 | ||
CAAT Public Speaking Training 2006 | ||
| ||
| ||
| ||
|
Eight CAAT supporters gathered for CAAT's first ever public speaking training day at a venue in East London. It was aimed at those who already give talks on the arms trade, as well as those who would like to, with a particular focus on our Shut DESO campaign. Beccie D'Cunha and Anna Jones from the CAAT office led an excellent series of workshops, starting with the most daunting part of the day, the delivery by each participant of a prepared 5-minute presentation. The feedback session which followed each presentation set the scene for a very supportive and constructive atmosphere which prevailed throughout the day. Sessions on what makes a good talk, how to best use visual aids and addressing different types of audiences, amongst others, were interspersed with further practical exercises. The first exercise was to prepare and deliver a short talk on DESO with very little preparation time, to practice identifying and communicating the key points of the campaign. The second exercise – delivering a one-minute, completely impromptu talk - gave us practice in thinking on our feet as we would have to in a Q&A session. Participants ranged from more experienced speakers to total beginners like myself. I found the opportunity to practice speaking in such a safe environment invaluable, and the creativity (how to use cardboard pyramids as visual aids!), variety and passion displayed in everybody's speaking styles was impressive, giving me some good ideas for the future (imitation is the sincerest form of flattery after all). I left feeling very happy to have become part of a group of great advocates for the end-the-arms-trade-cause, realising that I knew more than I thought, and ready to join the existing CAAT Speakers' Network. If you would like to be part of the Network, attend a future training course, or book a CAAT speaker for a local event, please contact Beccie (beccie@caat.org.uk). Edda Dirks Other participants said: "a very supportive and constructive atmosphere" "I really found it so useful even though I do quite a lot of public speaking. I was a bit apprehensive before coming but felt really comfortable in the safe environment you created." "I learnt loads - thanks for this opportunity!" | ||
Campaign Against Arms Trade, 11 Goodwin St, Finsbury Park, London N4 3HQ
Tel: +44-(0)20 7281 0297 | Fax: +44-(0)20 7281 4369