Meeting Report 14 December 16

David Adams called our festive and final meeting of the year to order.  As encouraged by Cat (VPEEE, but not VPE!) at the last meeting, the room was buzzing with “Shiny, Happy People” in our jolly tinsel dished out by our esteemed President, Lynne Cantor. 

Our 5 guests were warmly welcomed to our “same but different” club of excellence and challenged to step out of their comfort zones in a safe environment.  These included Pedro who was visiting from a Spanish club, Ian, an ex-member of Holborn, who has recently returned to the country, Deborah joining us from the other side of the world in New Zealand, Lloyd from Riverside Communicators and Jacqui, President of Riverside Communicators.

Fun David Lennon, who told us he placed in the Top Ten of the UK Annual Lying Contest in 2015 (but was that true?)…..was our Toastmaster running the jovial show.

Janet Tarasofsky, a “courageous conversation” encourager, ho, ho, ho-sted the Table Topics session!   Ian, Errol Williamson, Freddie Daniells and Bob Ferguson talked about subjects as diverse as Santa’s sleigh breaking down, inviting a homeless man for Christmas dinner, killing Rudolph with his flying chopper… don’t ask!.....and forgiveness in a prison.

Sue Mannering, David Adams, Monika Swiderska and Mike Thompson instantly and ably evaluated the topics with specific recommendations and commendations.

Our first prepared speaker was Bob Ferguson, DTM, doing his icebreaker from the Competent Communicator manual….!  Bob, managing to get a laugh every 30 seconds, shared the “Confessions of a Sad Engineer” and encouraged us to “map my book”.  His speech was competently evaluated by Errol Williamson.

Our next speaker was Monika Swiderska, sharing her very personal and heartfelt story “Beauty Doesn’t Matter” from Storytelling #2 “Let’s Get Personal”.   You could hear a pin drop, so engrossed were we in her moving tale.  Freddie Daniells was her masterly evaluator highlighting that speaking is about “connection not perfection”.

Our third and final speaker was Lynne Cantor, memorably roasting Excalibur members and entertaining us from the Special Occasion Speeches #3.  Brian Skelton, DTM, undertook the evaluation in his first role since becoming a member of Excalibur.

Giovanna Vasaturo facilitated the Open Feedback session on the speeches with commendations and recommendations from the floor.

Multi-tasker Suzi Fish shared some interesting timing anecdotes in her role as Timekeeper. 

Katja van Koten, the “Chocolate Fairy”, was the Harkmaster quizzing us on what we heard throughout the evening and rewarding those of us who showed they had paid close attention with chocolate!

Cat Kipling shared her insightful observations and suggestions on how we could do better next time in her role as the General Evaluator.  We certainly felt we had been educated and entertained at our event, so Cat our VPEEE had done her job well with organising the meeting!

Congratulations to Errol Williamson, the winner of Best Table Topic.  Monika Swiderska as the winner of the Best Prepared Speech, and Freddie Daniells, the Best Evaluator.

Prizes also went to those who had made the most festive effort with their dress.  Anne Bingham came third in her red hat, Bob Ferguson was second in his Rudolph Christmas jumper, and Mike Thompson came first with his Father Christmas hat and beard!

The frivolity and fun continued in the King and Queen pub afterward!

Future Meetings:

Our January 2017 meetings will be on the 11^th and 25^th with an additional extraordinary Winning Winning Speeches Workshop on 18^th January – cost and venue TBC.

To make our VPE Freddie’s job easier, kindly let us know if you are attending and accept your allocated roles via Easyspeak.

Visitors are welcome to experience Excalibur at any time and we are always seeking guest GEs.  Contact us at excaliburspeakers@gmail.com.

The District 91 2017 Spring Conference for the International Speech and Evaluation Finals will be at The Grand Harbour Hotel in Southampton on 5-7^th May 2017.   Put the date in your diaries and book your earlybird ticket now!

Social Media:

Please like, comment, tag photos and share our posts on our Facebook page, and follow us on Twitter, thank you. 

In the meantime, have a wonderfully festive Christmas to our members and fans, and all the best for a brand new ‘Shiny, Happy” New Year!

Monthly Newsletter – December 2016  

·         Open Doors of Opportunity
·         Read the Toastmaster Online
·         What does DCP Look Like in Pathways?
·         New Return Policy
·         Dates Not to be Missed

Open Doors of Opportunity

Has Toastmasters helped you achieve and succeed? If so, consider making a contribution to the Ralph C. Smedley Memorial Fund® to share the benefits of Toastmasters with others. Gifts must be processed or postmarked no later than December 31, 2016, to be eligible as a tax-deductible contribution for the 2016 year. Contribute today: https://secure.toastmasters.org/np/clients/toastmasters/donation.jsp?campaign=11&&test=trueOpen Doors of Opportunity

Read the Toastmaster Online Enjoy your favourite magazine articles, photos and helpful tips on the go. From your desktop, laptop or mobile device, click the magazine tab on the website and log in to find the latest issue. If you prefer to read the magazine online, you can opt out of the print edition.  View magazine: https://www.toastmasters.org/Magazine

What Does the DCP Look Like in Pathways?

In Pathways, the Toastmasters Distinguished Club Program (DCP) will still emphasize club quality, but the goals will reflect the new learning structure. Clubs will have plenty of time before they have to formally adopt the new DCP format.  Read more:

http://www.toastmasters.org/Magazine/Magazine-Issues/2016/Oct2016/DCP

New Return Policy

Effective January 1, 2017, Toastmasters International’s product return policy will change to include the Pathways learning experience materials. Click on the button below to learn more. View Policy: https://www.toastmasters.org/Footer/Conditions-of-Use#Return

Dates not to be Missed

·         Wednesday 11^th January – Excalibur Meeting

o   6.45pm for a PROMPT 7pm start.

·         Wednesday 18th January – Excalibur EXTRA  - Event – Speech Workshop

o   6.45pm for a PROMPT 7pm start

o   Location TBC

·         Wednesday 25^th January – Excalibur Meeting

o   6.45pm for a PROMPT 7pm start

Whatever you celebrate at this time of year, we wish you Seasons Greetings, a very Happy New Year and we look forward to seeing you in 2017.

                                         

Meeting Report 23 November 2016

Suzi Fish called our latest meeting to order, revealing that today in 1963, Dr Who was shown on tv for the very first time!

This was followed by Lynne Cantor, our esteemed President, being serenaded with Happy Birthday! 21 again! ;)

Our three guests introduced themselves, and included Russell Searles from Riverside, Jamie Jani from Surbiton Speakers (a previous District finalist no less!), and Brian Skelton, DTM, from Kings Speakers and Kings Cross Speakers.  A particularly warm welcome to Brian who enjoyed our meeting so much he became a member at the end of the evening!

Steady Paul Andreas was our Toastmaster seamlessly introducing all the different segments throughout the evening.

Ably stepping in at the last minute, Sue Mannering hosted the Table Topics session where we had to contradict the phrases and statements she gave.  Giovanna Vasaturo, Anne Bingham, Mike Thompson, guests Brian Skelton and Russell Searles talked about subjects as diverse as being right, most embarrassing moment, beauty contests, burgers, and safety… or not!

The instant evaluators, Cat Kipling, Tony Winyard, Freddie Daniells, Suzi Fish and Lynne Cantor, were “encouraged” to give a specific recommendation on how to improve and our esteemed OverLord Lynne was very pleased to note that they all did! We all got a gold star! ;)

Our first prepared speaker was Cat Kipling, sharing her vision for her High Performance Leadership programme by encouraging us to be Shiny Happy People and to join in educational and entertaining Excalibur events.  This was ably evaluated by Giovanna Vasaturo.

Our next speaker was our musical maestro Tony Winyard, revealing his multicultural Melting Pot heritage from Competent Communicator #2 ‘Organise Your Speech’.  This will be delivered again at the final of his Diploma in Public Speaking where we wish him well.  Simon Cooper was his evaluator.

David Lennon competently facilitated the Open Feedback session on both the speakers’ introductions and the speeches. 

We then had an interesting and informative mini workshop on Telling Tales, delivered by Freddie Daniells which included foundation phrases, the 4 R’s and the 8 C’s!  Well done on putting this together at the last minute.

The How To Breathe by Irene Bradshaw workshop will be rescheduled for early next year.

Not so timely! Mike Thompson was our Timekeeper for the evening and urged us to adhere to the discipline of the timing lights.

Congratulations to Anne Bingham who deservedly won Best Table Topics.  

The meeting continued down the King and Queen afterwards where everyone was keen to find out how and why Tony had his DNA tested!

Future Meetings:

Our final festive meeting of the calendar year will be on Wednesday 14^th December, 6:45pm for a 7pm prompt start at The Fitzrovia Centre – wear something sparkly and festive!

Our January meetings will be on 11^th and 25^th January 2017 with an additional Winning International Speech Contests Workshop on 18^th January.

To make our VPE Freddie’s job easier, kindly let us know if you are attending and accept your allocated roles via Easyspeak. 

Visitors are welcome to experience Excalibur at any time and we are always seeking guest GEs.  Contact us at excaliburspeakers@gmail.com.

The District 91 2017 Spring Conference for the International Speech and Evaluation Finals will be at The Grand Harbour Hotel in Southampton on 5-7^th May 2017.   Put the date in your diaries and book your earlybird ticket now!

Social Media:

Please like, comment, tag photos and share our posts on our Facebook page, and follow us on Twitter, thank you.  Till next time!

November Newsletter 2016

·         Excalibur Mini Workshop – Breathing

·         Introducing the Toastmaster Magazine Online!

·         Ready to Present on a Global Stage?

·         Are You a Professional Speaker or Aspire to Be One?

·         Pathways: What’s Your Path to DTM?

·         Dates not to be missed

Excalibur Mini Workshop – Breathing

‘How to Breathe’ by Irene Bradshaw. The very talented Irene will focus on the power of the breathe to support your voice without vocal strain whilst under performance pressure.

·         Learn how to anchor your breathe deeply in the body

·         Connect with energy centres which create relaxation

·         Discover the correct muscles for vocal support

·         Learn to acknowledge your true vocal note

·         Access your emotions through the power of connected breathing

Do come along to support the event.  If you are planning on bringing someone along please send an email with their names to:  excaliburspeakers@gmail.com

Introducing the Toastmaster Magazine Online!

Now you can read the Toastmaster anywhere — from your desktop, laptop, iPad, tablet or smartphone. Just click the magazine tab on the Toastmasters International website to find the latest issue or previous issues. Enjoy your favourite articles, photos and additional resources on the go. To opt out of the print version, email membership@toastmasters.org.

Ready to Present on a Global Stage?

Toastmasters is looking for inspiring speakers with a message to share at the 2017 International Convention. If you have experience speaking to audiences of 1,000 or more, submit your application by December 31, 2016

https://www.toastmasters.org/Events/2017-International-Convention/Call-for-presenters

Are You a Professional Speaker or Aspire to Be One?

Earning the title of Accredited Speaker shows you have achieved a level of excellence that can transition you into a career as a professional speaker. Apply for the 2017 program between January 1 and February 1.

http://www.toastmasters.org/Resources/Accredited-Speaker

Pathways: What’s Your Path to DTM?

The answer you’ve been waiting for is here! Find out how you can achieve the highest level of educational achievement, Distinguished Toastmaster, in the new Toastmasters Pathways learning experience.

http://www.toastmasters.org/Footer/FAQ/Pathways

Dates not to be Missed

·         Wednesday 23^rd November – Excalibur Mini Workshop and Meeting

o   6.45pm for a PROMPT 7pm start.

·         Wednesday 9^th December – Excalibur Festive Meeting

o   6.45pm for a PROMPT 7pm start.

·         Wednesday 11^th January – Excalibur Meeting

o   6.45pm for a PROMPT 7pm start.

·         Wednesday 18th January – Excalibur EXTRA  - Event – Speech Workshop

o   6.45pm for a PROMPT 7pm start

o   Location TBC

Meeting Report 9th November 2016

On the momentous day that will go down in history for the United States if not the world, Excalibur held its own momentous meeting.

Seargent-at-Arms Paul Andreas called us all to order with “fone, fire and fun”!

President Lynne Cantor kicked off the meeting in her usual passionate style encouraging us to be “bullish” and stating implicitly that although she resides in Essex, she is not an Essex Girl!  She welcomed 6 guests including Marc from Geneva Toastmasters, Francine from Experience French and Jill Segal from Grosvenor Square Speakers.

First time Excalibur Toastmaster of the Evening and “Kentish Maid” Suzi Fish led the meeting starting with a quote from Barack Obama: “No matter what happens, the sun will rise in the morning” to help put things into perspective!  Suzi promised an evening of taxing Topics, stimulating speeches, exceptional evaluations & enticing introductions.  She thanked the role players stepping in at the last minute.

Our exuberantly enthusiastic Freddie “on speed” Daniells hosted our impromptu Table Topics encouraging us to “sharpen our skills like a pencil”!  Topics ranged from your worst date, throwaway economy, biscuits and whether Britain was on the edge of a precipice or a golden age.  The speakers were David Adams, Errol Williamson, Jill Segal and guest Marc.  Instant evaluators were Paul Andreas, Monika and guests Ajay and Francine. Lynne Cantor has been training us well and a how to recommendation was given by everyone!

Lynne Cantor was our first speaker with “90 Years Young” from the ‘Special Occasion Speeches’ manual, project #5, ‘Speaking in Praise’.  Lynne touched us deeply by honouring her mother-in-law who will be 90 in January with anecdotes amassed from members of her family.

Odile Facih gave us ‘Technical Presentation’ #3 ‘The Non-Technical Audience’ called “Trust Me, I am a Project Manager”, communicating complex information about what she does in an easy to understand way.  She is a true Project Manager as she even planned in advance to have a guest assistant, Francine, to help her with her slides!

Paul Andreas was our final speaker of the evening, speaking to #5 ‘The Oratorical Speech’ from the ‘Interpretive Speaking’ manual, which he chose thinking it would be an easy option to help him obtain his Advanced Communicator Gold award.  He has since realised it’s not as easy as it looks!  He chose “The Greatest Speech Ever” originally delivered by Robert Kennedy about Martin Luther King, Jr, which helped Indianapolis remain calm and not riot following Mr King’s assassination.  It was a delight seeing Paul really stepping into his voice and obviously channelling Robert Kennedy himself!

Our evaluators were our newest members Monika Swiderska and Hannah Van Der Deiji, and Chinkata Okpara respectively, who all gave insightful reports with helpful recommendations.

David West facilitated our Open Feedback session with a difference.  As well as this being an unusual part of a normal Toastmasters meeting, we not only evaluated the three speakers this time, we also evaluated the speakers’ introductions which had been written by the speakers.  Lynne is very keen to have quality introductions and we all took something away that we can improve on for our own introductions.

Our guest GE Jill Segal gave us a warm general evaluation of the meeting and anyone who hadn’t yet been evaluated, with specific areas of improvement for us all.

Errol Williamson ably kept us all to time delivering his reports with warmth and enthusiasm.  He personalised his timings with a gem of encouragement for each speaker.

The Best Table Topics Speakers were David Adams and Errol Williamson, the Best Speech was won by Lynne Cantor, and Chinkata Okpara won the Best Evaluator of the evening.  Well done to them all.

Excalibur lived up to its ethos of Challenge, Quality and Variety and an enjoyable evening was had by all.

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 23^rd November, 6:45pm for a 7pm prompt start where Irene Bradshaw will be giving a workshop on breathing!  To make our VPE Freddie’s job easier, kindly let us know if you are attending via Easyspeak.

Our last meeting of the calendar year will be Wednesday 14^th December and will have a festive theme!

Visitors are welcome to experience Excalibur, contact us at excaliburspeakers@gmail.com.

Please like, comment, tag photos and share our posts on our Facebook page, as well as follow us on Twitter.