Back To School
Another great meeting at Doncaster Speakers on Monday evening. As we segue out of the summer holidays and back into some form of normality, our Toastmaster for the evening (and club President) Lianna Williamson tapped nicely into her educational background and made “Learning” the theme of the evening.
A theme that was picked up by virtually everyone, not just by the Grammarian, Rai Bergmane (who chose “Curiosity” as Word of the Day) and first time Table Topics Master, Renata Oleinikova (whose questions were all around school, learning and self-development).
The biggest lesson from the evening was that we learn by making mistakes. When we try things, get them wrong and are supported through the reflection process, then we come out stronger and wiser. As that is what Toastmasters is all about, it was a great theme to run throughout the meeting.
Just the one speaker tonight, Rai giving herself an extra challenge a very aptly themed speech entitled “Turning Storms Into Opportunities”, which took a true story and showed how we can always take positives from adversity.
Another person that wasn’t prepared to sit back and just be content with a single role, Renata conducted her very first speech evaluation of Rai – and smashed it out of the park. Summarising the speech beautifully and fully getting the key concept – that you evaluate the speaker, not the speech. We don’t need to hear a replay of what the speech was about – we heard it too – but how it was done and how the speaker delivered it is what is important, and Renata did that so well.
There was also a very interesting way of presenting an education slot, with two people up on stage. Rai (again !!) and Stephanie Bisby encouraged everyone to get involved with the upcoming Humorous Speech and Table Topics Contests by sharing their own competition experiences and reasons for taking part.
A quick nod to our award winners on the night. Rai, obviously grabbed the Best Speaker Ribbon. Stephanie forged to the front of the Best Evaluation field with her Ah Counter report, full of insightful observations and learnings. There was shared spoils when it came to Best Table Topic with Roy Rungay and Andrew Miller splitting the vote.
A special mention to prospective new member, Naseer, for taking on the Table Topic Challenge again in his second meeting.
Overall, an evening of learning and serious messages all wrapped up in an envelope of fun and encouragement.
The next meeting is on 23rd September.
If you’re interested in coming along, drop a line to us at doncasterspeakers@gmail.com and ask for details.
Doncaster Speakers 