Blind and partially sighted speakers take to the stage at Glasgow City Chambers

The course was organised by RNIB Scotland in partnership with Glasgow Speakers Club and aimed to build the communication skills and confidence of blind and partially sighted participants.

The final event capped weeks of hard work by the five participants, who delivered their final speeches on topics ranging from their personal sight loss journeys to their experiences of volunteering. Course leaders from Glasgow Speakers Club also gave topical talks of their own, while family and friends of the participants joined representatives from RNIB Scotland in the audience. The event was also attended by The Right Honourable, The Lord Provost of Glasgow, Councillor Dr. Jacqueline McLaren.

Glasgow Speakers Club is the oldest public speaking organisation in the United Kingdom. The club meets every second Tuesday at Glasgow City Chambers between September and April.

Claire Forde, a young blind participant in the event said, 

“The course has been absolutely fantastic. The Glasgow Speakers Club members who led the course were so supportive and helpful. They gave us the feedback we needed, while encouraging us throughout.

"For my final speech, I spoke about my sight loss journey, and I wasn't as nervous as I had thought I might be. I managed to keep it together and not get too emotional either. It really hit me when we all had finished- the impact of what we'd achieved.”

James Adams, Director of RNIB Scotland added,

“RNIB Scotland has been delighted with the amazing support from Glasgow Speakers Club in developing this course. Public speaking training is confidence-building for blind and partially sighted people, giving them real-life experience for situations such as job interviews, media appearances, and participating actively as citizens.

"We're also very grateful to Glasgow City Council for their support.”