Tonight’s theme was “Threads”, and it is no surprise that the
evening’s tapestry was full of colour, as it was woven by so
many expert weavers of words. Club President Jim was praised for
his “introduction of the members of the Club Executive
Committee” at the beginning of the meeting, as a few newer
members “hadn’t known what roles everyone played”. Club members
warmly applauded the introduction of Dave A. as a new executive
member, as he steps into the role of Sergeant at Arms.
Wing Lee “peppered the meeting with his endless humour and
storytelling” as Chairman. One Toastmaster wrote, “I especially
enjoyed Wing Lee’s interesting description of the Chinese
celebration of the Lunar New Year.”
Wordsmith Jan F’s word “celebrate” was well used. He was
highlighted for his humour in explaining that the word was “not
to be confused with celibate!” Jan F’s humour was matched by
Jokemaster Diane, who received huge applause for her “very
creative” “For Women Only” hotel joke. It was “well-paced and
humourously told.” “Diane has good intonation when she tells a
joke or story.” “I really enjoyed Jill’s inspiration in honour
of Jan F., who just turned 95.” “How perfect: an inspiration
about a man who is an inspiration to all of us at North Shore
Toastmasters!” In his introduction to his role as Wizard of Ahs,
“Jim gave excellent -- and humourous – examples of what he’d be
looking for.” “As always, Jim is speedy and accurate.” “His
introduction to Wizard of Ahs was entertaining and fun!” “Jan K.
outdid herself in her role as Timer: not only did she explain
and perform her role perfectly, but also she provided the club
with a new bell! Thanks, Jan K.!”
First time Table Topics Master Susan was heartily praised by
all. “Susan’s intro was clear, concise and creative.” “She had
really great questions, and elicited great stories from all.” “I
loved the Table Topics! Susan gave us lots of wonderful prompts
on which to speak!” One guest, who courageously participated in
the Table Topics session, commented that “the Table Topics were
both interesting and entertaining.” “I especially enjoyed the
theme of threads and weaving through life. Very fun!” But her
topics were not all that Susan received kudos for: she was also
complimented on her bridging: “Great bridging, Susan! Tackled
the role like a pro!”
Hilary had “great positive energy” in her Table Topics
Evaluation. “She had good catches particular to each person’s
speech.” “I liked her advice not to be apologetic about
something you don’t know as a speaker, but rather to finesse it
so that the audience doesn’t ever know.” “Very little escaped
Hilary’s gentle eagle eye; she gave constructive feedback with
warmth and humour.”
The second half of the evening was both humorous and
instructive. Kate was praised for “her creative toast to
‘community weavers’”, and the audience was treated to two
fabulous speeches. The first speech, an icebreaker, by Michelle,
explored the theme of “The More Things Change, the More They
Stay the Same.” “I loved Michelle’s humour!” “Excellent poise
for a beginning speaker.” “Michelle was relaxed, had good pacing
and great vocals.” “My highlight this evening was Michelle’s Ice
Breaker: well-written, well-delivered.” Karen’s evaluation of
Michelle’s speech was “very personable” and “highly instructive,
without ever sounding critical.” “I liked that Karen explained
fully what elements are and what elements are not looked at in
an ice breaker speech.”
Christina was the second speaker, and delivered her second
speech, entitled “Environmental Alarmism” to the club. “I loved
the way she framed her speech: the threads of the ‘Chicken
Little’ story really enhanced her own message.” “Christina’s
speech was thought-provoking and entertaining.” “She made us ask
ourselves: ‘Is the sky really falling?’” “A highlight for me was
Christina’s speech. I loved the bits of humour she wove into her
serious speech. – Especially several historical mispredictions,
like the people who predicted the extinction of the Chihuahua
dog. Somebody tell Paris Hilton!” “Her speech highlighted for me
some of the surprising contradictions in our effort to become a
more sustainable and environmental society.” Diane, in
evaluating Christina’s speech, “gave good specific examples, and
had great pick-ups.” “Diane had excellent gestures, which
enhanced and illustrated her constructive comments.”
General Evaluator Li-Ying delivered “a fast-paced evaluation
with her characteristic humour and energy.” “Li-Ying is so
thorough: she was able to give a constructive comment to
everyone!” “Great sandwiching, Li-Ying!” One of several
highlights of the evening, was the participation of guests, who
seemed to enjoy themselves. And one member said her highlight
was quite simply: “Bringing my first guest to our meeting.” And,
with such a successful meeting, who wouldn’t be proud to bring a
guest?
Club 1085
