Goldsmiths Public Speaking Society

Goldsmiths Public Speaking Society operates at the intersection of public relations and communications, offering a focused platform for developing the skills essential to modern PR practice. Based at Goldsmiths, University of London, the society provides a structured environment where students and professionals alike can refine their ability to articulate ideas clearly and persuasively. While its primary domain is skills development rather than client-facing agency work, the society’s emphasis on public speaking directly supports the core competencies required in public relations and communications services.

Specialized Focus on Public Relations & Communications

The society’s programming is tailored to the demands of the public relations and communications sector. Each weekly session, held every Tuesday from 17:00 to 18:30 in Room RHB 122, is designed to build confidence and technical proficiency in verbal expression. Participants engage in exercises that mirror real-world PR scenarios, such as media interview preparation, crisis communication role-plays, and stakeholder presentation practice. This practical approach ensures that members develop transferable skills that are immediately applicable in agency, in-house, or freelance communications roles. Goldsmiths Public Speaking Society distinguishes itself by focusing on the spoken word, a critical but often underdeveloped aspect of PR training.

Services and Methodologies

While the society does not offer traditional PR agency services like media relations or content creation, its curriculum covers the foundational speaking skills that underpin those functions. Members can expect to gain expertise in the following areas:

• Persuasive speech construction for pitches and proposals
• Impromptu speaking techniques for media interviews and Q&A sessions
• Voice modulation and body language for effective presentations
• Storytelling frameworks for brand narratives
• Feedback and peer review processes for continuous improvement

The methodology is highly interactive, drawing on established public speaking principles such as the Toastmasters model and rhetorical analysis. Sessions are facilitated by experienced speakers and PR professionals who provide constructive critique. This hands-on format allows participants to practice repeatedly in a supportive setting, gradually building the confidence needed to speak fluently under pressure. The society’s emphasis on regular, structured practice is its key differentiator, offering a consistent skill-building pathway that complements academic study or early career development in public relations and communications services.

Location and Community Context

Located in the heart of London, Goldsmiths Public Speaking Society benefits from the city’s vibrant PR and communications ecosystem. The society draws members from across Goldsmiths’ diverse student body, as well as from the broader London community, fostering a network of aspiring communicators. Its base in Room RHB 122 provides a dedicated, distraction-free space for focused practice. This central location also allows members to access London’s wealth of industry events, networking opportunities, and professional development resources. For those new to PR or seeking to enhance their verbal communication skills, the society offers a low-pressure entry point into a community of like-minded individuals.

Goldsmiths Public Speaking Society is an ideal fit for students pursuing degrees in communications, media, or marketing, as well as early-career professionals looking to stand out in job interviews and client meetings. It is also well-suited for anyone who wishes to overcome public speaking anxiety or polish their presentation style for professional advancement. By providing a regular, structured forum for practice and feedback, the society fills a gap in traditional PR education, where written skills are often prioritized over oral delivery. For those serious about mastering the art of speaking in public relations and communications, this society offers a practical and supportive environment to achieve that goal.