Do you want to be an effective speaker? Or do you just want a safe place to practice your speaking?
JOIN Outspoken, presented by GLAAD and the
Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center.
What is Outspoken?
Outspoken is an ongoing public speaking training and practice seminar created by public speaking
professionals for the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) and sponsored by The
Center and GLAAD. It is coordinated by professionally trained facilitators who will be present at
all meetings to provide support, encouragement, and constructive feedback.
The objectives of Outspoken are:
- To help participants develop, focus and refine their public speaking skills for use in addressing
Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual issues before a variety of audiences.
- To better inform participants on issues concerning the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual
community.
- To create highly effective speakers for GLAAD, The Center and the community.
Who can participate?
Lesbians, Gay men, Bisexuals and friends of the community who are interested in developing their
public speaking abilities and will take the time to prepare a speech.
When and where does Outspoken meet?
On the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month from 7:30 to 10:00pm at The Center, 1625 N. Schrader
Blvd. (formerly Hudson) in Hollywood.
How is Outspoken structured?
Participants advance through progressive skill levels by speaking on a wide range of topics. This
enables participants to broaden and strengthen their public speaking abilities. Certification is
available for those who desire and is necessary for those who wish to represent GLAAD or The
Center. Upon certification individuals may become members of the speakers bureau for GLAAD
or The Center. It is not necessary to pursue certification to participate in Outspoken.
What is the format of a typical meeting?
The meeting will follow a two-and-one-half hour format:
- 7:30 Welcome and introductions
- 7:40 Events and issues updates
- 8:00 Exemplary speech or technique discussion
- 8:30 Practice speeches
- 9:30 Hot seat practice
- 9:55 Closing comments
Do I have to attend every meeting?
No. You may attend as often or as infrequently as you choose. However, certification and a
commitment are required for those wishing to represent GLAAD or The Center.
Do I need any prior experience in public speaking?
No. Although some prior experience is helpful, it s not necessary. For people who are new to public
speaking, a one-day in-depth training will be offered every three months on a Saturday or Sunday.
However, this training is not required to attend evening sessions.
Do I have to speak every time I attend?
No. Speaking is voluntary. You need to be prepared when you intend to speak. The opportunity
to practice your speech is on a first come, first served basis at each meeting.
Do I have to speak about GLAAD or The Center?
No.
May I speak about anything I want?
Yes, as long as it relates to the concerns, issues, or experiences of the Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual
community. In fact, a meeting may be used to test a speech for a particular purpose.
How does Outspoken differ from other speaker training programs?
Outspoken offers a comfortable space to practice and improve your speaking abilities in an
accessible and easy to use format. Outspoken is intended as a public service resource for the entire
community.
Who will be my audience at Outspoken?
Your audience will be the other participants and facilitators in attendance. Although speeches may
occasionally be videotaped as model speeches, no speech will be videotaped - or shown - without
the speaker s permission.
Will I be critiqued or graded when I speak?
For practice speeches you will be evaluated by fellow participants on a simple 1 to 5 scale. This
evaluation will cover basic points including physical and verbal skills as well as attitude knowledge
of your subject matter. Candidates for certification will receive a more in depth critique by a
facilitator. (Results l be seen by you and a facilitator only.)
Is there any required reading?
No, but a reading list will be provided which contains highly recommended Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual
books and other materials that will help you broaden your knowledge and understanding of the
issues facing the community. The more you know, the better and more informed you will be at
communicating the truth of our lives.
What does Outspoken cost?
Nothing except your time, interest, and willingness to stand before a group and give a speech.
Donations are always welcome.
How do I join Outspoken?
Just show up! We meet on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month from 7:30 to 10:00pm at The
Center
One speaker already has a Web page up on the Net, filled with links to relative sites. You can reach it by clicking here.