"We are apt to think that expression of one’s thoughts comes easily, but as a matter of fact, it requires training and real practice. I am hopeful that more and more people in this country will realize that this is one of the important means of communication between people, and we must not neglect to train young and old in the ability to speak well in public.”
Butler’s book “Time To Speak Up: A Speaker’s Handbook for Women” documented her speaking principles - offering practical, straightforward advice, and emphasizing clear, confident communication. The book featured a forward by Lady Astor and a testimonial by Eleanor Roosevelt.
First Lady Bess Truman hosted the classes at the White House during the Truman administration.
In 1949 Hester Beall Provensen (LL.B., MA, a distinguished Professor in the Department of Speech and Dramatic Art at the University of Maryland) began teaching the class. Mrs. Provensen adopted the name "Capital Public Speaking Class” with instruction scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays. In addition to instructing the class, Mrs. Provensen was a public speaking consultant to members of Congress, the Administration, Diplomatic Corps, and later served as Lady Bird Johnson’s private speaking coach.
Founding of the Club
On Graduation Day of the Spring Class of 1951, one of the graduates, Lonore Kiefer Kent Van Swearingen, suggested to Mrs. Provensen that a club be organized "so that graduates could continue to improve their speaking ability gained in class." She believed that such a club would create an audience of trained speakers uniquely capable of judging a speech with skill and sympathy because all its members had struggled "through butterfly forests together."
"The skill to do comes from the doing."
Hester Provensen
On April 19, 1951, the Capital Speakers Club was founded and organized, electing Madame Herman (Anne) van Roijen, wife of the Netherlands Ambassador, as the Club’s first President.
Following the April 19 founding luncheon, planning meetings were held at the Netherlands Embassy, prompting Mme. van Roijen to remark that "the Club was born on Dutch soil," solidifying a special relationship that endures to this day. The private club membership was to be by invitation exclusively to graduates of the class.
The 1950s
Initially, all members were required to speak and critique each other’s speeches. As the Club grew, Mrs. Provensen was hired in 1952 to give a professional feedback during the monthly luncheon and to serve as the Club’s Advisor.
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The Club’s objectives were established:
- To perfect the technique of speech
- To benefit from continued speaking before an audience
- To promote an exchange of ideas and to foster mutual understanding among women of different nations by means of public speaking
- To encourage all forms of education by means of public speaking
A rule was established that all speeches should last three minutes or less. The tradition of a Fall Tea was introduced. The Thought of the Day evolved from a poem written by a member.
In 1959, because of increased membership, the Club split into two chapters - the Tuesday Chapter and the Wednesday Chapter.
Lady Bird Johnson joined the Club in 1959 and was an active member until 1963. She
credited Hester Provensen and the Capital Speakers Club with helping her improve her speaking skills. She continued working with Mrs. Provensen as her private speaking coach when she was the First Lady.
The 1960’s - 1970s
Membership continued to grow, and on June 9, 1960, a new chapter of Capital Speakers Club (CSC) was formed. The Tuesday and Wednesday Chapters were renamed Chapter I and Chapter II, and the new third group became Chapter III.
The Capital Speakers Club [CSC] was incorporated on January 29, 1963, as a 501 (c) 7 social club focused on public speaking.
The Club newsletter was introduced.
The “Club will sponsor no causes” rule was passed and is still in use today.
The revised bylaws provided that the Club’s Joint meetings of all Chapters be held in January and June.
The Club Seal with Roman Goddess Diana was created. (Diana was a Trivia, a triple goddess, representing the moon, the hunt, and the underworld. She embodies the ideals of independence, strength, and empowerment. Regarded as one of the main deities to bring life and energy, Diana transforms darkness into daylight.)
On March 1,1967, Hester Beall Provensen became the first Honorary Member of the Club.
The 1970-1980’s
First Lady Pat Nixon hosted the Club at the White House in October 1973.
The first Scholarship was given to a public speaking student.
On January 22, 1986, Second Lady Barbara Bush became the second Honorary Member and was awarded the first Capital Speakers Special Award, for her efforts to eradicate illiteracy and for her persuasive skills exemplifying the Club’s objectives.
The 1990- 2000’s
The title of “Emeritae” was established and bestowed on members for their exceptional contribution to the Club.
First Lady Barbara Bush invited Club members to Tea at the White House on April 4,1991 in celebration of the Club’s 40th Anniversary.
In 1993 Jean Costanza Miller, PhD., Assistant Professor of Communication at George Washington University, became the Club Advisor and began teaching the Capital Speakers Class, after Hester Beall Provensen retired. Today, she continues to instruct the Capital Speakers Classes as well as coach and critique members’ speeches.
In 1994 Judy Woodruff, broadcast journalist, received the first Capital Speakers Award of Excellence.
In 1998 The Speakers Society of Scandinavia, headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, became the first affiliate member Club.
The 2000’s- Present
The Club kicked off its Jubilee Year with the Fall Assembly Tea in the United States Senate Caucus Room on September 15, 2000.
The Capital Speakers Club Foundation was founded in December of 2000. The Capital Speakers Club Scholarship Award is funded by the Foundation and is intended for women students attending universities in the Washington area. The scholarship honors Hester B. Provensen and Dr. Jean C. Miller for their valuable service to The Capital Speakers Class, the Club and to its programs. Since being established, the Foundation has awarded scholarships totaling over $225,000 to support talented young women as they pursue communication skills to make a difference.
The Golden Jubilee included a festive celebration dinner with member entertainment. The Club published a “CSC Retrospection,” featuring highlights of the Club’s first five decades.
Lady Bird Johnson became the third Honorary Member on June 6, 2001.
In April 2006 we returned to our roots for the 55th anniversary celebration when the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Netherlands and Mrs. Van Eenennaam hosted CSC members at the embassy residence to commemorate “Where it all Began.”
In 2014, the Club transitioned to digital communications, which allowed CSC to continue to offer programs with virtual events throughout COVID.
In 2021, CSC celebrated its 70th anniversary via Zoom with a refresher seminar taught by Dr. Jean C. Miller. In-person events were re-introduced in June of 2021.
Today
Capital Speakers Club flourishes because the club remains true to its roots in the knowledge that public speaking is empowering and excellence comes from practice.
"What we have to learn to do, we learn by doing."
Aristotle Aristotle