The Toastmasters Thamesdown Speaks Club is a club that’s a bit different.

Part of an international organisation, Toastmasters, the club is a place where individuals can improve their public speaking, for fun.

“We are a very supportive club, where people can come and practice public speaking, and improve in a safe environment,” said Lauren Hogarth, vice president of the club.

“For a lot of people public speaking can be very daunting, but it is also a necessary evil for the job they do. At Toastmasters we give everyone the opportunity to learn and improve in a supportive way,” she added.

Lauren continued: “If your boss ever asks you a question, we can really help with developing your the ability to speak off the cuff. I personally have found it very helpful at work.”

Formed in 1983 the club now has roughly 20 members who meet on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at Broadgreen Community Centre on Salisbury Street.

Each new member is assigned to a pathways programme which can be tailored individually in terms of topics for speakers.

Meetings begin with what is known as table topics, where members provide one to two minute unprepared speeches to give whilst thinking on their feet. After a short break there are then three prepared speeches given by members as they work through their pathway.

All the performances are then evaluated by other members at the meeting and supportive feedback provided.

Lauren added: “We have all sorts of people as members. The youngest is in their 20s and the oldest is in their late 60s.

The club also take part in national competitions, and September will see members compete in a humourous speaking competition. The winner will go onto an area competition and finally a district competition if successful.

Members of the club include those who work at Nationwide, Vodaphone, Avon, and other well known companies.

“That is the great thing about Toastmasters - we have a wide range of people who come along each time,” said Lauren.