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Public Speaking Practice

Practice Clubs

A safe place to practice speaking in groups

To overcome speaking anxiety you have to exercise repeatedly. It’s like going to a gym - you have to do the repetition. The Practice Clubs give you the reps.

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Groups
& forums

Connect with others

Facilitated
by members

Get facilitation experience

Small
groups

Everyone gets to practice

30-60
minute

Zoom meetings

Who should attend?

If you struggle with any of these situations or symptoms, the Clubs are for you.

You can also attend the Clubs if you have low speaking anxiety.


  • Introducing yourself in a group
  • Being put on the spot
  • Expressing your opinion
  • Participating in group discussions
  • Being the center of attention
  • Speaking off-the-cuff (impromptu)

Situations

  • Taking turns speaking around a table
  • Performing in front of an audience
  • Speaking to authority figures (your boss)
  • Interviewing
  • Asking questions in a meeting


  • Giving status updates in a meeting
  • Giving speeches and presentations
  • Being evaluated
  • Telling a joke at a party
  • Selling your ideas
  • Suddenly being in the spotlight


  • Rapid heart rate
  • Sweating
  • Shaking or trembling
  • Blushing
  • Voice quivering
  • Breathless or hyperventilating

Symptoms

  • Mind going blank
  • Losing train of thought
  • Dry mouth
  • Chest tightening
  • Throat tightening
  • Insomnia or trouble sleeping


  • Nausea / gastro-intestinal problems
  • Frequent swallowing / lump in throat
  • Feelings of unreality
  • Passing out
  • Diarrhea
  • Frequent urination

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Practice anything you want 

Interview questions, presentations, speeches, impromptu, introductions, read-out-loud, story-telling...

Maintain your gains

Practice the anxiety management techniques that you learned in the Essentials Course and Desensitization LAB

Reduce your anxiety

No matter your fear level, these Clubs will help you reduce anxiety and improve communication skills

Cheryl-profile


Dr. Cheryl Mathews
Program Director and Coach
Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)

During the free 30-minute free consult,
you can tell me about your experience
with speaking anxiety, and I'll explain the
Clubs and answer any questions.

Practice Clubs

Eastern Time (ET)
  • Monday mornings 7:45 AM ET
  • Wednesday 12:30 PM ET / 1830 Central European Time (CET)
  • Wednesdays 8:30 PM ET
  • Thursdays 6:00 PM ET
  • Friday mornings 8:00 AM ET
  • Saturdays 1:00 PM ET
These are the day/times the Practice Clubs currently meet (New York Eastern time). Once you sign up for the Practice Clubs, you’ll get access to an online calendar where you can reserve your spot in any of these meetings (the calendar will show times in your time zone).

Enroll to get the Zoom meeting links

On The Fly


Connect with others in the private Groups and schedule meet-ups. 

Initiate practice sessions with other people anytime you want.

Enroll to get access to the groups








Get on the Clubs News list - we'll let you know when new clubs start (no SPAM!)

Pricing

FAQs

Do I get instant access to the course?

Yes. Once you purchase the Clubs, you’ll receive an email with a link to start the course. You’ll also get access to your courses from the left navigation panel. Once you enter the course, you'll find a calendar to book your spot on specific days/times.

fear public speaking courses


What are SpeakMeister Practice Clubs?

SpeakMeister Practice Clubs are groups of people who want to practice speaking to an audience. The groups focus on reducing speaking anxiety through gradual exposure and desensitization.

How many people are in a group?

The groups are small to ensure everyone has the opportunity to practice multiple times during the 30-60 minute session. We use Zoom breakout rooms as needed to keep the size small (3-6 people). As the groups grow, there will be opportunities to speak to larger audiences.

 

Who leads the groups?

The groups are facilitated by members who have been given leadership roles. Once you enroll, you will receive the facilitators' contact information.

When do the practice groups meet?

The practice groups meet Saturday from 1:00pm - 2:00pm Eastern Time. And on weekdays and weeknights. You will receive a link to an online calendar so you can book your spot for a specific dates/times. 

Note that the groups require a minimum of 3 people and may be canceled due to attendance. Other people are counting on you - let your facilitator know if you can't make it so they can plan the agenda appropriately.

How long does it take to overcome speaking anxiety?

Overcoming high speaking anxiety takes time because the fear center in your brain is programmed to believe that speaking is dangerous. It takes time for the fear center to trust that certain speaking situations are safe. 

Most participants in the SpeakMeister program see a 50% reduction in their fear after completing the Desensitization Laboratory (LAB). Then there is continual progress at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. It’s like going to the gym to improve your physical fitness - it requires practicing the right way over time to make progress.

How do I join a practice group?

Once you purchase a subscription plan (monthly, 6-months, annual), you will receive an email with information to join the groups. The email will contain a link to a calendar so you can reserve your spot for a specific day/time. You will then receive a confirmation email with a Zoom link for that meeting.

What is included with a practice group subscription?

You will receive access to the private groups and forums so you can connect to others in the group and share information.

Who should join the practice groups?

Anyone who wants to reduce their speaking anxiety and improve their communication skills. To overcome speaking anxiety you have to exercise repeatedly. It’s like going to a gym - you have to do the reps (repetition). The practice groups give you the reps.