A new online course to help people with public speaking is kicking off in Central this month.

Lisa Coppins, who grew up in Alexandra and attended Dunstan High School when she was younger, has been to the United States to undertake Toastmasters training and to attend a convention.

She’s launching a six week programme for 10 - 20 people called ‘Speechcraft’ on Monday nights from 7.30pm - 9.00pm.

Its aim is to help others grow in confidence and have fun while they learn.

“It’s a learn by doing format and [people] can expect to be practically involved . . . each time you are taught a new element, you'll be adding this into your speech project.”

The course covers how to control your fear, topic choice, introducing a speaker, speech structure, knowing your speech purpose, using body language, how to give effective feedback and using vocal variety. 

Lisa said there will be about an hour's work in between each weekly session to prepare a speech to deliver the following week. 

Her involvement in Toastmasters came from a work performance review, and she initially completed the course she is now leading.

Lisa, a vet nurse in Temuka, also runs her own dog-training business.

“As a student at Dunstan High School, I absolutely hated public speaking, I hated being the centre of attention, I'm sure I am one of the least likely people that my teachers would have expected to see doing something like this.”

Her confidence grew, she joined the local Toastmasters club, and now her role includes growing new clubs which she hopes to do in Alexandra.

“I have filled most of the club leadership roles, and over the last couple of years I have taken leadership roles beyond club level. I am currently serving as the club growth director for . . . the Wellington region and the South Island. 

“My favourite thing now is watching others achieve. I especially love seeing the improvement of new members, and watching them grow into amazing speakers and leaders is what keeps me going each week."

Toastmasters has been helping people develop communication and leadership skills since 1924.

Toastmasters international currently has over 280,000 members in 14,700 clubs worldwide.

Run almost entirely by volunteers, it is one of the most affordable self-development programmes available.

Interested people can contact Lisa on 0277669211 or email [email protected] to find out more. The Speechcraft course is $20 and you need to be over 18 years old. 

Youth leadership programmes for teens aged 14-18 are a future possibility too, please contact Lisa if you would like to find out more.