Amsterdamse Brugman Club
The Amsterdamse Brugman Club (ABC) is a Dutch-language Toastmasters public speaking club based in Amsterdam-Oost. Named after the renowned 15th-century Franciscan friar Johannes Brugman — famous for his exceptional oratory skills, which gave rise to the Dutch saying 'praten als Brugman' (speaking persuasively and eloquently) — the club is a friendly, non-commercial association of practised speakers who enjoy public speaking as a hobby and love helping newcomers improve. Members meet every two weeks on Friday evenings at the Pontania community centre in the Dapperbuurt neighbourhood. Each session features a short improvisation round to warm up, followed by three prepared speeches or a workshop. Every member takes a turn giving a roughly seven-minute speech and receives tips and feedback before and after. The club is part of Toastmasters International (club number 05991893, District 59, Area C02, chartered June 2017). Activities and communication are predominantly in Dutch; non-native speakers with substantial Dutch fluency are welcome.
