The Incertitude: Fish, Tents, and Learning

TOASTMASTERS MEETING APRIL 16th 2014

As usual this was a very enjoyable meeting, highlighted by an Icebreaker speech and a Competent Communicator speech.

The meeting started bang on time with a greeting by our VP Education with a warm welcome. The Toastmaster Tom did a splendid job running the meeting.  Tom has a great ability to bring in little bits of wit.

The topics session with Ellen was lively with topics ranging from spring to blind dates. The topics were light-hearted and fun.

We were treated to three fine speeches:

• The icebreaker by John “A fishy tale” brought us smoothly from childhood fishing trips to fascinating research on the ocean and the people involved. Well done John.
• Donal's Stage 3 speech “What to consider when buying a tent”  was a speech to inform and left us in no doubt about how to assess a tent. It may have converted some to camping such are the improvements available. An excellent precise delivery.
• Pat's Stage 10, the completion of his first Toastmaster journey, “Still Learning” was to motivate and inspire and it certainly did that.  With a flawless delivery Pat took us on his educational journey from a teacher inspiring the importance of the 3 Rs and information finding to his learning in Toastmasters and left us in no doubt about its value. Congratulations Pat.

After the break  the three evaluators Tony, Pat and Frank did a splendid job all giving positive feedback and suggestions for improvement.  It is good to see the high standard of evaluation even among newer members.

Jenny had Incertitude  as the word of the night and reported good usage and that our grammar was up to the mark.

Yeheli as Ah counter gave a very detailed report; she was definitely listening.

Our Creative Corner, given by John, gave us the lessons learned in teaching under six football.  Get them engaged, know their names, finish on a high.  This was given with passion a high note to finish the meeting.

My own report as General Evaluator focused on the positive but also highlighted the fact that at the Topics Session during meeting people with roles are often given topics and some people do not get to speak unless they do an add on.  It is hard to see from the attendance sheet who has a role.  So  I am suggesting a solution and  giving a challenge. Why not have a sheet for those without a role to sign and give that to the Topics Master.  The challenge is to put your name on the sheet if you are role free on the night.

As usual a night of enjoyment and learning.

Frances