Maxim
What I do is play soccer, which is what I like. Lionel Messi.
image source beinsports.tv
Participation
What we do is attend Toastmasters, which is what we like. On a night of european football (Bayern vs Barcelona) we held our own! 14 members, 6 guests, & 1 new member.
Was it worth giving up a night in the bar for an evening of Toastmasters? Absolutely.
American sportsman Ray Lewis said. “Don’t walk through life just playing football.. or being an athlete. Athletics will fade. Character and integrity and really making an impact on someone’s life. That’s the ultimate vision. That’s the ultimate goal.”
That’s what we also aim for, to develop ourselves and others around us.
Communication
We heard three prepared speeches from the 10-project Toastmasters basic and advanced speech manuals. Our speakers were Cezar, delivering a PR speech on TM; Moritz delivering an advanced speech on developing rapport with the audience, and Bertalan delivering the club’s first speech in german for a good long time, which touched on his favourite subject, mind mapping.
The best feedback and evaluation one can give is that which encourages and leads to growth. Growth oriented, realistic, and nurturing evaluations were given by Ben, Barbara, and Mirja.
Impromptu speaking is what we do every day. the more you practice, the more at ease you will be when faced with the unexpected interview, encounter, or demand. Our impromptu ‘Table Topics’ speaking session was run by Martin: Barbara, Andrei, our guest Linda, and Isabelle all coped with the fun and easy going topics thrown at them.
Organisation
Meeting manager Olaf, our Toastmaster of the Evening, gave nothing away to let on that this is his first TME roll. His meeting was punctual, focussed, and calm. Our general evaluator Moritz helps us on a path of continual improvement. His, and other comments on the night, included the following observations.
- Great moderation by first-time-meeting-manager Olaf.
- Ensure that there are enough agendas for everyone.
- Write up the speakers’ emails in advance, so members can give instant feedback using the Evaluate Me app.
- The 2 minutes given over to written evaluation were very well presented.
- Avoid having people fill two rolls at one meeting. It is difficult or impossible to concentrate on two things simultaneously. Of course, this depends on member attendance, and forward planning and communication.
- The Sergeant at Arms can delegate setting up the room at the beginning, such as unpacking the gavel, hanging banners, distributing the guest book. Members who arrive early can offer help, so we are ready to start the meeting on time.
- Invest in a flip chart holder or the self-sticky version.
- Procure a hanger for the club banner which hung crookedly.
- Avoid selecting a Table Topics participant if you see that they are in the middle of writing an evaluation. Again, two tasks is too much for full concentration.
Competition news
We recognised Eleonore, Barbara, and Mirja who participated at Area and for Eleonore, Division level contest.
Club election
We will devote a small part of our next meeting on 20th May to elect a new committee, whose term runs from 1st July.
We need 50% of the club members to be present for the election to be valid.
To take a roll, or just to find out what it involves, email your club president, or contact any of the current club officers via our Easy Speak site..
New members
We formally welcomed new members Radu and Richa, who can now schedule their first speech with our VP Education Claire.
Next meetings
Our next meetings are on 20 May, 3rd June, & 17th June.
Best regards
Ben
Club President 2014-2015
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