Spa Speakers is run by enthusiastic and committed volunteers on a part-time basis. Find out more about them, and what they do!
Already a member and interested in serving on the committee? Click for more detailed information below!
Sunny Lalli, President
In the absence of proximal surfing in deepest Warwickshire and my lack of sufficient inherent balance I joined Spa Speakers to hone another craft, that of public speech. As a picker of stories I find myself privileged to be the club president at the helm of the good ship Spa Speakers, as it continues its course through a sea of inspirational and humbling narratives.
Peter Temple, Vice President
I’m a veritable self-improvement addict, and when my friend mentioned Toastmasters to me I realised Public Speaking was a weakness of mine that I would like to overcome. I joined Spa Speakers to develop that skill. In the space of just a few months I’ve astonished myself with how quickly I’ve improved and gained confidence. After resolving to say yes to every opportunity presented to me here I initially accepted a committee role of Assistant Membership before taking on the huge honour and responsibility of the VPE role. I’m excited to see where this role takes me and how I develop my skills and knowledge during the journey.
My philosophy as VPE is to encourage members to take ownership of their personal development by guiding them to the resources they need to make self-assured, informed decisions. I will also ensure there is guidance and structure in the development of new members so that they are confident and prepared the first time they perform each meeting role.
Robert Jebakumar, Secretary
I joined Spa Speakers to become more confident public speaker but have also found that in attending our meetings I have become a better listener and improved my leadership skills.
Adam Jackson, Treasurer
I joined Spa Speakers to overcome my nerves when speaking to large groups of people. Toastmasters has helped me so much in this, the next time I'm asked to speak at a wedding I will be able to enjoy myself rather than dreading it for weeks!
Alison Fox, Membership (VPM)
As someone who has worked with and served the public for 30 years in the NHS I am used to conversing with individuals and small groups. When it came to speaking in front of larger groups, nerves definitely got the better of me! I became a Civil Celebrant alongside being a nurse. Confident public speaking is a key skill of being a Celebrant, so joining Spa Speakers was really important to me.
My confidence has improved as a result of being involved with Toastmasters, and Spa Speakers really is a friendly club! We are a really encouraging and supportive club, which I love.
It is an honour to be Vice President for Membership this year, as the club is really focused on member support, and promoting confidence.
Andy Dixon, Sergent At Arms
Imagine a bird inside a glass coffin. That was me for most of my life. An invisible barrier prevented me listening, speaking, and sharing genuinely with those around me. Toastmasters helps me smash through that glass coffin, speak more freely and share my views in a more influential way.
Lauren Duncan, Social secretary
I became a Celebrant last year, conducting all types of ceremonies from weddings to funerals. When I was training I was hit with the dreaded 'public speaking' nerves, my tutor recommended joining Toastmasters. I found Spa Speakers and have not looked back, an incredibly supportive friendly environment in which to hone your skills - its not something you can learn from reading a book, you have to get up and do it, the best thing I have ever done!
Paul Sylvan, Mentor Manager
Having given a short speech at a friend’s funeral and having been extremely apprehensive about doing so, I decided to confront my lifelong fear of public speaking by attending a toastmasters meeting. Everyone I met there was friendly and supportive and I soon settled in to become an active member of the club.
Spa Speakers operates a mentoring programme which pairs new members up with more experienced members in order to offer support and help new members achieve their public speaking goals. This year I have taken on the role of Mentor Manager and along with Joy and Lauren, will be helping to develop the mentoring programme further.
Guillaume Bonodot, Public Relation (VPPR)
In my career, I have been mostly involved in Marketing, Sales and strategy activities. As Marketing Offer Manager, I need to communicate, train my team and our customers to our solutions which involve a lot of public speeches. Hence why I have decided to join Spaspeakers!
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!