Hello and Welcome to the November Newsletter!
It’s getting colder and the end of the year is approaching. But there’s still time to tick off another Toastmasters’ goal or two. We have 4 meetings left in 2014 so whether you want to polish up your table topics, take on a new role or try to squeeze in one final speech this year go to Clubplan and sign up for a role or table topic today. Note: if you can’t find a speech slot sign up as a reserve speaker. You may get bumped up to a confirmed speaker if someone else has to pull out in the days before the meeting which really helps Helen fill the agenda without too much stress. And, as a reward, if you don’t get to speak at the meeting for which you are a reserve, you get first option on speaking slots at the next meeting she sets up.
If you don’t have time to read the whole newsletter, you can skip to the bottom for a short summary of the main points.
What’s happened since the last newsletter?
We had two meetings in October. Unfortunately I was unable to attend the second but Stella ably stood in as Acting President. The meeting was also in a different venue to usual due to a last minute change – some of you may have felt you were visiting another club! However I’m reliably informed that the standard of speaking was as high as ever.
What’s planned for November?
In November we will be treated to two Icebreakers. On Monday the 10th our newest member Axel will be speaking and there will be a second Icebreaker on the 24th.
Our GE on the 10th will be David Jones. For those of you who don’t know him he’s a Table Topics master having been to the Divisional Finals 11 times and won the UK & Ireland Final 5 times. If he asks nicely we may let him do a Table Topic as well as evaluate us!
***NEWSFLASH*** Bloomsbury Speakers’ members get hitched!!!
Do you know which two of our members were engaged? They kept their engagement low key but two weeks ago Past President Femi and ex Vice President of PR Rufina took the plunge and married before jetting off to Mexico on honeymoon. Rufina looked radiant in all three (yes – three!) outfits she wore on the day and Femi matched her with three dapper outfits of his own. Being the wedding of two Toastmasters members, there was a Toastmaster running the schedule on the day and this was our very own member Ratan.
It was a fabulous day and on behalf of all at Bloomsbury Speakers I’d like to wish them a long and happy life together.
Dates for your Diary – watch this space
We haven’t confirmed a date yet but we will be having a joint Xmas party for Bloomsbury Speakers’, Clerkenwell Speakers’ and St Paul’s Speakers’ members. Michelle is working hard on the arrangements and as soon as the date is fixed we will let you know.
Tip of the Month: The End
Effective public speaking isn’t only about grabbing your audience at the beginning. The way you finish is crucial to the overall success of your speech. For one thing, your final words are likely to be the ones your audience will remember. Some speeches lend themselves to a humorous finish, while others require a more serious approach.
Keep in mind that a good speaker doesn’t just talk to his audience. You may be speaking to entertain, inform, inspire, motivate, or lead. Here are some tips to help you:
- Whet your audience’s appetite at the beginning by starting to tell a story. But leave the rest of the story — and the punch line — for your big finish.
- The title of your speech should summarize your main point in a memorable, catchy way. So if you can incorporate the title into your closing words, that will reinforce your message.
- End with a humorous or meaningful quotation from somebody famous. There are many quotation websites on the Internet, and you will have no trouble finding something suitable.
- Don’t end abruptly. A hasty “Well, that’s it from me, thanks” and off you go doesn’t create a professional impression. It makes you seem inexperienced and/or unprepared.
- Give your audience a signal that the end is near so they will pay attention to what you are about to say. If you were walking around the stage, for instance, you could return to the centre of the stage and take a solid stance.
- Involve your audience. Ask them to repeat something after you — maybe a simple “commitment ” you have written.
- Issue your call to action. Tell your audience what you want them to do next and ask them to do it.
Remember, the last thing you say is your last chance to impress the audience and it’s what they will remember about your speech.
Don’t forget to keep your contact details complete and up to date
When we had to change our meeting venue last month just four days before the meeting, the whole committee swung into action to secure a new venue, let everyone know and arrange to move our equipment. But we found that some of the speakers and functionaries did not have their phone number listed on our website which meant we couldn’t text them to let them know. Please can all members check we have a phone number listed on the website. It’s not publicly visible to other members and the committee won’t cold call you unless absolutely, absolutely necessary. Log in and check your contact details now.
Also Toastmasters International use the address on their website Toastmasters International to send out their monthly magazine. When you join Bloomsbury Speakers, Rebecca sets up your record with your current address but, if you move, you need to update the records at Toastmasters International or you will no longer receive the magazine through the post. Did you know?: You can also get a digital version of by downloading the Toastmasters App from the Apple, Amazon and Google app stores
Key facts – just the stuff you really need to know
- Sign up for the reserve speaking slots on Clubplan – you may get to speak and, as a reward, if you don’t get to speak at the meeting for which you are a reserve, you get first option on speaking slots at the next meeting Helen sets up.
- There are only 4 meetings left in 2014 so, whether you want to polish up your table topics, take on a new role or try to squeeze in one final speech this year, go to Clubplan and sign up for a role or table topic today.
- Past President Femi and ex Vice President of PR Rufina took the plunge and married before jetting off to Mexico on honeymoon. We wish them happiness!
- We will be having a joint Xmas party for Bloomsbury Speakers’, Clerkenwell Speakers’ and St Paul’s Speakers’ members so look out for the announcement of the time and place.
- Don’t forget to keep your contact details complete and up to date on Clubplan and Toastmasters International and you can also download the Toastmasters App to get the monthly magazine digitally.
Newsletter written by Jo
