Popcorn in the Summertime

Hello Everybody - This past July had a fifth Thursday, July 30th, and that gave Bolton Banter Toastmasters the opportunity to meet three times.  As is usual on a fifth Thursday, the meeting did not follow the usual format, instead it was popcorn and video night.  Members viewed clips of award winning speeches and then discussed them while munching on popcorn.  Those present learned from watching these notable speeches the importance of making your speech references timeless, that most people have an attention span of seven minutes so get to your point in that timeframe and that pauses can be powerful.  Those who attended described this evening as a special event.  Thanks go to Laurie Stapleton for bringing the popcorn and to Minnie Grewal and Sierra and Stephan Allison for preparing individual goodie bags for everyone.  A special thanks to Sierra for flawlessly reciting the Toastmasters mission statement and to Eric Solowka for bringing the audio clips and the necessary equipment. 

At our August 6th meeting, we were pleased to welcome as guests Area 15 Governor Guy St. Louis, Sierra and Stephan Allison and Alexandra Simu.  Chair Carol Dowell chose "Summertime" and "Holidays" as theme and word of the meeting.  In his toast, Bondy Nair encouraged everyone to enjoy the summer, rain or shine.  At the last meeting, Sierra Allison recited the Toastmasters mission statement by heart.  This week, it was the turn of her brother Stephan.  Thanks to the charming children of our Sergeant at Arms Ben Allison for opening the two meetings on such a positive note.

This meeting too was a bit different and featured two sets of Table Topics.  Lorraine Van Wagner was the first Table Topics Master and gave members the first line of a story.  Members then had to expand on that line to craft a mini speech.  Guy St. Louis won a ribbon with his tale that began "I was on my way to the airport when".  In the second set of Table Topics, Laurie Stapleton gave everyone the same topic.  She asked the question, "if you could have any view from your back porch, what would it be?"  Carol Dowell decided the view from her own back yard was just fine and won the second Table Topics ribbon. 

Laurie reminded us to get those agendas filled in advance.  She distributed a survey that will help her determine members' goals this year.  She prepared and displayed a chart with both communications and leadership goals that showed the progress thus far of each member.  Laurie asked that we check this chart for accuracy.  Don't forget the humourous speech and table topics contest on September 17th.  The winners go on to compete in the area competition. 

Carol Dowell conducted an educational session on the importance of goal setting.  She urged  each one of us to write down and then regularly review our goals.  An easy way of remembering how to keep our goals in mind is "plan, do, check, change".  From time to time you may have to alter your course according to your circumstances.  Remember the "smart" formula.  Keep your goals specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time limited. 

Carol distributed information about Toastmaster Recognition and reviewed the requirements for different designations.  She suggested that everyone keep track of any role taken on, make a note of the date and ask for an evaluation.  Bring your Competent Leader manual to each meeting and get credit for your meeting roles.  She went on to explain the roles of club sponsor, club mentor and club coach.  Thanks Carol.  This is good information and it does bear repeating from time to time.  

Our next meeting, August 20th will be held outdoors at Dick's Dam.  Travel north on Highway 50 and turn left at Hickman Street (before you start up the north hill).  As you travel down Hickman, the park will be on your left.  Please bring an extra lawn chair to accommodate any guests who might join us.  This should be a great meeting.  See you there. 

Cheers - Lorraine Van Wagner - Webmaster