Our theme for this meeting was “Charisma”. The word of the day was “ flamboyant”
Our Toastmaster, Julie S., led the meeting with a definition of of charisma before giving the floor to four speakers.
Our first speaker, Kathy M., presented CC Project #4: How to Say It. In her speech titled: “The birthday gift: visiting the Holocaust Museum“, Kathy shared the story of a birthday present that led her on an emotional journey from sadness, anger, grief and empathy . Humans have the uncanny ability to inflict extreme violence on each other across the ages, all around the world. Kathy’s speech was raw and full of emotion.She concluded with her resolution to be an agent of change which was inspired by a quote by Elie Wiesel .
In her speech titled “ Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox: a tall tale“, our second speaker, Kiki N., regaled the audience with the story of Paul Bunyan, from the time of his birth in Bangor, Maine to the time he rescued Babe the Blue Ox before sailing around on the Round River thrice! Using vivid imagery, expressive body language and a sweet southern accent, Kiki told a very entertaining story and met her goal for this first project of the Storytelling Manual Project! Well done, Kiki!
Our third speaker, Brett S,in his speech titled “ How to stay adrift and not sink.” described the sunk cost theory which leads people to sometimes stay on the same mistaken course because of what they have already invested . For example, going to a concert that you do not feel like going to, just because you’ve already “sunk “ the money in the purchase of the ticket. Or, persisting on a crown molding installation project which should have been fun, but turns into a frustrating ordeal. Brett concluded with a clear and simple call to action: Be self aware, accepting of your mistakes and change…unless you like your own mistakes! Great project #9, Brett!
Our last speaker of the day was Ken B., practicing his speech for the International Speech Competition. In his speech titled “ The crisis we create”, Ken takes us back to a near death experience that transformed his life. Barreling down the road at 90 mph, in a clunker without seat bolts or brakes will make your life flash in front of your eyes, especially when you see the roadside telephone pole rushing towards you! Both Ken and Dennis, his pal, lived to tell the tale . Ken walked away, transformed, with a new found clarity and purpose. He enjoined the audience to create a crisis to transform their lives. Chaos begetting clarity? Interesting thought. Thanks Ken!
Aanya L. led the table topics portion of the meeting with original improv exercises where two members of the audience are given a situation and prompts to create creative small talk. Dilip and Isabella were voted best table topic for their easy banter about flowers and broken cycling equipment at the gym.
Andrew H. and Marti M. both won the title of best evaluator.
Our next meeting is scheduled for 4/29.
What do Mauritius Island, fashion design, Vaclav Havel, Poutine and the Emerald City have in common? Me! All these ways have led me to ( drum roll...) the Seattle Sunrise Toastmasters where friends and great speakers are made! I look forward to sharing my stories with you!
