Edwin our acting President opened a very warm meeting – literally! The room had never been hotter in the story of London Victorians. Nonetheless a great crowd of 20+ members, new guests, repeating guests and Toastmasters from other clubs joined us at the Pub for a super tropical meeting.
Hiram as Toastmaster of the Day introduced his team for the evening: Yvonne as Timer for the first time, Alex ditto as Grammarian urging us to use the word RESPECT, and Steve as Vote Counter. With so many new members it is wonderful to see them grow and take new roles for the first time. Well done guys!
Eddie was up first in the speaking row with Speech #2 on how technology and mobile and change our world. He highlighted the power we gained with having the world in our hands, but also warned us of the distraction it can prove to be – and how we need to stay human. Eleanor, also doing Speech #2, was quite contrasting as she depicted private moments in medieval times, very unlike our superconnected, very public and shared-on-Facebook world today! Her speech described vividly what personal space meant in an age where people shared living and sleeping rooms. Desire for privacy was solved, ironically, outdoors. And Prateek in his Speech #4 took us up in the sky by sharing a vivid memory of his first time skydiving and how that taught him a lesson for life.
We had then our Evaluation section, essential for improving as a Toastmaster. Edwin in his double role evaluated Eddie, Rosie did the same for Eleanor and Marina provided feedback and tips for Prateek. As well as the speech objectives themselves, evaluations challenged speakers on the use of voice power, how to build suspense, pace the speech, use the stage and leverage body motions to give the speech more purpose and power.
Just before the break our Sargent at Arms Prateek narrated his story in the Club after just four months being a Toastmaster, and invited the guests to introduce themselves. James, Harry, Jessica, Barbara, and Winston were some of our new guests and Sandra and Abby as repeating guests are considering joining us. Chris and Edem from sister clubs were thrilled to see the vibrant atmosphere in London Victorians.
Alex led a fun Table Topics session on “first times” such as your first day driving, your first meeting or the first job (which included washing the boss’s car, apparently – at least in Hiram’s case). A mix of guests and members including Winston, Chris, Steve, Hiram, Sandra, Marina, Prateek braved it out on the stage and made us laugh.
Eddie also double role as TT Evaluator ran through our topic speeches providing useful tips to everyone. A challenging role beautifully delivered in his very first time doing it!
After our GE Edem had delivered his view and recommendations for improving our meetings, and Timer Yvonne and Grammarian Alex had provided their reports, it was time for awards. Vote counter Steve tallied vote slips to present Edwin with the best Table Topic, Marina with the best Evaluator ribbon and Prateek with the best Speaker ribbon.
A hot and brilliant meeting to inaugurate London Victorians first summer!
See you next week, July 7th!
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