This was yet another successful Hybrid Toastmasters Meeting on Zoom and in Person at The Regent Hotel, Regent Square in Doncaster, South Yorkshire last Monday, 27th Feb. 23, where OUR theme was “Wisdom Earnt” and at least a dozen members in total were in person attendance on the night.
The meeting commenced slightly later than planned at around 19.16 due to technical issues with the sound which produced an echo for viewers on Zoom. Once this was rectified the Meeting commenced with Sophie Ellis standing in for the very first time as acting Sergeant At Arms by calling the meeting to order, issuing instructions for members safety and comfort while reminding those present and on Zoom to switch their devices off or switch to silent mode.
Sophie did a brilliant job at this role, considering that it was the first time she had ever done it, without any traces of nerves or the inherent heightened anxiety which usually occurs when attempting public speaking in front of a live audience. Sophie then handed over the meeting to The Toastmaster for the evening Mr Andy Howell, who welcomed guests and fellow toastmasters as one of our more experienced members and Vice President of the Club.
Andy began with enthusiasm by explaining his role as Toastmaster and the Toastmasters program in general, re-assuring those in attendance that we were all here for the same reason, which was to create a safe space to learn to speak confidently in public. He then called for those members who volunteered to help him conduct the meeting, to come up to the stage to give a description of their roles of Grammarian, Ah Counter and Timekeeper to the audience.
Grammarian Bal Purwall came up with the word of the day which was French, after a great deal of research and it was delivered in her usual manner of high energy and exuberance… It was a very tricky word (or phrase) of the day, with only one or two members present who spoke French, actually being able to work it into their speeches or addresses on stage. The role functions as a tool to stretch us to learn new words (or phrases) while improving our vocabulary.
Ah Counter Thashini Thennakoon reported on her role to detect and record the use of filler words such as Ah, Erm, You Know and Sooo… which we subconsciously use to stall for time while giving a speech instead of simply taking a pause. It was done quite humorously by Thashini also admitting to being one of her own worst critics in her addressing of the audience via Zoom but not recording her own offenses, which made everyone laugh out loud in empathy with her.
“Life Goes On” – Was the theme of the first prepared speech by Thashini Thennakoon with Bridgette Pearson as her evaluator. Bridgettes mandate was to look out for hand gestures and other physical movements used to convey the message. The feedback given was done so with love and enthusiasm which showed that these two people really cared about each other and their roles in Toastmasters has been enhanced by that developing friendship.
“A Change Is As Good As A Rest” – By Stephanie Bisby was evaluated by Andrew Miller of ARM Coaching in his usual animated and enthusiastic style of speaking. This style of speaking and the enthusiasm he puts into his delivery has made him one of our most successful competitors for public speeches in our club’s history. Despite a few technical issues that crept back into the system Anrew was able to defeat the Zoom Gremlins and deliver one of the most memorable evaluations which won him the prize of Best Evaluator on the night.
Educational Session Leader – Stephanie Bisby delivered a speech on getting the most out of Toastmasters which was both informative and motivational. Senior and more experienced members got up to give Toastimonials on their journeys within Toastmasters which included our current Area Director Elizabeth Mead.
The overall stagecraft and performances of all members in attendance at the meeting and on zoom was worthy of commendation, as it was one of the better meetings in this member experience. The roles for the International Speech Contests were also discussed and nominations for competitors, judges and role players were taken from the audience.
Toastmaster Mr Andy Howell did an excellent job by controlling the meeting and adapting to the challenges presented by technical issues and being quick thinking on his feet. The Table Topics Master Elizabeth Mead likewise did an outstanding job with the table topics. Introducing each impromptu speaker with the level of enthusiasm worthy of her seniority as a veteran public speaker making it an overall uplifting and inspiring event that was a pleasure to attend.
Written by: Donald Sweeting (Sergeant At Arms – Doncaster Speakers TM Club)
Doncaster Speakers 