Meeting Report: 9th October 2017

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Introduction

Bloomsbury Speakers held their latest regular meeting on Monday 9th October at Wedge Issue Pizza. Four brilliant speeches were followed by a table topics session which got us laughing from beginning to end!

Roles

The meeting kicked off with a welcome speech from the President of the Club Peter R who reminded everyone that Toastmasters is about learning to communicate, but also to interact with people and to inspire others. Toastmaster Matt then took over the reins of the meeting and introduced the theme of the evening – “danger”. He started by describing a near death experience he had on a plane to Panama but stopped abruptly and invited us all to be present for his next speech in November to find out more! He introduced Grammarian Andy and Timekeeper Swarajit.

Prepared speeches

The first speech was by Yamina with her Competent Communicator Speech #3 “All is Knowledge”. She questioned what knowledge is and whether it really all boils down to what we are taught in school. We can learn a great deal from family, oral traditions… even bad dates! Knowledge is all around us and we should accept it in whatever form it comes to us.

The second speaker was Luisa was her Competent Communicator Speech #4 “The Power of Now”. Luisa explored the causes of modern stress and gave us some tips on how to deal with it. She recommended that we all integrate some mindfulness into our lives to give ourselves a break from our constant internal monologue.

Next to speak was Raymond with his Competent Communicator Speech #5 “Things Can Only Get Better”, who described the worst day of his life. After injuring himself during a hiking accident in Canada, getting fined for drinking a pint and walking for miles with a blood-drenched shirt, he went to sleep in his tent happy that the day was over… before a bear entered to steal his stuff!

The last speech was Competent Communicator Speech #7 “Why Good Food is Good” by Julian. Julian took us on a multi-sensory journey whilst recalling the best meal he ever had, which was in Bali at a French-Indonesian restaurant. We were left feeling very hungry indeed! Julian also gave his official goodbyes to the club, as he would be moving to Australia at the weekend – good luck Julian!

Lei then led the guest introductions.

Table Topics

After the break, we heard from the four speech evaluators – Sheldon, Helen, Rupert and Michelle.

Chantal then led a fantastic table topics session, in which Andy, Sheldon, Leanne, Julian, Rupert, Ed and Matt participated. Highlights included Sheldon’s explanation of the meaning of the word “bumfuzzle” and the biggest mystery ever existed according to Julian, i.e. who founded the Wedge Issue Pizza all those years ago!

Lei evaluated all table topics speakers.

Grammarian Andy then updated us on  how many times  the word of the day “apocryphal” had been used – unsurprisingly…. not many!

Finally, visiting General Evaluator Alex evaluated our club and the meeting.

To say we did not enjoy the meeting would be an incredibly apocryphal statement!

Awards

Best Speaker: Raymond

Best Evaluator: Helen

Best Table Topic: Leanne

Next meeting

The next regular meeting will take place at Wedge Issue Pizza & Beer (91-95 Clerkenwell Rd, London EC1R 5BX), on Monday 23rd October 18:30-21:00. Come over to practice your public speaking skills and enjoy delicious free pizza!

Please feel free to get in touch at info@bloomsburyspeakers.org.uk if you have any questions.

Meeting Report: 25th September 2017

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Introduction

Bloomsbury Speakers held their latest regular meeting on Monday 25th September at Wedge Issue Pizza. The quality of the prepared speeches was high and the table topics session was particularly funny!

Roles

The meeting started with a welcome speech from the President of the Club Peter R who commented on how being part of a Toastmasters club is useful and inspiring at the same time. He introduced Toastmaster Sheldon who announced that the theme of the meeting would be “competition”: he pointed out that although many of us get a kick out of competing to win, Toastmasters is all about pushing ourselves and supporting each other in the process. He introduced Timekeeper Chantal and Grammarian Margarita.

Prepared speeches

The first speaker was Sofia with her Ice Breaker Speech “Sofia’s world”. Addressing who she is, where she comes from and where she is going, Sofia gave us a personal insight into their life growing up in China, her professional and personal interests, and her dream to spend 30% of her time working and the remaining 70% travelling, playing music and coaching people.

The second speaker was Agnes with her thought-provoking Competent Communicator Speech #9 “Testosterone”. She argued that the world needs more women in leadership positions, as too much testosterone can result in bad decision-making. She clarified that she wasn’t suggesting castrating male leaders (!) but that we should be teaching young girls that they can do anything they want.

The last speech was Competent Communicator Speech #2 “My Daily Happiness Routine” by Lei, who asked us whether any of us followed a daily happiness routine. She commented that we are so busy pursuing what we don’t have that we sometimes forget to notice and appreciate the little things that happen during the day that make us happy, such as good weather and being part of a friendly and supportive environment at Toastmasters.

Luisa led the guest introductions.

Evaluations and Table Topics

After the break, we heard from the three speech evaluators – Peter R, Raymond and Yamina.

Then Rupert led a great table topics session focused on the general theme of the meeting – competition – and Sebastian, Eva, Margarita, Danielle, Ed, Peter R, Luisa and Yamina participated. Highlights included Sebastian’s account of the worst competition he has ever participated in (i.e. a Toastmasters one!) and Margarita’s interesting view on whether cheating during exams is acceptable (is wearing a short skirt to impress the male examiners cheating?).

Swarajit evaluated all table topic speakers.

Grammarian Margarita then presented her report and updated us on the use of the word of the day “invigorate” throughout the meeting.

Finally, visiting General Evaluator Anthony evaluated our club and the meeting.

One thing is for sure: we all felt much more invigorated after the meeting!

Awards

Best Speaker: Lei

Best Evaluator: Peter R

Best Table Topic: Yamina

Next meeting

The next regular meeting will take place at Wedge Issue Pizza & Beer (91-95 Clerkenwell Rd, London EC1R 5BX), on Monday 9th October 18:30-21:00. Come over to practice your public speaking skills and enjoy delicious free pizza!

Please feel free to get in touch at info@bloomsburyspeakers.org.uk if you have any questions.