August-September 2025 Speechcraft Public Speaking Short Course

Public Speaking Short Course weekly on Tuesdays in August and September in Newcastle

Brought to you by the Newcastle Toastmasters Club, the original in the Hunter Region 

Providing additional value for local individuals and organisations

The Newcastle Toastmasters Club is launching an additional Speechcraft course spanning eight Tuesdays in 2025.

This is an opportunity for more locals to gain confidence and communication skills.

The Newcastle Toastmasters Club continues innovating the Speechcraft experience as current members apply their expertise when teaching public speaking skills. 

All participants will gain ongoing practice, encouraging evaluations, and weekly skill-building educational programs.

Get more skills sooner.

You can learn more public speaking techniques in a shorter time at the Speechcraft course.

This option is ideal when preparing for a keynote, work presentation or wedding speech.

You can face your fears and ease your nervousness by talking to groups.

Benefits and Skills Include:

Overcoming fears of public speaking

You can face your fears and learn what to do when you feel nervous about presenting a speech.

Presentation techniques

Get familiar with public speaking techniques such as PowerPoint, other visual aids, body language, structure and vocal variety.

Constructive evaluation

Transform your understanding of evaluation and constructive criticism with an encouraging method that prompts participants to continue their public speaking journeys.

“I recently completed the Newcastle Toastmasters Club Speechcraft course to try to overcome my fear of public speaking, to try to gain the skills to both further my career goals and to deliver a well-structured and confident wedding speech. Not only was I able to achieve all of these goals through this short course, but I was also able to gain a new passion for public speaking, so much so that I have decided to join the club to continue practicing my skills each week. I could not recommend this course more to anyone struggling with the anxiety of talking in front of people or if you simply would just like to learn a new skill and have a lot of fun while doing it!”

— Nick Ruffin, chiropractor, 2024

Experienced speakers facilitate Speechcraft sessions.

All participants learn by practicing techniques each week.

Who can benefit from the public speaking course and where can the skills be applied?

Speechcraft is relevant to anyone who wants to learn public speaking skills for personal or professional purposes.

Practice using PowerPoint and other presentations for work and study. This is relevant for corporate professionals, academics, university or TAFE students or business entrepreneurs.

You can learn to present a speech for a wedding, funeral, birthday party or other celebration. You will discover ways to continue speaking when you feel overwhelmed with emotion - such as nervousness or sentimental tears. You also gain focus and structure of a clear message for your special day.

Some participants may use this course as a first step to a professional speaking career. After learning the basics, you can continue practising for months or years. Some people turn this into a career as an MC, trainer, YouTube presenter or podcast host.

You will practice techniques and skills, including: 

• Overcoming fears of public speaking 
• Structuring a speech 
• How to speak with purpose 
• Body language, gestures, and eye contact 
• Vocal variety and basics of using microphones
• Evaluating speeches - how and why 
• Visual aids - PowerPoint and beyond 
• Comedy and humour techniques
• MC roles and hosting events
• Presenting awards 

These skills are relevant to: 

• Overcoming fears
• Conquering nervousness 
• Projecting confidence
• Job interviews 
• Panel appearances
• Keynote speeches 
• Academic presentations 
• Leading teams, groups and communities 
• Providing encouraging, constructive feedback 
• Concise conversation methods for any situation 
• Discussing and answering impromptu questions

After great success in recent courses, The Newcastle Toastmasters Club will provide another quality public speaking short course in February and March 2025. Places are limited, so register now to join the autumn cohort.

FAQs

Who facilitates the course sessions at the Newcastle Toastmasters Club?

Experienced Toastmasters members facilitate the 2024 Speechcraft courses at the Newcastle Toastmasters Club. The current team includes speakers who range from seasoned speakers to innovative new leaders.

Can I learn in a public speaking course if I feel shy or nervous?

Speechcraft courses are perfect for anyone who may be shy or confident, aiming to improve their essential public speaking skills.

Will these speaking skills help for my work?

Whether you are progressing your career or looking for a job, Speechcraft develops transferable communication skills for work and life.

Can I practice a wedding speech in the Speechcraft course?

Yes, some course participants and/or members get involved in anticipation of a wedding speech. You could be the bride, groom, or guest, and you are looking to refine your speech for the special day. 

Note: please be aware that the Speechcraft session will run weekly on Tuesdays in August and September.