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.