THE president of a Malvernbased club visited a school in Tanzania to share some of the secrets behind building up confidence to speak in public.

Steve Birch, of Cockshot Road, is the president of Malvern Speakers, the local branch of Toastmasters International, which was formed earlier this year.

He visited the Genesis School in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s largest city, at the invitation of its head of pre-school, Caroline Bellman, who comes from Malvern and is also a founder member of Malvern Speakers. Mr Birch introduced staff and pupils at the school to the Speechcraft programme, specially devised by Toastmasters International to help students and teachers overcome fears of public speaking.

Mr Birch said: “Covering voice projection, vocal variety, and thinking on the spot, use of gestures, speaking space and props, the course was very well received, with staff requesting repeat courses each term and students keen to utilise their new found skills in class presentations.

“The skills taught reach far beyond the classroom, and teach proven methods to improve job interview techniques and getting any message across clearly to any given group of people.

“Without exception, the students’ speech delivery, confidence and presentations improved throughout the Speechcraft course.”

Malvern Speakers meet twice a month. For more details, visit the website at malvernspeakers.co.uk