WHAT A FUN EVENING! -- From a Wordsmith who couldn’t pronounce
his word-of -the-night -- to a unique Table Topics session
(where I would have gladly volunteered to be a victim if I
didn’t already have a major role) – to ending with three
fabulous speeches. There is nothing Machiavellian about why our
membership is on the increase.
In keeping with our theme (Gardens & Gardeners) -- Albert L. is
our newest member to join our gardening circle. Welcome Albert.
Kate E. is always a vision of the charming Chairperson – and
tonight was no exception!
Dave A. was poised and confident as he inspired us with
eco-culture in Jordan – researcher vs. locals – an experiment in
cultivating rural land.
Our Wizardress of Ahs Barbara M. kept us on our toes as we gave
it our all in avoiding those tempting filler words.
A great word was revealed by Jim S. our Wordsmith –
Machiavellian. Jim had some good catches of quotable quotes for
the evening – “Nicolai Machiavelli would be impressed tonight!”
Steve Z our Timer explained his role with improved clarity –
gaining more confidence each time he speaks.
In a very original style our Table Topics Master Jan K.
presented a photo of flowers and three random words to be used
in each of the following TT:
Dave A. who said he doesn’t know one flower from the next, used
great wordsmithery when referring to the Daffodil – “These
little miracles of nature…perched precariously…”
The Sunflower reminded Barbara M. of a saloon up in Juno, where
there were no flowers, but there were a few shmucks.
In Chinese Steve Z. informed us that the Pansy is call the
“butterfly flower”.
The Water Lily reminded Albert L. of a wedding in the desert.
The beautiful Daisy was Christina R.’s flower – she is a
wonderful storyteller – moving smoothly from one element and
word to the next.
The Orchid reminded Jim S. of spring planting at his house.
Evaluating the Table Topics session was Michelle F. who
encouraged all of us to lie in our T.T.’s!
“To the Beauty of Flowers” was the toast by our Toastmaster for
the evening, Christina R.
Barbara M. gave an impressive Icebreaker speech – WITH NO NOTES
– I’m in awe Barbara! We gained a glimpse into her young life as
a competitive figure skater – and how she was inspired by one of
her room mates in the Banff School of Fine Arts dance programme.
Jim S. is a dynamic and organized evaluator and his record is
still going strong. He was very appreciative of Barbara’s
posture at the lectern, and her ability to speak without notes.
Jane A. gave a funny and suspense-filled speech that involved a
ski rope tow and a ‘double-dare’ that happened to her when she
was very young. She had lots of vocal variety combined with a
wonderful use of word images and accompanying gestures.
Karen A. evaluated Jane’s speech with appreciation and an
enthusiastic opening – sharing her enthusiasm for Jane’s speech
with the group and warmly delivering praise with specific
examples. Karen’s evaluation was an excellent model of how an
evaluation of one person’s speech can teach something to all of
us! Well done!
Diane C. gave a wonderfully entertaining tale – she is the
consummate storyteller – a wonderful collection of animated
animal characters.
First-time evaluator Jennifer S. gave a very good analysis of
the story elements in Diane’s speech – showing appreciation of
Diane’s characters and story-telling techniques.
Our round-robin general evaluation praised all participants for
their contribution and was a perfect ending to a most enjoyable
evening!
Thanks Jan K. for those great refreshments!
Our next Toastmasters meeting will be Monday, June 2nd, at
7:15pm in our regular location. Come join us in "Learning
Through Fun and Friendship".
Club 1085
