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 22nd 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!
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