Self-help
Phone in to our conference call self-help group
Join our call on: Tuesday 2nd February, 2010
"Steve Sheasby: nice guy but lacks charisma". Guest speaker Steve Sheasby will be talking about his experience of Toastmasters.
"Steve Sheasby: nice guy but lacks charisma" This was a bit of peer evaluation I received not too long ago. But what to do about it? How do I become the speaker (and leader) I want to be? A coach advised me to go to Toastmasters.
Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of meeting locations. Started in 1924, the organization now has nearly 250,000 members in more than 12,500 clubs in 106 countries.
Although I've only just started going - I've been to half-a-dozen meetings of The Early Bird Speakers (which meets 07.10am till 08.45 every Thursday morning near Leicester Square in London) - I feel inspired to tell you about my experiences and this great organisation. I hope you will join me.
Steve Sheasby
Public speaking - BSA's web page, including speakers clubs such as Toastmasters.
How to phone in
You must be a BSA member (join BSA). On the relevant day, phone in by 7.25pm on 0845 868 9283 or, if you prefer, 020 3411 4456. When you dial in, you will be asked to enter a 'Participant code'. The code is 89490# - use your phone to enter this. You will then hear music until the chair of the call joins. Calls last an hour to 8.30pm.
Our next meeting is Tuesday 2nd February. The guest speaker is Steve Sheasby talking about his experience of Toastmasters.
We have taken the well-established concept of the self-help group one stage further and are currently supporting a telephone self-help group for adults who stammer.
Beside all the benefits that local self-help groups provide, this initiative also offers a service to people who may not have a local group in their area. Given that the telephone in such an integral part of most people's lives, having a chance to use it in a safe and supportive environment can also be a big help.
Who runs the group?
The group, which meets every month, is led by a trained facilitator. He is a BSA member, a person who stammers and is there to ensure that the group runs smoothly and that everyone has a chance to have their say.
How does it work?
To take part, you simply call the conference call number at the start of the meeting and enter the participant code when requested - see 'How to phone in' (in pink box). You then hear music until the chair of the call joins, at which point you are put through to the other group members.
There is a maximum number who can take part in any one group, and all will be on a conference line. That means that everyone can hear and speak to the members in just the same way as if they were all in the same room. All meetings last for just one hour - which hardly seems long enough!
What does it cost?
Taking part isn't expensive, as BSA pays for the conference line facility. You just pay for the cost of a one hour call at the local call rate. Because BSA makes this contribution, you need to be a BSA member to join the group.
Chance for people to introduce themselves
There will be a space at the start of the call where people can introduce themselves if they wish. You don't have to do so. There will be another chance to do so a bit later on in the call in case anyone has arrived late. All BSA members are welcome and entitled to an equal say in all calls.
How do I get involved?
The number to call is 0845 868 9283 and you should aim to phone in by five minutes before the start of the meeting on the relevant day - this is usually 7.25 pm. If you prefer to use a regular landline, the number is 020 3411 4456, which will connect you to the conference call in the same way. In either case, you will then need to enter a 'participant code' - see 'How to phone in' (pink box).
The facilitator is Richard Cave. You can contact him on 07898 721278 or send an email to Richard_Cave27@yahoo.co.uk However, there is no need to contact Richard in advance if you want to join a conference call. You just need to be a BSA member.
If you want to be kept informed, you can subscribe to Richard's email list - see next heading.
Email list
You can subscribe to Richard's Telephone self-help group email list to receive news of future calls, including any materials a guest speaker wants to distribute in advance. Your email address will be used only for telephone self-help group emails, and you can unsubscribe at any time. You do not have to be on the email list to take part in a call.
To receive emails: just enter your email address in the box below and click "Subscribe"
To stop receiving the emails: just enter your email address in the box below and click "Unsubscribe"
If you have any problems or questions, feel free to email Richard Cave on richard_cave@dell.com or to call him on 07802 594945.
'I have to use the phone a lot and I find it difficult. Facing up to this must help - it's better than avoidance.' David, Cheshire
'I hate using the phone and I want to tackle the problem. I enjoyed this group immensely.' Jane, Gloucestershire
'Although I have only taken part in two so far, I have found them both very interesting and more benefical for my practice as a speech and language therapist than several couses that I have paid to attend! Alison McGovern, SLT
Timetable and guest speakers
The next proposed meeting dates are as follows, from 7:30 - 8:30 (phone in by 7.25pm):
2nd February 2010
"Steve Sheasby: nice guy but lacks charisma". Guest speaker Steve Sheasby will be talking about his experience of Toastmasters. More details above.
Where there is a guest speaker, he or she will provide an overview of their programme or topic and then the floor is open for your questions. We are hoping to schedule further guest speakers, so watch this space!
Please remember to: call in on time be positive, respectful, sensitive and supportive of other members. allow everyone to have their say be prepared to respect others' opinions even if they are not in accordance with your own.
Information for
teve Sheasby: nice guy but lacks charisma"
Back to the top