Music, Kind Words and Encouragement

 Luke, the evening’s Toastmaster, introduced the role-holders to explain their roles. With Eoin on Timer duty and Adrian counting “Ah’s”, Carl provided “Seamless” as the word of the day and listened for interesting language use.

Avril, as Topics Master delved into such varied subjects as a united Ireland, confectionery preferences and stalking legislation.

In an icebreaker speech, Miguel brought us on his journey towards being a filmmaker, from his first visit to a movie theatre through receiving some restrictive and negative advice to realising the magic of film and developing an authentic voice.

In a speech titled “Does the Spoken Word Matter” Frances gave us examples of being mentored from an early age by her grandfather, in the girl guides and in Toastmasters.  Using the metaphor of media developing from silent movies through the “talkies” through to talking with our thumbs, she drew our attention to the power of the spoken word to drive emotion and empathy, and in some cases for a few kind words - the “sweet music of speech” - to save the desperate.

Kathy followed with a speech “Encouragement” using vocal variety and body language to the full.  This drew our attention to the power of encouragement in different cultural contexts and to its importance in giving a sense of belonging, connection and togetherness.  Examples varied from a sporting context, bomb disposal and simply silently comforting someone in distress.

After a break for refreshments and evaluator-speaker chats we returned with Warren running the meeting as General Evaluator and introducing the speech evaluators...

Martin drew attention to Miguel’s use of vivid images and encouraged his increased use of pauses.

Jane noted Frances’ use of slower speed to indicate the important parts of her speech and suggested increased use of spoken word and of eye contact.

In evaluating Kathy’s speech, Mona drew our attention to hand movements, walking to use the speaking area and varying voice loudness.

In a perceptive general evaluation of the meeting Warren identified the highlights and noted the use of storytelling in all speeches.

Ivi rounded off the meeting with a Creative Corner prompted by his love of chess

You almost had royalty on her knees

With that weapon you call love

But I'm sorry if no one told you

Queens don't bow for common blood

You nearly destroyed a kingdom

Almost killed her highness with a lie

Though apparently you didn't know

Queens from hell don't die

You just about finished her off

The pain you caused almost knocked her from the throne

But I guess you weren't informed

A king never leaves his queen to fall alone

You played her like a pawn

And pulled the heart right from her chest

But she's still standing beside her king

Protected by her knights as in a game of chess

 Tatianna Rei Moonshadow