Club-3

The fellowship within the club fosters a rare camaraderie that nurtures new members.  At every meeting, Rostrum 3 members enjoy repartee and intellectual stimulation.  Meeting procedure is seen as fun, speeches are well researched and inventive and the minutes are often creative and humorous.

Spontaneity, laughter and much goodwill prevail, but underneath the entertainment, valuable skills are learned.  Many current members have enjoyed Rostrum 3 for more than 30 years and so with statistics like that, the Club must be doing things right!

The meetings are held at the University of Adelaide Club, on the fourth floor of the Union Build and commence sharply at 1.00pm, concluding at 2.00pm. A hot lunch is provided at a nominal price.

Learning by participating!

The best way to learn is by doing and so every Rostrum meeting is run as a traditional business meeting.  Members have an opportunity to undertake each role, in the Chair, the Minute taker, welcomer of visitors etc.  Of course, a main focus is with the prepared speeches and occasional short notice exercises.

Inducting a new member

Typically, a meeting is divided into three main parts:

• The Business Section, in which meeting procedure skills are practiced, such as chairmanship, preparation of minutes, moving of motions and presentation of reports.
• The Speaking Program, with this section providing an opportunity to practise public speaking and other communication skills.  Members present their speeches on topics chosen by the Club’s Program Director.
• The Criticism Section is where the Club Critic presents an appraisal of the meeting and the individual who participated.  He would draw attention to what was done well and what could have been improved. As a result of the Critic’s friendly advice, all members improve their skills.

The Program for you, once you become a member

Initially you will be assigned non-threatening tasks, such as the taking and presenting of the minutes.  Your first prepared speech will be short, but exercises will lengthen as your confidence and skills improve.  After every meeting, you will have gained new skills and new confidence that you can immediately apply elsewhere.

Time frame for learning

It may take as little time as two years to develop your skills.  Why then, do members stay on, often until they are too frail to continue?  Well, it has to do with the camaraderie, enjoyment and lifetime friendships developed.  Lunch time on Fridays is Rostrum 3 time for most weeks.

The next step

If you would like to see Rostrum 3 in action, contact Peter Martindale

• Phone 0418 820 702
• Web enquiry: Click here

and he will assist you with directions.