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Thanks to Chaunce Stanton, Toastmaster in Greater Minneapolis
Have to sit through boring Powerpoint presentations? Here are some ideas including the science behind them to make sure you make your presentations interesting. Listen, watch and learn!
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From Camilla Allwood, Women in Banking & Finance Speakers - Canary Wharf
I thoroughly enjoyed the Division contests on Wednesday 21 October: The humorous speeches were terrific - funny, warm and really engaging - and the Table Topics on ‘Seeing red’ were just as fabulous. Bob Ferguson hooked us all with his exasperation and helplessness in the face of "chips with everything". Paul Carroll’s tongue in cheek dismissal of the re-rise of the red faction in Britain in the form of the current postal workers strike could easily have been a prepared speech. Both winning speeches were topical, amusing, self-effacing, carefully crafted and beautifully delivered.
Yet this master-class in speechcraft wasn't the main reason I enjoyed the evening so much. Seeing Toastmaster friends from other clubs that I haven’t seen for months or years was lovely too. It reminded me of the many fun, and challenging, times we've shared together. Even this wasn't the highlight for me. The part of the evening I enjoyed most, and I'll remember most, came later on.
I'd spent the interval catching up with dear friends. Returning to my seat, I realised two of the newest members of my club, Kes and Ruby, had spent most of the break chatting to each other. Now, these two young women are by no means shy or retiring wallflowers. At the start of the evening they'd found other Toastmasters to talk to. But, sitting down next to them, I suddenly felt very selfish. I'd not thought to include them in my merry whirl of socialising. I immediately resolved make amends.
At the end of the contest I introduced Kes and Ruby to a number of Toastmaster friends from other clubs. All were genuinely happy to meet these two novices, and were able to offer warm, wise and encouraging words of support. I don't doubt they enjoyed meeting several long-standing and distinguished Toastmasters but, in fact, I think I was the one most pleased. The generosity of spirit and the kindness of these Toastmaster members towards two beginners touched me deeply and made me feel very rich and very proud. I left the meeting feeling uplifted and inspired. The contest speeches had provided an outstanding source of learning but supporting Kes and Ruby gave me a much more personal boost.
I've been a member of my club for over 6 years and my Toastmasters journey is well under way. I still have many personal goals and challenges I want to achieve. But helping new members get off to a firm start by encouraging them to engage with the much wider Toastmasters world that exists beyond our own club is something that gives me huge pleasure.
By attending Area and Division contests and events and by making links with other Toastmasters and other clubs we give ourselves a yardstick to measure our own personal achievements and the value of our own home club. These are the things that keep me coming back for more. I'm delighted when other members are able to participate and share in my Toastmasters journey and there is something very rewarding about being able to help a fellow club member at the start of his or her own Toastmasters journey. For me it's both a pleasure and a privilege.
And, the next time you meet me, lest I forget again, do please remind me to introduce my club’s newest members. I’ll be delighted to do so.
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From Simon Bucknall
Fancy a Sunday afternoon with a difference?
How about checking out a unique, charity public speaking gig at the British Film Institute on the Southbank on Sunday 8 November 2009?
Why bother?
The event is in aid of Wellchild, a very worthy charity that supports sick children. Plus...
1) There are LOTS of quality prizes to be won; 2) It's at a top venue - the BFI on the Southbank; 3) You'll pick up lots of tips for your own speaking/presenting; 4) Your MC will be ... ME; 5) Despite (4), it'll be fun; 6) It's all in aid of charity!
I'm really not joking about the prizes- they are super and there's plenty of them.
Would LOVE you to come if you're free. Just click on the link to book your ticket...£15 that will help this excellent charity.
http://www.justgiving.com/To-Speak-or-not-to-Speak/
And PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do tell any friends, relatives, colleagues, pets that might be interested... hope to see you there!
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From Chris Boden, President Holborn Speakers
Holborn Speakers is expanding! We have grown to the point where it is time to form a new offshoot. We are starting a new Toastmasters public speaking club on Monday nights in central London. Holborn Speakers MkII (don’t worry, we’ll have a better name soon) is having a launch night this coming Monday, 26 October. This is short notice but it is to coincide with the government sponsored October Festival Of Learning.
This Festival is promoting the “Learning Revolution” (www.direct.gov.uk/learningrevolution) to show that self help clubs and other informal approaches provide a good way for ordinary people to develop new interests and skills. It is funded by the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS).
This coming Monday there will be “Taster Session”. This is not a normal club meeting but a slightly more informal session. It will be featuring a speech and evaluation, with loads of interaction and table topics (impromptu speaking).
When? Monday 26 October 2009. It will start at 6:30 (for 6:45)
Where? The Millman St Community Centre, Millman Street, London, WC1N 3EW. Entrance between 34 and 36 Millman Street, just around the corner from the Rugby Tavern.
Please come and along to support the new club. This is also a chance to bring friends, family and colleagues who may be interested in or just curious about Toastmasters. The night is a chance to reach out to people who may not have considered Toastmasters before, but we can show them how great it is!
See you soon, Chris Boden,President Holborn Speakers (MK 1)
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Philip Collins, former No 10 Chief Speechwriter, novelist and journalist will be talking at an event hosted by the Association of Speakers Clubs on Wednesday 18th November 2009. Phil wrote speeches for Prime Minister Tony Blair as well as David Milliband and Tony Burnham. He's also written speeches for the CEOs of BP and Pepsico. Now chief leaderwriter at The Times, Phil is the author of a best selling novel and is working on a book about politics.
I heard Phil speaking recently at the UK Speechwriters' Guild. He is a lively speecher and gave facinating insights into the craft of writing speeches...as well as answering questions about the politics of No 10 Downing Street.
You can book your ticket through the ASC's Camden Town Speakers here...
7pm at The London Irish Centre, 50-52 Camden Square, London NW1 9XB. Cost £5
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Posted by Dorothea Stuart
What a great contest night! Almost 150 people came along to enjoy the fine humorous speeches and table topics (impromptu speeches) given by our 7 Area Contest winners.
The overall standard of speaking in both contests was excellent as was the variety of subject matter. Humorous speeches went from ballroom dancing, the adventures of a young Ozzie in London, looking good on Facebook, a campaign to keep people's feet off seats on trains, adventures of an American in Europe, dating disasters in Spain, and the perils of technology.
Contestants in the Humorous Speech Contest were: Ola Aralepo (Tube Talk, Area 34), Cameron Blair (Grosvenor Square Speakers, Area 45), Jenny Crossley (MLP London Bridge Speakers, Area 33), Bob Ferguson (Excalibur Speakers, Area 47), Laura McCracken (London Olympians, Area 6), Glen Savage (Riverside Communicators, Area 29), Adolfo Tunon (Citi Criers, Area 31).
Topics contestants had to make their mark in response to "Seeing Red"...And their impromtu speeches ranged just as widely. From toffee apples to social embarrassment, from the postal strike to hair colouring...
Contestants for Table Topics were: Chris Boden (Holborn Speakers, Area 34), Clive Broadbent (Canary Wharf Communicators, Area 31), Paul Carroll (London Athenians, Area 29), Colleen Doyle (Grosvenor Square Speakers, Area 45), Donna Hicks (Bank Speakers, Area 33), Sean Kennedy (London Communicators, Area 47), Jessie McNeil-Brown (London Cardinals, Area 6).
The winners of the Table Topics Contest were:
Ist Place - Paul Carroll, London Athenians, Area 29
2nd Place - Jessie McNeil-Brown, London Cardinals, Area 6
3rd Place - Chris Boden, Holborn Speakers, Area 34
The Winners of the Humorous Speech Contest were:
1st Place - Bob Ferguson, Excalibur Speakers, Area 47
2nd Place - Adolfo Tunon, Citi Criers, Area 31
3rd Place - Ola Aralepo, Tube Talk, Area 34
The Contests were expertly chaired by Lynne Cantor, Area 47 Governor and Christopher Hall, Area 34 Governor.
Pictured left are Hilary Briggs, Division B Governor who introduced the evening and Joe Gibbs Distict 71(UK & Ireland) Governor who gave out the awards.
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Posted by Dorothea Stuart
Look forward to seeing you all at the All London Humorous Speech and Table Topics (impromptu speaking) Contests tomorrow evening Wednesday 21 October 2009.
TICKETS WILL BE ON SALE AT THE DOOR £4. If you are able to book in advance using Paypal that would be great. Otherwise please come along come along clutching the right change so you can whizz into the room and get your seat or a drink at the bar - whichever is your top priority!When? 6.30pm for a prompt 6.45pm start. The contests will finish with awards and trophies handed out by 9.15pm. We hope that many of you will stay to socialise afterwards.
Where? The London Irish Centre, 50-52 Camden Square,London NW1 9XB
Transport? Nearest Underground - Camden Town, nearest Overground - Camden Road. Bus routes 29, 253, 274 (buses go along Camden Road from the Underground).
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Posted by Dorothea Stuart
The tension is building...2 days to go before the 2009 All London Humorous Speech and Table Topics (impromptu speaking) Finals. Last year David Jones won both contests. Which of our 2009 Area winners will take his crown(s)?
Book your ticket NOW! Join us for an inspiring evening of humour and quick thinking...And very importantly provide an enthusiastic audience for all the competitors.
And please invite, friends, family, colleagues...anyone you think will enjoy the evening and might also be interested in visiting a Toastmasters club.
This will be a fun evening and also a great showcase for public speaking in London. Visitors will get a clear idea of what can be achieved by joining a Toastmasters club. See you there!
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Posted by Dorothea Stuart
With the All London Finals of the Humorous Speech and Table Topics Finals fast approaching on Wednesday thought this Toastmasters video might get you in the mood. John Zimmer won last year's District 59 Humorous Speech Contest with a speech demanding a more rigorous approach to learning the craft of public speaking. Enjoy.
To book your ticket for The All London Humorous Speech and Table Topics (impromptu speaking) Finals:
The Finals will be held at The London Irish Centre, Camden, NW1 6.30pm for prompt 6.45pm start. More info...
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Posted by Dorothea Stuart
During October 2009 hundreds of events are taking place across England as part of the Government sponsored Learning Revolution. The idea is to give learning opportunities that everyone can get involved with. Toastmasters are contributing to this by running a number of taster sessions for people who have never done any public speaking - and would not usually have access to this kind of training - to have a go.
Our event are happening very soon so we need your help!
How can you contribute? Most importantly we need you to find participants for these Free taster events. Contacts,friends, colleagues of your who are nervous about public speaking and would not normally think of going to a Toastmasters meeting. The aim is to find, encourage and inspire people who need a public speaking L-plate to have a go - to experience active, informal learning. Places on the sessions can be booked on the Speakersbank website. Click here for the booking page.
So...have a think, look at your address book...ask around at work...and find people to click through and book a FREE place.
Toastmasters are also holding taster events in Bedford, Cambridge, Lincoln, Manchester, Plymouth, Woodford Green. You may know people who could go to these ones too. Please spread the word. Info on all the events is on http://www.speakersbank.co.uk/right2speak and you can also find out more from David Thompson on 077 2029 8381 and at [email protected]
London Division B taster events are as follows:
22nd October: 6.45pm for 7pm-9pm at the Hilton,53 Upper Street, Islington, NI OUY (Host club London Communicators). Contact: email Steve or call 07822 801 322.
26th October: 6.30pm for 6.45pm - 8.45pm at The Millman Resource Centre, Holborn Community Association, 50 Millman Street, WC2N 3EW NB entrance between Nos. 34 and 36. Host club Holborn Speakers. Contact: email Freddie or call 07977 465 983 or call Nazia 07788 417 944.
29th October: 7.15pm for 7.30pm-9.30pm at Theatre Royal Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square, Stratford, E15 1BN. Host club Tube Talk. Contact: email Dick or call 07764 650 737.
If you are interested in helping on the night contact the organisers in case they need more support.
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