Strictly Speaking judges Michael Gurr and Jean Kittson with host Andrew Hansen.
The Chaser's Andrew Hansen hosts a TV battle of public speaking.
We no longer have The Chaser boys taking the mickey out of our politics, but Andrew Hansen is about to return to screens with a new series to replace The Gruen Transfer.
Strictly Speaking is a prime-time public speaking contest in which everyday Aussies will tackle the fear of public speaking, and it has been skewed to entertain with the showbiz flair of talent shows normally reserved for singers, dancers and TV chefs.
There will be 27 "everyday Aussies" trying their luck at public speaking in this show. Each will face off against a panel of judges as they deliver a speech on their chosen topic. Expect nerves, laughs and a dash of wisdom as they rise to the occasion. Or will they?
The first episode includes a university student from country NSW, a performance artist and mother of twin daughters from Victoria, and an antiques dealer from the NSW Northern Rivers town of Yamba.
Assessing their talents will be comedian Jean Kittson (The Big Gig); speechwriter and author Michael Gurr; journalist, author and Lateline presenter Leigh Sales; and the always entertaining Father Bob Maguire (John Safran Vs God). They will assess the speakers based on content, delivery and entertainment.
After delivering a speech, host Andrew Hansen applies the pressure in an impromptu round, which will see the contestants speaking off the cuff for 60 seconds.
The show will also offer a behind-the-scenes element as the speakers' battle their nerves and dig deep for inspiration.
It isn't the first time a Chaser boy has enjoyed a side project.
Chris Taylor hosted Australia's Heritage: National Treasures, Chas Licciardello was a script consultant on Hungry Beast and Julian Morrow was a producer on Lawrence Leung's Choose Your Own Adventure.
Both Hansen and Craig Reucassel will also make an appearance in Nine's upcoming series of Top Gear Australia.
Strictly Speaking premieres 8pm Wednesday, September 29 on ABC1.
it's about time people realised the comedic potential of public speaking :)