Schmooze

Hello Toastmasters and Guests - Chair Vince Capicotto chose "Schmooze" as word of our January 21st meeting and "Opportunity" as theme.  As Vince sees it, schmoozing, simply making chit chat with people, can lead to opportunity.  Opportunity, as humourist Alan Keyes says, is dressed up in overalls and looks like hard work.  Table Topics Master Brendan Dineen continued the theme by describing proper schmoozing techniques that will create opportunities.  As good Toastmasters, we all know the importance of listening well, responding promptly and maintaining eye contact. 

Tonight it was the turn of the Vice President Public Relations to explain her role on the club executive.  Corina Simu described how she promotes the club in the community. 

We heard four speeches tonight.  Shailesh (Bondy) Nair, speaking from an advanced manual, played the part of a sales manager in "The tough get going when the going gets tough."  In his presentation, he exhorted his sales team to look at creative ways of increasing sales.  Creativity is much needed in today's economy in order to make a sale. 

Catherine Keyes chose a topic that brings back childhood memories, "Cooties".  Catherine, a medical technologist, informed us that 99% of bacteria are useful and helpful but beware that unfriendly 1% which can truly be called cooties.  She described the creation of "superbugs" and reminded us that although sometimes medically necessary, antibiotics kill good as well as bad bacteria. 

Hendrik Magilsen spoke about "Zen and the art of shaving".  We know we are a disposable society but Hendrik pointed out the nasty statistic, namely; two billion disposable razors hit landfills yearly in the United States.  Why not try an old fashioned straight razor, an ecologically sound alternative if used properly? 

Minnie Grewal rounded out the evening's speeches with "What's in a name?" She related her personal experiences with names and noted sensibly that "dry martini" seems like a ridiculous contradiction.  Gimlet, on the other hand, sounds less confusing and easier to drink, as Minnie found out to her sad sorrow.  It is interesting that distance cannot diminish the lustre of some names as she found out on the Trans Siberian train where mention of Wayne Gretzky's name brought instant recognition. 

Eric Solowka announced that Bolton Banter has a mentor coordinator.  Contact Eric if you want a mentor or are interested in being a mentor. 

Ribbons this evening were awarded to Eric Solowka for best table topics speaker, Laurie Stapleton for best evaluator and Hendrik Magilsen for best speaker. 

The very different topics chosen by the speakers made this a most interesting and educational evening.  Thank you to our guests Stan and Bill.  Hope to see you both again.

Our next meeting will be held on February 4th.  See you then.  Cheers and regards -

Lorraine Van Wagner - Webmaster