Jokes All Around!!

What a meeting we had at Toastmasters today! It was our Humorous Speech contest and we had 4 laugh-worthy contestants: Richard, Marloes, Jane, and Rathan. Richard spoke to us about a recent fishing expedition with his brother, Marloes spoke about running her first half-marathon, Jane talked about making a 'splash' in the pool, and Rathan discussed the different ways in which people get married. Everyone did a great job and it was a fun hour of laughter. We had a fantastic turnout from our membership and were lucky to have visitors from other clubs to help facilitate the judging. Richard Jackson was the well deserved winner of our speech contest, narrowly defeating Marloes in what was likely the closest contest voting in club history. Come and support Richard in the Area Humorous Speech contest on Tuesday, October 15th!!! Just contact an Executive Member for more details. See everyone next week!

Bustin' at the Seams

Wow, yesterday's meeting saw 21 people gathered around for our fall Table Topics contest.  The room is comfortable with 12 chairs.  We were at standing room only capacity.  It's a good thing the fire Marshall wasn't around, we might have had to move our contest out into the hall.

We had 5 contestants from the club.  Some were seasoned members and some had joined within the last year.  We also had a number of Toastmaster guests from other clubs that were helping in other capacities like judges, timers and ballot counters.  The winners of the contest will go on to represent Prairie Schooners at the Toastmasters Area 47 contest that will be held in a couple of weeks.

But before we get to the Area Contest, Prairie Schooners has another contest scheduled for next week.  Next Wednesday we will be holding our Humourous speech contest.  I understand from our Vice President of Education, there will be 4 members competing.  I have heard some of them and let me tell you, they are funny.  So why not stop in for a visit next week and be entertained.

This week we also saw some returning guests and I believe one of them joined.  So you see our little club is expanding.  More members create a diverse group with the presentations varied and interesting.   Actually we are expanding beyond the capacity of the meeting room Tetra Tech is providing us so arrangements have been made to change locations.  We are not going far, just across the street to Federated Coop.  We will be expanding into their main floor boardroom in a few weeks.

So if you want to hear accomplished speakers, why not stop in at our Humour Contest.  Then stop by on another Wednesday to see what a regular Toastmasters meeting looks like and see what Toastmasters can do for you.  Remember, Toastmasters, where Leaders are made.

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. 

Lazy Days of Summer Continued.....

It is true that our meetings at Prairie Schooners Toastmasters are every another week during the summer months, but this does not dampen our enthusiasm!!  Can't wait for our July 24th meeting....looking forward to some great speech and fun interaction with the group.  :)

Lazy Days of Summer

Lazy eh!  Well I think this really sums up the summer so far.  I just haven't been able to get in front of a computer to tell you what has been happening over the last few weeks.

We have slowed down our meetings over the summer and are now meeting twice a month in July and August instead of every week.  I think we are all a little lazy and would rather be out during the beautiful summer days we have been having instead of being in a boardroom developing of communication and leadership skills.  There will be plenty of time for that when we resume weekly meetings in September.

Things to note, at least as much as my memory will allow.  We have had a few new members join since my last post and with these new members were induction ceremonies.  We also went out for lunch and installed the new club officers.  We ended the year with a bang, receiving Presidents Distinguished status.  This status is awarded to clubs that achieve at least 9 of the 10 goals set by Toastmasters International in their Distinguished Club Plan.  The current executive has committed to reaching the same status next year.

We also had a pot luck BBQ, which was rained out.  We went ahead anyway (inside though) and enjoyed good food and friendship.  I think everyone had a good time.  At least it seems that way judging from the pictures taken at the event.  Mossy on over to our Facebook page to see for yourself.  The link is at the top of the page.

Stay tuned for more updates but remember we are in the lazy days of summer.

Bye for now, I have to go have a nap on the deck.

Food and Exercise

Well not food and exercise in the traditional sense.  

Today’s meeting was full of fun, food and stretches.  Rathan completed his tenth presentation today and achieved his Competent Communicator award.  Way to go Rathan!  His presentation wasn’t really about exercise.  It was more about how our comfort zone prohibits us from achieving great things.  Examples were given showing how easy it was to come up with excuses why we can’t do something.  It’s too hard, it will take to long, and I have something more important to do.  Well we always have an easier place to go, our comfort zone, that prohibits us from stretching.  Rathan challenged us to start with small steps, steps that will take us out of our comfort zone.  If you run, run a few meters more the next time you go out.  When you drive home, take a different route; sit in a different place around the board room table.  These small stretches will change your brain so you won’t always resort back to that big comfy couch we call our comfort zone.  We will be more willing to try different things and achieve much more in our lives.

Well after all that stretching, Shuqing temped our palates with Chinese dumplings.  It turns out that this is her favourite food.  She went on to demonstrate how to make real Chinese dumplings with the help of a little modern technology.  She went through the steps of how to prepare the filling, make the dough, constructing the dumpling and then the two ways of cooking them.  Shuqing showed us colourful pictures along the way and passed out the recipe that we could take home and try for ourselves.  I am not sure about the others but it was lunch time and I was hungrier after I heard her presentation.  The only thing she was missing were a few samples for the audience.  Well, maybe next time.

The meeting was running a little late but the expert skill of the Chairman brought us back on track to finish up just in time for me to leave and try and find some of those delicious dumplings.

Triple E Senate

Well that was the topic of discussion at today’s meeting.  Melissa presented project 9 from the Competent Communication manual where she was to persuade with power.  The title of her speech was “The Chamber of Sober Second Thought”.  With a title like that, wouldn’t you be interested in what she had to say?  I know I was.  As you guessed, Melissa briefly talked about the upper chamber, the Canadian Senate.  What a timely subject with all the press we are seeing about this sacred institution.  Melissa presented a brief history of the Senate and some options that are on the table that could improve this very important political establishment.  I know I would have liked to have heard more but time was running out.  I think there is a large majority of Canadians that don’t know much about the Senate.  Melissa shed some light on it for us today.

Our second presentation was from the Toastmasters “Better Speaker” series of manuals.  This was delivered by our President, Jane, and if you have ever heard or seen any of her presentations, you know she would do an excellent job of this topic.  The subject of this presentation was “Using Body Language”, something Jane is oh-so familiar with.  Practical examples were mention as well as demonstrated.  Jane’s presentation was so effective; those that followed her tried some of the techniques she demonstrated.  Way to go Jane, what a leader you are.

We had a returning guest again this week.  I think she likes what she sees and hopefully will become a member soon.  The boardroom chairs were full today as we had another guest too.  There certainly seems to be interest in Toastmasters from downtown Saskatoon.  It must be because we have a winning program, interesting presentations and lots of fun.

Why not stop by and give us a test drive.

Are you near the finish line?

Well the Toastmaster year is coming to a close in a few short weeks.  At club meetings you will see members frantically trying to complete presentations.  Trying to meet the goals they set for themselves last fall.  Well this week we heard how Christine crossed the finish line and how she continues to compete.  It turns out Christine loves to run.  She explained to us how she got started running in her small town.  With encouragement from her mother and friendly wagers with her father she won six Provincial Medals.  She went on to compete in four National Championships and ran cross country for the Huskies.  Working through project six of the Competent Communicator manual, Christine used vocal variety to enhance her presentation and show the passion for the sport she enjoys.

Our second presentation was given by Julia who is working from the Speaking to Inform Advanced Communicator manual.  Julia presented a hypothetical fact finding report regarding the strategic relations a mining company wanted to enhance.  The presentation was well laid out with visuals that guided the audience through the available information.  Julia also conducted a question and answer period.  Without using notes, Julia’s presentation was both professional and informative.  Her ability to handle the question and answer portion was outstanding and showed she was well prepared for any questions that were asked.

Although we are near the finish line, summer is upon us.  This usually means a drop in attendance and meeting roles sometimes need to be filled on the fly.  With confidence and professionalism Jeremy stepped into the role of Topics Master at the last minute and asked us some very interesting questions.  He was even prepared for the theme of the meeting (Mickey Mouse) by wearing a Disneyland shirt and shoes.  Of course Jeremy didn’t connect the two until he noticed the audience commenting on his attire.  Way to go Jeremy.

We also had two guests at our meeting this week, one returning and one new.  Hopefully they will be back as members soon.  New members always bring interesting stories and perspectives to the meetings.  There is always room to grow and learn from each others experiences.

Another special guest was with us.  Our Area Governor Vijay, stopped in for a visit.  The Toastmaster club is guided by a much larger organization than you see at a club meeting.  Our Area Governor, Vijay has provided guidance, motivation and advice to Prairie Schooners members the past year.  I wouldn’t be wrong in stating the whole club appreciates the attention she has given us over the past months.

Why not come out for a visit?  Guests are always welcome and there is no obligation to participate in the program.  Just sit back and observe what Toastmasters in all about.  I am sure you will see how Toastmasters can help you improve your presentation and leadership skills.

Remember, Toastmasters, Where Leaders are Made.

Until next time.

Free Money and a Free Education

That’s right folks; we had a Toastmasters educational presentation this week as well as a description on how to get free money from the Government.

First off, Jane presented from the Toastmasters Better Speaker Series of manuals.  She explained how to “Take the Terror Out of the Talk”.  We all get nervous before we make our presentations and Jane provided some very useful techniques to try and tame that terror.  As a seasoned speaker I found the information useful and I am sure our new members did as well.

Now let’s get to the free money.  Well it turns out to really not be free.  First you have to have children or grandchildren and have to make some financial investments.  Marloes told us all about the Registered Education Saving Plan (RESP).  She encouraged us all to put money away for our children or grandchildren.  The sooner we start, the more money will be available for their post secondary education and the more money the government will contribute.

Elections were also discussed at this week’s meeting.  It turns out we have a full slate of new officers ready to take over the reins.  I am sure they are looking forward to developing and practicing their leadership skills and are anxiously waiting for the club officer training.

We also had a guest this week who was an active Toastmaster in Calgary.  We are hoping that Vera will be joining our great group and share her experiences with us.  The more members we can attract, the more interesting our meeting become.  I look forward to the presentations where members share their background and interests with us.

Who knows what next week will bring.  Why not come for a visit and see for yourself.

Speaking and Getting What You Want

Another great meeting this week with topics that were both educational and entertaining.

If you have read previous entries in this blog you know about the impromptu speaking portion of a Toastmaster’s meeting.  The dreaded “Table Topics” session, where you are asked a question and you have to come up with a mini speech answer.  Well this week Julia provided an excellent overview of how to prepare, as much as one can, for Table Topics.  This presentation is part of the Toastmasters “Better Speaker Series” of manuals and covered the 5 steps you should use when faced with a question.  Julia also provided some tips and strategies along with examples on how to deliver a winning answer.  She also talked about things to avoid.  I am sure the audience will be using these techniques at next week’s meeting.  They were all taking notes.

We also learned the fine art of negotiation.  Did you know we negotiate all the time?  Jackie provided us with an overview of the negotiation process so that both parties can come away winners.  We were exposed to the four steps involved.  They are Assess, Prepare, Ask and Package.  The presentation took on a whole new meaning and came to life when Jackie added her own personal experience.  She related her experiences when she was negotiating the purchase of a hot tub for her yard.  She explained how she assessed her needs, did her research on-line in preparation for her visit to the show room floor of a local retailer.  We also learned of her sly way of preparing the salesman for her final ask and how she bundled her purchase with a package of add-ons at no extra cost.  At the end of the day Jackie was able to purchase a hot tub below the already discounted price, have it stored until they were ready for delivery, have it delivered for free and get a year worth of chemicals also for free.  Not bad when you know the steps involved.  The audience was taking notes here too.

Next week is club elections.  We will elect a new team of seven executive from our membership who will take over the running of the club in June.  This new team will plan and manage the club.  This includes everything from keeping the financial records to arranging the physical facilities.  This new team, some seasoned members and some new, will undergo training for their new leadership roles in the coming weeks.  It will be an exciting time for those newly elected as well as the rest of the club.  We all look forward to new leadership and communication opportunities in the coming months.

Till next time.