Sorry, I thought that everybody knew about Toastmasters-a group that has been around since about 1910, doing the same thing: a group meeting dedicated to practicing making speeches.

For example, the one I am in, #3904, meets in one of those "community rooms" at the local hospital. There are usually about 15 members for the two hour meeting.

The first 15 minutes is a business meeting, about membership, joint meetings, dues, etc. Then we have an extemporaneous speech practice. The "Tabletopics Master" throws a topic to various members. You stand up and give a 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 minute mini-speech on that topic. Then we have a coffee break and back for three (usually) five to seven minute prepared speeches from the workbook or advanced workbook.

After the speeches are given, an evaluation of each of the speeches is given by a different member (this is usually a pep talk with a little feedback on how to make the speech more effective). Each person takes turn in running the meeting (being the "Toastmaster"). I have yet to hear anyone make a toast. It's a good way to practice making speeches. (Course it's not nearly as good as teaching a class!)