W.E.A. PUBLIC SPEAKING CLASS, LOWER HUTT.

Hutt News, Volume 1, Issue 8, 15 July 1927, Page 8

W.E.A. PUBLIC SPEAKING CLASS, LOWER HUTT.

For the third year the above Association has been conducting classes at the Lower Hutt. This year the class is one in public speaking, the tutor of same being Mr. W. E. Dickinson, M.A. The syllabus for the present session consists mainly of a study of eminent authors and standard authors, selections being made such as Burke, Macaulay, Lincoln and Asquith. The actual work in the class consists of a study of an extract from the author chosen, typewritten copies of which are given to each member. Literary analysis of the extract is then made, with attention to sentence structure, devices to produce effect, figures of speech, language, etc. At intervals members are called upon to read part of the passage, attention being given to delivery, enunciation, phrasing, intonation, and so on. Some member of "the class prepares for the following week an oration, using the previous week's study as a model. This effort is made subsequent to the tutor's address, and the effort is criticised by the tutor, as well as by members of the class. In addition to this prepared form of speaking, impromptu speaking takes place, and further to this, there are prepared debates. The syllabus provides, amongst other things, for the sutdy of logical fallacies and practice in chairmanship. Inter-class debates will also be held, as well as social functions, where members may have an opportunity of acting as chairman of banquets, and of proposing and responding to toasts in a formal manner. Meetings are held weekly in the Council Chambers, Lower Hutt, on Tuesday, at 8 p.m. The Association has no political bias, and is calculated solely to place University education at the disposal of those who otherwise might find it difficult to obtain. The fee is entirely a nominal one, and all those interested in this form of study are urged to take advantage of the class.