Local toastmasters have given youths on Portland a crash course in the art of public speaking.

Casterbridge Speakers - a Toastmaster's International Club based in Dorchester - visited the Portland Youth Council to discuss the importance of developing presentation skills.

The Casterbridge Speakers team gave the youth council a crash course in presentation skills, introducing them to the fundamentals of public speaking and how to overcome any anxiety they may have about delivering a speech in front of a group of people.

Issy McGowan from Casterbridge Speakers said: “The club is so much more than just giving speeches, it’s a supportive and safe environment where you can develop and grow as a leader and a speaker.

“Our visit to the Youth Council is a great example of this; when we started the workshop, they could barely stand up in front of everyone, and by the end, they were giving two-minute speeches.

"These amazing young people are the voice of all young people on Portland and so helping them to be heard is hugely important.”

The team also shared the importance of voice projection, how to be confident on a stage, and how to captivate an audience with their words.

Members of the Portland Youth Council have voiced their appreciation for the lessons. Miya-Lei, 14, said: "The public speaking workshop was amazing and really helped us to understand what needs to go into giving a public talk, I would happily do it again."

Grace, 13, added: “I think everyone was really good and we got more comfortable with public speaking.”

Lucy, 11, said: "They taught us a lot about how to be confident and to speak publicly"

Casterbridge Speakers Clubs' mission is to provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth.

Club members attend the group for a variety of reasons from needing to give presentations at work, to wanting to keep their minds active during retirement.

The club is currently looking for new members. For more information about the Casterbridge Speakers Club visit: casterbridgespeakers.toastmasterclub.org