It is always special when someone speak for the first time in Toastmasters and begins their journey as a speaker and leader. In our last meeting we’re privileged to have three of our members taking to the stage to speak for their icebreakers speeches!
Toastmastering the evening was Thomas whose theme of the meeting was “childhood phases”. Assisting him as timekeeper was Karen, followed by master of the spoken word Nuala as grammarian with “prosper” as word of the day. Prateek took on the harkmaster role and Andy assisted as vote counter.
First to speak was Tarjei “T.J” with “The power to believe” focusing attitudes towards dreaming big and in how in his native Norway dreaming big is frown upon. Though at the end of the day one should never forget that attitude not aptitude is what fundamentally matters. Second to speak was Mayo “Overcoming adversity”. Mayo decided to speak on how from his childhood in Nigeria to moving to the UK at 13 he had to overcome adversity beginning with racism. But how he nevertheless hanged on to his ambitions to achieve them and graduate with high grades. Third to speak was John “The best thing since” giving the example of how baby giraffes come to the world through a 8ft drop to illustrate the importance of believing in oneself and being strong. “Fire & Ice” was the title of Edwin’s speech where he spoke about his grandparents, their very different personalities and how their shaped him. Our final speaker of the evening was Joyce “Smile” who set out to speak on the importance of smiling in order to communicate effectively.
Evaluating tonight’s speakers were AK, Yvonne, Stephen, Fahad and Kate. Feedback to our speakers tonight including more eye contact. More vocal variety and the importance of using the correct gestures at the correct time. This was alongside praise for the very vivid language used by some speakers and the intriguing titles of some.
To keep ourselves on the edge as we could be asked to speak at any time during the session. Table topics master Isabelle selected table topics questions on the theme of childhood ranging from fashion styles when younger to favorite cartoon characters. Eleanor then evaluated the table topics session giving feedback on each of the speakers.
The meeting was wrapped up with Naula’s and Prateek’s reports followed by a general evaluation by senior Toastmaster Jakub.
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