Speechmakers Rostrum Club 74 Southport

Overview

Speechmakers Rostrum Club 74 Southport is a Gold Coast public speaking club formed by merging two long-standing local Rostrum clubs — Club 27 and Southport Club 74 — bringing together a wealth of combined experience. Meeting every Monday evening at the Southport Community Centre, the club helps members build confidence, sharpen presentation skills, and master meeting procedure in a warm, coach-led environment. As part of the Rostrum Australia network — the longest-running public speaking organisation in the world — the club offers a structured yet friendly pathway for anyone who wants to find their voice.

Best For

• Professionals seeking to improve workplace presentations, job interview performance, or leadership communication
• Beginners and shy speakers who want a safe, supportive space to overcome nerves and build confidence gradually
• Adults of all ages and backgrounds — including students, retirees, home-makers, and job seekers — who want practical, ongoing speaking practice

Meeting Format

• Mode: Offline (in-person)
• Frequency: Weekly, every Monday
• Duration: Approximately 90 minutes (typical for Rostrum club meetings)
• Group size: Small, friendly group — typical of Rostrum clubs across Australia

Typical Session Flow

1. Arrival & welcome — Members and guests arrive at the Southport Community Centre; a rostered chairperson opens the meeting and introduces the agenda
2. Prepared speeches & speaking exercises — Members deliver prepared speeches, read aloud, tell stories, debate, or complete other rostered speaking tasks drawn from the Rostrum Frontiers program or set by the program director
3. Impromptu speaking — Shorter, unscripted exercises (such as topical questions) give members practice thinking on their feet
4. Critique & feedback session — A Rostrum-accredited coach or critic provides constructive, positive feedback to each speaker; members also practise running effective meetings through chairmanship roles
5. Networking & close — Informal conversation and networking wrap up the evening

Language And Speaking Level

• Languages used: English
• Recommended level: All levels welcome — from complete beginners to experienced speakers
• Beginner friendly: Yes — guests are under no pressure to speak on their first visit; they may simply observe and decide if the club suits them

Membership And Costs

• Trial policy: Prospective members are welcome to visit for free before committing — Rostrum Australia generally allows up to two complimentary visits
• Membership fee: Not publicly specified for this club; fees vary by club and are described as low cost and high value — contact the club directly for current figures
• Extra costs: A one-time joining fee may apply upon enrolment (covers program materials, certificate, and badge); some clubs also charge a small per-meeting venue contribution — confirm with the club

Venue And Accessibility

• Address context: Southport Community Centre, 6 Lawson Street, Southport QLD 4215 — a two-level community facility situated in the heart of Southport, close to shops and services
• Transit/parking: The Gold Coast Light Rail (G:link) Southport South station is approximately 300 metres away; several bus routes (including 705, 719, 731, and 735) stop nearby; on-site parking is available within Woodroffe Park (approximately 30 spaces, including two disability permit bays), plus street parking in surrounding streets — note that parking can be limited during busy periods
• Accessibility: The building is accessible, with lift access to the upper level and designated accessible parking bays on site

Joining Steps

1. Make contact — Reach out to the club contact person by phone (details listed on the Rostrum Australia website) to introduce yourself, ask questions, and confirm the next meeting date
2. Prepare to visit — No preparation is required for a first visit; simply arrive at the Southport Community Centre on a Monday evening at 6:30 pm
3. Attend as a guest — Sit back, observe the meeting, and meet the members; there is no obligation to speak; after one or two visits, if you wish to join, the club contact will guide you through the membership process

Community Notes

• The club atmosphere is welcoming and inclusive, drawing members from diverse walks of life — the combined heritage of two established Gold Coast clubs means a deep pool of experience alongside newer members
• Feedback is delivered constructively by Rostrum-accredited coaches and critics, focusing on encouragement and practical improvement rather than criticism
• Rostrum is non-profit, non-political, and non-sectarian; the club is open to all adults regardless of background or current speaking ability
• Meetings follow a structured agenda distributed in advance, so members can prepare their rostered roles; punctuality and respect for the chair are part of the meeting culture

Last Verified

• Date: 2025-05-24