Sarum U3A AGM, Salisbury

On 18 March, I set off to deliver another talk for Sarum U3A in Salisbury (always a great audience).

Once again, it was an example of how the biggest stress of public speaking for me is not the business of standing up in front of an audience but rather the journey trying to get there!

An accident involving a single car on the A338 Spur Road into Bournemouth led to Dorset Police closing off that section of the dual carriageway - for nearly fours, for some reason, a decision which led to a great deal of negative local press for them.This meant that the Wilts and Dorset X3 service was diverted on its journey into town before it could pick up passengers going back into Salisbury. It was therefore 30 minutes' late and as we travelled to Salisbury, we passed a massive tailback the other way, despite it now being two-and-a-half hours since the accident. I wonder if any of those people had presentations to get to?

As with the problems caused by the snow in February, there was nothing anyone could do.

Public Speaking Tip #301: Just occasionally, a booking to speak will be affected by factors that are beyond anyone's control. All you can do is focus on your doing your best when you get there if you are late - or on your next engagement if this one is cancelled.

I was met at Salisbury bus station by Ena and Tony Baldock. Ena has booked me for a large number of talks in Salisbury over the years, not just for the U3A. She is also a writer herself, having edited an authoritative book for bereaved parents.

The meeting was held in the hall behind St Francis Church. Here I am just after arriving, looking a little drawn! But after relaxing with a cup of coffee from Ena, I was well into 'speaker mode' and, when the 15-minute AGM meeting was over, I was introduced. I did about 35 minutes on The Power of Humour in Everyday Life and the audience of around 120 were terrific, as always.

Afterwards, I sold booklets, chatted to members and looked at the impressive displays of the various U3A sections' activities. I didn't spend too much time looking around Salisbury as I usually like to when I am in the area because I had an afternoon session coaching a speaker...

Testimonial: "Next up was guest speaker and “Authentic Gag Master” Nick Thomas, a freelance comedy writer whose credits include 23 series of the BBC’s “News Huddlines”. He gave us his take on “The Power of Humour in Everyday Life”, a gentle observation on the therapeutic value of humour. His talk was peppered with amusing anecdotes which kept his attentive audience continually chuckling". From the Sarum U3A website.