From brain-twisting table topics to a riveting speech of
mountaineering adventure, tonight was fast-paced and jam packed
with action! Several members highlighted enjoying “all the
guests who attended the meeting” and meeting “such positive
people.” Our evening began with Jane’s introduction of the
Chairman; “her manner was very warm, and she even announced best
wishes on his 95th birthday!” Chairman Jan F,“95 years young”,
both “warmed and inspired us” with his “habitual sparkle and
humour.” “I enjoyed Jan F’s good exemplary story about avoiding
controversy [the theme of the evening] and choosing to make
peace instead.”
Jokemaster Wing Lee “kept us in suspense, and then had us in
stitches!” His “comic timing” and “great delivery of a punchline”
were highlighted this evening. Inspirator Christina “treated us
to a great and thought-provoking quote by Robert Frost” and put
her inspiration into context with “the personal touch of an
anecdote from her own life.” “Very enjoyable inspiration!”
“Congratulations to Jane as Wizard of Ahs for being able to
deliver her introduction note-free!” “She was a relaxed yet
attentive Wizard.” Dave A. gave “an excellent explanation” of
his role as Timer, and was praised for his “great use of humour.”
Table Topics Master Li-Ying was highlighted by all for her
creative “twisted” Table Topics. Each participant received a
topic, and had half their table topic time to defend the topic,
and the other half to speak against it. Participants found it
“challenging, but immensely fun both to do and to watch.” From
the merits of school uniforms, calculators and mandatory
retirement, to fast food and the slender Santa Claus, the
audience was treated to a full round of pros and cons. One
participant wrote, “I especially enjoyed switching from negative
to positive.” Another commented: “What a mind-bender! This would
be good training for politicians!” “The great variety of table
topics” themselves provided “depth and entertainment in a very
stimulating first half of the meeting.”
Table Topics Evaluator Karen gave “excellent feedback”, and
“demonstrated for newer members excellent use of the sandwich
method.” “Such an appreciative evaluator!”
Jan K. “thoughtfully and thoroughly explored the theme of
controversy” as Toastmaster. “I especially liked Jan K’s
observation that, ‘If you don’t have a strong opinion by the
time you’re forty, you’re going to be a pretty boring person.’”
“Jan K. piqued my interest with her take on controversy as a
really positive element.” Her introduction of speaker Diane was
well-prepared, and she “did a good job of taking time to
explain, for the benefit of those of us who are new, the
differences between the manuals we are working out of.”
Everyone was “blown away by Diane’s speech”. In fact, we might
as well have been almost blown off the mountain with her, it was
“such a gripping tale” and told with “such dramatic description
and vivid imagery.” “What a treat” to listen to “such a dynamic
advanced speaker” “entertain us with her tale of climbing up Mt.
Fuji in a typhoon!” “A great introduction to a new member and a
wonderful speaker!” Diane was richly rewarded by Jill, who said
that, during Diane’s speech, “I wanted to listen more than I
wanted to write notes down.” High praise from an experienced
evaluator. Jill’s evaluation was “well-delivered” and Jill was
also praised for her “constructive and helpful comments on extra
elements that Diane had wanted her to critique.”
To conclude the evening, Kate delivered a “great”, “speedy” and
“thorough General Evaluation”, and guests made some very
positive comments about the “very nice ambiance” and the “great
pace” of the “highly entertaining evening.” What more could we
hope for in a Toastmasters meeting?
Everyone is welcome to join us next Monday, February 4th, 2008
in “Learning Through Fun and Friendship”. We look forward to
seeing many familiar faces and some new ones!
AND… For those of you who have been wondering about the missing
Highlights for the past two months, there are alive and well.
Please CLICK HERE for Highlights from December and January.
Club 1085
