Despite the strike by staff at London Underground we had an intrepid 15 people, including 5 guests from other clubs, attend the first meeting of the new Toastmasters year. And a cracker of a meeting it was too! Our guests were Stella from Kings Cross Speakers, Mary from Isis Speakers near Oxford, Jeremy from Bank Speakers, Catherine from London Olympians and Sue had brought her dad along!
Our new President, Freddie, opened proceedings, explaining that Excalibur is the club for those Toastmasters focussed on developing their speaking skills but who were looking for the best feedback to help them progress. He then suggested that each member set speaking goals for the coming Toastmasters year.
Our Toastmaster, Katja, having just joined the club, show what an asset she will be. She expertly guided the meeting, making everyone feel that they were welcome and in safe hands.
Our timekeeper Paul gave a succinct overview of the timers role. This was followed Table Topics, chaired by Francesca. Her theme was mentoring, a topic close to everyone’s thoughts within the club.
Karthik talked about how he would like to see Excalibur members mentoring other clubs. David talked about Athena, who he believed to be the first ever mentor. Sue’s dad explained that if the Queen was his mentor then he felt he had much to teach her in response. Mary from ISIS Speakers in Oxford, told us that she would love to learn from Ralph Smedley, the Toastmasters founder. And Jeremy told us how having Richard Branson as mentor would make for a better Jeremy!
As ever, on the spot evaluations were crisp and incisive. They were delivered by Cat, Sue, Bob, Swarajit and Stella.
Our first speaker was our District Champion, Jeremy. He gave a version of a speech he may use in the finals of the World Championship of Public Speaking if he is lucky enough to get there.
Our second speaker was David who was doing project 5 from the Speaking to inform manual – The Abstract Concept. David informed us that we all live through a single story that rules us all. He took us through modern day comics and back as far Greek mythology to illustrate his point. He quoted sources like Joseph Campbell and told us about The Hero’s Journey.
Our third speaker was Karthik who was doing project 1 from the Technical Presentations manual – The Technical Briefing. He gave us a comprehensive overview of the Greek economic situation and outlined 4 possible solutions, each of which were painful in the extreme!
Evaluations were expertly undertaken by Bob giving feedback to Jeremy, Sue giving feedback to David and Cat giving feedback to Karthik.
Open feedback was conducted thoroughly by Swarajit. Our General Evaluator was Catherine who was encouraging while providing useful feedback in equal measure.
Best Table Topic of the night was Jeremy, best Evaluator was Bob and the best Speech was David.
Cat spoke to the club to let us all know about our Past President Andrew who is in hospital at the moment. We are all thinking of him as he gets better!
After the meeting, the drinks were consumed, led with honour by Sue’s dad, at the King and Queen until late into the night!
After the meeting, the drinks were consumed, led with honour by Sue’s dad, at the King and Queen until late into the night!
Next meeting
We will convene to do it all again at the next regular meeting on Wednesday 12th August at the Fitzrovia Community Centre. We hope to see you there!
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