Many people enjoy listening to people speak on the radio. Some prefer the big, self-assured types like John Laws. Others prefer hearing what more humble people have to say, like Charles Wooley or those on ABC Local Radio and Hot FM. There are some who like hearing experts talk about their field, as often heard on ABC Radio National. And some like hearing talkback callers. Many like the comedians heard on Star FM. And there are those who like the newspaper-style reports of RPH Mildura.

All of these options are public speaking. All of them involve someone putting some words together in their mind, opening their mouth, and releasing it for the world to hear.

The same thing happens at every Rostrum meeting. All sorts of people stand up and say something. Some are reading the words of others, some are talking about a topic that they know a lot about, and some find an instant opinion on every issue. Some make lots of jokes, while others are more serious.

But unlike radio, the speakers are right in front of you. Live. You can see every facial expression and every gesture. With some speaking activities, you can jump up as soon as a speaker's finished and start giving your point-of-view. And you can always talk to the speaker after the meeting's finished. Both are much harder to do with radio.

No matter who's talking, and what's being said; at any one time most of the people present are listening. They get to enjoy the work others are putting in, with no obligation to do the same. It's very easy for you to be one of them.

And if you want to be the one up the front, having a say, spinning a yarn, explaining something you think more people should know or whatever else takes your fancy; then this is a great first place to be doing it. No family and friends to worry about. No radio slot to try to secure. Just a small group of friendly people that were once as inexperienced as you.