Bristol Speakers ClubAsk about the next cohort

Bristol · Fortnightly · Free to attend

A place to practise speaking, in front of people who want you to do well.

Bristol Speakers Club is a voluntarily run, inclusive space for people who want to become more confident and effective speakers. We run in small, consistent six-session cohorts.

Register interest in the next cohortFrom Monday 14 September 2026
The Bristol Speakers Club group together after a session

Hear from our members

“What started as an opportunity to improve my public speaking has turned into a call to look for speaking opportunities. Nettie, David and James created a safe space and provided us with the tools and support we needed. I now feel more confident to share my passion and hopefully inspire others. Don’t hesitate to join the club!”
Carolina MezaCarolina MezaClimate Fresk
“The Bristol Speakers Club was fantastic – so supportive and innovative. I’ve been to quite a few groups over the years trying to build confidence in public speaking, but this one really stood out with its unique approach using science, mindfulness and modern techniques fit for the digital age. Since attending, I’ve been invited to deliver a paid talk (which went really well!) and asked to return for regular events. I never thought that was possible. I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to learn this essential business skill.”
Tyrone ProbertTyrone ProbertEcotribo
“I’ve shared my company’s first ever marketing campaign on LinkedIn :) I wouldn’t have been able to speak on camera as confidently without being part of this group!”
Oliver JenningsOliver Jennings
“I would totally recommend the club to anyone who wants to develop their ability to speak in public…whether a nervous new beginner or with more experience. I only got up to speak 3 or 4 times but the general atmosphere was so supportive I already feel much more comfortable in front of a crowd. Thank you Nettie, David and James for providing this amazing resource.”
Justin DillonJustin Dillon

About Bristol Speakers Club

Expertise, and the chance to practise.

Bristol Speakers Club is a voluntarily run, inclusive space for people who want to become more confident and effective speakers.

Our approach brings together expertise in storytelling, broadcasting, performance, psychology and facilitation, alongside something we think matters just as much: the opportunity to practise.

Rather than teaching one ‘right’ way to speak, we help people develop their own style through practical exercises, experimentation, constructive feedback and the support of a consistent group.

A place to practise

Not one prescribed way to speak.

The club isn’t about teaching a formula. It’s somewhere to speak, experiment, try ideas, receive constructive feedback and build on that experience over time.

A member speaking to the group during a session
  • Somewhere to speak, every session
  • Room to experiment and try ideas out
  • Constructive feedback from the group and facilitators
  • The chance to build on it over time

How it works

Six fortnightly sessions, one consistent group.

Members talking together during a sessionA member speaking from a lectern during a session
  1. 01

    Join a cohort

    Six fortnightly sessions with the same small group, so trust and progress build over time.

  2. 02

    Take part

    Speaking exercises, experiments and prepared speeches — you speak at every session.

  3. 03

    Receive feedback

    Constructive, specific feedback from the group and facilitators.

  4. 04

    Build on it

    Try the next thing, refine your own style, and watch your confidence grow.

Cohort 4 · September to November 2026

Dates and venue

7.15pm to 9.15pm · Lost & Found, Clifton Triangle, Bristol

Cohorts are voluntarily run and free to attend. Because the group stays the same across all six sessions, places are limited — we ask people taking a place to participate and make every effort to attend.

Find out more
  • Monday 14 September7.15–9.15pm
  • Monday 28 September7.15–9.15pm
  • Monday 12 October7.15–9.15pm
  • Monday 2 November7.15–9.15pm
  • Monday 16 November7.15–9.15pm
  • Monday 30 November7.15–9.15pm

What to expect in a session

A small group working together around a tableMembers smiling together during social time

  1. Welcome & agenda

    A friendly introduction to the session.

  2. Theme of the day

    A key topic to explore together.

  3. Prepared speeches

    Members share and develop their speaking.

  4. Break & social time

    A chance to chat and connect.

  5. Group session

    Speaking exercises to build confidence.

Facilitators

Who you’ll be working with

Annette Sloly

Annette Sloly

Confidence & Performance

I’m a Clinical Hypnotherapist and Performance Coach with over fourteen years’ experience supporting people to manage nerves and speak and perform with greater ease, clarity and presence. At Bristol Speakers Club, I focus on the practical side of confident delivery, including voice, breath and presence. Drawing on my background in psychology and performance, I share practical tools and techniques for finding an authentic speaking style and developing greater awareness of how we communicate.

David Sloly

David Sloly

Storytelling & Communication

I'm a BBC-trained journalist, award-winning producer, author and speaker with a career spanning broadcasting, storytelling and communications. As a former executive producer and creative director in TV, radio and advertising, I've spent much of my career finding, shaping and telling stories for audiences, from award-winning broadcast work to storytelling projects for major organisations including Google, UK Aid, Virgin and Dell. In 2015, I gave a TEDxBristol talk on the power and structure of storytelling, and I'm the author of Why You Need a Business Story and How to Create It. At Bristol Speakers Club, I focus on the craft of storytelling - finding the story, shaping it into a clear structure and bringing it to life through speaking and delivery. I share practical approaches drawn from years of working with stories, audiences and organisations.

James Potten

James Potten

Facilitation & Belonging

I love creating empowering spaces to help people move past their limiting beliefs and realise what they're truly capable of. Ex-country bumpkin who windsurfed across the English Channel (also a minor-podcast host), I enjoy sharing stories and learning on the journey with others. I'm involved in this wonderful offering in a voluntary capacity because I've met a number of people seeking a modern, inclusive and forward-thinking approach to public speaking who struggled to find a group that met their needs. This group does just that.

A microphone waiting on a small stage

What story will you share?