"How does Rostrum help me overcome my nervousness when I speak to people?"

Nowhere will you find a group of people more responsive and more empathetic than at a Rostrum club. Members range from experienced speakers through to people who have just joined and are facing the same challenge - to overcome their fear. Whatever your level of confidence and skill there will be people who relate perfectly to you and the challenge you face. Because Rostrum is a club, the fellowship of the members creates an atmosphere where no-one ever feels inferior or awkward everyone is there to learn and to help each other

"Who can join Rostrum - are there any restrictions?"

Rostrum has members aged from 18 through to 80 and they come from all walks of life. Business and professional men and women, farmers, sales representatives, public servants, teachers, self employed business people -they all have something to gain from Rostrum. Although Rostrum is non- political, it has helped hundreds of people over the years in public life at federal, state and local government level.

"How long will it take for me to overcome my nervousness?"

This question cannot be answered generally. Some people stay for a year or two to overcome their nervousness, while others stay a lot longer to develop their skill as speakers. There is no limit to how long people can stay in Rostrum and there are some people who have been members for more than 20 years. It will take most people about two years of membership to become skillful speakers and to be able to 'control' their nerves.

"Where and when do Rostrum clubs meet?"

Rostrum clubs meet at restaurants, clubs, schools, hotels, training rooms, at lunchtimes, evenings or over breakfast. Lunchtime and breakfast meetings usually last for one hour and evening meetings around 1½ hours. Because Rostrum members are often busy people, many clubs hold their meetings over a meal. Most Rostrum clubs meet weekly although some meet every second week.

"There are so many Rostrum clubs, how do I choose which to join?"

Like all organisations, Rostrum clubs differ from one another in their character and style. Look for a clubs that suit you both geographically and in its meeting time. Then go along as a visitor. You will not be asked to speak when you are a visitor. Visit more than one club and then decide which to join

"How do I actually learn - what happens at a Rostrum meeting"

The way people gain confidence and learn the skills of speaking to people is through constant practice. Rostrum meetings provide a range of speaking exercises at each meeting and members are rostered for each exercise with warning of around two weeks. Rostrum clubs vary in the program they offer but they all follow a general pattern. Here are usually some prepared speeches of varying durations on a set topic as well as other speaking exercises such as asking a pertinent question, reading aloud, situational speeches, moving a motion in a meeting, responding to questions, and many other exercises. Some clubs have the same exercises at each meeting and other clubs change the program weekly. The members develop their skill and gain confidence by accepting the challenge to take part in these various exercises. At the end of each meeting each person who spoke receives positive and constructive feedback from a person who is trained in the skills of analysis and evaluation. It is from this feedback that you will really develop your skills. When people join Rostrum they are usually rostered in the club program after two or three meetings.

"Is there a set program I follow to develop my skill?"

Yes. Rostrum provides for its new members a program called the Personal Development Program. It sets out 12 exercises for you to tackle. These are designed to carefully develop your skill as you progress. The club will roster you to complete the exercises in the Personal Development Program. When you complete the program, you will receive a certificate of completion and have the opportunity to progress to another more advanced program.

"What makes Rostrum different to a public speaking course?"

There are some excellent courses available for people to learn the skills of public speaking and Rostrum runs courses as well. A short term course however can only provide an introduction. It will help you to understand nerves and how to control them and it will help to show you what makes a good presentation. For long term benefit however, you need regular practice. Speaking is like a sport - if you want to be good and stay good, you need constant training and practice - Rostrum provides that for speaking."

"How is Rostrum different to other public speaking organisations?"

There are three major differences:
Rostrum is an Australian organisation and all of the fees which are paid by the members stay in Australia. In fact, most of the fees stay in the state where you join. All of the office bearers of Rostrum are voluntary.

Rostrum has a program where the people who provide the feedback at each meeting are trained and accredited by Rostrum. Only people who have been trained provide this crucial element of a Rostrum meeting.

A Rostrum club is virtually autonomous. The administrative structure is very simple. Changes initiated by a member or a club can be made very quickly. A club can change its operation usually without reference to any governing body."

"Will the skills I learn in Rostrum help me in my job?"

Most definitely! The ability to communicate effectively is vital in today's world. It is often the single factor which influences the success or failure of individuals. A person who can speak clearly, concisely and persuasively has a distinct advantage over other people. Hundreds of members of Rostrum have said that their membership and the skills they gained through it have opened doors for them which were previously unattainable. Income has increased, opportunities have appeared, careers have changed direction - all through the skills Rostrum provides.

"How do I join Rostrum?"

Rostrum has clubs throughout the metropolitan area and in several country centres. There is a list elsewhere on this site. Phone the contact person of the club you choose and arrange to attend as a visitor - the rest is up to you