Corporate Speaking Challenge 2009
The College of Public Speaking Corporate Challenge is an innovation to promote and encourage communication excellence in the corporate world. We are also looking to find the UK's top corporate speakers.
The theme for the 2009 competition is: 'Recession, the light at the end of the tunnel...'
Before the speech, each contestant can give a 60 second pitch on the nature of their business. It's a great networking opportunity.
The first heats of the competition will take place on the 7th and 14th of September 2009 at the De Vere Holborn Bars 138-142 Holborn, London EC1N 2NQ. Registration begins at 18:00 ready for a 18:30 start. Please bring a guest or two.
The final on the 28th September will be at St Mary le Bow Church, Cheapside, London EC2V 6AU. Nearest Tube: St Pauls (Central Line) which is 200 yards away. This amazing venue in the heart of the City is the home of Bow Bells. Registration begins at 18:00 ready for a 18:30 start. Everybody is welcome.
The College of Public Speaking will appoint a panel of experienced judges for the heats and finals. The guest judges for the final will not have attended the heats, so the same speech can be used without losing impact.
Speakers will be expected to demonstrate skills in terms of gestures, speech construction, speaking with conviction, vocal variety, vocabulary and word pictures, humour and audience rapport. 6x4" cards can be used, a lectern will be available if required, but most importantly, the speech must not be read.
The speech duration will be a maximum of 6 minutes and speakers will incur penalty points for speaking beyond this limit. Lighting arrangements: Green light 3mins, Amber light 4mins, Red light 5mins leaving 60 seconds to round off the speech. The red light will go off at 6 minutes. At six minutes thirty seconds, the speaker will be gavelled.
This is a marvellous opportunity for individuals to develop themselves in a friendly, supportive and pressurised environment. Speech contests emulate the rigours of a tough business world where millions of pounds can be won and lost on one strong presentation. It's also a development opportunity for contestants and companies alike.
Initially, please send an indication of interest to Vince: vince@collegeofpublicspeaking.co.uk
We are loking for a maximum of thirty speakers in this event. Closing date for entries is 31st August 2009.
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The College of Public Speaking's inaugural Corporate Challenge Grand Final was a fiercely contested event at St Mary le Bow Church, Cheapside on Wedneday 20th February.
Speaking on the theme of 'Business and carbon footprints...' Rod Sloane was adjudged winner by a panel of independent judges. Rod is a member of the Professional Speakers Association and runs his own company specialising in marketing for small businesses. John McKay of Creativity Performance was runner-up and Francesca Lagerberg, who works for the international Tax Advisors, Grant Thornton was placed third.
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(Left to right) Presenting the trophies is Gwyn Redgers, the National President of the Association of Speakers Clubs. In third place Francesca Lagerberg, Rod Sloane (winner), John McKay (runner up), lead judge Cliff Hunter (a trustee of the Speakers Trust).
Rod Sloane tells us about the inspiration for his winning speech. mp3 file - 47 second interview.
- The College of Public Speaking donates a percentage of its profits to the Speakers Trust, a charity dedicated
to the development of effective communication throughout all strands of society.


