Kicking Into High Gear

Well for the last few weeks we are gearing up our Toastmaster program.  We are back to weekly meeting with fun and exciting programing every Wednesday.

This weeks meeting was very exciting and productive.  Some of the things that stand out are:

• We had 2 returning guests.  We are hopeful they have seen the benefits of the Toastmaster's program and how the program can help them in their communication and leadership skill development.  I think they will return again next week with their membership applications completed and cheque in hand.
• We passed a motion to accept the club budget our treasurer had prepared.  The good news is, no increase in club dues this year.  Wahoo!!
• We quickly dispensed with the motion that would require the chairman of the meeting to wear a tuxedo or suit.  There was a thought in the group that as an educational organisation we should show some professionalism and dress the part.  There was quite a bit of discussion with a few amendments to the motion.  Some of the amendments passed and some were defeated.  The end result was a defeat of the motion to dress in suit of tuxedo.  All members were relieved.  This was an exercise in handling motions during a business meeting under the guidance of Robert's Rules of Order.
• A presentation was made from the Storytelling manual, an advanced manual in the Communication track of Toastmasters.  The subject included the steps that were taken for an arranged marriage.  This was a very interesting story, full of scary facts and endearing humour.  A lot of information was presented but there were a lot of questions left unanswered.   Maybe these questions will get answered during future presentations.

There is always a need to fill the program each week, but in week or two, things are going to change up again.  You see, it is fall contest time.  A time when clubs conduct two speech contests.  Prairie Schooners will be holding a Table Topics contest as well as a humour speech contest.  The Table Topics contest will be very similar to the Table Topics portion of our regular meeting.  Except there will be judges that will evaluate your response.  The Humorous contest will consist of well crafted 5 to 7 minute presentations that are humorous.  Again these will be judged.

These contests are an excellent opportunity for club members to stretch and grow.  With the winners from Prairie Schooners going on to compete against other club winners in our Area.  Not only do you get an opportunity to stretch, you also get an opportunity to hear from some top notch speakers in the club.  With an opportunity to see demonstrated skills in action that you could incorporate into your own presentations.

So exciting times await us.  Come on out for a visit and some fun.  There is no obligation for visitors to participate in the program.  Just sit back and enjoy and see what Toastmasters has to offer you.