IT was a very busy evening for the club when members met as usual at the Quality Hotel, Redditch.

A total of 21 members were present and thoroughly enjoyed a packed evening of prepared speeches and impromptu speaking.

Ron Sutton ably chaired the meeting, introducing Jim Fitzpatrick to open the evening, who asked each person to identify their favourite word and what made that word special to them.

Serendipity, seaside, morning, empathy and maritime were just a few of the words members talked about - an exercise that got everyone speaking.

Ted Griffiths, a relatively new member, gave his second speech.

The second speech any speaker gives should be on a subject that they feel strongly about and that's exactly what Ted gave us.

He spoke about saying "what you mean" - pleading for less of the requirement to be "politically correct" we hear so much today.

The members enjoyed Ted's speech and can only look forward to his next one as he moves through the various assignments in his quest to become an even more confident speaker.

Derek Carter then gave us a speech demonstrating how to use notes effectively, Marion and Joan gave speeches to show speech construction. All excellent presentations.

All speeches were evaluated by fellow members.

Susan Young then took members through the impromptu speaking session to include all members who had not spoken previously.

It is pleasing that the club has attracted some new members for this season and that existing members have returned, making the club vibrant for the new season.

If you are interested in learning how to speak in public with confidence, come along and take a look at us - we meet on alternative Tuesdays at 7.30 for 7.45pm at the Quality Hotel Redditch. For more details, call Alan Young on 459516 or visit the website,

www.redditchspeakersclub.co.uk