Local Public Speaking Club Announces Changes As It Looks to Expand

Fairfield, CT- Fairfield Public Speakers, an independent non-profit club, has announced some changes to its structure to manage increasing demand. The group helps participants improve their public speaking skills at meetings on the 2^nd and 4^th Wednesday evenings each month, at 7:30pm in Fairfield, Connecticut. 

Fairfield Public Speakers’ mission is to help people of all ages and business backgrounds improve and strengthen their communication skills in a safe environment, while building confidence and having fun. The group is modeled after Toastmasters, but also adopts many techniques that other speaking organizations use. “Being an independent group allows us to creatively pursue programs and ideas that meet our members’ needs,“ said Fairfield resident James Alfieri Jr., President and Co-Founder of the club. “I just want to help people overcome their anxieties about speaking, as I had battled the same problem for many years myself.”

Jim formed a board of business professionals to help guide the group with new, innovative ideas, more marketing and social media, and greater focus on members’ needs. In addition to Jim, the new Board members include:

·      Ryan Fernandez, of Fairfield, is the Chief Operating Officer. Ryan is a vice president of Sales for Legion, an international fine art paper company.

·      Al Barazza lives in Stratford, and is the Vice President of Membership. Al is a salesperson for Harvey Building Products.

·      Loretta Jay lives in Fairfield and is the Director of Communications. She is a consultant with Parasol, and is the Executive Director of B Stigma-Free, a non-profit organization.

·      Eric Fettman, of Bridgeport, is the Director of Education. He is a corporate trainer and coauthor of Google Analytics Breakthrough: From Zero to Business Impact.

“We have enjoyed the participation of hundreds of people during these past seven years, though we had never fully implemented a clear strategy for consistency and growth. I’m excited to have these enthusiastic and motivational leaders to help us reach our goals!” added Alfieri.

Fairfield Public Speakers offers individual and group support, as well as some one-on-one coaching. Regular activities include impromptu speaking drills and help with presentation to improve self-assurance and reduce anxiety about public speaking. Whether a member is a student, law enforcement officer, parent, physician, entertainer, or teacher, folks join for various reasons. Kathleen Turner of Fairfield says, “The club has been a great experience. While we all come together to learn and practice important public speaking skills, everyone is so nice, and there is a sense of camaraderie," Alfieri said.

“Two years after my first meeting, I am proud to say that I have managed my anxiety and that public speaking has in fact become an integral part of my professional life. I could never have made such progress in confidence and technique as a speaker without the unique environment of growth, learning, and innovation that the group fostered,” said Eric Fettman.  

“We offer the first three visits for free, then charge only $25 per year,” said Mr. Alfieri. Fees help pay for materials and meeting space rental. Mr. Alfieri is a veteran of advertising sales having worked over 30 years at The Economist and LA Times and with clients like Chevron, Fidelity, Xerox and American Express.

For more information on Fairfield Public Speakers, visit Meetup.com and search Fairfield Public Speakers. Or call: 917-685-0535. Fairfield Public Speakers is an independently run club and has no affiliation with any other speaking organization.