Hi Again
Well, even more of a delay (due to business travel this time), but as the old adage goes, better late than never .....
Carolann, our Toastmaster of the evening, decided to go big with the theme Brian had assigned for the evening - "The Spring Flowers Are Blooming!" - and laid out an extraordinary array of hats from which each participant was invited to select the one which best matched their item on the program.
We kicked off with an Educational delivered by Yours Truly from the Better Speaker Series on "Creating An Introduction." As one of the most common activities that someone could be asked to perform, giving an introduction can either set a speaker up to succeed, or shoot them down before they even begin so the suggestions and guidelines provided in this tutorial are really useful. I chose aParliamentary Peak cap for my headgear due to the nature of the Educational as well as the fact that I was the Timekeeper. Sadly, this was a bit of an omen as I discovered to my horror as the first speaker started that the battery had fallen out of our stopwatch and the timekeeping efforts for most of the evening were erratic and best and hopeless at worst..........Using a cellphone stop watch simply doesn't cut it!!
Moving onto the Communication Program Don Connan stepped up for his CC2 "donning" (ha ha ha - sorry!) a very appropriateNike "Just Do It" cap to deliver his speech "The Gift of Dyslexia." Diagnosed late in life as dyslexic himself, Don used a very different perspective from which to present some rather unusual insights into this subject. His Evaluator Lynnette (hatless - Gasp!!!) noted that the personal anecdotes made the speech more accessible and that it had a notably uplifting impact, a bit of a deviation from what might have been expected.
Second up was Hilton Munday with a CC3 on "The Importance of a Holiday." Starting off in atartan cap he delivered some very alarming facts and figures associated with the failure to take adequate holidays and narrated the route by which he and Sarah had decided to go ahead and book their holiday in France at the end of the year. By the time he swapped the tartan cap for afloral sunhat we were all green with envy and planning our next trip feeling that it was the right thing to do! Ruth Hobbs, who evaluated wearing aTop Hat, made some useful observations, pointing out that she felt the ending may have had more impact if he had stopped with the words "even God rested on the 7th day." How can you argue with that?!
Sarah Lee Williams was up next, also a CC3, and she chose aTiara to ask the very pertinent question "What Is Happiness?" Again - a source of some astonishing statistics (Did you know that in the seventeenth century women typically had 10 children in order to ensure the curivival to adulthood of 2?!........Me neither. However the piece de resistance was the following line in which she concluded that "as a result women had little time to work." Once the hysterical laughter had abated she was able to proceed to convince us that happiness is predominantly dependent on mindset rather than circumstances........so if you happen to find yourself neck high in manure at some future date remember to keep your eye open for the pony!
Sarah was evaluated by Martin Louw (complete with Billy Ray Cyrus style ponytail as an added extra on hissporty bright orange peak) who pointed out that she could lose her notes and feel no pain as she's hardly using them now anyway.
Our final speaker was Denise Bolttman who celebrated the completion of her CC10 with a speech entitled "The Power of One." In her very dashing Pink Cowboy Hat she persuaded and inspired us to chage the world one person at a time through spontaneous acts of random kindness. As someone who professes to "work to earn a giving" Denise has a veritable suitcase full of wonderful personal stories with which to illustrate her talks and this was no exception.....I think each of us took the R5 dished out at the end as a personal challenge to go and make a difference. Gordon delivered the evaluation in abright orange straw hat expressing the club's congratulations on achieving this milestone.
Christine delivered the Thought of the Day, likening each day to a gift and pointing out that even if the day before was terrible, every day begins with promise and opportunity - and whether we are "tear off the wrapper" or "treasure every moment" types, we should be thankful for each and every "present." TheOrange Straw Hat added sunshiny emphasis.
The less said about the Timekeeper's Report the better! Let's just say time passed and move swiftly along.
Hugh Solomon seized the baton with considerable aplomb after almost a year's hiatus and delivered his CC12 from the Technical Speeches manual. Playing the role of a Home Maintenance Contractor he delivered a thorough and well structured proposal to the Forest Glen Homeowners' Association explaining how they could improve their properties and save money by undertaking the painting of their homes themselves making use of his discounted and detailed approach. Extremely competent and convincing he was too, despite, I might add, the considerable impression made by hishuge floppy floral headgear. Of course there's always one, and during the short Q&A Hugh had to explain why his proposal didn't include nubile speedo clad young men to perform the painting for the single ladies of the complex! Christine evaluated and confirmed that not only had Hugh's presentation fulfilled the speech criteria, he managed to entertain us whilst presenting it as well and we all look forward to more of the same....I could do with the same kind of flair from my Plumber and Electrician I can tell you!
The Awards went to Denise as Best Speaker, Martin and Ruth shared Best Evaluator, and in the absence of a Table Topics section a Best Hat award was presented instead to Hilton for his oratory equivalent of a golfing Eagle! Lizette gave the Gavel to Hugh for helping her with the Sargent At Arms role which was a little fraught due to the size of the group and the range of activities for the evening.
Thanks to our first time guests - Grant Kohler, Glynis Denicker and Robin Stone, as well as to all those who were with us for a 2nd or even 3rd visit. Closing news - our newest member is Aletta Rochat who has just been registered. We look forward to CC1's from Morne, Victor and Aletta in coming weeks.
Remember to join us on the 27th for the Humour Contest!!!!!!!!!!!!
Regards
Liz Dewing
President
Cape Town Toastmaster
Greetings All
Forgive the slight delay in this week's Meeting Report but I turned 45 yesterday and took the day off to indulge in activities that would distract me from the fact that I am now statistically closer to 50 than I am to 40: if my age had to be "rounded" to the nearest decade it would go up!! Not sure how I feel about that - nor about the fact that my first birthday card came from the Johnny Walker society, the only flowers I received came from an 82 year old, and my Ex gave me a jar of anti-ageing night cream!!!!!
At any rate - Wednesday's meeting was a fine entry into the celebratory mood as it featured the usual entertaining line-up:
Lizette stepped into her new boots as Sergent-at-Arms for the first time and Gordon was our Toastmaster for the evening. Our theme for the night was "The Whales are Coming!", however this came as a surprise to most of us due to Brian's temporary battle with his technology. Gordon pointed out gleefully that the whales are in fact already here, so feel free to see if you can spot them in False Bay this weekend.
We had a number of returning guests who were gently encouraged to busy their pens with membership forms, and a first-time guest Leone who came along with Denise.
Undaunted by his earlier technological battles, Brian performed an impressive feat getting both laptop and Proxima to co-operate and delivered a very useful Educational slot on "Closing Your Speech" from the Better Speaker Series. I think the one great suggestion we all hooked onto was the idea that you should build in multiple "exits" in a speech so that if you realise you are under time pressure you are able to take an earlier exit and come in within time..... After all, as Brian pointed out, no-one knows what you intended to say but you so it really doesn't matter if you skip something provided you still close the speech effectively.
On to the Communication Program: It was clear that Lizette obviously felt really courageous this week (perhaps having steeled herself to return to work now that baby is into his 6th month) and she tackled her AC1 with the challenging 1st assignment from the Speciality Speeches manual : the Impromptu speech. Her Evaluator Fred chose "Dream It, Do It" and she proceeded to tell us all about her conversion from a hard partying, clubbing, crawl-home-at-5am-and-sleep-off-the-hangover student to the new improved Lizette whose current ambition is to participate in the Ironman. (!!).....Managing to cram a whole lot of inspiration into her 5.45 presentation I'm confident that those of us who hadn't already been converted by her previous running talk were feeling pretty motivated by the end of this one.
We had a lot of firsts this week as it was also Fred's first outing as an Evaluator... Always a challenge to balance encouragement and recognition with direct yet constructive and helpful criticism. Think he did just fine for a first timer!
Our next Speaker was Denise with her CC9 : "Abstinence or Condoms". Well let's just say I was relieved by her restraint - This lady is not shy to state the facts and her approach to AIDS education on young people is impassioned and enlightening so I wasn't quite sure what to expect when she placed a large package on the lectern. The statistics and ignorance about this issue remain truly staggering but Denise made use of very entertaining props to get her message across. Few of us who were present will forget the "pass the parcel" view of casual sexuality, not the "scrambled egg" view of the consequences!!
Ruth's evaluation was spot on picking up on Denise's dilemma in trying to cram her vast store of content into a 5-7 minute slot.
Our third Speaker was Mandisi who is working through the Technical Speeches manual and who attempted to sell Liz a subscription to the magazine "Environmental Crusade" by means of a Cold Call.......Most of the audience were a little taken aback by the rather ambitious R1000 subscription rate, but then nothing Mandisi comes up with is ever quite as straightforward as you expect and he managed to inveigle a partial commitment out of Liz before the call ended. Hugh evaluated with flair and insight suggesting that perhaps life might be easier if Mandisi tried something slightly more pedestrian - just for a change!
The final speaker was Liz whose AC11 from the Entertaining Speaker manual tackled "The REAL Parenting Journey." Pointing out that the real challenges of parenting just get harder and harder her speech poked fun at the emerging adult's trials: obtaining an ID book, learning to drive, and of course, the arduous road to the Matric Dance which seems to have usurped The Wedding in the ambitions of Modern Youth. I'm rather hoping that a hat will be passed around to help her out of the resulting financial dilemma! Her evaluation was delivered by Brian who pointed out that the convulsions of the audience were a fair indication that the speech was entertaining - even if it exceeded the permitted time by almost 2 minutes (SLAP! - An advanced speaker should know better!!!)
Gordon delivered the Thought of the Day suggesting that we need to cultivate more gratitude for what we have and hold out a hand to others less fortunate.
The Table Topics segment was absolutely hilarious. Hosted by Anneliese (another first) the participants were presented with a question and their response then had to feature colours selected at random from the Dulux Colour Chart. We were treated to Hugh's explanation why his Summer Wardrobe will be featuring "Moroccan Gold" (I was almost convinced!), and insight into why Christine's Stylist had chosen "Ultramarine" and "Grecian Spa" as the palette for her holiday outfits. Ruth explained the layout and features of the garden she designed for a local business featuring "Lunar Landscape", "Moss", and "Lemon Chiffon" (You may not believe it, but she actually managed to make it sound good)......One of our returning guests Gert explained his End Of Year Party theme which featured "Banana Dream" - to awaken the inner child, and "Sun-drenched Chiffon" - symbolic of happiness and lightness of spirit. Don concluded the set with his choice of "Blue Babe" as his new hair colour. A well run session that certainly gave rise to some very creative thinking.
Hugh gave a largely positive General Evaluation after which our Winners for the evening were announced : Liz - Best Speaker, Brian & Hugh shared Best Evaluator, and Hugh and Ruth shared Best Table Topic. Gordon awarded the Gavel to Lizette for tackling two very scary firsts on one outing and handling both admirably.
To conclude, our soon-to-be newest members are Suzaan De Jager and Victor De Freitas who have indicated their desire to sign-up. WELCOME!!!
From the President’s Pen (well keyboard actually!)
It was a Wednesday, a Club-meeting-Wednesday, and as I drove to the Huis der Nederlanden in Pinelands, I thought “why am I still doing this after 12 years?”
Well I do it because I really enjoy it. I do it because many of my close friends are in the Club, a friendship that has grown over the years from meeting them every second Wednesday and sharing the experience with them. I do it because I enjoy meeting and getting to know new members as they join, watching them grow as they develop their leadership and speaking skills by following the Toastmasters International programmed learning courses, and as they move on in life better prepared for the challenges they will meet in their work. I do it because I hear such interesting speeches about a huge range of subjects many of which I knew nothing about. I do it because I learn from preparing and giving speeches on subjects that interest me. I do it because I learn from the helpful and encouraging Evaluation feedback given to speakers to help us improve our speeches. I do it because I enjoy getting involved in the Table Topics or Impromptu sessions where we all speak off the cuff on any subject, sometimes with amusement and sometimes seriously. And I do it because I enjoy the structure of a well run meeting, with proper control and the discipline of keeping to time.
I suspect I will probably look back in a few years time and, for all those same reasons, say “you know I am still enjoying Toastmasters”.
I know others in this Cub and other Clubs feel the same way as I do. Some of them have been around much longer than I. Maybe this will give some of the newer members an insight into why we’re still here, what motivates us. Possibly some of that will rub off on them. I do hope so because our Club needs a mix of exhuberant new members and some more experienced ones to make it what it is, one of the best Toastmasters Clubs in Southern Africa
Brian Gowans DTM
President
Meeting No 472 of Cape Town Toastmasters Club was held at Huis der Nederlanden, Central Square, Pinelands on 23rd April starting at 7pm.
12 members attended and we had three guests John, Beaton and Masekwe.
We welcomed Fred and Priscilla as our newest members. May they really enjoy Toastmasters in the future.
Hugh as Sergeant at Arms opened the meeting and President Brian welcomed members and guests and gave a Toast to South Africa. Brian then gave an educational talk on the learning opportunities which occur when you do committee roles such as Secretary, Treasurer or President.
Ice Breaker speeches were give by new members Hilton, who spoke about his growing company interests and Sarah who told us of her sports administration work. They thus introduced themselves to the Club in presenting their first speeches. Well done. This was followed by Lois who spoke about the curious way that letters can sound in words until she showed us how “Ghoti” can be pronounced “Fish”.
The final speech was given by Gordon who spoke about Training for Growth where he explained the activities of the Toastmaster Leadership Institute in our District.
Abdul reported on the timing of each speech and Hugh gave us a Toast of the Evening to those in the background who do the hard work for organisations.
After the snack break, each speech was competently evaluated by Hugh, Maryke, Carolann and Martin who gave positive feedback and suggestions to our speakers.
We then had a Table Topics session where Maryke allowed us to draw coins from her “little red purse” and we then had to talk about what happened to us in the year that coin was minted. Brian, Craig, Martin, Gordon and Carolann reminisced.
The evening ended when Craig, as Grammarian and Fines-master, extracted a rand from most of us for small misdemeanours like “ums and ers” and unnecessary words. This ended another typically enjoyable Cape Town Toastmasters Club meeting.
Awards were won by Lois, Martin and Craig. The gavel was awarded to Maryke for her first evaluation and her table topics. Craig, Brian and Abdul obtained leadership awards.
Club Success. As we get towards the end of our Toastmasters year we need to look at the Club goals we set outr Club at the beginning of the year.. We have achieved all the goals of attendance at Club Officer Training and payments of semi annuals. We have had eight new members. We just need to get our education goals.
We have two Competent Communicators (John and Lois) and we hope to have two more (Ruth and Lizette). We hope that we will have two Advanced Communicators (Liz and Craig). We have one Competent Leader (Hugh) and we hope to have one more (Brian).
If we can do that we will have achieved our ten goals for the year. That would be our fifth year in a row. Quite a record! Let’s do it!
Next meeting is on 14th May. Mandisi, Maryke, Anneliese, Ruth, Denise and Liz are slated to speak. It should be a great evening. Regrettably I will be away for the next two meetings and Hugh will be acting President.
My Best Wishes to you all
Brian Gowans
President.
Dear Members and Guests, here is the report of the meeting of Cape Town Toastmasters on 24th October at Huis Den Nederlanden.
Present: 12 members and 2 guests
The meeting was attended by the Area Governor Richard Perkins.
Recognition was made of the following District Officers present
Lois Strachan Lt Governor Education and Training
Craig Strachan Lt Governor Marketing
Gordon Metter District Secretary,
Carolann Louw District Custodian.
Our Toastmaster of the Evening was Craig who piloted us through the evening, initially explaining the difference between Competent Communicator and Advanced speeches.
Ruth (CC4) speech was "How to teach your child how to read" when she told us and demonstrated how to do this with fun and enthusiasm.
Lizette (CC6) gave us a "Wack on the side of the Head" as to why we should be creative and try something different in our lives.
Liz (AC7) told us about her "Great Escape", a treck across the Karoo, and her car breaking down, the rescue and the rest of the enjoyable holiday.
Lois (AC16) told us "When I say Move" her five animals have to, through routine and discipline, and how you can't train men or cats, so just get used to it!
Good evaluations to help and encourage the speakers were given by Hugh, Christine, Liz and Gordon
Annelise did a very competent job as time keeper, her first time.
Denise gave us a Though for the Day how every one from teenagers to old people have value and don't write them off (I agree!!)
Christine ran a thoughtful Table Topic session where members spoke on varied topics from "beating the children" to "dishwashers".
Lois did a General Evaluation of the meeting for a Competent Leader assignment.
The Area Governor was complementary in his evaluation as part of his Club Visit.
Awards were:
- Best Speaker Lois
- Best Evaluator Gordon
- Best Table Topics Hugh
Our next meeting is on 14th November three days time- when we will have an Education slot, 5 speeches and Table Topics.
I look forward to seeing you all there.
Best Wishes
Brian
President
The following is a brief record of the meeting that took place at the Bardellis restaurant on the 24th September 2007.
Present: Gordon Metter (GM), Hugh Solomon (HS) , Ank (AG) and Brian Gowans (BG) Martin (ML) and Carolann Louw (CL)
Apologies: Christine Dahl (CD), Liz Dewing (LD).
Brian Gowans
Secretary and President
The following is a brief record of the meeting that took place at Mels Village restaurant on 1st August 2007.
Present: Hugh , Christine, Gordon, Martin, Carolann, Ank, Brian. apologies Liz.
Item 1 programme
It was agreed that the educational slot would be continued.
Every third meeting would be a business meeting (also educational using Roberts Rules).
Grammarian, Ah Counter and finesmaster to be incorporated.
Toast and Thought of a Day to alternate.
Keep the time tight by using time keeper.
Toastmaster's Choice (do your own thing) to be continued
Occasional "long tall stories"
Regular general evaluator.
2 Keeping members
Ask newer members Members Feedback- "what did you like about the meeting, what did you not, where can we improve for you"
Talk to individuals "are you getting what you want out of toastmasters"
Moments of truth
Exit interviews where possible
3 Mentoring
To be emphasized.
Mentor list to be on notice board
Members choose or Hugh appoints
Mentors for committee jobs as well (toastmaster of the evening etc)
Hugh's aide-memoir's to go out to members (email) and be on the web site (email to Brian)
4 Raids
Organise a raid to kidnap George (with Two Oceans)
5 New Members
Agreed a person to visit three meetings before joining/CC1
6 Any other Business
6.1 List of members
On toastmasters.org
Find out and record status of each member
6.2 Own web site
BG/JG to up date
6.3 Use 0860ispeak
6.4 Prepare for humour contest
Meeting ended after a pleasant evening of fellowship.
Note: these will be used as basis of next business meeting (ask for proposer etc)
Brian Gowans (acting Secretary)