A new year is a clean slate yet to be written on / experienced;
a time to start new things. A time to be inspired!
“Inspiration”, therefore, was a most appropriate Theme for the
first meeting in 2006.
Li Ying Kao’s example as Chairman inspired us to achieve her
high standard of leadership. She opened the meeting with an
inspirational personal story to introduce the theme, and
followed that with our thoughts on ‘inspiration’ to make her
introductions for us more personal. Her friendliness and humour
created a comfortable atmosphere that brought out the best in
everyone.
When we think of the New Year, ‘rejuvenate’ also comes to mind.
That is the Word of the Week that Stuart Manning chose. This
first meeting was rejuvenating! There is nothing better than a
short break to help our group appreciate the support and
stimulation we have for each other. In his role of Wordsmith,
Stuart was rewarded with a rich variety of words not often used,
such as Omar Hung’s use of dissemination.
Omar performed his role very well. However, our General
Evaluator Ruth Sol particularly liked the humour he used when
levying the fines for our ‘um’s and ah’s’.
Jill McCormick enjoys Dr. Seuss immensely, regularly reading his
books to her grandchildren. We were delighted with her delight
as she read a humorous poem of his to us! Have you heard of the
pitfall that might befall you if you espouse loving your job
toooo much?
This particular meeting was timed with ‘military precision’ by
Jim Sinclair. Count on Jim to come up with yet another unique
angle that gets a laugh, along with obedient co-operation!
Jim’s animated mini-speech on inspirational winter sports was
also a winner – in Table Topics!
Table Topics Master Andrea Clarke has begun taking on ‘first
time’ major roles and doing them well. Her topics were an
interesting mix of inspirational questions/ideas. Inspired by
Anne Marie Deluise (who had performed this role a while ago) she
listed the eligible Table Topics Speakers and then asked for
volunteers. While we don’t do this often because it eliminates
the important element of surprise, it is fun to shake us out of
‘the usual’ on occasion. Andrea deftly allowed for only a
moment’s pause before calling on a speaker when there were no
volunteers. It went very smoothly … bridging and all.
After humorously asking us if “Perhaps it was the cold winter
weather that caused so many speakers to be rubbing their hands
together at the lectern?’ Don Ekroth had (as Veronica Marshall
would say) perfectly tailor made comments for every Table Topic
Speaker. The descriptions he gave to illustrate strong points
and pointers were very well done. We especially all related to
his appreciation of a first time guest who took a topic: “You
did it! We all know exactly how you felt because we’ve been
there, too. We found out that we don’t die or melt into a puddle
when we get up to speak.” In fact often, along with the relief
that comes when it’s over, comes a feeling of euphoria!
In her General Evaluation, Ruth wisely advised us that by
listening carefully to the evaluators we can learn so much. She
praised Don for setting such a good example.
Veronica Marshall has become very proficient as Toastmaster;
confident and comfortable at the lectern. The personal tribute
to an inspirational woman, her ninety year old Grandmother,
fittingly led to a Toast “To Inspiring People!” This was
followed by clear introductions and warm handshakes for the
formal Speakers, with good bridging to connect them.
Our newest member, Parvaneh Bahrami, introduced herself to us
with her first speech this night. The title of her speech was
“The Belly Dancing Doctor”. Did that get your attention? It
certainly got ours! Her evaluator, Neville Cohen, was very
impressed with the natural strong speech presentation points
Parvaneh already has, and was generously sincere in his praise.
His suggestion for her to work on was motivating, encouraging
even further self-confidence which will come with her next
speeches.
Dave Stewart’s evaluation of Pam Elliott’s Folk Tale, “The Story
Gifts Mama Gave To Me”, was right on target! He observed that
“storytelling is the essence of a good speech, whether the story
is the speech itself, or a part of a longer one”. Later Ruth
reminded us that “Dave, himself, often opens with a story
statement”. Pam very much appreciated both his pluses, his
pointers, and his humour. The audience did, as well, and showed
it by awarding him the ribbon for the Best Evaluator
As often happens in this newsletter, the General Evaluator is
quoted throughout. Over the past year, Ruth Sol has earned the
title of being one of the better evaluators in our club. It is a
role she enjoys and does well. It was interesting to note that
she initially found us a bit subdued before the meeting began.
But that mood must have only lasted a minute because it picked
up quickly, gained momentum, and ended the evening with all
three of our guests applying for membership! An Inspirational
Beginning, Indeed.
We are looking forward to welcoming even more guests on Monday
January 16th :)
Everyone is welcome to come check us out – join us for another
evening of fun and friendship.
Club 1085
