Our Valentine Dinner Meeting at Cheers Restaurant in North
Vancouver was so successful that several members exalted “Both
speeches this evening were fantastic – so fantastic that I would
suggest that they were worthy of a paying audience!” The success
of this evening as a whole was generally reflected in all of the
Highlights we received. Here are a few of them: “What an
enjoyable dinner meeting! Guests were like old friends, and
humour was constant through the evening.” “Nice to see so many
spouses/partners.” “All of the members and guests who attended
participated with enthusiasm and real exuberance. It was
impressive!”
“Both Jim, as Chairman, and Ruth, as Toastmaster, ran excellent
sessions without being showmen.”:
“I think all of us appreciated the leadership demonstrated by
Jim, taking charge of every aspect of this meeting.” “He was
very effective in his commentary, as it was short and succinct.
His expressed views in the theme set the tone for the meeting
and established a direct connection to the audience. He was
truly in his element and gave good introductions.” “His humour
made the meeting really flow. He is a natural Master of
Ceremonies.”
“Ruth was clearly well prepared in every way for her role, and
her Toast was excellent.” “Great Toast – clear, strong words – a
confident speaker.” “The Toast of setting goals and acting on
them was a Highlight. ‘Do it with passion and persistence.”
“Ruth’s insistence that persistence is an active ingredient in
that about which we are passionate resonated with me.”
The Speakers Ruth introduced were rewarded with numerous
favorable comments:
“Both speeches has us laughing and entertained.” “They
entertained us immensely! It was nice to hear Jan’s Ice Breaker
speech. He has a lot to offer us!” “They were both superb: Very
much enjoyed Jan’s life and Don’s humour.” “Jan’s speech was
very informative – such an interesting life.” “He has had a very
full and interesting 94 years, half of which was spent in Norway
and half in Canada. He has so much more to share with us.” “I
especially enjoyed the many interesting historical tidbits
throughout his Ice Breaker.” Many respondents highlighted Jan’s
advice: “Never look back.” “Live life while you have life to
live; give love while you have love to give.” Jan, himself,
wrote: “One of my Highlights was the opportunity to speak after
enjoying one and a half glasses of wine and feeling the
difference it makes – less shyness, and less memory – I forgot
the protocol to shake hands. It was a fun nite!”
“I enjoyed Don’s speech very much.” “His speech about public
speaking jitters was a story to which we could all relate.”
“This wonderfully humorous and sincere tale of his development
as a Toastmaster was a delight, especially the anecdotes about
the many excuses his family used to get out of listening to him
practice his speeches. My favorite one of these? ‘Verbal
abuse’!” “Don’s humour has completed the menu!”
Jan very much appreciated the reminder to us all – *please take
note* - that Jan rhymes with Don and the ‘J’ is soft, like a
‘Y’.
A big thank you to Katie E., a spouse and former Toastmaster,
for having her arm gently twisted into taking on a major role on
this evening’s Agenda. Her experience was evident, as you will
see from the most favorable comments she received:
“It was terrific to see Katie E. in a major role.” “What a great
job our guest Table Topics Master did! Everything done like a
pro.” “She did an awesome job - Excellent questions.” “She
followed protocol and formulated superb topics for us.” “All
participants had fun with the Table topics and Katie was
innovative and imaginative in her chosen topics. Her manner is
very smooth, effective, and straightforward.” “This session
flowed flawlessly with the ease and fluidity of its host.”
“All the participants had fun with the Table Topics.” “This
session was one of the best I’ve seen. Competition was really
fierce. In my opinion, several of the contestants could be
praised for sterling performances, particularly Hilary, (the
other) Kate E., Li-Ying, and Jan.” Many others were in agreement
with this praise: “I enjoyed Hilary’s wide scope in her
perspective on the wonders and values of Valentine’s Day. Also
her fantastic sense of humour in describing the rather phobic
reaction of single men towards this day.” “Hilary’s Table Topic
was very funny, and so true for us single women!” “Li-Ying had
wonderful and comic advice about listening to love songs when
your partner is not home!” “I liked Jan’s frank confession about
being passionate about the company of many women.” “Kent
delivered a great Table Topic – good use of hand gestures and
good pacing.” And a drum roll for the winners of this
terrifically ‘fierce competition … Hilary and Jan
“Jill’s Evaluation of these speeches was professional,
instructive, and without a doubt sincere.”
Hilary’s Inspiration was a Highlight for many of us – for
example: “What a delightful Inspiration.” “Loved it!” “Hilary
gave an excellent inspiration sincerely straight to us without
any notes and reflecting the theme for the night. It certainly
elicited a positive response.” “Was moved by the Inspiration
about the kindred spirit we share with our animal friends.” “It
was wonderful – she drew a good message through the telling of a
warm story.”
Karen’s ‘Word of the Evening’, “spoony” was a well-incorporated
hit with us – it fit in so well with the dinner meeting mood,
and the Valentine theme: ““Spoony got amazing air time!” “It was
used extensively and added an element of levity to the meeting
because of its whimsical nature.”
Stuart won the ribbon for his General Evaluation, with comments
that ran from “His evaluation skills have greatly improved of
late.” to an even better, “As usual, we had a meticulous General
Evaluation by Stuart Manning. He had specific examples for
everyone. Good observations from an experienced observer”.
“Li Ying can always be counted on to listen well and fine us for
our ‘ahs’ – good going!” Yes, our little piggy bank is fattening
up yet again. Since this is the Year of the Pig, unless we pull
our socks up smartly, this will be one happily satisfied little
critter.
We will be back in our regular meeting place next Monday –
February 19th. The Theme will be “The Year of the Pig”, and is
already shaping up to carry on this Fun and Friendship as we
practice and help each other with our skills. Guests are always
encouraged to come along and enjoy an evening with us to see if
this is something you would like to do.
Meanwhile … “Our Valentine Dinner Meeting proved to be a great
and entertaining evening!” “Great fun generally … the ambiance
and the social fun generally added to a most enjoyable time.”
Club 1085
