What a way to start the New Year 2013 last Thursday evening, with a fully packed venue, energy and so many new faces and guests - WELCOME to what is going to be another fun filled inspirational year at Croydon Communicators!
It was so nice to see a smiling warm and welcoming face in Aleks as members and guests (new and current) were warmly greeted at the door.
To settle any new comers and pending speakers on the first event of 2013 our Sergeant at Arms, Anne opened the meeting with a great smile and a huge WELCOME.
Then with a beaming smile and an abundance of energy and inspiration President Hanna doubling up as Toastmaster for the evening, and as vibrant as ever, introduced Croydon Communicators to the New Year, which promises to be another inspiring successful year ahead.
The team to help take us through the program started off with timekeeper Simon who guided us with wit & humour and principles of good timekeeping.
Sometimes events beyond our control (namely trains, traffic!) can delay members and especially role makers, but to demonstrate what Croydon Communicators is all about - and at times can be spontaneous, the brave and bold John volunteered on the spot and took control of the grammarian role. Excellence Together as always!
Tip of the day / year was masterfully delivered by Oscar... "Be like a child", if you keep pursuing, learning you will always fulfil your goals, it's like a child learning to walk who falls and gets up and eventually will walk no matter what. There's an inspirational message to kick of the year.
With the audience set, program set, intros & formalities explained, time to warm up those vocal cords. Rhamat eased everyone into 2013 by asking, "What you would you change in 2013?". Some great responses followed including; Finishing what I started; Completing my Competent Communicator Manual - 10 speeches!; For a start, getting to the venue on time!; Overcome my fear of public speaking.
With everyone warmed up and rearing to go, time for some prepared speeches, and what better than to start with the first speech of 2013's with an ICE BREAKER. So to do just that and break the ice, Kaushik gracefully delivered "It's about me". And it surely was about Kaushisk and his ability to step up on stage with confidence and present a speech about early life, culture, observations, work and a keen interest in a charity. All this and your still 18yrs old... lol!! What a great start to your Toastmaster journey.
Now for some un-imaginative, innovative, futuristic printing. Aleks, delivered "The Printing Revolution". This was Aleks's third speech, presented with conviction, knowledge and belief. Amazing to think of a house built with a printer!! Can you print a house for me please? The future of 3-D printing is right on our doorstep. Waich this space! Excellent delivery.
Last but certainly not least was Anne who's speech project was all about, "How to Say it". Anne's speech title was, "I want to speak like Obama!". Anne presented an account of her experience in developing Public Speaking skills. The audience could relate to every aspect of Anne's speech. Well presented and delivered. Anne, you’re on the up & up!
With so much to absorb, three fantastic speeches to start the year how about some valued feedback in the evaluations.
Hanna, introduced the evaluators Joe, Arcadius and Donna to provide some encouraging comments, commendations and recommendations on all the speeches.
First to evaluate was Joe, evaluating Kaushik's speech "It's all about me", a well structured speech with clear transitions between beginning, body and end. A very composed delivery, with great eye contact with the audience. Any first time nerves were translated into movement on stage which will become purposeful as practice makes perfect. An excellent ICE BREAKER, priming the way forward for his next speech… we hope soon!
Second on stage to evaluate was Arcadius, who gave a precise account of good use of hand gestures, stage movement, great content and clear voice in Alek's speech called, "The Printing Revolution".
Welcome back Donna! Donna eloquently presented evaluation techniques (CCRRC) at its best by demonstrating the finer points of Anne's speech entitled "I want to speak like Obama!". A superbly delivered evaluation. There’s so much to take out of good evaluations.
Before a quick break, how are we doing for time? Simon took centre stage once again and recalled the event timings... spot on for all except for… wait…! There’s always one!
To reconvene after the a short break it was time for some fun and games with some impromptu speaking in Table Topics.
Hanna introduced not one but two Table Topic Masters (TT) for the evening. In collaboration sticking with the theme of the recent festivities and the New Year, Dave T & Joe doubled up to elect those unsuspecting contenders.
TT questions ranged from, "A present you'd most like to give to someone?"; "The best present you'd like to receive?"; "What would you like to see and change this year 2013?"; "With all that happened last year, what do you think will be the highlight of 2013"; "Will 2013 see the end of the Euro Crisis?".
So unsuspecting TT candidates, give us your impromptu thoughts: Isaac – 'Buying a house for his mother'. How heart warming; Mathew - 'Best present would be to be able to improve his Public Speaking Skills', great present Mathew; Arish - 'Wishing peace and harmony in a conflicting world', very thoughtful; Shena - 'Euro Crisis? Never thought about it, but hoping it all comes to and end in 2013'. Don't we all?!
Mohan delivered a very brief, consise, innovative evaluation, rating the contestants 1 to 5 for various aspects of their speeches! 4.5.4, 5.4.5, 4.3.5… was this number crunching or cloud computing evaluation of some sort? The techies amongst the audience would know! Amma - evaluating the even numbered TT speakers gave a detailed and accurate account of impromptu evaluation.
Time is pressing on...How about an update... Simon presented the latest timings.
With so much to talk about, John gave a succinct report back on the word of the day 'spontaneous'.
To wrap up an eventful first meeting of the New Year, President Hanna concluded and gave the opportunity for guests both existing and new (YOU ARE ALL VERY WELCOME) to provide their feedback on the events of the evening. What a start to another year of Excellence Together at Croydon Communicators.
Take the plunge, improve your Public Speaking, Confidence and Leadership skills, come down, join in and get involved.
Croydon Communicators certainly demonstrated another evening of "EXCELLENCE TOGETHER"
Can't wait until the next meeting - Thurs 24th January 18:45 prompt! Everyone is welcome.
Be part of it. Get Involved & Get Motivated. Be Inspired. Build Confidence. Educate. Have Fun and Smile.
Excellence Together at Croydon Communicators. Mind in Croydon, 10 Altyre Road, E. Croydon CR0 5LA
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