Toastmaster Ted kicked off the meeting tonight speaking about surprises. Surprises that we encounter throughout the daily news, when we think to ourselves who would have known? Surprises can be life altering, challenging, and exciting such as when we meet that special person in our life. Ted left us with a great statement to think about “Be Surprised.”

First Speaker: Craig
Title of Speech: The Future of Energy in America

Craig made a very passionate speech about various sources of energy around our world. Specifically Craig spoke about the energy sources that Canada is looking into and how they are cleaner, cheaper and better sources. Craig enlightened us on the main sources we currently use and how they are detrimental to our environment for various reasons. In closing Craig left us wondering will America be the next energy super power?

Second Speaker: Mark
Title of Speech: A Game in the Life

Mark has been a basketball coach for 10 years to teen boys and his speech took us through a typical game while coaching. Mark loves to see his team succeed but most of all at the end of a game he gives encouraging praises for players efforts. As well he assess their attitude and ultimately overall wants to ensure they all have fun. Mark left listeners with many reasons as to why he loves coaching through his expressive body language and funny reflections on his role as a basketball coach to teen boys.

Table Topics Session

Tonights Table topics session was replaced by an informative Table topics workshop led by John Kjar. Being a star table topic speaker himself John Kjar. led listeners through a workshop session in where he helped us all realize how table topics doesn’t have to be so frightening to take part in. This workshop was a follow up session to a first part workshop he had done in the past. John informed both new and old members what table topics is all about and when the skill can come in handy in real life situations. What happens when you can’t think on the spot? If you have no idea what to talk about John offered some important pointers:

1) Talk about what you don’t know
2) Tell a non-joke or a joke
3) Quotes – tell one that means something to you
4) Tell a story you know
5) Use an anecdote

John then took us into an table topics session in which we had many willing participants. Too bad we didn’t have enough time for everyone to get up and speak! We had many great speakers which included current members as well as new guests who all gave winning speeches on the spot.

Beneficial and informative evaluations were given as well by Andrew, Ram and John Kris. The evaluation team as well gave their reports on timing, grammar, filler words, and quizmaster Francisco tested our listening skills based on the meeting content. Thank you everyone for your input and efforts we look forward to seeing you all at the next meeting!!

Meeting Theme – Have you ever been speechless?
Word of the day – Speechless

Toastmaster Francisco started the meeting with an entertaining speech about his first interview at Burger King as a teenager. He was at a loss for words during the interview as he had focused more time on getting ready what he would be wearing to the interview. He also reflected back to a time he met face to face with Jessica Alba at the ATM, and again he was speechless. Just think he could of been married to Jessica Alba now! In reflection Francisco said that it is ok to be speechless in life when caught in moments of extreme excitement or happiness.

As well to kick off the meeting two new members were inducted. Welcome to Zach Martin and Kuntal Variya – we are excited to have you apart of our team!!

First Speaker: Zach
Title: What makes you different.

Zach introduced us to what makes him so different. Not only does Zach eat raw eggs every day…he ate 1000 raw eggs over the last year! Zach comes to us as a practising Engineer but his many talents have found him also working as a Graphic Designer and a maker of romantic homemade gifts for his hubby. His homemade projects range from making a USB in the shape of the letter J for his wife to designing and making his own custom made wedding ring! We look forward to getting to know more interesting facts about Zach and what makes him different!

Second Speaker: Albert
Title: Cops, robbers and hams

Albert took an early interest many years ago back in University in learning about Radio Scanning. Albert is a practising Nurse but also has a side interest in becoming a licensed Ham Operator. He bought his first radio scanner for $160.00 back in University. Radio frequencies and conversations conducted via radio air waves is open to any listener which many of us were not aware of. Albert enlightened us on how ham radio can be used in a real life situation. Think of Hurricane Katrina where Ham Radios had an important role to play. As they could be run on batteries and were used for people to effectively communicate, when all other forms of communication were not working!

Third Speaker: Rene
Title: Moby Dick

Rene delivered his monumental tenth speech tonight from the Competent Communicator Manual. He inspired us with his speech on Moby Dick and how we all have Moby Dicks to overcome. Rene went on to discuss that the Moby Dicks are in between us and what can make us happy in life until we overcome the Moby Dick. Some people find their way to get over their Moby Dicks. Rene left us stating – The realization of your dreams and choosing to be successful is your choice. Rene definitely overcame his Moby Dick by successfully completing his tenth speech. Congratulations Rene!!

Table Topics by Julian

In following the theme of the meeting Julian provided Table Topic Speakers with quotes revolving around being speechless. Table topic speakers went onto conduct up to two minute speeches based on the quote they received. We heard many entertaining speeches related to interesting quotes and how speechlessness affects everyone in different ways and situations. Our winner John Kjar. delivered the winning speech in which he reminded us all to pay attention to peoples body language. As words are less important sometimes when words spoken are not always the truth.

The meeting concluded with a very helpful and beneficial evaluation session. Which included reports on grammar, filler words,Chan’s quizmaster questions regarding content we heard during the course of the meeting and meeting timing. Overall a great meeting was had as we heard speeches from new members to advanced members. Followed by evaluations by Andrew, Mark, and John Kri. which focused on providing useful feedback and advice for future improvements as well as growth for speakers.

Toastmaster Vivienne kicked off the meeting discussing the theme “Springtime Revolution” and how it’s full of inspiration everywhere you look. Vivienne had come across a few street artists over the last weekend who were painting a mural and pointed out how Toronto is now embracing street art. From restaurants to festivals around the city highlighting collaborative artists who are bringing inspiration to life within our city environment. Vivienne encouraged everyone to take notice of street artists and as well artists in local galleries during this wonderful spring season.

First Speaker: Luke Brodie
Title: Welcome to the Toronto Base

Luke presented a speech to 75 flight attendants he will be addressing within his workplace this coming week. While welcoming new employees to the Toronto base, Luke outlined expectations while also offering important support services. Luke highlighted professionalism and how representation of the company is important when putting yourselves in customers shoes, you can realize how to continually excel customer expectations. Orientation program was mentioned to orient new attendants into the company culture working within the Toronto base. Luke ended off with a question and answer period which provided the new attendants with advice and opportunities to address any concerns they may have.

Second Speaker: Bing Lee
Title: Balls of Fury II

Bing evoked our emotions with a personal story involving a recent corporate Ping Pong event she had partaken in. Bing described how she had been soured from playing ping pong, as a result of playing with a competitive coworker at last years event. Corporate events are normally friendly and supposed to build team spirit or rapport. But for Bing playing with her competitive coworker made her uncomfortable and reluctant to partake in this years event. With some encouragement though Bing agreed to play again as her new opponent seemed less competitive, which in turn made playing more enjoyable. Bing and her new partner were playing so well that they ultimately made it to the semi-finals, where they were matched up to play against her former competitive co-worker. Bing played her best with a great team spirit though she ultimately lost to her competitive counter part. In the end Bing realized that if winning was so important for him then she was happy to let him win.

Bing left the audience with a chinese proverb to think about if ever caught up in a similar situation – “Holding anger in your heart is like holding a hot coal in your hand – you are the only one getting burned.”

Third Speaker: Arvind Karir
Title: Hot or Not

Arvind delivered a speech to a group of investors related to a product he wanted them to invest in. Arvind used powerpoint to provide information on the product and what it can do for data transferring and how it compares to current industry products. He discussed the benefits of the much smaller size, cost effectiveness, hardware and software ease of use, and making it accessible to everyone. Arvind as well showed the milestones achieved in developing the product and what the future plans are as well to inform investors. Projections and a revenue graph was also provided to show investors what their return on investment would be ultimately. Arvind left listeners with a quote related to business by Steve Jobs – “Stay hungry, stay foolish.”

Table Topics by Craig

In following the theme of the meeting Craig provided a story about David Choe who has himself created a revolution with his valuable street art. Leading into asking table topic speakers to speak about about something unique they prepare or do to get ready for spring time. Craig’s spring time memory is the picture of his grandfathers farm every spring with the fence around it to keep the cattle on the farm. Our winner for table topics was Jay with his unforgettable and creative speech on watching a ufc fight on a hot summers night with friends.

The meeting concluded with a very insightful and beneficial evaluation session including weekly reports on grammar, filler words, Jay’s quizmaster questions regarding the content of presentations and meeting timing. Overall amazing evaluations were delivered by Ted, Ian and Ram. which focused on providing constructive feedback and offering advice for future improvement to speakers.

Great turn out as always. As well wonderful speeches and evaluations look forward to next weeks meeting!!

Toastmaster Bing led the meeting this evening with the theme – “A Day in the Grand Bazaar” related to her recent trip to Turkey. Bing Informed and entertained members with her story on bartering techniques when dealing with vendors and their 5 step negotiation process. The vendors attempt many different strategies to pull you in and purchase products which can be overwhelming at first. Although as Bing indicated if you hold your firm ground about paying a lower price, and don’t give into their tactics you eventually will land a great deal. As toastmasters we understand how to plan and deliver our thoughts appropriately for audiences. So in turn when we find ourselves in negotiation situations, this learned skill provides the confidence to organize your thoughts on the spot and to achieve the outcome you desire.

First Speaker: Albert Ho
Title: Our Healthcare System is Dying

Albert provided an insightful look into the healthcare system as it stands today in Canada. The private clinic options that are available for Canadians now and the cost of such services. If you have the financial ability to pay for special services, often times those patients are looked after over others that may not be financially able to. Albert really gave the audience a touchy topic to think about in terms of how do we feel about this sort of treatment and what does this mean to the future of our healthcare system.

Second Speaker: Arvind
Title: Long Road Ahead

Arvind delivered a bad news speech with tact to a company regarding it’s financial situation and cutbacks to all employees. Delivering bad news especially in tough economic times is probably the most difficult part for any managers job. It’s never an easy situation to approach but necessary, as Arvind pointed out. Noone likes having the painful conversation but being able to deliver bad news that treats employees fairly, will help ensure they still respect your leadership.

Points to take away when delivering bad news-
1- Don’t avoid the bad news
2- Be clear and direct
3- Take ownership of the problem – telling people what the situation is
4- Think of timing and when you deliver the message

Third Speaker: Ram Krishna
Title: Ooo…oooh-what a close shave! Could it be a gift of life?

Ram one of our very distinguished speakers gave an entertaining demonstration speech about a shaving mirror. On a recent business trip Ram had an unforgettable experience with a shaving mirror. Ultimately leading him to express to his wife how he would love one for himself. As a result when his wife purchased one from Ikea he had his doubts on it being the correct mirror and if it met his requirements. Through his careful demonstration of the mirror we all realized how it definitely was “The Best a Man Can Get!”

Table Topics by Esther

The speeches where followed by a table topics session lead by Esther. Esther provided a variety of words to challenge table topic speakers ability to think on the spot. Table topics winner was Julian who delivered a comedic speech. Thank you to all who participated!

The meeting was concluded with a great evaluation session including weekly reports on grammar, filler words, Michelle’s quizmaster questions regarding the content of presentations and meeting timing. Overall beneficial evaluations were delivered by Francisco, Luke and John Kris. which focused on encouraging the speakers and offering advice for future improvement.

Welcome to returning guests as well as new guests we had come out this evening. We look forward to seeing you again soon. Great turn out as always!!

Wednesday March 14th, we will be holding our meeting at the ING Direct Cafe on 221 Yonge Street at Yonge St. and Shuter St. (just one block south of Dundas). Please join us there for a special LVTM “Speakers Cafe.”

Look forward to seeing you all there!!

Below are a few maps of the venue and the surrounding area:

The target speaker was our very own Arvind K. who delivered a speech about the Mobile Marketing Market with a speech entitled “Empowering MMM.” He received 3 fantastic evaluations from the competitors with tips we’re sure he’ll use in his future speeches.

From there, we moved into the prepared International Speech Contest, where we heard some brilliant speeches that were both engaging and inspiring with a little emotion involved. The judges must of had a hard job judging both contests.

When it was all said and done, Julian won the Speech Evaluation contest and Jay came in a very close second for the International Speech Contest with his speech “In a Snap!” We’re all very proud of our co-VP of Education representing our club at the Area 26 contest and look forward to cheering on Julian when he competes at the Division C contest.”

Way to go everyone!!

Big thanks to Mark Kiteley who participated in the evaluation portion. Could not have happened without you! Congratulations to Ian G, and John Kr. for competing in the evaulation contest and Rene M. for competing in the International Speech contest also.

The first place winners of both contests, Julian and Jay, will advance to the area 26 competition on March 7th! Please come out and support them!

Thank you everyone who came out for your participation and support!

Toastmaster Julian kicked off the meeting with a personal story revolving around surveillance. His personal story on surveillance came about from a recent visit he had while looking into Montessori schools for his son and how instructors and students were on constant watch from behind a two-way mirror.

Some people believe in a god who is always looking down on them, and also alot of people think that this is just what modern society does online today. That everyone is watching everyone else, through mediums such as facebook and you tube. Julian stated that people often filter what they post online. That being news which is in a more positive and not negative light. As toastmasters we understand that we are being watched when speaking at meetings and we accept this as we understand that we are in a friendly and supportive environment. Tonight new member Vlad was also inducted into our club Liberty Village – Welcome Vlad to the team!

First Speaker: Francisco Speech #10
Title: The Evil Truth is Revealed

Francisco’s comedic twist on his final inspirational speech truly grabbed listeners attention. He showed his progression through his speeches by stating the meanings behind each speech and how each speech affected the audience. Francisco stated how toastmasters slogan is that they create leaders. Realizing that every misstep through his speech projects and speech contest only made him stronger.

Three very important and tough lessons Francisco learned through public speaking with toastmasters -
1- If the crowd hates your topic then you should just stop it.
2- Rehearse till it hurts.
3- If you do not know your crowd then the snoring will be loud.

Second Speaker: Andrew
Title: Hair: What is it good for?

Andrew’s humorous speech about how hair is a useless feature, had the audience bursting out in laughter. Andrew held the audiences attention with a flashback story to when he was a younger boy and discovering his mother in the kitchen waxing her legs. Going onto express the lengths women and men go through to rid our bodies of unwanted hair. Ultimately realizing how much we really don’t like hair exhibited through the time and money we spend on getting rid of hair on a daily basis. Andrew captured the audiences imagination leaving an impact on all listeners, having us looking forward to his next speech.

Table Topics by Jay

The speeches where followed by a table topics session lead by Jay. Following the theme of surveillance there was a variety of questions to challenge speakers ability to think on the spot. Table topics winner was guest Hala with her speech on what she thought about being able to videotape people anywhere at anytime. Cameras and technology have revolutionized the way we think and do business.

The meeting was concluded with a great evaluation session including weekly reports on grammar, filler words, John’s quizmaster questions regarding the content of presentations and meeting timing. Overall beneficial evaluations were delivered by Ted and Ian which focused on encouraging the speakers and offering advice for future improvement.

Speakers, guests and evaluators truly showed they were going for it tonight!