Liberty Village Toastmasters:

last night i visited the club that meets at the Harbourfront Community Centre. Can you believe they made a guest do a table topic? CRUEL. i spoke for 32 seconds with 3 ums to accept the award for Patience.

i know that THEY didn't know it (it was a just a random pick from the envelope afterall, but I know i deserve it...)

the area governor was there and she raved about how that particular club is such a successful one that it serves well as a model for clubs that are struggling. she recommends to other clubs to come check out Liberty Village. cool eh?

they were all so welcoming! and, i liked how the person assigned a role explained it, and i liked how they awarded a prize for the table topics winner and i liked how they had a quizmaster. if i ever do THAT role, i will TOSS candies out to the people who answer the questions correctly...

do i sound like it was fun? don't forget, it WAS a toastmasters torture chamber... i might shalt join. it is really bugging me to be only half way thru the CMT...

want to join too?

isn't it nice that i got a coffee card present as one of the newsletter article writers? i think it looks great and can't wait to hand out the copies i have in my hands... the VP PR e-offerred a big thank you for "tremendous contributions... we couldn't have done it without you!"


* * *
mr. diversity indeed:

what an inspiration!

do you think i wrecked mr. awesome speaker's ability to stress the point when i put up my hand and guessed 7% of a communication is based on the actual WORDS? i'm proud to have guessed correctly.

he stressed how toastmasters teaches language BEYOND words.

i like his intention/mandate to create an inclusive environment, while dealing with the legacy and what he called the language GAP in the organization, referring really i guess to imbedded mind sets, and images that we respond to in said culture.

80% of the 45,000 employees are women, visible minorities or diversely abled? yet the exective is 80% white as in anglo saxon men?

DO WE ALL WANT TO WORK FOR THIS GUY???
i think we all encourage the state of being different. the human dimension.

incidentally, he does not look old enough to have completed a Masters in Education by 1986.

he is looking for people for his team to figure out the attraction vs. exit trends and work on corrections...

what on earth would be a suitable next step for a keener like me?
* *
arrange a liberty village toastmasters visit a week wednesday...
also, a trip into the other club in the tower on the same day?

The first table topic thrown at me, June 2nd was "you are about to embark on a sports vacation. where are you going and what sport/activity are you going to be doing?" Luckily, I had just been reading about an adult camp for horse back riders, so I enthused about that, for 29 seconds and 3 ahs.

i first acted as table topics master, on the theme of joy. This was July 14.

the purpose of table topics is to give everyone in the room an opportunity to speak, and second to allow people to practice and "think and speak on their feet" we listen for responses between 1 and 2 minutes

1. this question is for someone who has a wonderful, complicated, imperfect life with a real marriage. how did you meet/when did you recognize "The One?"

2. If someone were to command that you give yourself a treat or two every day just because you're you, no exceptions no excuses, what special indulgences would you enjoy?

3.Can you identify and articulate at least one of your heart's desires? Please share with us what you want and why...

4. The author of the Joy Diet recommends speding 15 minutes a day doing nothing. She contends that a daily period of mindful silence provides a sanctuary that no one can ever take from you... Have you ever mediated or created a sanctuary? If so, describe.

note to self:

1) next time, INTRODUCE YOURSELF to the person you want to meet and chat with to learn more about their career

2) wouldn't it be great if we had some sort of cult e-forum to post notes to each other instead of the e-mail flurries of congratulatory remarks that follow each meeting?