Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Public Speaking Northwest Promotes Poise under Pressure

Earl Wilson defines “poise: the ability to be ill at ease inconspicuously.” Keep reading to find out how our featured speaker, Juliet, spoke with eloquence and poise even though she gave her second talk.

President Barb welcomed Emery, Yanhong, Prema, Casey, Juliet, Kate, Jean, and guests, Cory and Sky. Then she introduced our Toastmaster, Emery.

Emery chose “All Things Summer” as his theme. He donned his fishing outfit, brought his fishing pole, tools, and homemade flies. Kate, as our grammarian, added to Emery’s theme with her word “splash,” which can mean display, spatter, or spray.

Yanhong explained the timing for Juliet’s talk, the evaluation, and table topics. Yanhong, a mathematics professor, is very good at precision timing. The timing helps us practice our presentations within the minutes provided. This skill helps us when we present at outside events and workshops.





Juliet, our featured speaker, entitled her talk, “Change Happens.” Its objective, to organize her talk with a good beginning, body, and summary, surpassed our expectations.
 
Juliet reviewed the book, “Who Moved My Cheese?” Her eye contact with the audience spoke to each of us directly. We learned the importance of overcoming our fears, taking risks, and stepping beyond our comfort zones. Juliet spoke about how our thoughts can boost our actions or keep us stuck.

Juliet’s call to action summarized why we must step away from fear if we want to step into a happier life. Juliet spoke eloquently and with poise under pressure since this was only her second talk. Well done, Juliet!

Jean evaluated Juliet’s speech with high praise.

Jean presented a learning segment on preparing the Toastmaster Agenda. She directed us to a ready-made agenda at www.PublicSpeakingNorthwest.com ‘Scroll down the left-hand side to click on Public Downloads,” she said. “Then click on Open Agenda and there it is!”

Jean pointed out that the toastmaster needs to get  the featured speakers to e-mail back the following information to the toastmaster for the toastmaster’s agenda:

  • Manual Name the speaker will be presenting from
  • Speech title
  • Time needed   
Barb presented table topics with clever questions. Kate and Cory were to stand and speak “off-the-cuff.” 

With no preparation Kate answered the question, “What would your very best temper tantrum look like?” Kate related how she kept cool at the time of her daughter’s car accident even though she was terrified. 

Later when Kate and her husband returned from a prayer meeting, her husband urged her to let out her fear and anger. She reported screaming at the top of her lungs. Kate said she felt better after that. Great job, Kate!

Cory, our guest, took the table topic challenge. Without preparation, he was asked to design a new firework and tell us what it would do.

His answer blended with Juliet’s talk. Cory said it would consist of colorful and inspiring ideas popping within our minds. His sparkling vision filled our imaginations with the vastness of outer space and the art of Pablo Picasso. Cory, you wowed us!

Prema evaluated the meeting as our General Evaluator. She told Juliet, Barb, Jean, and, especially Toastmaster Emery, how she appreciated their preparation. She honored both Kate and Cory for their excellent table topic presentations.


Our Blue Ribbon Winners:
Best Evaluator ~ Jean
Best Table Topic Speaker ~ Cory
Juliet went a little over the time allotted even though she gave a super talk.

News You Can Use:
1.     Cory, our guest, will be going to Hong Kong for a period of time before he returns.
2.     Sky, our guest, is an artist. She is thinking of joining and took home a membership form.
3.     Emery invited everyone to come to our annual potluck picnic at Jean’s house on August 25th from 4-7. Members are also encouraged to bring a beverage of their choice.

 Public Speaking Invitation!
 
If you'd like to join us for polishing your presentations, developing leadership skills, and making friends, we welcome you.

 
We meet every Tuesday from noon to 1:00 PM. You'll find us at the Seattle Times Building in Bothell, Washington ~ 19200 120th Avenue NE. Feel free to bring your lunch.
 
To find out more contact: Emery Jordan at: gejordan9@comcast.net (206) 235-1356

Respectfully submitted,

 






       Jean Tracy, DTM

4 comments:

  1. I am sorry I missed the shing-dig. Sounds like you had a great time. Looking forward to next Tuesday!!

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  2. It was a fun meeting, Ken. We missed you too.

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  3. WIsh I was there! :/

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  4. Missed the meeting but fun to hear about it. Always sorry to miss the creative and interesting speeches.

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