Olympic Spirit

Hello Banteroos - For our August 7th meeting, the theme and word of the evening were "spirit" and "olympic" respectively.  Let's all root for our Canadian athletes as they take on the world in Beijing starting August 8th. 

We welcomed two returning guests, Alexandra Simu and Ben Allison.  Ben has indicated his intention to join us and we look forward to seeing him next as a full fledged Bolton Banter member.  Alexandra, you are too young yet but please apply in 10 years. 

We can always count on very different and unique speeches at Bolton Banter.  Corina Simu elaborated on an idea first presented by Carol Dowell who in an earlier speech described her efforts to declutter.  Corina ably led us through an exercise comprising five steps to keeping control of all the things we seem to collect.  As Corina put it, we must undertake "cleaning with meaning". 

Dan O'Reilly's commitment to the environment is keen and his speech "The Fragile Tree" allowed him to use the body language required by his project's objectives while describing his successful efforts to protect and preserve one tree. 

Bondy Nair presented his first project from the advanced manual "Persuasive Speaking".  Bondy's presentation started with an educator describing what a good salesperson should keep in mind when dealing with the public and trying to nail down that important sale.  In the role play part of his presentation, he skillfully sold Minnie Grewal a cordless drill, at a special price.  If only all salesmen were gentlemen like Bondy! 

Laurie Stapleton lead Table Topics using for the first time edible props, namely; fortune cookies.  You can imagine the fun we had with that topic.  It was interesting to hear Brendan Dineen arguing against that old chestnut, "the best things in life are free". 

Our VP Education, Carol Dowell, distributed a questionnaire to all members.  She would like to know the stage each member has reached and get a sense of their goals.  If anyone would like to have a mentor, contact Carol.  Lorraine, the new treasurer, reminded members to bring their chequebooks to the next few meetings.  She will be collecting Toastmasters dues.

Eric Solowka took home the ribbons for best Table Topics speaker and best evaluator.  Bondy Nair was voted best speaker. 

Carol also reminded everyone that the Humorous Speech and Table Topics contest is coming up quickly, on September 18th.  The club needs not only speakers, but contest chairs and judges.  If you haven't particpated in a contest before, this is the time to step up.  Contests are fun and you do learn a lot. 

Hope everyone is enjoying the summer and getting lots of exercise dodging raindrops.  We look forward to seeing you all on August 21. 

Cheers - Lorraine Van Wagner (Treasurer and Webmaster)