Meeting Report for 12th December, 2018

Excalibur Speakers met on the 12th December for our last meting of the year, which was a Christmas-themed delight. Our Toastmaster was Brian.

Freddie introduced a new idea: a game of spot the (Christmas) word bingo, which kept members and guests on their toes (or edges of their seats) as they identified the various words cunningly disguised throughout the evening's oratory. Our President, Monika, proved to be the most alert person in the room, winning this rare and highly prestigious award.

Cat then took control of Table Topics. We do things a little differently at Excalibur: immediately after someone has delivered a TT, another club member or guest is invited on stage to evaluate it.

Our first prepared speech was delivered by Paul, "The Wandering Star" (CC Manual - 7 - Research Your Topic) - in which he examined evidence from several sources to determine whether the Bible story of The Star of Bethlehem was based on fact or fiction.

Ian delivered the second speech, "Queen's Gambit" (Speciality Speeches - 4 - Read Out Loud) - which was a beautifully delivered reading about a famous people perfectly adapted to long distance running.

Ben got on stage next, with "Bottle Top" (Speciality Speeches - 2 - Inspire Your Audience) - a treatise on how improved individual wellbeing is good for the economy, society and planet.

The speeches were evaluated by Chinkata, Lynne and Errol with their commendations and recommendations further developed (along with new insights) in our Open Feedback session, which was run by Ian.

Anke was General Evaluator. The highlight of her session peaked when she announced she was going to join Excalibur!

The best Table Topic winner was our guest, Melanie. Best speech evaluator was Errol and the best speaker award went to Ben.

Out next meeting is at 19:00hrs on 9th January, 2019 at the Fitzrovian Community Centre, Foley St., W1W 6DN. All members and guest are most welcome!

Meeting Report for 28th November, 2018

Our President Monica opened the meeting before handing over to our Toastmaster for the evening, Cat, who invited Carolina to introduce out three guests.

Our Timekeeper, Lukasz then explained his role before Ian took to the floor to run the Table Topics session. Developing a challenging theme proposed by Brian at the last meeting, participants were invited on stage in pairs to debate alternative design scenarios of various body parts (!). Instant evaluations were then delivered by our club members.

Freddie delivered the first speech of the evening: Special Occasion Speeches - Accepting an Award. This was to celebrate his ASS award which was achieved in a record Toastmasters' time. Which may or may not have been a record slow time.

Brian then spoke: "Uncle George the Marathon Man" - Motivational Strategies - 2 - Evaluation and Feedback. The speech was an amusing and fascinating insight into a relative's 1908 Olympic performance.

Robin entertained us in her Star Trek uniform (including pointy ears) with "A Vulcan in the Dragon's Den" - Speciality Speeches - 3 - Sell a Product. She successfully raised VL150m (Vulcan Lira or £40m at the 2055 exchange rate). 

The speeches we evaluated by Simon, Paul and Chinkata before Ben teased more commendations and recommendations from the audience in our Open Feedback session.

Hoang, our General Evaluator, then presented his thoughts on what he liked and what he'd change about Excalibur. The former outnumbered the latter by a considerable margin.

Monika then awarded the prizes for the evening. Best Table Topics was shared by Robin and one of our guests, Panikkos. Chinkata was voted best evaluator. Robin then scooped a second prize - Best Speaker - which she shared with Freddie.

The next meeting is on 12th December, at the Fitzrovia Community Centre, 2 Foley Street, W1W 6DN.