Hello and welcome to the June newsletter!
It’s very nearly the end of the Toastmasters year and so this is my very last newsletter as club president. From the start of July Bloomsbury Speakers has a new President and a new committee running the club (more details below).
I said a few thank yous at the meeting on Monday evening, but once again I’d like to thank Femi, Swarajit, Hari, Kate, Adam and of course my predecessor Nazia for all their hard work in taking the club to the next level.
To put things into perspective, this time last year we had fewer than 30 members and shared a venue – and kit (such as timing lights) – with our sister club Holborn Speakers. Today we have our own venue, all our own kit and are very nearly 40 members strong.
Many thanks to the committee for making my term as president so enjoyable – I couldn’t have wished for a nicer, more committed bunch of people.
I also want to thank all our members, whose great enthusiasm and supportive attitude has helped to cement our reputation as one of the most fun and friendly clubs in London (and beyond!)
Even though I’ll miss being President, I’m really looking forward to getting back into some of the other roles during our meetings, like Topicsmaster, evaluator and of course, Toastmaster.
(P.S. As usual, you can skip to the bottom of the newsletter for a short summary of the main points)
What’s happened since the last newsletter?
We had three meetings in June, spanning the full Toastmasters spectrum with three ice breakers from brand new members and two more experienced members giving their No. 10 speeches (and thus achieving CC – Competent Communicator – status).
Despite competition from Euro 2012 – and some rather sultry British weather – the meetings were lively with a good turnout from members and guests alike.
We also had two new members join the club. So welcome on board Christopher (another one) and Jasr (our first) – I look forward to hearing your ice breaker speeches sometime soon!
What’s planned for July?
July is another ‘supersized’ month at Bloomsbury Speakers, with three regular meetings and a workshop:
- Monday 9th July 2012 – Regular Meeting – the first meeting of July is already pretty booked up, but you could book in as a reserve speaker (in case someone drops out) or nab the final table topics slot.
- Monday 16th July 2012 – Extra Meeting – another regular meeting to satisfy demand for speaking slots and roles. We’re still looking for a Grammarian and several evaluators. Also there are four table topics slots up for grabs (remember – you can book these in advance now!)
- Monday 23rd July 2012 – Regular Meeting – our final meeting of the month still needs several evaluators. You could also grab the reserve speaker slot or one of the table topics slots.
- Monday 30th July 2012 – Table Topics Workshop – this is already fully booked but if you reserved your place on EventBrite we’ll be contacting you in the next couple of weeks to confirm that you can still make it, so make sure it’s in your diary!
What’s on the horizon?
We’ve got two meetings in August – on the 13th and 20th August. Please note the second date – it’s the third Monday not the fourth, due to the August bank holiday.
In September we have:
- Monday 10th September 2012 – Humorous Speech and Table Topics Contest – this is the club-level round of the autumn contests – featuring humorous prepared speeches and table topics. We’ll release more details nearer the time but I’d encourage all members to enter (one or both contests!) – it’s a great experience and always a good atmosphere. We also need people to help with functionary roles such as counter and timekeeper.
- Monday 24th September 2012 – Regular Meeting – we’ve literally just set this meeting up in ClubPlan so at the time of sending, all slots are available on a first-come first-served basis. If you’ve done your ice breaker recently, why not book your No. 2 speech? Get in there!
New committee
After the various nominations and votes received via ClubPlan, discussions were held with those members interested in taking on a role in the new committee, and here’s the new line-up with responsibilities:
- Femi Asaolu – President – has overall responsibility for the successful running of the club
- Swarajit Das – VP Education – ensures that we run successful meetings with all roles filled and that the club’s educational goals are met
- Joe Lake – VP Membership & Mentoring – looks after new and existing members to help them get the most out of the club and meet their personal development goals
- Elena Fanaberova – Treasurer – responsible for controlling the club finances to ensure stability and continuity for all members
- Jo Higham – Secretary – responsible for club administration, particularly with regards to committee meetings and decision making
- Glen Long – VP Public Relations – responsible for raising the club profile and attracting new guests, e.g. via website and mailing list
NOTE: We are still looking for a replacement Sergeant at Arms, who is responsible for setting up the room before and after each meeting. The SAA also has a regular slot giving guest introductions (unless taking on another role). If you’d like to find out more, please get in contact.
Membership freeze
We’ve had some feedback from new members that it’s been difficult to book slots recently, so to help cope with demand we’ve decided to freeze club membership until the end of September.
Of course, guests are still very welcome to come along to the meetings during this period and anyone super-keen to join will go on a waiting list.
Tip of the Month: Squeeze Every Last Drop From Your Membership
Members – it costs you precious time and money to be part of Bloomsbury Speakers. We think its great value, but nonetheless there’s an investment on your part, and the value you get from that investment is entirely down to you and the attitude you take to your membership.
It’s a bit like being a member of a gym. Who’s getting the most value – the person who goes at least three times a week and gets into an enjoyable routine, or the person who goes once or twice a month – usually out of guilt? They’re both paying the same amount, but who’s getting the most value?
So here are some ideas for ‘super sizing’ the experience you get with Bloomsbury Speakers:
- Aim to do a role every meeting. If you can’t do a role, do a table topic.
- Set yourself a target for completing your ten speeches. Work towards that target.
- Ask other members for their opinions and advice on your efforts.
- If you have an idea for improving the club, don’t keep it to yourself – tell someone on the committee.
- Network with other members after the meetings – who knows what opportunities might crop up?
- Visit other clubs and make contacts. Many will welcome you as a General Evaluator – you can also let them know you’d be available to give a speech if they have last minute availability.
- Take the opportunity not only to have a mentor, but also to be a mentor for others.
Take these ideas on board and I guarantee that this time next year you’ll be amazed how much you’ve progressed.
Right, I think that’s everything. It’s been a long newsletter so I’ll keep my sign-off brief!
Good luck to Femi and his new committee. I’m really proud of where the club is right now, and look forward to seeing it go from strength to strength in the future.
See you in a meeting very soon!
Glen Long
(Very soon to be ex-)President
Bloomsbury Speakers
Key facts – just the stuff you really need to know
- Our next meeting is Monday 9th July 2012
- We have an extra meeting on July 16th 2012
- Our second meeting in August is the third, not fourth, Monday – i.e. Monday, 20th August
- There are still functionary roles available in July and August – remember you need at least one functionary roles between speeches
- There’s a brand new meeting in ClubPlan (i.e. all roles currently available) on 24th September
- We have a new committee: Femi (President), Swarajit (VP Education), Joe (VP Membership & Mentoring), Elena (Treasurer), Jo (Secretary), and me (VP Public Relations)
