Reading East Probus Club

After so many repeat bookings, my last two engagements for November were for groups where I had never spoken before, the first of these being a talk after a luncheon at Reading East Probus Club on 24 November.

Public Speaking Tip #268: Repeat bookings are gratifying because they demonstrate that an organisation wants you back  but they are less of a challenge than speaking to a group who have never  heard you before. First-time bookings also offer more scope for referrals and merchandising and they should, in turn, lead to repeat bookings for that group.

There were about 60 members and guests at Sonning Golf Club and My Life as a Freelance Comedy Writer went really well. Berkshire audiences seem to be very responsive!

My thanks to Doug for the lift back to Reading afterwards.

Waterlooville U3A

I delivered the same talk two days later for Waterlooville U3A in Hampshire. There were around 90 there but I was told that the attendance was lower than usual due to the funeral of a member taking place in the church next door. I was also warned that on a previous occasion, the sounds from the church's PA system had been picked up by the U3A's microphone! This didn't happen during my talk and it was gratifying that some members who had been at the service gathered at the back of the hall for the end of my humorous talk.

Public Speaking Tip #269: Latecomers boost audience numbers and, provided you have not spent your whole presentation teaching some complicated topic, they can still benefit from the parts of it they get to hear. Learn to view them as a welcome addition to the crowd!

A great response and a nice testimonial email from their Chairman:

"...your wonderful talk. We did so enjoy your visit".

My thanks to Mr and Mrs Daley for transport from and back to Havant Station.