" We really hope to see you there! 👋 **About Deeper Connections** We have a mission at Deeper Connections to improve the quality of people's lives through conversation. All our events are centered around the concept of connecting deeply, because we believe we all deserve to be seen, felt and understood for who we really are. To have the 'deeper conversation' approach when relating with others can change our lives and can change the world. **Our Values** * **Respect:** Treat everyone with kindness and consideration. ❤️ * **Open-mindedness:** Be open to different perspectives and ideas. 🧠💡 * **Active Participation:** Share your thoughts and engage in meaningful discussions. 🗣️💬 * **Accessibility:** We believe meaningful connection should be accessible to everyone. Our community makes this possible by supporting each other. 🤝 **Staying in touch** Interested in finding out about all the events sooner than on Meetup or staying in touch beyond the events, you can join our WhatsApp channel and community using 👉🏽 [Deeper Connections WhatsApp Channel](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6CBAdIN9ijrEYdv33z) 👉🏽 [Deeper Connections WhatsApp Community](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EqGsmF3021RKTwBpGcuR80) **Keep This Event Free 💝** If this event brings you something meaningful, you can help others access the same transformational experience. Whether it's £5 or £15, every contribution keeps these events accessible to everyone in our community. You'll find a QR code on your conversation sheet during the event, or you can contribute here #SupportYourCommunity 👉🏽 [Ko-Fi](https://ko-fi.com/deeperconnections) 👉🏽 [Buy Me A Coffee](https://buymeacoffee.com/deeperconnections) 👉🏽 [PayPal](https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/DDSNCCFCYUEB2)

🟤 THE FIRST 10 TICKETS ARE **£4.50 ONLY** 🟢 REMAINING TICKETS ONLINE ARE **£9.50 ONLY** 🟣 TICKETS AT THE DOOR ARE **£15** **Click The Link Below To Buy Tickets**: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1984712086277](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1984712086277) In this workshop Ryan explains how conversations function, how to make them flow with brain training exercises that can be practiced to get sharper at conversations. This also helps conversations to be more engaging for everyone involved including yourself. 🟡 - Get rid of awkward silences in your conversations 🟤 - Make your conversations flow smoothly ⚪ - Make your conversations more engaging for everyone involved including yourself 🔴 - Indirectly benefit other areas of your social skills because if you’re not thinking about how to keep the 🟢 - conversation flowing you have more free thinking space to focus on other areas like humour or body language 🔴- Decrease your nervousness in social situations as often nervousness comes from not knowing what to say 🟣 - Brain training exercises designed to increase sharpness at this area of social skills 🟡 - A challenge at the end to bring everything from the workshop together Ryan has been coaching people social skills full time for over 10 years. As a quiet & shy person he wanted to work on his own social skills & after making huge improvements plus understanding how social situations work & how to improve he developed a process to help others for every area of social skills. He has helped thousands of people over the years to improve & now has a huge following including over 180000 followers on TikTok. More info on Ryan & Social Shortcuts can be found on the website [www.socialshortcuts.com](https://www.socialshortcuts.com) After workshops we spend time hanging out together, a great opportunity to practice the workshop content & make new friends. Plus Ryan is happy to answer any questions you want to ask one to one. 🟢After this, the next workshop is: **1\. How To Manage Emotions Workshop** Sun, May 24, 2026, 5:45 PM - IN LONDON **[Click to purchase ticket](https://eventbrite.com/e/1984712091292)**[ - eventbrite.com/e/1984712091292](https://eventbrite.com/e/1984712091292) In this workshop Ryan explains how emotions function, how to best manage your emotions to be in a more positive state without suppressing or hiding them including brain training exercises you can practice to increase sharpness in this area. Ryan also explains why managing emotions is the most important part of social skills & how it fits in. 🟡 - How emotions function 🟤 - How managing emotions is related to social skills ⚪ - How to decrease bad emotions 🔴 - How to increase good emotions 🟢 - What different emotions are there 🔴- How to change your perspective on any situation 🟣 - Brain training exercises designed to increase sharpness at this area of social skills 🟡 - A challenge at the end to bring everything from the workshop together In person workshops are at 40 Store St. - Store Street Espresso: London. For any questions feel free to contact Ryan or Gabriel. Please don't contact the other group organisers as they are not involved in running the event & won't be able to provide much help:
 ✉ **Ryan**: info@socialshortcuts.com
 ✉ **Gabriel**: gabrielsocialshortcuts@gmail.com **OTHER EVENTS LINED UP** 🟡 Developing Humor And Quick Thinking In Social Situations
 🟢 Persuasion Workshop
 🟤 How To Manage Emotions Workshop 5 minute documentary on our workshops - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rlbCYdeaws We have a score of 4.9 out 5 on Trustpilot - https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/socialshortcuts.com Our WhatsApp chat where we discuss social skill, give updates about our events & you can ask questions - https://chat.whatsapp.com/FuT9gAwf9oMKACjbWFLmxk For one to one coaching on social skills and also our free trial session - [ http://www.socialshortcuts.com We have over 180000 followers on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@socialshortcuts.com Our video courses - [https://social-shortcuts.teachable.com/p/conversation-course DISCLAIMER
This workshop is intended for educational and or entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any medical condition. **Follow us on the sites below also**:
 http://www.socialshortcuts.com
http://www.youtube.com/c/socialshortcuts
http://www.facebook.com/socialshortcutsofficial
http://www.Instagram.com/socialshortcuts 🟣 **Ken Robinson** 🟢 Up to a point you welcome being interrupted because it is only by interacting with others you get anything interesting done

**Early arrivals** 11am, this gives you the time to settle in and chat with the other writers **Start of the session** 11.30am the timer will start of no-talking and focused witing time. **End of the session** 12.30pm the no-talking time is over and you are welcome to stay and keep writing or stay and chat. For our full event schedule, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://shutupwrite.com).

\*\*Please note, spaces are limited - Please book via Eventbrite page below\*\* [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-public-speaking-class-in-london-tickets-151793471359](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-public-speaking-class-in-london-tickets-151793471359) **Location** Old Diorama Arts Centre, 201 Drummond Street Regent's Place, NW1 3FE **FREE PUBLIC SPEAKING TASTER WORKSHOP** (Limited number of places available, please note that to guarantee a place in this event you have to book a place) **Workshop overview:** This session is a free taster for our full Public Speaking Course. You’ll get to experience the style, exercises and atmosphere firsthand before deciding whether deeper training is right for you. The workshop stands alone - you’ll still leave with practical tools, insights and the option to practice doing some speaking (if you wish) - and if you feel drawn to continue, attendees receive an exclusive discount towards the full programme (normally £498). We always with fun, ice breaker warm-up games to ease you into the session, followed by learning some simple public speaking technique exercises and finishing with some (optional) opportunities to practice doing some impromptu speaking in front of the group. The class will also include some group discussions to learn more about why we struggle with public speaking, and what solutions we can use to help us. Our principles are grounded in authenticity. Our approach to helping people overcome their fears is done through encouraging participants to drop the personas they wear in their day-to-day lives in order to express themselves with honesty, and discover their natural speaking style. We’re big fans of embracing vulnerability and strongly believe it’s a strength, not a weakness. Only through vulnerability do we drop our guard and communicate in a way that truly connects to others. **The Session will include:** \- Why we struggle with nervousness when speaking in public \- Our approach for embracing and overcoming these feelings \- Practical techniques to help you come out of your head and speak using your intuition \- A chance to practice delivering a short impromptu speech \- And much more\! \*\*Secure tickets HERE by [signing up on our Eventbrite page](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-public-speaking-class-in-london-tickets-151793471359)\*\* **About our teachers:** We have been running workshops since 2014. We have trained 10,000+ people. Our teachers compete in public speaking tournaments, have a mixture of traditional and improv acting training, studied various meditation and mindfulness techniques and are passionate about human psychology and behaviour. **Testimonials from past students:** "Definitely the best public speaking workshop I have been on! It’s much more than just improving your public speaking skills, it takes a deeper look into the subject, in terms of fears, and humanity. Mike’s approach and techniques is really about to gain a deep understanding to unlock your authentic self. It was transformative! Highly recommended!" - Kristīne Šica "Highly recommend this ! The teaching and approach is incredible and it works! I come so far in so many ways during the course of these workshops and been an incredible investment. Cheers Mike & Team" - Jez Williams Check out our [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/search?q=School+of+Connection&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAA_-NgU1I1qDCxMDczMDUxNU5JNTBLs0izMqgwTTUxNwaiJONEUwMjC4tFrCLByRn5-TkK-WkKzvl5eanJJZn5eQCGm1T4QAAAAA&hl=en&mat=CeauyV6l-fEkElYBpsFAC8HrnCPUPL5X21SFnV76ZHgJT6CYryblg9XcRxlZIopmomk7pa9VjBtQnKp2gHTa0ojvHwwS4or4aELTqJYZw7I0KHBSgX9ijR0oYgBFylK3ow&authuser=1#lrd=0x487605453de06f8f:0x5e473473b3a50288,1,,,,1 "https://www.google.com/search?q=School+of+Connection&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAA_-NgU1I1qDCxMDczMDUxNU5JNTBLs0izMqgwTTUxNwaiJONEUwMjC4tFrCLByRn5-TkK-WkKzvl5eanJJZn5eQCGm1T4QAAAAA&hl=en&mat=CeauyV6l-fEkElYBpsFAC8HrnCPUPL5X21SFnV76ZHgJT6CYryblg9XcRxlZIopmomk7pa9VjBtQnKp2gHTa0ojvHwwS4or4aELTqJYZw7I0KHBSgX9ijR0oYgBFylK3ow&authuser=1#lrd=0x487605453de06f8f:0x5e473473b3a50288,1,,,,1") for more. **More on Our Philosophy:** Our mission is bigger than just helping people become better at public speaking, our mission is to help create a more transparent and connected society. Our society celebrates extrinsic success; confidence is presented to be smooth, slick, suave and charismatic. Because of this we neglect parts of our personality, our feelings, our idiosyncrasies, our uniqueness, our quirkiness and ultimately our vulnerability in pursuit of becoming confident, according to what society deems as confidence. However, we risk becoming ‘well-rehearsed robots’ and not sincere individuals, who aren’t afraid of expressing their humanness. Our approach offers a very non-conventional way of become an empowering and inspiring communicator. **Our Previous Brand (Public Speaking London):** **[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rl7dAKFp1qs&t=98s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rl7dAKFp1qs&t=98s "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rl7dAKFp1qs&t=98s")** **Contact details:** **[https://schoolofconnection.org/](https://schoolofconnection.org/ "https://schoolofconnection.org/")** Email: hello@schoolofconnection.org Phone: 020 3151 9908

Join us at the top of the biggest bookshop in Europe to work in company on your own writing, be it a book, blog, screenplay, dissertation, poem, song, coursework, memoir, play, journal, travel writing, work stuff or anything else. Newcomers always welcome. No one will see what you're writing or give you unsolicited advice. Now that our regular Saturday events are filling all the seats we're adding some Sundays when we're able to - check Meetup for dates. Same format but an hour later. WHERE? FIFTH FLOOR CAFÉ, Floor 5, Waterstones, 203-206 Piccadilly, W1J 9LE TIMINGS:- 12.00 - Shop and café open 12:30 - Host will be there. Say hello, especially if you’re new. 12.40 - Brief introductions from everybody - your name and what you’re working on 12:45 - Timer starts: write for 45 minutes 13:30 – Break, chat to your neighbours if you like 13:45 - Timer starts: write for 45 minutes 14:30 - The End…feel free to stay and keep writing or chat some more. Bring whatever you need to be able to write. It’s a café, there’s some noise so earbuds/headphones/earplugs are handy. There’s very few mains sockets so charged-up laptops are a good idea too. And please remember everybody, thank our venue by buying a drink or food, and don’t consume anything from outside while you're here. We’re looking forward to writing with you, your hosts, Sarah, Nick, Laura, Anna, Solitaire and John

Join us for some focused writing time. All writers and all experience levels are welcome and don’t worry, no one will see what you've written. This session is about getting your writing done and meeting other writers in your area. When you show up, say hello to everyone, grab a drink, and get your writing tools ready. Once you’re all settled, take some time to chat with your fellow writers. Once everyone’s arrived, I will lead quick introductions and then set the timer for our quiet and focused writing session. Afterward, we’ll have time to chat and get to know each other. We often talk about our successes and challenges as writers. If you don’t have time to stick around, no worries! **A note about the format** We don’t host critiques or readings. These events are a safe space for writers of all skill levels and genres to work on their craft, so no one will read or critique your writing. For our full event schedule, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://shutupwrite.com). **Other Important Details:** **Venue info:** this is a public café, so expect some noise around you. Please bring your headphones. While some plugs are available, they might not be free while we are there. Please charge your laptop beforehand. As this is a public café, and we're going to occupy a table for a while, *please buy something if you can* (even a cup of tea will do)! **IMPORTANT:** in the unfortunate case we are not able to find a table at this café, we'll need to move to another location close-by. The organizer will leave detailed info in the comment section of each event. Please check! **Travel info:** Closest public transport stops \- Finchley Road & Frognal \(Overground\)\, 1 min away \- West Hampstead Thameslink \(train\)\, 10 min away \- West Hampstead \(Overground\)\, 10 minutes away \- West Hampstead \(Underground\, Jubilee line\)\, 12 min away \- Bus stop FB \(bus 13\, 113\)\, 1 min away \- Bus stop FF \(bus 13\, 113\)\, 1 min away

**✨ Real One-on-One Rounds Online for Burnaby Singles Done Swiping** As a participant, you'll experience quick private Zoom rounds with Burnaby singles matched to you by age and personality, as a friendly host guides every transition. Once you register, you fill in a quick matching survey — your personality profile from that quiz to curate your Burnaby matches by quiz results and age, meaning your rounds are curated and not random. After the session closes, mutual match details are distributed — contact details flow only on mutual selection — and what happens next is entirely up to you. **Age-grouped registration — select yours:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Burnaby&groupurlname=the-collective-for-intentional-social-growth&ar=18-32&face_v=4.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Burnaby&groupurlname=the-collective-for-intentional-social-growth&ar=30-46&face_v=4.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Burnaby&groupurlname=the-collective-for-intentional-social-growth&ar=40-58&face_v=4.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Burnaby&groupurlname=the-collective-for-intentional-social-growth&ar=55+&face_v=4.0) **⚠️ Heads up:** Your rsvp here is not a registration confirmation, so select your bracket link, complete the registration form, and finish the personality quiz — places are capped so do this promptly, and your spot is held only when both steps are done. --- **What to expect** 1. **Grab your spot** – via your age group registration link, then complete the short matching survey, as both steps are required and neither can be skipped. 2. **Log in** – using the video link shared before the session, any device with a camera and mic is all you need, and round management is all on the host from there. 3. **Date** – short Zoom speed dating rounds with Burnaby area singles in your age range, as the host signals round starts and ends, because the format is built so every round is worth having. 4. **See your results** – after the event you will receive any mutual match details, and only confirmed mutual matches receive each other's contact details, and everything from that point is on your schedule. **Best suited to:** - People within Burnaby wanting to escape matches that fade out before meeting and want to meet real locals without the faff. - Singles calling Burnaby home moving beyond dating apps that go nowhere and are serious about meeting someone. - Someone based in Burnaby wanting to escape conversations that fizzle before a first date and are ready for a genuine first impression. ⭐ *"Not what I expected at all — better than every app I have tried"* – Burnaby local who came sceptical 💡 **Good to know:** check your Zoom setup in advance, because good audio is just as important as good video, and the host handles everything else from that point. --- ✨ Real conversations from home — register via your age group link and we will set the rest up for you in your own time. Can not wait to see you there. 💘 ✨

The topic for May is "Ink" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

PLEASE NOTE!!! This event will be In-Person for our very 1st Improving collab! If you know the [Columbus Unity group](https://www.meetup.com/columbus-unity-user-group/) location, we'll be at the same place. This is our 1st event and are doing a soft launch with limited attendance. 1st come 1st serve. If you want to be there and we fill up, please email me at [info@thecogg.com](mailto:info@thecogg.com) and I'll be in touch. All street parking is free on Sundays but you can also pay to park in any of the local garages. See image of [parking map here](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Mr9_LFIggbs-0_Zd3AJTGNqEhgMf2TzQ/view?usp=sharing). \-\-\- On the last Sunday of the month, we're having our usual end-of-the-month social gathering with our GameDev Meetup meeting. There will be announcements and presentations followed by some social networking Let's continue the conversations with good vibes and friends. All are welcomed from all ages and backgrounds to this public event. If we can, we'll be streaming or uploading the video later via our COGG YouTube channel here: [https://www.youtube.com/@TheCOGG/streams](https://www.youtube.com/@TheCOGG/streams) (Also please do subscribe if you have not done so!) No game development experience required! If you are interested in doing a 20 minute game development related presentation, please fill out our form online here: [https://goo.gl/forms/lVdTJZiNJewlPJuj1](https://goo.gl/forms/lVdTJZiNJewlPJuj1) Or e-mail us at info@thecogg.com with the following: Your Name, Company/Affiliation, Name of Your Game/Topic, Description, Tech Needs, and Your Contact. Be sure to check out our Discord for real time news updates: [https://discord.gg/NrBhuNQ](https://discord.gg/NrBhuNQ)

**Building a great product is one thing—building momentum behind it is another.** Join **Senior Product Manager Adam Solaiman** and **User Experience Manager Tyson Smith** for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to turn complex ideas into scalable products inside large organizations. In this session, they’ll share how teams move from ambiguity to execution—navigating organizational complexity, aligning stakeholders, and continuously evolving products after launch. You’ll walk away with insights on how to: * Build and sustain momentum across teams * Adapt to changing priorities without losing direction * Scale products thoughtfully in complex environments Whether you're driving a new initiative or growing an existing product, this conversation will give you practical strategies to keep things moving forward. Come connect, learn, and swap stories with fellow product professionals. \-\-\- Food and drinks will be provided by Switchbox, our generous host. Free parking will be available at the front and back sides of the Switchbox Office.

**Latest Dojo Location!** **Knotty Pine Brewing** 1765 W 3rd Ave, Columbus, OH 43212 We're going to try a new dojo location for a few weeks and see how it works Dojos are informal Python group study sessions where everyone interested in Python gathers to learn about Python, help others with Python, or just hang out. Everyone is welcome from Python beginners to experts. Bringing a laptop is encouraged (we'll have extension cords and power strips). If there's something you want to learn leave a comment on this invite so we can plan ahead. We're looking for speakers for our Monthly Meetups! Fill out the form if you are interested in presenting to the Python Community. https://forms.gle/ehSfUAC2WgR34Crq9

Join Voice Over Pros Of Ohio for an exciting morning of networking, and exploring opportunities in the world of voice acting. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this event is perfect for expanding your network, learning how to start a VO business, and for honing your skills. Connect with fellow voice actors and VO experts, that will help you succeed in your voice over business. This event will feature discussions on professional development, entrepreneurship in the voice over industry, with tips for navigating the world of voice acting. Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn from others, collaborate with like-minded individuals, and take your voice over career to the next level. Join us Saturday, May 30, from 10am - 12pm and learn how to start or grow your voice over business. Let your voice be heard! The $10 fee covers refreshments and door prizes.

We will show how to build custom agents with Microsoft Agent Framework. Attendees will learn how to build and custom host agents when Microsoft Foundry is not a viable option.