Momentum in Action!

We are nearing the conclusion of another Toastmasters year.  By choosing "Momentum in Action" and "Achieve" as theme and word of the June 3rd meeting, Chair Brendan Dineen reminded us to review the goals we set for ourselves at the outset of the year.  Where are you on your own Toastmasters journey?  Brendan noted that he feels energized after a Toastmasters meeting.  There is always action which feeds momentum and leads to achievement. 

We were pleased to welcome two guests, Bob and Michael, and hope to see them again soon, hopefully as new members. 

Table Topics is always fun and even more so when the Table Topics Master injects something a bit different into the mix, as did Elena Nistor when she brought a box of luscious Baci chocolates to the meeting.  It seems that the individual wrappers carry quotes that easily form the basis of a Table Topics mini speech.  We all got to eat our chocolates.  Thanks Elena.  They were yummy.

Ben Allison stepped in at the last minute to act as Toastmaster.  Thanks Ben for such a great job on short notice.  Carol Dowell started the evening's speeches with "The Office Move", a project from an advanced manual.  Times are tough and as a HR type, Carol had to break the news to a group of employees that not only were they going to have to cope with a move to a smaller office space with less indoor parking, they were going to lose their espresso machine too.  How uncivil! 

There are all kinds of discrimination in the world and they are all unacceptable.  Dan O'Reilly, in his speech entitled "The Last Discrimination",  spoke of the discrimination overweight people face.  Unfortunately obesity is becoming more and more commonplace among Canadians.  We simply do too little physical activity. 

Lesley Webb carried on the health theme begun by Dan in her presentation "Beyond the Grocery Store".  Lesley's message was, stop spending your money on the latest fashions and electronics.  Instead, buy good food that will help you get healthy and stay healthy.

Also this evening President Carol Dowell presented an educator.  She spoke of the importance of using gestures in speeches.  Over 50% of our communication is non-verbal.  Gestures emphasize and give life to your words.  Remember the importance of your posture, body movements, facial expresssions and eye contact when delivering presentations.

This evening's ribbons went to Eric Solowka for best Table Topics speaker and Evaluator.  Dan O'Reilly was awarded the ribbon for Best Speaker.

We look forward to seeing you all at our next meeting, June 17th.  Cheers and regards -

Lorraine Van Wagner, Webmaster