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A1 Speakers Newcastle

A1 Speakers Newcastle is part of Agora Speakers International. Our club meets on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month in Newcastle.

New members are welcome and we encourage you to speak in our meetings to improve your confidence and communication skills. A1 Speakers Club - a place to practise and improve your public speaking, in Newcastle upon Tyne.

04/11/2025

Good Morning I hope you had a great meeting last night.
Another interesting word today.
*Posthaste* PRONUNCIATION:
(post-hayst)

*MEANING* :
adverb: With great speed.

ETYMOLOGY:
From the phrase “haste, post, haste” Earliest documented use: 1545.

NOTES:
Before email, air mail, and the telegraph, high-speed delivery meant a person on horseback galloping through mud, rain, and the occasional chicken crossing the road (Why?). The posts were stations along the route where tired messengers and their exhausted mounts could be quickly swapped out for fresh ones. If a letter had to be delivered quickly, it was inscribed “Haste, post, haste.” Over time, the phrase shortened to posthaste (or post-haste). You could say posthaste is the ancestor of ASAP, only dustier and with more horsepower.

USAGE:
“Moses [Brown] rode posthaste to Boston, and got John released.”
Frances Fitzgerald; Peculiar Institutions; The New Yorker; Sep 12, 2005.

See more usage examples of posthaste in Vocabulary.com’s dictionary.
fans Adil Imran Adrian Boatwright Christopher Joseph Dane Christian Rickwood Dave Moles

02/11/2025

👏 Big thanks to Richard! 👏 Thanks Richard for wrapping up our last meeting as the meeting leader, he delivered the role brilliantly and kept us all on track! 🌟
Fancy giving it a go next time? Come and practice your leadership skills, we’d love to see new faces take the lead. I'm sure Richard would be happy to share his experience with anyone interested in stepping up! 💬💼

02/11/2025

Huge congratulations to Irina, who was nominated for having the Best Hot Question in our last session! 👏🔥 Who’s ready to take on the challenge in our next session? 💬💡
Let’s keep the energy going—bring your curiosity, bold questions, and brilliant thinking!

02/10/2025

Good morning
Good morning.
Your word for today is *Authentic*
*Definition*
The primary definition of authentic is:

Of undisputed origin; genuine.

Example: "The museum verified that the sculpture was an authentic piece from the Ming dynasty."

Made or done in the traditional or original way, or in a way that faithfully resembles an original.

Example: "She prepared a truly authentic Italian pasta sauce, using a recipe passed down for generations."

True to one's own personality, spirit, or character.

Example: "He gained a loyal following because his social media presence was so honest and authentic."

*Etymology* (Word Origin)
The word authentic comes from the Greek word αυθϵντικo
s
ˊ
(**authentikós), which means "principal," "genuine," or "original."

This word is derived from αυθϵντη
s
ˊ
(**authentēs), meaning "one who does things himself," "master," or "author."

The word passed into Late Latin as authenticus and then into Old French as autentique before arriving in Middle English around the 14th century. The core idea throughout its history is originality and authority (as in the source being the author or master).

*Synonyms and Antonyms*

*Synonyms* (Words with similar meaning)
Genuine

Veritable

Bona fide

Real

True

Original

Legitimate

Undisputed

Sincere (when referring to a person or emotion)

*Antonyms* (Words with opposite meaning)

Fake

Counterfeit

Spurious

False

Unreal

Unverifiable

Imitation

Fabricated
fans Sande Milos Christopher Joseph Rachel May Phillip Khan-Panni Sarah E McCalden Richard Dyter Sonia Katherine Adil Imran Irina Kouidis SJ Kotecha Victoria Olivia Stefania Cobalt Business Park Shayne Cohen Dougherty Casey Jason

20/09/2025

Your word for today
Obstacle
*Definition*
An obstacle is a thing that blocks one's way or prevents or hinders progress. It can be a physical barrier or a metaphorical one, such as a challenge or difficulty.
Example: "The fallen tree was an obstacle on the road."
Example: "Lack of confidence is a major obstacle to success."
Synonyms: barrier, hindrance, impediment, hurdle.
*Etymology*
The word "obstacle" has a clear Latin origin, and its meaning has remained consistent over time.
Latin: The word comes from the Late Latin word obstaculum.
Prefix "ob-": This prefix means "in the way," "against," or "in front of." It's the same prefix found in words like "obstruct" and "objection."
Prefix "ob-": This prefix means "in the way," "against," or "in front of." It's the same prefix found in words like "obstruct" and "objection."
Root "stāre": This is a key Latin verb meaning "to stand." It is the root of many English words, including "stand," "stable," and "station."
When combined, obstaculum literally meant "that which stands in the way." The word entered English in the 15th century, retaining its original sense of something that impedes movement or progress *.
*Usage: Obstacles to Public Speaking**
In the context of public speaking, an obstacle is anything that makes it difficult to deliver an effective speech or that prevents a speaker from performing well. These obstacles can be internal (within the speaker) or external (in the environment).
Common Obstacles
*Fear and Anxiety* : This is arguably the biggest obstacle. The fear of being judged, making a mistake, or forgetting what to say can lead to physical symptoms like a racing heart and shaking, making it hard to speak coherently.
*Lack of Preparation:* Not knowing the material well enough is a huge obstacle. It can lead to a disorganized speech, hesitation, and a lack of confidence, which the audience will notice.
*Lack of Confidence:* Even with preparation, a speaker who lacks confidence may speak too softly, avoid eye contact, and fail to convey their message with conviction. This can make the audience lose interest.
*Audience Hostility or Apathy* : An unsupportive or uninterested audience can be a major external obstacle. It can be difficult to engage with a group that seems bored or openly disagrees with your message.
*Distractions* : This includes anything from a noisy environment to technical issues with equipment. Such distractions can break the speaker's concentration and disrupt the flow of the presentation.
*Physical Health:* A sudden cold, a sore throat, or general fatigue can be a physical obstacle that makes it challenging to project your voice or stand comfortably for a long period.
fans North Tyneside Council Sande Milos Rachel May

18/09/2025

Your word for today.
*Drawback*
Definition
A drawback is a disadvantage or an undesirable feature. It refers to a negative aspect of something that is otherwise a good idea or plan.
Example: "The main drawback of the new car is its poor fuel efficiency."
Example: "One drawback of working from home is the lack of social interaction."
Synonyms: disadvantage, downside, problem, handicap, weakness.
Etymology
The word "drawback" is a unique case in English etymology because it's a relatively recent compound word. It did not come from Latin or Greek roots but was formed directly from two existing English words: "draw" and "back."
Etymology
The word "drawback" is a unique case in English etymology because it's a relatively recent compound word. It did not come from Latin or Greek roots but was formed directly from two existing English words: "draw" and "back."
The word's original meaning, in the 17th century, was quite literal and specific: a rebate or refund of customs duties or taxes paid on goods that were being exported. The idea was that the tax was "drawn back" from the exporter.
Over time, the word's meaning broadened and became more figurative. By the 18th century, it was used to mean "a disadvantage" or "a hindrance," likely extending from the idea of something that "holds you back" or "pulls you back" from a desired outcome. This figurative sense is the one we use exclusively today.
Usage
The word "drawback" is a common and versatile term used to point out a negative aspect of a situation, object, or idea. It is often used in a comparative context, where you are weighing the pros and cons.
When evaluating a plan: "The plan is solid, but the potential financial risk is a significant drawback."
When describing a product or service: "The smartphone has an excellent camera, but its battery life is a major drawback."
When discussing a job or lifestyle: "The flexible hours are a great benefit of the job; however, the long commute is a drawback."
fans Sande Milos Rachel May North Tyneside Council Tedco LTD Sarah E McCalden Richard Dyter Sonia Katherine Irina Kouidis Victoria Olivia Stefania SJ Kotecha Adil Imran North Tyneside Business Forum

16/09/2025

Your word for today is.
Hinder
Definition
As a verb, "hinder" means to create difficulties for someone or something, resulting in delay or obstruction. It implies making progress or an action more difficult to accomplish.

Example: "Heavy snow and ice will hinder the morning commute."

Example: "A lack of funding is hindering the research project."

Synonyms: impede, obstruct, hamper, block, delay.

Antonyms: help, assist, facilitate, advance, promote.
The word can also be used as an adjective, though this use is now rare. When used this way, "hinder" means "situated at the rear or back." For instance, you might refer to the "hinder part of a carcass."

Etymology
The word "hinder" has deep roots in Germanic languages, and its origin is closely related to the word "hind."

Old English: The word comes from the Old English verb hindrian, which meant "
Proto-Germanic: This Old English word, in turn, is derived from the Proto-Germanic root *hinderōną, which meant "to hinder" or "to put back."

Root Meaning: The root of *hinderōną is *hinder, which was an adverb meaning "behind" or "at the back."

So, the original sense of the word was literally about being "behind" or "in the way" of something, causing it to be delayed or impeded. This original meaning of "behind" also gives us the word "hind" (as in "a hind leg"). The concept of being "at the back" naturally evolved into the idea of "holding something back" or "obstructing" it, which is the meaning we use today.
It is a great example of how a word's meaning can evolve from a literal, physical sense (being at the back) to a more abstract, metaphorical sense (blocking progress).
fans Adil Imran Agora Speakers International BBC One Cobalt Business Park Dave Moles Irina Kouidis Keith Newman Newcastle College
Phillip Khan-Panni Rachel May Richard Dyter Sande Milos Sonia Katherine

11/09/2025

Your word for today remember these are all synonyms for Motivate
Today's word is Induce
Definition of "Induce"
The verb induce has a primary meaning of causing or bringing about something. It can be used in a few different contexts:
To persuade or influence someone to do something. For example, "Nothing could induce her to take that job."
To cause or bring about a state or condition. For instance, "The medication will induce sleep."
In a medical context, to initiate a process, such as labor. For example, "Doctors had to induce labor to ensure a safe delivery."
In a scientific context, to produce an effect, such as an electric current, by induction.
Etymology of "Induce"
The word induce comes from the Latin verb inducere. This is a compound word formed from two parts:
The prefix in-, meaning "in" or "into."
The verb ducere, meaning "to lead."
So, the literal meaning of inducere
This is a compound word formed from two parts:
The prefix in-, meaning "in" or "into."
The verb ducere, meaning "to lead."
So, the literal meaning of inducere is "to lead in" or "to bring in." This is the same root that gives us words like "deduce," "produce," and "reduce." The meaning of "to lead by persuasion" or "to bring about" developed in English from this original Latin sense of "leading in." The word entered English in the late 14th century.

10/09/2025

Your word for today
*Stimulate*
Definition of "Stimulate"
The verb stimulate means to encourage or arouse interest, activity, or energy in something or someone.
For example:encourage or arouse interest, activity, or energy in something or someone.
For example:
A morning coffee can stimulate your brain.
The government's new policy aims to stimulate the economy.
A great teacher can stimulate a student's curiosity.
It can also refer to applying a physical stimulus to a part of the body, as in, "The doctor used a small electrical current to stimulate the muscle."
*Etymology of "Stimulate"*
The word stimulate comes from the Latin verb stimulare. This Latin word originally meant "to goad" or "to prick with a pointed stick."
The root word is stimulus, which was a noun in Latin that referred to the pointed stick or goad used to drive cattle. It was also used metaphorically to mean an incitement or spur.
The word entered the English language in the 16th century, originally with the of activity.
fans Christopher Joseph Sande Milos Rachel May Phillip Khan-Panni Sarah E McCalden Richard Dyter Sonia Katherine Irina Kouidis SJ Kotecha Victoria Olivia Stefania Adil Imran Cobalt Business Park North Tyneside Business Forum Dougherty Casey Jason @

08/09/2025

So this week I thought we would look at Synonyms for the word Incent.
Today's word is

*Motivate*

Definition of Motivate
The verb "motivate" means to provide someone with a reason or incentive to do something. It can also mean to be the underlying reason or cause for a particular action. To be motivated is to be willing and eager to do something, often with a specific goal in mind.
*Origin of Motivate*
The word "motivate" traces its roots to the Latin verb movere, which means "to move."
The word "motivate" was formed in the English language in the late 19th century from the existing word motive, which itself came from the Old French motif. This French word originally meant "moving," but it came to be used as a noun meaning "reason or cause for action." So, to "motivate" someone is literally to "give them a motive" or to cause them to move towards an action or a goal.
fans Sande Milos Christopher Joseph Rachel May Phillip Khan-Panni Sarah E McCalden Richard Dyter Irina Kouidis Sonia Katherine GK Art Adil Imran North Tyneside Business Forum

06/09/2025

Your word for today.

*Trenchant*

PRONUNCIATION:
(TREN-chuhnt)

MEANING:
adjective: Incisive and forceful.

ETYMOLOGY:
From Old French trenchant (cutting), from present participle of trenchier (to cut), from Latin truncare (to cut), from truncus (trunk, as in a severed tree). Ultimately from the Indo-European root terə- (to cross over or overcome), which also gave us tranche, trench, truncate, trunk, truculent, and trencherman (a hearty eater). Earliest documented use: 1325.

USAGE:
“The international image of Mr. Sharon -- at first perceived as a stalwart warrior but later as a trenchant enemy of peace -- has closely mirrored these vicissitudes.”
Alexandre Hristov

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