From Suzi Fish, VP PR Excalibur Speaker
What an energising, engaging, electrifying, show stopping evening we had at Excalibur’s Guest Night Showcase. The room was buzzing with 33 attendees including 11 guests, all present to experience the best of what Excalibur has to offer. And we didn’t disappoint!
Lynne Cantor as President welcomed members and guests with her speech, Challenge, Quality and Variety, which was part of the PR Advanced Manual, Project 1 ‘The Goodwill Speech’. Lynne highlighted what Excalibur a “club of excellence” is all about, including our focus on intriguing introductions, taxing table topics and effective evaluations.
Cat Kipling took command of the meeting as the Toastmaster of the Evening in her efficient, organised, collected manner. We knew we were in safe hands in the cocoon of Cat’s text book introductions - she had obviously done her homework so was able to share something about the speakers that we didn’t already know.
“Captain” Bob Ferguson mainly pitted members against guests in the Table Topics vs Evaluation session on topics including the eighth wonder of the world, the ultimate escape and modern day hero. He took no prisoners in the instantaneous evaluations, expecting us to deliver specific what, why and how people could improve.
The first prepared speech “Professional Speakers”, was delivered by Giovanna Vasaturo, project 3 ‘The Winning Proposal’, Persuasive Speaking manual, inspiring us to take our speeches to the next level.
The second speech was Irene Bradshaw’s memorable and visually descriptive monologue rant on “The Space Invaders” from Humorously Speaking Manual project 2 ‘Leave Them With A Smile’, that was full of wonderful descriptive phrases and vocal variety.
Simon Bucknall, delivering from Project 4 ‘The Touching Story’ in the Storytelling manual, enthralled us with his tale from inside Brixton maximum security jail encouraging us all to take risks!
Chinkata Okpara led the {controversial at times!) open feedback on not just the speeches but also the speech evaluators, where the audience had their chance to have their say on what they thought the speakers did well, or how they could have done even better.
Simon Cooper as timekeeper, delivered timely reports throughout the evening and was disappointed he only got to ring his bell once!
With a challenge from Cat as to whether maximising his stage time or getting to the pub in time for a free pint from Cat was more important!, Freddie Daniells in his role as GE, provided insightful feedback on the meeting. He, in turn, challenged us to up our game with our concluding commendations.*
Congratulations to Suzi Fish who was the Best Table Topics speaker, Errol Williamson who won the Best Evaluator and to Simon Bucknall as the winner of the Prepared Speech.
Excalibur’s committee, Freddie Daniells (VPE), Errol Williamson (VPM), Suzi Fish (VPPR), Chinkata Okpara (Treasurer) and Paul Andreas (Sergeant at Arms), were also presented by their pins from our President, Lynne Cantor.
All in all, a successful, stupendous, jam packed showcase that was enjoyed by all.
Visitors are welcome to visit, so if you would like to experience Excalibur, come along to our next meeting on Wednesday 23rd November where Irene Bradshaw will be delivering a workshop on how to breathe!
*P.S. Freddie did decide a pint was more important meaning the drinks were on Cat!!
Dates: 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month
Time: 6.45 for 7pm prompt start until 9pm
Venue: Fitzrovia Community Centre, 2 Foley Street, London, W1W 6DL
Contact: [email protected]
Twitter: @excaliburspeaks
Contact us at: [email protected]
Follow us on Twitter: @excaliburspeaks
