Rostrum Club 11 – Box Factory Adelaide

Overview

Rostrum Club 11 – Box Factory Adelaide is a welcoming public speaking club operating under Rostrum Australia, the world's longest-running public speaking organisation. Meeting in the heart of Adelaide's city south, the club offers a small-group environment where experienced coaches provide personalised, constructive feedback at every session. Members build confidence, sharpen their communication skills, and develop meeting-management abilities in a friendly and supportive atmosphere.

Best For

• Professionals seeking to improve presentation, communication, or leadership skills
• Beginners and nervous speakers wanting a low-pressure, small-group setting to build confidence
• Anyone preparing for job interviews, teaching, academic presentations, or public roles

Meeting Format

• Mode: Hybrid (in-person primary; online via Zoom available on request)
• Frequency: Twice monthly — 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month (February to November, excluding public holidays)
• Duration: Approximately 105 minutes (6:15 pm – 8:00 pm)
• Group size: Small club; intimate group size ensuring ample speaking time for every attendee

Typical Session Flow

1. Arrival & welcome — Members and guests arrive from 6:15 pm; a club member greets newcomers and introduces them to the format
2. Prepared speeches & readings — Members deliver planned talks, readings, or PowerPoint-supported presentations tailored to their personal development goals
3. Impromptu speaking — Short-notice topics are introduced, giving members practice thinking and speaking on their feet
4. Evaluations & feedback — Experienced coaches and fellow members provide structured, constructive feedback on each speaker's performance
5. Wrap-up & networking — The meeting closes by 8:00 pm, with informal conversation and connection among members

Language And Speaking Level

• Languages used: English
• Recommended level: All levels welcome, from complete beginner to experienced speaker
• Beginner friendly: Yes — the club training officer helps new members ease into the speaking program at their own pace; no prior experience is required and guests are never pressured to speak at their first visit

Membership And Costs

• Trial policy: Visitors may attend as many meetings as they like free of charge before deciding to join; Rostrum Australia broadly suggests at least two free visits to try the club out
• Membership fee: Not publicly specified — fees are set at the club and state level and are described as low cost and high value; contact the club directly for current amounts
• Extra costs: Optional Rostrum certificate program (personal development program); no other extra costs publicly specified

Venue And Accessibility

• Address context: The Box Factory Community Centre, 59 Regent Street South, Adelaide SA 5000 — a two-storey heritage-listed building located between Halifax and Carrington Streets, just off Hurtle Square. The club meets in the upstairs room, reachable by either stairs or lift.
• Transit/parking: By tram, alight at Victoria Square and walk approximately 10 minutes via Angas Street, Pulteney Street, and Halifax Street. By bus, the Free City Connector runs along Halifax Street (Stops H1 eastbound and S1 westbound) every 15 minutes; routes 98A, 98C, 99A, and 99C also serve the area. Limited parking is available nearby.
• Accessibility: The building is disability-friendly with lift access to the upper floor; the venue also features air conditioning, kitchen facilities, and audio-visual equipment including a portable PA and projector screen

Joining Steps

1. Make contact — Reach out to the club president (Robert "Bob" Bogner) by phone on 0409-325-549, or use the contact form on the Rostrum Australia website to express interest and confirm the next meeting date
2. Plan your visit — No preparation is needed for a first visit; simply arrive at the Box Factory Community Centre upstairs room by 6:15 pm on a 2nd or 4th Wednesday
3. Attend as a guest — Observe or participate at your own comfort level; a club member will welcome you on arrival and guide you through the session format

Community Notes

• Atmosphere/culture: The club prides itself on being a small, tight-knit group where every member gets meaningful practice time at each meeting — a deliberate contrast to larger weekly clubs where speaking opportunities can be limited
• Feedback style: Constructive and personalised; professional feedback is a feature of every meeting, delivered by experienced coaches who tailor their comments to each speaker's individual goals
• Notable constraints or etiquette: The club operates from February to November only, with no meetings during public holidays; online attendance via Zoom is available but must be arranged in advance with the club

Last Verified

• Date: 2025-05-24