i have already said how we have very gifted speakers in this club from whom to learn and emulate... but, today i was blown away by the evaluations. talk about nailing the issue and providing constructive feedback...

speaker #1 was encouraged to strive for a more conversational tone while tossing her notes over her shoulder. which was perfect, and the exact criticism i couldn't find to put on my evaluation page for her very confident and engaging delivery, with very minimal reference to notes... but, it was exactly correct that her strict adherence to her pre-planned words was detrimental to her CONNECTION with the audience. at coffeee afterwards she said she was reminded to memorize the flow of ideas only for next time.

speaker #2 was eloquently busted for not quite being funny with his humourous story opener and then busted again for the fact that it was difficult to relate the joke to the content of the speech. kablam.

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talk about a diverse group, so many international students and so many u of g employees make for quite a blend. different cultures, different ages, different interests, different backgrounds, different beliefs and attitudes... i enjoy the especially ecclectic nature of this club.

next week i am GE, and i am praying the others on the waiting list before me decline the speech role vacancy that has appeared for august. otherwise i am to wait until late september to do my project #6 -- the speech which entitles one by the way, to give speech evaluations to your fellow toastmasters.

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would you believe two toastmasters are horse people? i had never known much about the iceland gaited horse, and look forward to learning more (meanwhile, i am to go watch a beginner's dressage lesson in my own neighbourhood tomorrow evening...) furthermore, the icelandic pony lady runs the media lab (open to the public) in the university building next door to our meetings and they help people learn to operate A U D A C I T Y. of all things. now, tell me that's not a synchronous sign, in support of my goals... i think i will offer to work on a website for them too -- if my former PR boss will mentor me on the topic. more soon!