Introduction
We met on Monday 26th March for another entertaining evening of speeches and impromptu talks at Wedge Issue Pizza.
Roles
President of the club Peter R opened the meeting by explaining what Toastmasters is and by talking through the many benefits it provides to members. He then introduced Toastmaster Margarita, who explained the agenda and introduced Timekeeper Michael.
Prepared speeches
The first speaker was Jamie with her Ice Breaker Speech “The Day That Changed My Life”. Jamie gave an inspiring talk about how the sudden death of a relative prompted her to make the most of life, including hiking and facing her fear of public speaking.
The second speaker was Luisa with her Competent Communicator Speech #6 “Beyond Reasonable Doubt”. Luisa questioned the validity of our beliefs by talking through a famous case which almost resulted in an innocent man being convicted of murder.
Third to speak was Scott with his Competent Communicator Speech #3 “Tarrare – A Hungry Man”. Scott gave us an interesting and somewhat gory account of the life of Tarrare, a French man with implacable hunger and very unusual eating habits.
The last speaker was Sarah with her Competent Communicator Speech #9 “What’s in a Scent”. Sarah explained human adulterous behaviours through the parental investment theory. The bottom line is: our romantic choices are often driven by evolutionary needs!
Scott then led the guest introductions.
Table Topics
After the break, we heard from the evening’s evaluators – Swarajit, Andy, Chantal and Peter.
Table Topics Master Lei then led a captivating table topics session on a number of existential questions. Claire, Raphael, Erica, James, Susan, Paloma, Adriana and Jeya participated. Highlights included Paloma urging us all to tell white lies more often, and Raphael commenting on his preference to chase rather than be chased.
Atul evaluated all table topic speakers.
Finally, visiting General Evaluator Megan evaluated our club and the meeting.
Awards
Best Speaker: Luisa
Best Evaluator: Andy
Best Table Topic: Raphael
Next meeting
Our next regular meeting will take place at Wedge Issue Pizza & Beer (91-95 Clerkenwell Rd, London EC1R 5BX), on Monday 9thApril 18:30-21:00. Come over to practice your public speaking skills!
Please free to get in touch as info@bloomsburyspeakers.org.uk if you have any questions.
