JIm K Toastmasters Saint John

I attended two Toastmaster meetings this week.    On Monday at Saint John Toastmasters we had four speeches covering topics such as the power of habits (and habitual reactions when we think we're actually making decisions), the nature of Information Technology projects, ideas on working effectively in committees, and a view to microfinance projects.  These projects enabled the speakers to practice skills such as speech organization, research, and vocal variety.   Each speaking assignment has us develop and deliver a speech to exercise a skill - the topic is our choice. Saint John Toastmasters is nearing our summer break with one or two meetings remaining until we resume after Labour Day. http://saintjohn.toastmastersclubs.org/ I also visited Harbourside Toastmasters on Wednesday.  This group continues throughout the summer.    At this meeting I led the Table Topics session, the impromptu speaking session, and I had a series of questions about Ca...

At our most recent Saint John Toastmaster meeting we had table topics about Canada.  What made this most interesting was the mix of members in the room, including MBA students from France, India and Saudi Arabia, one member who moved to Canada from Poland, and several members who have lived in other countries.   As well several members have been born and raised in Canada and have not ventured far. The discussion explored our self-perceptions and perceptions of those who are not native Canadians. Topics centered on themes of health, violence, strength of communities, patriotism, and other areas. As summer nears and the club winds down meetings until Labour Day, we had only one speech. The speech can be viewed here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRDTuHFrqXc Pierre delivered a very good speech.  However at Toastmasters speakers and evaluators are always looking for ways in which the message can be improved.    Pierre's feedback included suggestions...

At this years Toastmasters International Convention in Cincinnati, New York Times best selling author Susan Cain will be presented with the Golden Gavel award.   Each year Toastmasters recognizes an outstanding communicator and leader.    This years recipient also happens to be a Toastmaster - this is usually not the case.   More information on the author and past recipients are available at the link below. http://www.toastmasters.org/Members/2013InternationalConvention/GoldenGavelAward.aspx She credits Toastmasters with enabling her to deliver this TED talk - not everyone's ambition but it's great we helped this introverted author. http://www.ted.com/talks/susan_cain_the_power_of_introverts.html