JANE SHELLING is a member of Rostrum. This is her club’s story…

YOU’VE probably heard that public speaking tops the list of things people fear the most. The trouble is that there are so many occasions when we may be called upon to “say a few words”.

Any occasion from a speech at a retirement dinner to a toast at a wedding or even just being called upon for an opinion at a work meeting, all have the potential to unnerve the most confident of us.

Rostrum is a club that practices public speaking and meeting procedure. Members join Rostrum to improve their speaking skills for work, a special occasion or simply for personal growth.

Rostrum offers not only a supportive, learning environment to members but also encourages informed discussion in a good-humoured and relaxed setting.

Rostrum runs a club Speaker of the Year competition and a debating competition amongst its members. It is also the organiser of the ACT Primary School Speaking Competition, an annual competition that involves more than 5000 students from 94 schools, encouraging young speakers across Canberra.

Rostrum Club meetings are held across Canberra and Yass and everyone is welcome. More details at rostrum.org.au

“My Club” is a column aimed at giving publicity to clubs and organisations that might be looking for new members. Contributions of 250 words or less are welcome to editor@citynews.com.au