Small can be great!

Our fortnightly meetings at UC were out of kilter because of the previous Good Friday, so we were a small but talkative group last Friday, 13 April.

Peter H brought his speech skills to the fore with a combined President’s report/ impromptu speech/ Project 7 speech about Toastmasters, concluding that “If we get out of Toastmasters what he has got out of Toastmasters, we will never get out of Toastmasters”… It took the rest of us a minute to get it, but we were with him – great sentiment Peter!

Yuyu gave her Speech (Manual Project 6 – Vocal Variety) about Migrants, which Robyn evaluated. Yuyu has a wonderfully relaxed presentation stance – her body is relaxed as are her hands when she speaks. Her vocal variety was excellent – with wonderful imagery, a wide vocabulary range and changes in her style of speech – from formal to conversational. Her speech had a theme of ‘bravery’ running through it and, as always, Yuyu brought together not only a range of sources that she researched for her speech but we got to know her personal take on the issues she raised. Yuyu’s progress in her speeches is a model to which the rest of the Benjamin Toastmasters should aspire.

Peter H also spoke about the change in the executive which is coming up in May – all roles are up for grabs – so make sure you put your nominations in (even for yourself).
The positions are:
President
Vice President – Membership
Vice President – Education
Vice President – Public Relations
Treasurer
Secretary
Sergeant at Arms
and … surely there room also for a Social Organiser!

One of our newer members, Peter I, conducted a high class Table Topics session, with speakers  champing at the bit to have a go at his topics. Ann had her topic served on a platter – droughts and flooding rains – her knowledge in this area was on display for all to enjoy; Yuyu enlightened us on why her nose would never make her rich; Robyn tried to convince us that, until education privileges all groups and classes, perhaps Universities should lower their entrance scores; and Peter H told us his thoughts on whether Anzac Day is the real Australia day. Peter I, as TT master, was not allowed any leeway in having to give an impromptu speech. He was asked by Ann to give a candidate’s speech for an executive position! He chose Sergeant at Arms, and his speech was short but to the point. I have a feeling the job has his name written all over it!

Despite the ums and ahs not being counted (who was in charge of that I wonder?!) the meeting went without a hitch and was a special one because of the intimacy afforded by such a small group.

That said, we look forward to a full complement next week as we get back onto our normal fortnightly schedule.

Robyn, 14 April 2012