Talking Shop – overcoming the fear of public speaking
A new event aims to give confidence, talking techniques and a chance to practise communication skills for freelancers who need to get up and talk in front of an audience.
Freelancers and contractors can live rather solitary lives, working from home or, head-down, coding away until the small hours of the morning, but what about when we need to pitch ourselves for the next job, or make a presentation of our work to potential clients or companies?
This year’s Barcamp Brighton 3 was a great opportunity for networking, learning new skills and drinking beer, but it was also an open space for unpacking embryonic ideas and, for some people, presenting to others for the first time. A BarCamp is a gentle invitation and opportunity to talk, and a great way to get into public speaking and see if you’re any good. But what about those times when the stakes are a little higher and you really need to convince the board or sell yourself?
Brighton based freelancers and contractors may be interested to Speakeasy Club which has just announced a new venue and format for their monthly meetings.
The thinking behind Speakeasy is to provide an informal forum for novices keen to experience what it’s like to get up and speak in front of an audience; as well as offering more experienced speakers a chance to brush up on their skills.
What To Expect
The meetings are a combination of two or three prepared speeches complemented by a series of impromptu speaking exercises when those attending will be encouraged to make off-the-cuff contributions. There’s no pressure to take part in any activity although, obviously, the more one participates the more confident a speaker one becomes (or that’s the idea!)At the end of the meeting, there will be the opportunity to chat in a nearby hostelry and to demonstrate your newly-improved speaking skills.
Next Event: Thursday September 18, 2008 at 7.30pm for 8pm
Venue: Friends’ Meeting House, Ship Street, Brighton
Cost: £5 on the door
Ways To Help
Speak Easy are currently looking for volunteers to take on roles at the September 18 meeting. How do you fancy making a short speech (five minutes or so) on any topic you like? Or perhaps you would like to help in some other way?
photo credit: Sister72
Do you have an event or workshop you think would be useful to the freelance and contractor community? Add to our Upcoming group or email us your event details and we’ll add them for you.
