“What a fabulous meeting!” We had several guests, two inductions
of new members, two first-time roles and two stellar speeches.
The comments people made tonight were indicative of the high
level of participation and enthusiasm in our meeting. One member
commented: “18 attendees made this wet, dark, Monday night the
highlight of the day.”
Hilary excelled in her role as Chairman, “demonstrating
flexibility when faced with a variety of agenda changes”, and
ran a full meeting that ended on time. She was lauded for her
“relaxed and down to earth manner at the lectern”. This is
something she commented on herself, that “to be oneself is the
best response to the challenge of leadership.”
The induction ceremony, carried out by Dave S., was “carried off
with humour yet appropriate decorum”, as everyone welcomed two
new members to the club. Our guest, Area Governor, Marjon
Hollander, who generously offered to fill in as Wordsmith, was
praised for her “well-chosen word” (“elementary”), which was
“used several times” throughout the meeting. She was praised as
“a real trouper” and for her “great ear for some good images
from our Table Topics and speakers”. Dave A. received accolades
for his “great explanations and clear voice” in his role as
Wizard of Ahs. And Jessica, “as she promised, kept accurate
track of all times” and delivered a “confident explanation and
report” in her role as Timer.
People seemed intrigued by the “very original theme” of the
evening (elements), which “gave everybody a chance to be very
creative and thoughtful”. “Kate’s table topics were creative and
stimulated creativity in responses.” She was also complimented
on her “great bridging”.
“I loved everyone’s table topic answer: they were simple and
personal.” “I loved all the guests giving table topics a whirl!
Kudos!” “All of the guests participated in the table topics and
did a wonderful job.” From helicopter pilots and beached boats
to raising a teenager and the non-destructive side of the
elements, all of the speeches were captivating and diverse in
their scope. Jan F. won first place with his fantastical table
topic about dragons.
Jill’s performance as Table Topics Evaluator was praised, as
“she managed to fit a great number of evaluations into a short
period of time, finding both positive and constructive elements
to comment on for each person.” “I liked Jill’s specific
examples in her comments on the table topics speeches.”
“Jan K. did a great job as Toastmaster – I loved her opening.”
“An excellent toast by Jan K. incorporating the astrological
signs into the theme and toast.” “I was pleased to learn from
Jan K.’s toast that my sign has great recuperative powers!” She
was also praised for her “informative introduction to the
speeches” which was, for our guests, “an excellent introduction
to what Toastmasters is all about”.
Karen and Jim gave speeches, “both exceptional in every
respect.” “Karen’s speech (‘Bubble Gum and Campfires’) and
memories of her childhood vacation were heartwarming, and Jim’s
suggestion of a $2.00 increase in gas tax “froze” my heart (‘Sinclairnomics’).”
“Karen’s speech was excellent, bringing back some summer
memories of my own. We didn’t have the crazy neighbour waving
the flaming stick, but we did have the campfire.” “Karen’s
speech made me nostalgic for the simplicity of my childhood.” “I
loved the historical background about Karen’s ancestors, and the
part about the stage coach in B.C.” Although Jim’s suggestions
for pollution reduction shocked many, especially his “startling
introduction”, others felt that “Jim’s presentation carried good
logical reasoning” and was “very persuasive”. Whatever the case,
it was delivered with his “customary wit and high energy”, and
certainly “captured and held our attention”. One member wrote
that “Jim’s visuals were the best kind: simple and easy to
follow.”
Delene, who won the ribbon for Best Evaluator of the evening,
received praise as first-time evaluator for her “great
evaluation” of Karen’s speech. “Her good ear for language detail
was a highlight for me: great specific examples!”
Dave S., “despite being slightly alarmed at Jim’s suggestion of
a two dollar gas tax, delivered an excellent evaluation of a
thought-provoking speech.” He “entertained while evaluating:
what a talent!”
As there was no General Evaluator for the evening, Hilary
facilitated a “great round robin” evaluation, where each person
present made a positive comment about an element of the meeting
he/she had enjoyed. One member commented that “a highlight was
Dave S.’s very positive self-evaluation of his role in inducting
the new members”.
Everyone is welcome to join us next Monday, October 22, 2007 in
“Learning Through Fun and Friendship”. We look forward to seeing
many familiar faces and some new ones!
Club 1085
