This meeting could be dubbed “Above and Beyond” because that is
how our members performed. The group was smaller than usual –
the regrets stemming from work, a vacation, and illness, yet “I
liked today’s meeting in terms of its small, fun, and
encouraging atmosphere.” “Although it was a relatively small
meeting, people helped each other to make the meeting run
successfully.” The members who were ill are shining examples of
commitment. “I think we should Highlight the efforts of the
folks who were sick. Thanks.”: Wendy made sure we received her
Table Topics so that Dave S. could easily step into her role.
Meanwhile Jim, Inspiration in his hand, actually came! to help
us set up the room (conscientious Sgt. @ Arms that he is). Of
course we promptly sent him home to hot liquids and bed, but his
dedication was very much appreciated by everyone.
Two other always committed members were also Highlighted:
“Thanks to Li Ying and Dave S. for making the effort to be
there.” Li Ying had difficulties en route but was determined to
be there on time to host the Speech Section, and Dave took time
out from work just long enough to be at the meeting, and then
had to go back again!
Christine, our newest member, already knows what it’s like to be
a ‘seasoned Toastmaster’. She didn’t hesitate when asked to read
Jim’s Inspiration although she already had the first-time role
of Wizard of ‘Ahs’. “I liked the way people slipped into
unexpected roles so well, like Christine’s reading of the
Inspiration.” “Jim’s gem of an Inspiration: a little work of
art, which I personally think he should seek to publish. So
well-written, and so wonderfully read by Christine.” “I would
actually like a copy of Jim’s Inspiration, please.” (Now if we
only knew who made this request … There may be others of us who
were hoping for this as well, Jim.)
There was an interesting choice of theme - humility. It caused a
number of raised eyebrows, but “The meeting was warm even though
the theme was difficult.”
Many of the “wide variety of on-theme Table Topics Wendy had
prepared had a lighter spin – thank you Wendy”. “It was a good,
enjoyable Table Topics session, well run by Dave S.” “Dave
always gives his bridging a personal touch, as he did as Table
Topics Master this time. He is a great person to learn from.” “
I appreciated Dave’s excellent bridging between Table Topics
speakers and encouragement to all non-voluntary speakers.”
Some of the Table Topic speakers were also Highlighted:
“Jill’s excellent and dramatic gestures when describing her
daughter’s cat, Riley.”
“Dave F.’s courageous participation in Table Topics, despite the
fact that he was later giving his very first formal speech to
us.”
“Christine delivered a polished and interesting Table Topic
about the humility which arises when visitors enter her lingerie
store while her lingerie model is having a fitting.”
“Neville’s recounting of his ‘humbling experience’ navigating
the Tokyo subway system with Japanese signage only.”
Kudos went to the ‘1st Timers: Christine, Kate, Omar, Elena, and
Louise in their roles – Omar, Elena, and Christine for their
listening skills, and Kate for her speech evaluation. “The
Timer’s role looks so easy until you’ve had to concentrate on
every single thing.” Another example of having to concentrate on
every single thing was “Omar’s ability to do so well with his
Table Topic evaluations. He seemed to have all the right
criteria and still have time to spare. That’s my dream some
day…”
“I really loved Elena’s Word (‘unsung’) – it’s one of my
favorites and I was surprised it wasn’t used more than it was.
It was easy to pronounce, it was so versatile (given the theme),
and it fit really well with the evening. She thought outside the
box in finding that word. Good job!”
“Kate’s evaluation of Karen’s speech was wonderful, especially
as it was her first time. Good sandwich technique and I was
impressed by her hand gestures, body language and vocal
variety.” At the end of the evening she found she had won both
the Best Evaluator and Best Table Topic Speaker ribbons
“The Excellent Speeches were a Highlight for me, they were very
well presented. Good Evaluation.”
“Karen’s wonderfully organized and concise speech showing how to
increase creativity and a sense of safety in one’s office using
only the feng shui principles for placing and organizing one’s
desk. She is to be congratulated on her successful
first-time-use of a flip chart. Bravo!”
“Karen – Interesting feng shui.”
“I loved Dave F.’s speech on why he came to Toastmasters.”
“Dave F. – excellent humour.”
“Dave did an awesome job in his Icebreaker. Really good humour
and No Notes. Awesome for a first speech!”
And one person’s quote sums the evening up for all of us: “I had
a really great time!”
As always, ‘really great times’ should be repeated, so count on
coming next Monday November 27th for another unforgettable
experience as well. Here is hoping we will have even more guests
to share this time with us.
Club 1085
