| Last Meeting |
Malvern Speakers Picnic in the Park 13th Aug 2019
Club Journalist - Colin Jackson
The sweeping lawns and wonderful century-old trees of Malvern’s Priory Park made a new setting for the club’s first-ever outdoor meeting. And the special nature of the occasion was underlined when Toastmaster for the evening Stuart Watt, whose relaxed style and cheerful humour was a key element of the meeting, turned up in full dress of scarlet coat complete with brass buttons and top hat!
Because of the practical difficulties of the normal paper slip voting system, a novel two-part approach was used: a “Clapometer” for each speech, tempered by a PDI (President’s Discretion Index). This role was embraced with enthusiasm by Geoff Richardson, standing in for new President Roger Granville who had organised the picnic meeting but sadly was unable to attend owing to illness.
A lively set of unprepared Table Topics set by Steve Birch produced some startling images – Graham Sterry’s early work experiences at a brickworks, Jackie Preuss’s curious passion for Nutella and cheese together, and Jackie Baker’s mouthwatering description of her Best Sandwich Ever. But the winning speech was Kevin Bennison’s explanation of how, even as a father of four children, he had not quite yet become a grown-up.
Notable among the prepared speeches was Tom Ellison’s well-researched, myth-busting case for nuclear power as the answer to current energy problems. But this was as much for the aplomb with which he reacted to the arrival of the rain which had threatened all evening, and resumed his speech seamlessly after the audience had hastily moved from the lawns into the cover of the bandstand, as for the speech itself.
Karen Lowen’s musings on the advantages or disadvantages of being single - “alone” or “lonely”? -were typical of her mix of careful research and charming fluent delivery, and contained surprising information about some of the 800 dating sites currently online – one even judging on how you like your bacon cooked!
The comfortable winner, under the by now tried-and-tested Clapometer/PDI voting system, was Tristan Mitchell. His totally original and somewhat surreal contribution could have been entitled Fantasia On The Letter B – a lengthy and highly improbable tale about four children Benny, Billy, Biff and Bongo and their parents. This suggested that he had spent some time with a dictionary studying words beginning with the second letter of the alphabet, and although he tripped up over the repetition of his B-words at one point, had his audience in stitches.
Best evaluator vote went to Isaac Baker for his comprehensive review of the seven Table Topics.
The club will retire for its next meeting to the cover of its usual venue, the Great Malvern Hotel, on Tuesday August 27th at 7.30pm.
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| Penultimate Meeting |
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David Evans | Jackie Baker | Kevin Bennison
Malvern Speakers Report (Colin Jackson) Tuesday July 23 2019
Word of the Day – which the meeting Grammarian challenges speakers to work into their offerings – was OLEAGINOUS, meaning oily or greasy, or such personal characteristics as fulsome or smarmy. It was chosen by Colin Jackson, who threatened dire penalties for the use of overworked clichés like amazing, fantastic, awesome, the widely mis-used ‘like’ - and the superfluous and ubiquitous ‘so’ when answering a question. Speakers did well on all these counts.
There were three stimulating prepared speeches. First came Karen Lowen with a typically original and breezy analysis of different management styles. She lightened what she admitted could be dry subject with the aid of props as varied as as an onion, a pineapple, a shepherds pie and a box of chocolates (which, oddly, did not survive the evening!)
Following the club’s trademark Cake Break, members were treated to a powerful speech from Kevin Bennison on the theme of Taking The Leap. He used a vivid description of the experience of his first parachute jump to draw parallels with having the courage to take similarly scary plunges in one’s personal or business life.
Finally, new club President Roger Granville drew on his own work experience to give a fascinating insight into the research methods of the chemical industry. He amused his audience with an account of an explosion which had projected pieces of debris “as big as himself or former President Steve Birch” (both solid citizens!) at least a kilometre
Biggest laugh of the evening, however, came in the unprepared Table Topic speech from Stuart Watt, who mused on the changing style of football anthems,from “Abide With Me”to, as he said, “Olé, Olé,OLÉ...AGINOUS”, making clever use of the Word of the Day !
Winners on the evening were Kevin Bennison(Best Speech), Jackie Baker (Best Evaluation) and David Evans (Best Table Topic).
Next club event (weather permitting) will be a picnic meeting at the bandstand in Priory Park on Tuesday August 13th at the earlier time of 7pm
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| Committee Contact Info |
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| Roger Granville |
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07709 958545 |
| Daytime Phone |
07709 958545 |
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+44 (0) 7709958545 |
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| Elaine Watt |
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+44 7795 633233 |
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| Hilary Benoit |
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| Steve Birch |
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| Evening Phone |
44 (0) 1684 568676 |
| Daytime Phone |
44 (0) 1684 568676 |
| Mobile |
44 (0)7831 846997 |
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| KarenML |
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| JackieBak |
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| GeoffRichardson |
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| Site Links |
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View the next meeting details including the structure and roles.
View the previous meeting agenda.
Find out more about the new and improved programme Pathways and begin your journey. |
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Does the mere thought of standing up to say a few words fill you with fear?
If so, you’re not alone! Fear of public speaking is reputed to rank even higher than death! Whether it’s the upcoming wedding speech, an important pitch to a client, or simply making your point in a meeting of colleagues, it’s easy for the fear to take over – so that you don’t perform at your best. There are consequences for how you’re viewed by friends, family and your boss, with follow-on emotional and economic impacts.
So what would you like to do about it?
If you’re employed in a reasonable sized organisation, you might have already attended a presentation skills course. Whilst good, you might have found that the learning wore off quickly and you’re still not that much further forward. If you really want to tackle your fear, and also if you’ve not got access to in-house training, Toastmasters is the perfect answer.
Our wide network of clubs and their learn-by-doing programme are sure to help you become a better speaker and leader because you’ll be building your skills at a pace that you choose. And the regular meetings (typically twice per month) ensure you practice and develop your skills – just as you might build your muscles through regular exercise (well some of you might!).
Here are just some of the benefits of joining Toastmasters:
- Regular and constructive feedback from other learners as you practice organising your thoughts and presenting them clearly
- Access to a wealth of educational materials and resources on public speaking, listening skills and effective communication in conferences and meetings.
- A free subscription to the Toastmaster, a monthly magazine that provides insights on communication, leadership, club activities and other relevant topics.
Members quickly gain the skills that allow them to excel at job interviews, present humorous, informative or special occasion speeches or give powerful business presentations.
Come along to our next meeting to find out more and see it in action. Guests are most welcome and can come as many times as they like.
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Looking to improve your speaking and leadership skills? Ignite your career? Gain the confidence to speak up?
You’ve come to the right place. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped more than 4 million people just like you, from around the world, become more confident speakers and leaders.
Toastmasters International is a world leader in communication and leadership development, with more than 345,000 members in over 15,900 clubs in 142 countries. This network of clubs and their learn-by-doing programme are sure to help you improve.
Toastmasters will give you the skills and confidence you need to express yourself effectively in any situation. Whether you are a professional, student, stay-at-home parent or retired, Toastmasters is the most efficient, enjoyable and affordable way of gaining great communication skills. You'll learn how to:
- Formulate and express your ideas effectively
- Be more persuasive and confident when giving presentations
- Improve your one-on-one dealings with others
Don't delay! Become the speaker and leader you want to be. Confident, charismatic leaders weren't born that way. As you progress in Toastmasters, you'll get to practice your skills by organising and conducting meetings and motivating others to help you. Become a better negotiator. Gain trust. Inspire your team.
Visit our next meeting - guests are most welcome. You won't regret it!
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Bank Details:
S/C: 30-95-41
A/C: 27751760
Malvern Speakers |
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| Why Not Join Us! |
| When do we meet? |
| 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month at 19:30 |
Where do we meet? |
| The Great Malvern Hotel |
Graham Road
Great Malvern
Worcestershire
WR14 2HN |
Be a guest at our next meeting! |
| 27 Aug 19 at 19:30 |
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Open to all |
Contact the Vice President Membership |
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+44 7795 633233 |
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