Simon Russell was right: “All that glitters is not gold”,
because the title of his speech could easily be applied to our
meeting this night - we did shine!
There was no question that Jen Reed-Lewis was delighted to
become a member of the club; a feeling that was completely
mutual as she was unanimously accepted
The Town and Country theme was a winner. Jill McCormick’s face
lit up, as she descriptively led us into it in her introductory
remarks, and later in her succinct introductions. Everyone who
spoke had a personal opinion on this topic which they were keen
to express.
Two new members shone in their first-time roles:
Dawne Goch loves words and the origins of them … can you think
of anyone more suited to being a Wordsmith? True to her passion,
she diligently did her research before choosing the word
‘metropolis’ which, she explained, originated in Middle England
and originally meant ‘mother city’.
Anne Marie Deluise starred in her role as Timer : After
including in her opening a fun little spoof of humour on
herself, she clearly demonstrated that she knew exactly what was
expected of her and was in complete control. With the help of
her appreciated interjectory reminders and occasional bells, she
was able to keep everyone at the lectern right on time to a 9:15
finish!
Marlene Finlayson admonished that she would not only be
listening for ums and ahs, but also watching to catch the
‘distracting gestures that detract from the vivid nature of what
you are trying to say’. She obviously did this diligently
because at the end of the evening our little pig was literally
beaming!
Stuart Manning had a resounding response to his well chosen
Table Topics. They were all very good, but the club voted Wilma
Atchison’s as the winner of the Gold
In one of her ‘best ever’ evaluations, Li Ying Kao’s
‘sandwiches’ won a Gold as well. They began with a slice of
sincere observations she felt were strengths, then filled with
thoughtful, easy-to-work-on suggestions, and topped with another
strong attribute of the Speaker. They were ‘just right’!
Gil Hardman’s Toast was dear to his heart and in keeping with
the theme when he, a city/town planner by profession, had us
drink to “design with nature in mind”. His most memorable
introduction had us in great suspense as we anticipated Simon
Russell’s already alluded to speech, “All That Glitters Is Not
Gold”. Those of us who grew up knowing the story about “The
Wizard of Oz” were interested to learn its origins in this
intriguing, enlightening parallel. Then Wilma Atchison had us
chuckling over the trials and tribulations of growing old, while
at the same time motivating us to proactively have a say in how
we would like to live out our old age. “We are the consumers. We
should be the ones “Recreating our Future”.” Simon and Wilma are
both engaging Speakers who were enthusiastically received.
Joyce Soti is an excellent teacher, and once again she gave us
all some valuable advice when she presented her speech
evaluation this night: Once speakers eventually gain the
confidence to not completely memorize a speech, or rely too much
on notes, one of the most effective techniques to use is to
memorize the opening and conclusion (so you have an immediate
strong connection through eye contact with your audience), and
then for your notes, just jot down key words and phrases which
will keep you on track and / or remind you of what comes next.
It’s an excellent technique many speakers strive for and is
achieved over time by practice and experience.
Gerhard Rentsch was impressed with the way Wilma personalized
her topic by opening with questions to us that really did make
us think. (Another way of slipping in good advice for us all!)
Neville Cohen gave us a laugh when his opening remarks were
self-congratulatory, commenting on how well prepared the room
was for the meeting (he being the Sgt.@ Arms in charge of this
) Two particularly good observations of his were:
1) Evaluators always only evaluate the manner in which the
speech was presented (ie. flow and clarity, eye contact,
gestures, etc.), and do not give their opinion or comment on the
actual content of the speech.
2) Protocol dictates that the lectern never be left empty. This
means that
although the Speakers can stand between the audience and the
lectern, at all other times there must be someone behind it. Ie.
Handshaking must take place directly behind the lectern so
Introducers and Speakers must be rooted there until the person
replacing them is within comfortable ‘handshaking reach’.
Obviously Neville made a host of other brilliant observations
because he tied for the gold with Li Ying as Best Evaluator
Be sure to join us next Monday June 6th for continuing Fun and
Friendship.
Guests are always welcome.
Club 1085
