Category: Beyond Victorians

Our last meeting on Tuesday 18th August was opened up by our club president Florian Bay, who highlighted the importance of overcoming one’s limits and always striving for more. Giving the example of one of our member’s brother, who completed the Arch to Arc triathlon from London to Paris. Taking on as Toastmaster of the evening was Eddie (well done Eddie for your first time as Toastmaster!)

Eddie introduced the functionaries of the helping one by one. First on stage was Toby as timekeeper, followed Alex as grammarian with “beholden” as word of the day and finally Eleanor as vote counter. Well done both Toby and Eleanor for your first roles!

Our first speaker introduced by Toastmaster Eddie was Eleanor. In her very informative speech “the Malleable Mind” Eleanor told us all there is to know about the human brain, its 90bn neurons and its changes during someone teenage years. Following on was Terry “Jolly hockey sticks” who recounted us is newly rekindled interest for Hockey and his present dilemma of what type of kit to purchase. Indeed, with sticks made up of wood, Kevlar or carbon fiber, there is plenty to choose from! Our following two speakers gave speeches from advanced manuals. Daniela started off with a speech from Speeches by Management “Well done!” whose objectives where to appraise with praise. After giving us general hindsight of what makes good feedback, with a key message of “highlight the positive”. Daniela the proceeded to do a roleplay exercise incorporating various feedback giving techniques. Our final speaker was Fahad with a project from the Public Relations manual “Know Yourself”. Fahad shared with us the key lessons he learnt by practicing Russian martial art, Systema and how it could be used both for self defence and for learning more about oneself.

Following the timekeeper’s report. Our Toastmaster Eddie called on tonight’s evaluators to give their evaluation of the speeches. Stephen evaluating Eleanor, recommended repeating complex words and sentences to enable better understanding. Joyce evaluation of Terry’s highlighted the need to pause for more often while speaking. Florian suggested that to give feedback even more effectively, Daniela should look at incorporating three way communication to her communication arsenal. Finally, Sergey evaluated Fahad’s speech.

Following the break, our Toastmaster Eddie reconvened the meeting and handed over to table topics master Edwin. Participants were asked to explain why their job was essential to mankind’s survival after a meteor strike. The jobs in question all exists and included manure inspector, paint dryer watcher and professional apologizer. The table topics session was evaluated by Thomas (well done for your first time as table topics evaluator!) who gave feedback on all the speakers.

Alex came back for his grammarian report as part of the meeting wrap-up. Followed by Indra of Harrovians Speakers as general evaluator of the evening.

See you all at our next meeting on September 1st!

Shortly after planning my Christmas break in Paris with my family, I could not resist the chance to have a look and wonder “perhaps one of Paris’ Toastmasters club will meeting while I am here”. Lo and behold, Toastmasters Expressions was due to meet on Monday 22^nd December. A brief e-mail exchange with friendly fellow president Emmanuelle followed and I was now general evaluator of this meeting!

Upon arrival I was welcomed by no less than the governor of the division encompassing Northern France, Odile scheduled to be our grammarian that evening. The familiar flurry of pre-meeting activity followed; tables and chairs laid out, agendas distributed and introductions made. Unlike most London based clubs, Toastmasters clubs in France follow a different format, with the Toastmasters only chairing the first half of the meeting comprising table topics and prepared speeches. The three speeches of the evening by Ladji, Aicha and Emmanuelle, comprised two speeches from the CC manual (Savoir Communiquer) and one advanced speech from the speaking to inform manual (Parler pour Informer). As befits the place, a buffet of bread, cheese, saucisson and wine brought by a club member crowned the break.

The evaluation section followed with myself introducing the four evaluators in turn, followed by the timekeeper and grammarian and concluded by a general evaluation. Carefully observing each evaluator in between introducing them, being an extra challenge to an already challenging but rewarding role!

Expressions lived up to its credentials as a well-established French speaking club, with three amazing speeches, supportive evaluations and a warm hospitable atmosphere!

Whenever you go don’t forget to check! There might be a club you can visit and where a role might be up for grabs! Toastmasters is your network of friendly and like-minded people cutting across borders, so what are you waiting for, use it!