Brrrr!

Wasn’t it a cold one today?  I bet most people would have rather stayed indoors, but instead we got out of our nice warm beds and ventured out to work this morning.  Some of us actually took the time to go to a Toastmasters meeting during the lunch period.

Well, that is what I did, and was pleasantly surprised to find steaming hot coffee and sweet treats for our club meeting.  Most of our members came from the down town core and enjoyed the refreshments.  It was a chance to warm up after a brisk walk to the meeting.  Those members that work in Saskatoon Square didn’t need the warm up, but appreciated the treats just as much.  Thanks must go to the Executive for providing such a nice surprise.

The theme of the meeting was “Playing in the Snow” and with the word of the day being “frost” we were quickly transported back to the cold reality of the day.  

Our meeting room was crowded today with thirteen members present.  We had prepared speeches by Shuqing (project 4) and Christine (project 2). It was very interesting to learn about the Chinese New Year and traditions that surround that time of year.  We also heard some interesting facts and anecdotes regarding our ill fated penny.  Both were excellent, interesting and exciting presentations.

Table topics kept with the snow theme as well.  With questions about playing in the snow and whether it is better to shovel or use a snow blower.   Judging by the answers; I don’t think the respondents had any trouble answering the question.  We heard very good mini speeches which lasted up to two minutes.

For those that couldn’t make the meeting, I think there was still some coffee and treats left at the end.  But they will be cold now.  Just like the temperature outside.

Why not come out for a visit and see what Toastmasters has to offer?  You will certainly get a chance to warm up and you never know, there might even be some treats for your enjoyment.

The Cart before the Horse

 “Well, why don’t you stop by for a visit and see what Toastmasters is all about?” 

This is the way I would normally finish my posts.  At today’s meeting it was appropriate to start at the end and work toward the beginning of our typical meeting.  You see, our meeting today was in a backward format.  We closed the meeting at noon and opened the session at 1 o’clock.  The speech evaluations were presented before the speeches and the awards for best presentations were awarded before the votes were counted.  So I am starting the way I normally conclude.  A little confusing, you are right, but a whole lot of fun.  Because of the format, speakers really had to pay attention so they could incorporate those things pointed out in their evaluation into their presentation.  I think everyone was somewhat successful and we all had a lot of fun. 

As far as the presentations go, both were project 5 from the Competent Communicator manual.  Chris talked about his experiences while being a perfect Horse Dad. It turns out his daughters are heavily involved in showing horses and we heard about all the different jobs he takes on before, during and after a show.  Not only is he the driver but also the meal/snack planner, barber, supporter, cleaner and tack jockey at his daughter’s events.

Melissa asked us if we were loosing the art of communication.  She started by asking us who remembered using the old style rotary phone and who sends text messages with their cell phones.  Melissa went on to explain that in the past most conversations were either in person or over the phone where now a lot of information is relayed with text messages.  She explained some of the benefits and drawbacks with text messaging, concluding that you can see the change in our communication skills even when you are not connected to your phone.  She gave example of poor spelling and the inability to carry on a conversation.  Things which we often see in our daily lives.

The meeting theme was HUGS, January 21^st was National Hug Day, and our table topics questions followed the same theme.  It turns out that for most of those in attendance, hugs were appreciated but everyone liked to receive them in a non-public area.  Public Displays of Affection were frowned upon.

We ended the meeting by introducing ourselves while trying to use the theme and word of the day in our introduction.  After our introductions the word of the day was announced.  I am not sure if the two guests at the meeting could follow what was happening.  I hope they return to see how one of our regular meetings is conducted.

Hello

What does Toastmasters mean to you?

That was the question at today’s meeting. 

With a theme of “Toastmasters” and the word for the day being “Leaders”, we learned about how our Toastmasters Communication and Leadership experiences have affected our lives.  We learned why some people joined, heard a 2 minute ice breaker speech that was really a Table Topic and how Toastmasters has impacted our personal and professional life.

Well, enough with the introductions.  We had 2 great prepared speeches today.  Meg presented speech number two from the Competent Communicator manual and Julia presented speech number 3 from the Speaking to Inform advanced manual. 

Meg’s objective was to organize her speech, which she certainly did.  She told us up front we were going to learn about all that goes into a television news clip.  She then described in detail the three major portions that must happen before we see the piece.  This included the investigation, which involves the research, information gathering and  actual capturing the story on video.  We then learned all that is involved in reducing those potential hours of video tape into a 2 or 3 minute spot on the evening news.  And finally we got a glimpse of all that happens behind the scenes as the announcer introduces the piece and the final tape rolls.  It turns out the announcer does very little other than look nice and introduce the piece that was created in the background by all the support staff.

Now Julia’s objectives were to present a demonstration talk.  She did an excellent job at showing us how to tie a tie with a single Windsor knot.  As both men and women wear ties, this was an interesting and valuable lesson.  Julia’s presentation was easily visible to all the audience and her demonstration was further enhanced by the colour of the tie she used as a prop.  The tie was very colourful with Bright Red, Royal Blue and Forrest Green sections.  Something you might see on a circus clown.  It was very bright, very colourful and very happy.  It was in perfect contrast against her lemon yellow blouse.  Her instruction was delivered at a perfect pace so we could all see and learn from her instruction. Unfortunately she didn’t go into how to fix the problem of the fat end being to long or the knot being too tight.  Maybe she is saving that for another presentation.  We will have to wait and see.

It was nice to see our two guests today.  Jackie returned from her visit last week and joined the club today.  Welcome aboard Jackie.  I know you will enjoy your time with us.  As well we welcome back Erin who was a member of the club last spring.  She had transferred her membership to a club in Moose Jaw while she was attending school and now that she is back in Saskatoon on a work placement, it is her intention to transfer her membership back to us.  Glad to see you back Erin.

We are always open to visitors so why not come out and see us in action.  There is no obligation to join or say anything.  We will however ask for your thoughts or impression of the meeting before we close.  Who knows, you may even learn something.  I know I did today.

Back From the Break

Well it has been a few weeks since I have sat down at the computer to tell all of you what has been happening at Prairie Schooners.  This is because we suspended meetings during the Christmas break and I was away during our lunch social just prior to the break.

Well we are now back to our regular schedule, Wednesday noon, 4th floor, Saskatoon Square, and had a truly exciting meeting today.

Ray presented some challenging Table Topic questions that followed the theme of United States politics.  I think those that responded found it a little difficult as all their times were around the one minute mark instead of the usual two.  But none the less, we got to practise putting our thoughts together at a moments notice.  I am thankful I was not called upon as I would really have been stumped and would probably have used one of my "Get out of Table Topics Free" cards.

Our feature presentation was by our President Jane.  She is working through the Entertaining Speaker advanced communication manual and presented a dramatic story from her past when she was in the South African Navy.  The title of her presentation was "Deflecting World War III".  Now if you have ever heard or more importantly, seen Jane's presentation, you can just imagine the vocal variety, gestures and drama she displayed as she was trying to prevent her ships from firing on a Russian warship during the cold war.

I am looking forward to getting back into the Toastmasters groove and hope to see you at one of our meetings in the near future.  Come check us out and see what Toastmasters is all about.