Sean, our Toastmaster for tonight, started the meeting with how decision making can affect where you are in life. He introduced us to a goal-setting technique abbreviated to SMART (goals), which stands for:
– Specific
– Measurable
– Accountable; Achievable
– Realistic; Results-oriented
– Time-sensitive
This technique, as he explained, can be used to align goals with personal values.
Today, we inducted our newest member, Marilyn, into the Liberty Village Toastmasters club. As a very eager Toastmaster, she has already completed her ice-breaker and performed a role at the club. Welcome, Marilyn!
The first speaker of the night was Maria, who completed her second speech from the Competent Communications manual, with “Cycling through Life.” She persuaded the audience to test their physical limits and capabilities, and perhaps pick up a new hobby: cycling on trails. She took us on a journey from memories of her childhood in Danforth, to undertaking risky trails (complete with wild life like bears and cougars) in B.C., to traveling down technical trails in Ontario. To her, cycling is magical to the mind and heart, and it is an opportunity that one should not miss!
Ted, our Area Governor and much advanced speaker, spoke of technology transformation using technology! His speech on “Dialogue Banking” stresses the importance of how technology can affect our interactions with others. Now, banking can be done via online, ATM, tele-banking, or even mobile banking! Ted introduced a new method called dialogue banking, which is an automated process for banking which seeks to have a more personal touch. It reduces long line ups (those can be very tedious!), provides better service to clients, and reduces transaction costs. With all these advantages, Ted is convinced that the transition to dialogue banking will happen in the near future.
Our third speaker, Jay, had attended the District-wide fall conference this past weekend and found it motivating and inspiring. He raises the idea that good speakers are made, not born, and encourages us to use Toastmasters as a way to become better speakers and to help others do the same. In order to become a great speaker, one must take advantage of what’s available (no more excuses!) and take a step towards what you want to be!
The winner of tonight’s table topics was our guest, David, who was asked to describe his personality as a farm animal. He described creatively how his work habits could best be identified with a pig: he gets down and dirty with details, he absorbs information quickly, and he is a social man.
Jay and Luke would like to remind us that the winter party is coming up soon:
What: potluck winter party filled with fun, talent, food, drink, and games!
Who: all of Liberty Village Toastmasters and guests; admission fee = $20 per person + potluck item
When: Saturday, November 26, 7-11 PM
Where: 231 Fort York Blvd (party room of Luke’s condo)
Why: why not? It will be the best party ever of this millennium!
How: Let Luke or Jay know ASAP via Easy Speak
– Rose
The Liberty Village Toastmasters Group is one of Toronto’s premier public-speaking groups. Join us as a guest at our next meeting! Guests are always welcome and no appointment is necessary.
