Gloria's interview

Membership of Rostrum is open to adults from all walks of life who wish to improve their skills in effective speaking and meeting procedure.

Each member joins and attends for the same purpose - self improvement. This is accomplished by participation - chairing meetings and speaking regularly before a friendly and supportive audience.
Meetings are usually held during a meal. A few clubs meet over breakfast, some at lunch times and others in the evening.

Most Rostrum clubs meet each week, some fortnightly and meetings last for between an hour and an hour and a half. Many people also benefit from the fellowship that occurs before and after meetings

Visitors

Visitors are welcome at any Rostrum club. Unless they are already a member, or past member, of Rostrum, visitors will not be asked to speak, although they are welcome to participate if they choose.

If you do wish to speak, indicate to the Chairman or a member near you

A Typical Rostrum Meeting

Meetings vary but most include the following components:

Chairman

As part of our procedure of "learning by doing", a different member is rostered to chair each meeting. He or she is usually given two weeks notice.

An experienced member, usually the president of the club sits alongside to offer guidance if required.

Pertinent Question (PQ)

A topical question is put to the meeting by a member who has had prior notice or time to prepare. This exercise provides practice in looking objectively at both sides of an issue and presenting a balanced question.

Answerers to the Pertinent Question

Several members (usually three) are called upon without notice, to answer the question. This is an exercise in impromptu speaking that also develops the ability to express a point of view in a concise, positive and persuasive manner.

Reading Aloud

Having had prior notice, a member introduces and reads a selected piece. Practice in presenting another person's material is beneficial both in work, community and social situations. This exercise allows members to concentrate on the presentation of the material and has its benefit not so much in reading, but in using the voice to carry a message that another person has written.

General Business

This is an exercise in Meeting Procedure, enabling members to practise and become conversant with all the Rules of Debate, including those that may not be frequently encountered - amendments, points of order, formal motions etc.
The content of motions that are discussed is not serious, but the rules of debate are followed strictly.

General Business is a very entertaining part of the meeting and it is through this enjoyable process that people develop both skills and confidence.

Prepared Speeches

Members who are rostered for the main speeches have received notice (usually two weeks) to speak on a specific topic. As they become more experienced, members will improve their ability to prepare and present well-structured, enlightening and entertaining presentations.

Critic (also referred to as Tutor)

The meeting concludes with feed-back from an accredited Critic (Critic is the title used in Rostrum for its tutors) who gives constructive comments on the performance of the chairman and each speaker, together with friendly advice and encouragement for further improvement.

The Critics are the foundation stone of Rostrum. It is through their positive and constructive assistance that people develop their skills.

Rostrum Critics are trained and accredited for a limited period. They undertake to continually develop their skills at seminars and workshops.

It is the high standard of critic training that sets Rostrum apart from similar organisations.

The People In Rostrum

People from all walks of life are members of Rostrum. Members include sales and marketing people, travel agents, tradesmen, engineers, secretaries, farmers, bankers, managers — anyone who wants to develop confidence and skills in communicating with other people.

Members range in age from 18 through to retired people

Costs

As a non-profit organisation, Rostrum sets membership fees with the object of covering costs only. These fees include:

• Joining Fee

This fee varies from time to time. This is a once only, non-returnable joining fee. You receive a wallet containing several Rostrum publications, including a 112-page book on meeting procedure and your name badge.

• Term Fee - for the administration of Rostrum.

This fee is set annually by representatives of all clubs and is levied at the beginning of each six month term.

• Weekly fee - for the operation of the club.
• This varies from club to club. Some clubs have no weekly charge and cover costs in other ways.
• Meal

Some clubs have their venues on the basis that they purchase meals and this cost may not be optional

How to Join

Joining Rostrum is a simple process. When you make the decision, ask the Secretary or Treasurer for a nomination form to complete. This will need to be signed by a current member and you pay the joining fee when you hand in the nomination form.
Your application will be read to inform the club of your intention to join and you will be inducted as a full member with the title of "Speaker"

Feel free to call the Rostrum Information Centre 9427 0862 if you have any questions