Spa Speakers is run by enthusiastic and committed volunteers on a part-time basis. Find out more about them, and what they do!
Joy Kurian, President
I first came to a Spa Speakers meeting after a few of my friends mentioned Toastmasters to me. As a result I thought I'd would visit the club to see what it was all about. I had a warm and friendly welcome from the team, a fantastic experience at the meeting and then there was no turning back! It's difficult to choose a favourite speech or speaker, there are so many great ones! I do enjoy the Reith Lectures and spend quite a bit of time listening to Radio 4.
Sunny Lalli, VP of Education
Why did I join Spa Speakers? For transcendence and preparation for a tilt at Westminster. My Favourite speech or favour speaker? Roger that.
Sham Patel, VP of Membership
I joined Spa Speakers in the hope of developing my public speaking skills so I don’t feel too nervous or anxious about speaking in front of people, in both my professional and personal life. Since joining I feel I have made great strides in achieving this, I currently really enjoy giving speeches and evaluations to speeches. I would therefore urge anyone thinking about joining Spa Speakers to come along and experience a meeting for themselves. My favourite speech is Martin Luther King Jr. - ‘I had a dream’. Powerfully delivered with conviction. Need I say anymore?
Tom Hebbert, VP of Public Relations
Having had occasional opportunities to speak publically over the years, it was always something I wanted to do more of and get better at. I came across Spa Speakers and went along to a meeting as a guest and decided to join on the spot.
Favourite speech or favour speaker?
It's got to be the master: Barack Obama. I have a tendency to overuse verbal crutches and would love to master the art of Obama's dramatic pauses!
David Cumming, Treasurer
I joined Spa Speakers to become a more confident public speaker but have also found that in attending our meetings I have become a better listener and improved my leadership skills.
Favourite speech or speaker? This is the place / Forever Manchester by Tony Walsh
Marie Long, Secretary
As English is not my first language I didn’t feel 100% confident speaking in front of a large group of people. I wanted to improve my public speaking skills and learn how to tell an inspiring story. After some research I discovered Spa Speakers on my doorstep. I went for an initial visit and decided to join. Spa Speakers is an excellent and supportive club and will help you improve your public speaking and confidence. You’ll have the opportunity to talk in front of a supportive audience and receive feedback helping you improve. I really recommend it! As a marketer in my professional life, I would like to be as inspirational as Steve Jobs when launching a product!
Craig Marston, Sergeant at Arms
I visited a number of other clubs before I settled on joining Spa - it is a very friendly safe and supportive environment where everyone is encouraged, and it is a fantastic place to develop your leadership skills. As the club Sergeant at Arms, I’m responsible for keeping order; at Spa Speakers, this simply means that I try to ensure that we start and finish each meeting on time and that we don’t run out of tea or coffee. There are some truly inspirational orators among the membership, it is privilege to share the stage with them – their knowledge, advice and encouragement is priceless!
Trish Bennett, Mentor Manager
Professionally, I became a bit of an expert in my field and was asked to give presentations and talks at conferences. That really took me out of my comfort zone! After a lot of searching I found Spa Speakers. I wish I had joined years before then as it was one of the best thing I have ever done! My favourite speaker is the great late Martin Luther King. He was so inspirational!
Diana Toma, Social Secretary
As a social junkie, I always loved meeting new inspiring people, listening to their stories and sharing my thoughts with anyone willing to listen. However, while I enjoy one to one interactions it's much more difficult for me to talk in front of a wider audience. Joining Spa Speakers was one of the best decisions made since I moved to the Midlands and I’m excited to continue this journey together with a wonderful group of diverse, supporting fascinating people. There are too many amazing speakers to name my favourite and most speeches have key points that resonate with me, so it wouldn’t be fair for me to only point at one. Nonetheless, Baz Luhrmann’s “Everybody's Free To Wear Sunscreen” is pretty cool!
What does the committee actually do?
You’ve met the team, but now you want to know what they do! Please click this link and find out more. If you like what you read and want to contribute to the club, get in touch ASAP!