Clubwise: The Orators' Forum

Every week, we bring you the latest on the UAE's clubs, associations and groups. We choose one each time and profile it, highlighting its purpose and activities. We also bring you bits of news from other such groups. So that you know what is happening when, where and why.

This week: The Orators' Forum

Safiya was at a loss for words when, in eighth grade, her teacher refused her the chance to stand up on stage and speak. She was branded as being monotonous, and often wondered how she could stand apart from the rest.

Keeping that day's humiliation fresh in her mind, she attended various workshops on personality development along with behavioural and motivational therapy. Then, charged with her newly found confidence, she started her own club - The Orators' Forum - in 1998 where she helps people develop the fine art of public speaking.

The motto of the club is: "The platform to develop public speaking skills" and it is based on the principle of equal opportunity for all, where training is provided free of charge. Participation in the club's activities is open to all and the monthly contributions by members and guests go only towards covering the basic hotel charge and the awards.

Says Safiya Hussain, president of the Club: "With the help of a small group of volunteers I started this club, which now has over 100 members who are corporate high-fliers, managers, sales executives, service personnel, housewives and even schoolchildren."

The forum has members from different nationalities Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Filipino, UAE nationals and British. More UAE nationals are expected to join in soon.

At the club, members master the finer points of charm and salesmanship. Individuals learn how to be powerful organisers and motivators, and conduct highly productive meetings. "Delivering dynamic presentations, projecting a professional image and speaking with astounding impact is vital not only for businessmen but for anyone who aims for positive first time impressions," adds Safiya.

Meetings are held once a month at Dubai Grand Hotel. The seating arrangement at the meeting hall is configured for a conference and the atmosphere is very professional. Everyone is encouraged to dress in formal attire.

There are different categories and role-plays for the members in the agenda, namely a one-minute speech competition, book review, debate, professional presentation using computers and LCD projectors, master-of-ceremony, opening address and vote-of-thanks.

The highlight of the monthly meeting is the keynote address by an eminent guest speaker. Awards are presented to the outstanding orators. Valuable feedback is given through a detailed evaluation of video recordings at the end of every meeting.

Before speakers are ready to go on stage, they are trained in speech conception and delivery. Coaching and practice sessions go on throughout the month with special emphasis on dress, eye-contact, vocal variety, body language, presentation style, visual aids, self-confidence, time management, preparation and audience interaction.

"Once you have mustered the courage to go up on that stage, then you will soon find that you have mastered the fine art of public speaking. Stage fright will then be a thing of the past," says Safiya, whose seven-year-old daughter, Naiyarah Adeeba Hussain, a grade three student, has also been boldly facing the audience for the past three meetings and delivering her one-minute speeches with studied poise.

"Age is never the question when you are learning. Seeing Naiyarah speak peps others up and encourages them to do better. The group meetings are educational mutual gatherings where those who speak improve by practising and those who listen understand the value of crisp and clear communication," she concludes.