Linguists of Listowel

Jane Stoltz called the meeting to order at 7:15 pm. She welcomed seven participants to the speechcraft program. The theme of the meeting was "My favourite kind of quiet." All members, guests and speechcrafters introduced themselves.
Keith S gave the loyal toast to Canada and acted as timer for the evening program.
As grammarian Brent gave us the word Inundate. It was used at least three times.
Diane Bender presented the following Educational module on Selecting speech topics.
Madam Chair, toastmasters and speechcrafters this educational segment will help you with selecting your topic. There is a handout so you don’t have to write everything I say down. I am glad you are here and setting forward on this exciting journey to improve your communication skills. You never need to be hard on yourself. Whatever you say is perfectly acceptable. Please. Step up and step out of your comfort zone. We are here to help.

First pick a topic that you are interested in and are familiar with. You might want to begin with a statement that is exciting and challenging. For example-
I enjoy gardening -I love vegetables, my husband doesn’t! His doctor said “his life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetables smelled as good as bacon!

We enjoy hearing about life changing events that have happened in your life. You are the expert and can speak from personal experience. Great speeches occur when you learn from your experiences and can talk about them to others.
Some of you are probably thinking- “But nothing exciting ever happened to me!”
You could talk about a vacation that was exciting or challenging or educational.
Some speeches are organised around some problem or illness you have faced and overcome. It could focus on an actual incident-“ as I drove to work the other day…I’m sure you’ve all had close calls you could share.
Your challenge will be to compress these experiences into a relatively short speech. In speechcraft program they are only 3-5 minutes.

Second choice would be to pick a subject that you are interested in and would like to research. Be Creative. For example – are plastic bags really bad for the environment and should grocery stores be allowed to charge 5 cents for a single bag?
I always leave toastmaster meetings feeling like I have learned something new from the speeches I hear. This brings me to the next suggestion.

Third Talk about something that will interest your audience. You might get ideas from newspapers, magazines, current events, television or books you have read.

Fourth Talk about something that will educate your audience. You could talk about some of your favorite hobbies- perhaps you could persuade us to try something new after we hear your enthusiasm for your hobby.

Fifth what is the purpose of your speech? What specific point do you want to impress on your audience? This will determine your speech title and how you will open and close the speech.
Sixth how do you want to make your audience feel?
There are inspiring speeches, educational speeches, and humourous speeches and in toastmasters you will learn how to make them work for your audience.
And finally what message do you want the audience to take home with them. We often end with a challenge or something to think about.
I wish you all the best in your journey to better speaking skills. Work at your own speed, whatever you say is acceptable.
Most important is just standing up, walking up to the lectern, and speaking. Take a deep breath, smile, step up and step out of your comfort zone. Present your speech on the topic of your choice- Madam chair.
Audrey presented a sample icebreaker speech entitled "It's just the way you look at it. Everyone sang Happy Birthday to her.
Diane R. evaluated with lots of glow points and a grow point to use more pauses while the audience is laughing.
George Nichol led table topics with members speaking for one minute on a continuous story beginning with "It was a dark and foggy night when I went for a walk."
Winner was speechcrafter Matt Van Ankum.

Keith M gave the general evaluation and Heidi challenged members memories as quizmaster.
Jane asked speechcrafters to read Chapter 1,2,3 and to prepare an icebreaker speech for next week. Inspirational thought for the day was "A little thought and a little kindness are often worth more than a great deal of money" John Ruskin
Snack was provided by Audrey Orth. The meeting was adjourned at 9 pm.