The Greenwich Toastmasters Club

About Meridian Speakers

Meridian Speakers is a fun, friendly public speaking club in Greenwich, South East London. We are a welcoming bunch of Toastmasters from all walks of life. We are 30+ approachable individuals gathering upstairs at the Trafalgar Rowing Centre in Greenwich twice a month to help each other grow and improve.

When many of us first came to the club we were terrified of public speaking or at least felt apprehensive about it. A few of us already had some experience but wanted to extend our skills. Now we stay not only because we gain confidence and develop useful skills, but we also meet interesting people and enjoy our evenings. Why not come and see for yourself?

Guests are always very welcome and chances are you won’t be the only new face!

Join our meeting today =)

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What is Meridian Speaker's Mission?

At Meridian Speakers, we provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth.

What Makes Meridian Speakers Special?

We are the first Toastmasters Club in South East London

We are a diverse club with members from all walks of life

We provide a fun, relaxed and professional environment

We have won the President's Distinguished Club Award*

The ‘Toastmasters President’s Distinguished Club Award’ is the highest of three awards by Toastmasters International to recognise and reward clubs that consistently maintain a high standard of service to their members and community.

What Do Our Members Say About Meridian Speakers?

The experience I have had to date as a member of Meridian Speakers has been incredible and so much more than I could have hoped for. Having hated public speaking for years and with it beginning to have an increasing impact on my life, I joined Meridian Speakers to try and overcome my anxiety.

The opportunity to speak in a safe and encouraging environment, fulfilling different roles or presenting a speech at each meeting, has significantly helped me face my fears … I have even slightly started to enjoy speaking!

The feedback provided at every meeting has been invaluable in developing my style and confidence. I believe what sets Meridian Speakers apart is our members. The club is incredibly diverse, with speakers of all levels, cultures and interests. Every meeting I leave feeling energised, inspired and I learn from every single member!

Cerian - Finance

I was very nervous when speaking in public. Someone suggested that I try Toastmasters. I attended a few times as a guest, and I really enjoyed the meetings. I really enjoy how friendly everyone is at the club. It helps me to be more relaxed knowing I have a friendly audience.

I have learned several techniques for how to structure and deliver a speech, but most importantly, I have learned how to be more relaxed and comfortable on stage by practising speeches. The Table Topics part of Toastmasters has made me much less afraid of job interviews. While a member of Toastmasters, I applied for and got a promotion at work.

Sean - Customer Service

Walking through Meridian Speakers door, I was welcomed and introduced to other members which gave me a sense of belonging. The club has a fantastic view of the river Thames overlooking to the beautiful scene of Canary Wharf and by the next meeting, I was a member.

My public speaking and leadership skills have been increased at an exponential rate with the encouragement and supportive culture of the club. The valuable knowledge gained has helped me in my professional setting to sequence speeches, give critical feedback and listen carefully.

Meridian Speakers is a diverse club and I have had the opportunity to learn from each member and the rich social capital that they bring to our meetings. Take that leap and join us.

Kim - Teacher

One day I just found myself at Meridian Speakers. I liked the club, particularly the venue. I attended a couple of sessions and knew that I wanted to join. However, it still took some convincing on Edmund's part to finally help me take the plunge and yep I joined after much persuasion. I'm so glad I did … it's been a life-changing experience.

I have grown so much and gained so many skills, not only personally but professionally as well. Suppose I joined Meridian Speakers because I wanted to be a better speaker (like many) without having a nervous breakdown. Because this is how it's been for me in the past, just sheer panic. I still get very nervous but at least I can develop the skills necessary to practise, create and deliver my message. Meridian Speakers has allowed all of this to be possible. I have more get up and go as a result…I find electing myself for things I wouldn't normally do. Meridian Speakers has made me more courageous! I am forever grateful.

Afriyei - Holistic Health and Wellbeing

Transform your public speaking skills today

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Who Are the Club's Committee Team?

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Our committee consists of volunteers who manage the club and help all our participants. Whether you’re a member or a guest, feel free to ask questions, make suggestions, and share ideas with:

Abi Adeoye

President

Presides at meetings, has general supervision of the operations of the club, and represents Meridian Speakers within Toastmasters and externally.

Mariam Diakite

Vice President of Education

Plans and directs club programmes meeting the educational needs of the club members, tracks progress towards communication goals, helps schedule speeches and other assignments at the club.

Sean Sullivan-Smith

Vice President of Membership

Promotes the club and manages the process of bringing in guests and transforming them into members.

Akua-Afriyei

Joint Vice President of PR

Promotes the club to the local community and online, interacts with media, safeguards the
Toastmasters brand identity;  manages communications within the club, including newsletters and social media profiles.

Cerian Williams

Joint Vice President of PR

Promotes the club to the local community and online, interacts with media, safeguards the
Toastmasters brand identity;  manages communications within the club, including newsletters and social media profiles.

Jenny Laney

Treasurer

Manages club financial policies, procedures and controls, collects subscriptions and maintains records.

Jill Chang

Sergeant-at-Arms

Prepares the meeting room for club nights, enforces safety procedures and order, and maintains club
property.

Ciaran Lannin

Secretary

Manages club records and correspondence, keeps an accurate record of the Committee and club
activities.

Edmund Ibhadiyi

Mentoring Coordinator

Plans and directs programmes to connect mentors and mentees, thus assisting new members in navigating Toastmasters and making the most of their club membership. Delivers skills development workshops, with the aim to support our members to develop effective mentorship and interpersonal skills in line with our values of respect, integrity, service and excellence.

Kim Nguyen-Quan

Immediate Past President

Provides guidance and serves as a resource to club officers and members. Chairs the Nominating Committee, assists in the preparation of the Club Success Plan, promotes the Club’s Success Plan, and promotes the club’s efforts to become a Distinguished Club.

Where are we located?

Trafalgar Rowing Club (2nd Floor)
11 – 13 Crane Street
Greenwich
London SE10 9NP

When are these meetings?

Time: 18:45 – 21:00
Date: 2nd and 4th Tuesday every month

(click here for calendar view)