Rostrum Tasmania Offer for Councillors and Prospective Councillors

Wednesday, 24 August 2022

With Council elections looming in October 2022, Rostrum Tasmania cordially invites all those nominating for election, and Council staff, to attend  some of its meetings to see how to make effective presentations, participate effectively in debates, and see examples of effective chairmanship.

We are offering 3 club meetings free of charge, but would welcome those who wish to join a club to learn more effective presentation skills. While most clubs are now holding face-to-face meetings, some are holding on-line (ZOOM) meetings that allow easy remote participation.

Rostrum has active clubs in Burnie, Launceston and Hobart. The website lists meeting days and times, and a club contact person. See www.rostrum.com.au/tas for details.

Besides training members and guests in effective public speaking in weekly one-hour meetings, Rostrum teaches how to chair meetings using parliamentary procedures as used at Council meetings.  The procedures involve at least 15 elements of control (procedural motions).

For instance, the procedural motion "that the speaker no longer be heard."  This motion is not intended as a slight on a speaker but more importantly to regain order, avoid time-wasting, and get on with listed business.

Rostrum Tasmania cordially invites all Council aldermen/councillors/staff and prospective councillors in Tasmania to attend 3 of its meetings free of charge and also issues a challenge for all those enrolling for Council elections in October to ensure they are conversant with parliamentary procedures.  Having this powerful knowledge speeds up meetings, controls members who may speak out of turn and waste time, and ensures better outcomes for meetings and ratepayers. 

There are 7 Rostrum clubs in Hobart, Launceston and Burnie, with club details and meeting times listed on the Rostrum website www.rostrum.com.au/tas .