Sutton Coldfield Speakers Club held its annual dinner on the 15th November at the Terrace restaurant, Burntwood. The evening was introduced by MC Alyson Dugmore. Guest of honour was voice coach, Priscilla Morris. Priscilla entertained the audience with st
ories from her career; from being an aspiring actress to setting up her voice coaching company Loud & Clear. She has had many unusual assignments including being employed to train staff in a noisy factory on how to communicate without losing their voices. Many cruise ships employ professional speakers to entertain the passengers and Priscilla explained the process of how she became a speaker for Cunard & P&O. At the end of the speech she proposed a toast to Sutton Coldfield Speakers Club.
Club President Pam Collins responded on behalf of the club. Pam explained how she first realised she needed to join a speakers club when about to speak in front of 100 people her carefully prepared PowerPoint presentation crashed. She went on to thank th
e members for their support during the last year. Pam gave a special mention to club secretary Susan Stead who was unable to attend due to a serious illness. Simon Cooper delivered a toast to the guests. The response was made by Debbie Littley. Pam Collins then presented Gary Allmark with the Hwyl Stone award for the most improved speaker.
At each dinner there is a slightly less than serious competition. This year’s theme was the Dragons Den with each speaker allowed 1 minute to try and sell an invention either historical or imaginary to the Dragons. The usual dragons were unable to attend and the diners present had to take their places. Molly Cooper entertained
everyone with the benefits of knicker elastic. Bob Green explained his new invention Garden Paint which enables the user to improve the appearance of their property as viewed on Google Earth. The final presentation was from Gary Allmark who described the earth shattering discovery of Venetian Blind Glasses. After careful and serious consideration the Dragons came down on the side of Garden Paint. Expect deliveries to a DIY store near you. The Presidents Cup was then presented to the winner Bob Green. The meeting ended with a raffle with the prizes donated by guest Sheila Nicholds.
David Dugmore 9/12/13