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Melbourne Rostrum Club 6

 

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Information for Visitors

What is Rostrum?

Rostrum is an organisation dedicated to helping people master the art of speaking in public. It is made up of a network of about 300 clubs located all over Australia. Rostrum not only offers you the opportunity to learn a wide range of effective communication skills including correct meeting procedures, it also allows you to practise these skills at regular intervals with expert guidance.

How can Rostrum help me?

While most people join Rostrum to help them with their jobs, the skills gained from Rostrum will reach into every aspect of your life - everything from being able to MC at a wedding to having control at a public meeting.

Rostrum not only offers its members the opportunity to learn a wide range of effective communication skills (including correct Meeting Procedures) it also allows them to practise these skills at regular intervals under expert supervision.

While short courses can teach the principles of effective communication, only practise can hone these skills. Each delivery given at Rostrum is reciprocated with feedback focussing on a strength already possessed and an area to be improved. You'll be amazed at how quickly you gain confidence with practise and positive feedback.

What happens at a Rostrum Club 6 meeting?

A typical Rostrum Club 6 meeting has members of widely varying experience giving prepared speeches, impromptu speeches, readings or exercises designed to help them feel comfortable when speaking in front of an audience.

The Chairman of the meeting, who is chosen by roster (could be very experienced or a complete novice) is the official host of the meeting and is responsible for ensuring that the agenda proceeds on schedule.

Club 6 meetings are programmed to last for 90 minutes, finishing at 7.45 p.m.

As Rostrum is essentially a training organisation aimed at continually developing its members' abilities, everything that has taken place during the meeting is subject to comment by the coaches who are trained to offer constructive advice.

The venue is a room in a pub where members can buy a counter meal and drinks. The informal discussion, both before and after the meeting make a pleasant atmosphere.

Will I have to give a speech?

No. Initially, if you choose, you can just listen. When you decide, you can then follow the personal development program which is a sequence of exercises that build on the previous exercise or just nominate which activities you wish to do.

What happens if I muck up?

This is the beauty of Rostrum. It is a safe place for learning to communicate because everyone wants to learn. Whether you want more experience, want to try something new or want to practise something specific, the feedback will only help you improve. Don't be daunted by experienced speakers, remember that they also started by making lots of muck ups and hence, they are empathetic to your situation.

What if I'm no good at speaking?

Like any skill worth learning, you'll quickly improve with practise. The more you practise, the greater will be your improvement. So, if you think you're no good at speaking in public, come along to Club 6, get that all important practise and you'll feel the difference!

What does it cost?

Membership Fee (per 6 month term)

  • Full members, $40.00 - a bargain at $1.80 /hour.
  • Students $20
  • Initial Fee for New Members Kit (Text Books and Name Badge) $20.00

Club 6 is a Dinner Club with Meals available at Bar Prices. Purchasing a meal is optional.

Is the training program flexible?

Yes. If someone only wants to improve a particular skill, then they can let the training officer know and they will only be rostered for that activity.

Who can join Rostrum?

There are no restrictions to joining Rostrum. Members range in age from teens to 80 and they come from all walks of life. Many members are professionals wanting to improve their communication skills. It is suggested that a few meetings be attended before deciding to join because meetings can be so varied.

How do I join Rostrum?

Once you have decided to join Rostrum, speak to the President or the Membership Officer and indicate your intentions. They will let you know what is required and make the necessary arrangements. See the Contact section of this website for more information.

How do new members start out in Club 6?

The Training Officer is responsible for rostering new members for specific tasks. When you join, the Training Officer will discuss with you what skills you are especially interested in developing and then make sure your program is structured in accordance with your wishes. Under no circumstances will you be allocated speaking assignments beyond your capacity. The more difficult tasks will come your way only when your confidence and skill level indicate you are capable of handling them.

Is a structured program available?

If you wish, you may elect to follow the Rostrum Personal Development Program, a copy of which is included in your New Members Kit. This program is a series of exercises arranged so that you will be able to build your skills in an educationally sound manner and develop your confidence as you progress.

Maximum development can only be attained if you attend at least 60 per cent of meetings, and you can expect to be asked to join the committee at some stage.

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23/08/2009