Liberty Village Toastmasters Toronto

This week, Toastmaster James presented an icebreaker, revealing something about himself, or rather explaining who he really is.  Although he may appear selfish and arrogant, he actually is just very confident, introverted and nice.  Next time we see someone who behaves differently from ourselves, avoid making judgement, and get know that person first.  Who knows, the person may end up becoming our closest friend!

Nadaa, one of our newest members also did her ice breaker. She took us on a journey from Muscat to Montreal. We learned that Nadda’s personality is quite dynamic, almost as she has opposite sides. For example, she can be shy but also loud. Her childhood experience shaped the way she is, however, she realized, cultural identify is not strictly defined.  From her journey, she learned that she can get the best from both worlds.

We then jumped to project number 9 with Wes.  He gave us 3 inarguable reasons why education should not be free.  His nailing point was that free education goes against the law of supply and demand. Oversupply of educated people lead to underpaid and/or underutilized employment. Examples include doctors in Cuba and Trinidad.

Wes’s speech is posted here.

As Debate Master, Be asked 2 x 2 groups to argue against and for why children  should be given mobile phones.  Both groups presented very persuasive arguments. Despite of their opposing opinions, they remain friendly to each other (even taking pictures and smiling together… oh, such civil people they are!).

In addition, we had Andrew leading the Table Topics session with a lot of participation.  It was quite competitive. Congrats to Louise for winning! Bruce is also proud.

Next meeting, Catarina will be our toastmaster with 2-3 speakers!

With online networking being so prevalent these days, it is so easy for us to be immersed in other people’s profiles. Sometimes, however, we can fall in the trap of comparing ourselves with these posted profile, usually our worst side to other’s best.  Toastmaster Sarah reminded us that we are all unique individuals, and measuring ourselves others with others can be unfulfilling and even deadly.  She gave us an example of  humming birds, all died after competing to built the biggest nests.  Her message is  we should live our lives based on our unique selves, not in relative to others.  As she would say, you are the unique you! Celebrate it.

This week, we also heard from our new member, Amanda, presenting her first speech.  Her story was vividly described.  There were memorable phrases and metaphors used, including the 2 millimeters of toilet paper to demonstrate the relative scale of human history (versus 200 sheets), and her being seen as a highlighter.  With her confident,  well equipped vocabulary and sense of humour, she certainly stands out!

Our second speaker James presented one of his persuasive projects, which challenged him to sell an expensive product within the allotted time. Even at the hefty price of $650, he persuaded to one of our members to purchase the Blendtec.   How did he do that?  Maybe it was the list of benefits he provided? Or his 30 day no money down policy?  Either way, we are worried for our wallet as we wonder.. what will he sell us next?

Continuing with our theme, Table Topics Master Megan asked us questions about providing tips to our young selves.  Catarina got our vote for her life lesson. Congrats Catarina!

I say zee, and you zed.  Toastmaster Cara noted a few differences between Americans (including her) and Canadians.  Although there are differences in our language, and behaviours, we are more similar than we think.  And, remember what unite us is far more greater than what divide us.

With such diversity in our club, we certainly have lots to celebrate about.  This week is no exception.

Continuing our active schedule, we had an induction.  We welcomed our newest member, Catarina!

We had 3 speakers:  Alex, Sarah and James.

Alex – Engaging Employees

Sarah – Less is More!

James – No Free Parking

Alex spoke about having engaged employees. It is time for companies to stop wasting money in snack bars and ping pong tables and start investing in something that matters.  GROW employees in a way that will improve the individuals and companies they work for.  This will make companies more productive and successful.

Sounds like it is also time for spring cleaning.  After realizing that she has so many things, Sarah decided to declutter.  She shared us her experience of decluttering.  From it all, she learned that less is more.  She has gained back space, money and most importantly, her freedom.

While in the topic of decluttering, why not get rid of our cars? James persuaded us to stop parking cars in the busy streets.  Share a car, rent one, or choose an alternative transportation.  But don’t just park our cars in the already congested streets.  There is no such as thing as free parking!

Catarina led our tabletopics based on the theme of celebrating our differences.  It was Olga who won the table topics session. Congratulation Olga!

As Alex would say, wow deserves wow.  This meeting was full of wows in many ways.  This is because of our wow-derful and enaged members.  So lucky to be part of this club.

Next week, Sarah will be leading the meeting with 3 speakers.