Wye Knot Speakers

16/01/2026

First meeting of 2026! Well done to our winners and welcome to our new member Keira!

04/01/2026

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas period. We certainly celebrated at Wye Knot Speakers with our Christmas themed meeting and Christmas meal. Now looking forward to the new year!

04/01/2026

30/11/2025

What Happens at a Wye Knot Speakers Meeting?

Whether you're brand-new to public speaking or looking to polish your skills, our meetings offer a friendly, supportive place to grow.
We follow a relaxed but well-structured agenda with key roles such as the Toastmaster, Timer, Ah Counter and Grammarian, each helping the meeting run smoothly and helping us all learn.

🗣️ Table Topics
We start with impromptu speaking fun! The Table Topics Master asks short, themed questions, and members are invited to speak for 1–2 minutes. It’s a great way to build confidence on the spot.

📚 Prepared Speeches
Next, members deliver prepared speeches - usually three per meeting. Each speech is designed to help the speaker develop a specific skill, from storytelling to vocal variety and beyond.

💡 Evaluations
Feedback is at the heart of Toastmasters. Every speech and role receives a constructive, encouraging evaluation so everyone walks away with something valuable to build on.

Most importantly, Wye Knot Speakers is a safe, friendly, welcoming space. Whether you’re speaking, taking a role, or simply listening, you’ll always be learning and hopefully having fun!
If you are interested in visiting to experience a meeting yourself, please get in touch today!

30/11/2025

Celebrating our last two meetings! Great table topics, speeches and evaluations. We've had lots of guests recently - thank you all for visiting 😃
Best Table Topics this week and last meeting were by first time visitors🥳
If you feel like you want to give it a go, get in touch!

29/10/2025

Just reflecting on the superb meeting we had last Wednesday!
🏆 We started by awarding Brian his best Table Topic certificate from last week. What a great success to being voted best Table Topic on your first visit! Brian has now signed up as a new member – Welcome Brian!
📣 Paul, our visiting Toastmaster from Northavon Speakers was our Table Topics Master and challenged us all by posing questions to be answered by two people on stage together! Great impromptu speaking to some humorous prompts and a totally different vibe to usual.
🗣 Our prepared speeches from Neil and Rick were great examples of why we are all at Toastmasters, and what we can learn. Neil’s storytelling about how he’s learnt anyone can be a leader, and Rick on the importance of shoe etiquette! (Don’t worry – we won’t judge your shoe choices at Wye Knot Speakers!)
💯And, as always some excellent evaluations giving us all feedback – well done Charlotte for being voted best evaluator.

Get in touch if you want to visit us at our next meeting on 12th November.

15/10/2025

Thinking of Joining?

If you’re curious about Wye Knot Speakers and wondering what it’s all about, you’re not alone! We get lots of questions from people who want to try public speaking but aren’t sure where to start. Don’t worry, we’re here to make it easy (and fun!). You are very welcome to get in touch with any questions, but in the meantime, here are some of the most common questions we are asked:

🎤 What is Toastmasters?

Toastmasters International is a worldwide non-profit organisation that helps people develop their communication and leadership skills in a supportive, structured way.
Every Toastmasters club, including Wye Knot Speakers, follows a programme that lets members progress at their own pace, practice speaking in front of others and receive positive, helpful feedback.

💬 Do I need any experience to join?

Not at all! Most of our members started with little or no public speaking experience. We’re here to help you learn, grow, and gain confidence one step (and one speech!) at a time.

📅 How often do you meet?

We meet twice a month, on the second and fourth Wednesdays for relaxed, friendly sessions. Each meeting includes prepared speeches, impromptu speaking practice, and lots of encouragement.

👋 Can I come along before joining?

Absolutely! Guests are always welcome to visit for free to see what we’re all about. It’s the best way to get a feel for our supportive, upbeat atmosphere.

🎯 What happens at a meeting?

A typical meeting includes a few prepared speeches, some quick-thinking impromptu speaking (called Table Topics), and constructive feedback from fellow members. It’s fun, positive, and a great way to learn by doing.

🌟 Who is Wye Knot Speakers for?

Anyone who wants to improve their communication skills, boost confidence, or meet new people in a friendly, local setting. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced speaker, you’ll fit right in.

🏡 Where are you based?

We meet in The Board School, Chepstow Mencap, Bridge Street, Chepstow, NP16 5EZ, easy to reach from the Wye Valley and surrounding areas. There is free parking in the Castle Dell Car Park opposite.

💡 How do I join?

Just come along to a meeting or get in touch through our email or Facebook Messenger. We’ll answer any questions and help you get started!

13/10/2025

There is always lots of humour in our Wye Knot Speakers meetings! Come and visit our friendly public speaking club to have a laugh and find out more about us on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Message us for details

Humor can open doors, shift perspectives, and bring people together.

16/08/2025

Another great meeting on Wednesday - I think everyone learnt a lot! A lovely atmosphere in our superb venue, The Board School, Chepstow!
Well done to Helyn, Sarah and our visiting toastmaster David.

12/07/2025

A great meeting on Wednesday to kick off our new Toastmaster's year. Some wonderful summer themed table topics followed by three prepared speeches about Tori's Mountain Biking decision, Sarah's time as Vice President Education and Katie's Engaging Humour pathway.

Congratulations to our winners Bruce, Debbie, Helyn and Tori!