The traffic was heavy on I77 so we intentionally started a few minutes late. This also gave Nadine time to work with Praveen on some technical issues with her laptop. If you plan on using the projector, get there early to work out the set up.

We had 11 members and 3 guests in attendance (Yvette, Brook & Lauren).

Nadine has started a new level in the “Motivational Strategies” Pathways. Remember to indicate on the agenda which project in Pathways you are working on. Nadine uses that data as the official record to confirm your progress with Toastmasters International. You can review the project objectives and evaluation form right on the agenda. Once you select the project, two blue boxes appear. The left one says “Project Description” and the right one says “Evaluation Form”.

Scott referenced the use of camera angle changes in commercials, movies and music videos for his weekly speaking tip. He counted at least 13 camera angle changes in a recent 30 second commercial. He suggested that one of the reasons why creators do that is to keep the audience’s attention!

As public speakers we can’t change cameras, but we have a host of tools that help maintain our audience’s attention. Things like passion, eye contact, humor, vocal variety and movement help you stay connected with your audience. Think about that dry, boring college professor’s lecture. Don’t be him in your next speech!!

Bruce was our Toastmaster with a theme of neuroplasticity, the ability of the brain to change and form new neural connections.  Our environments, habits and actions are constantly reshaping / molding our brain as though it was made of plastic.

We can use the plasticity of our brain to improve health and even overcome what was once thought as permanent medical conditions like Parkinson’s. Strengthen your brain and to do what seems impossible. You are the architect of the most complex super computer known to man, your brain. Check out his 2 minute clip on Neuroplasticity:

Danny was our Jokemaster and treated the group to jokes around the day’s theme (brainwashing + no-brainer). Connecting the joke to the theme of the day is always a great idea!

Tony introduced divulge (to make known) as the Word of the Day. It was used 7 times.

Nadine, our VP of Education, presented an inspiring speech called “Are you stuck in the muck? Getting un-stuck in a sticky world.” At the beginning, she divulged that inspiration and notes from the speech came from the John C. Maxwell book “No Limits.”

Some reasons why people get stuck are:

  • Feeling awkward about starting something new
  • Fear of Failure
  • Negative influences (Einstein’s teachers thought he was stupid)
  • Being afraid to let go
  • Unproductive associations

Try implementing these actions to get unstuck:

  • Surround yourself with people that are smarter and lived larger (Eagles not monkeys)
  • Apply consistent effort (Nadine has near perfect Toastmaster attendance since 2014!!)
  • Decide on the first step and take it
  • Find an accountability partner or coach
  • Make a plan

Scott served as Nadine’s evaluator and commended her on a strong introduction and conclusion. She told the audience where she was going with the speech in her intro, then she closed the speech with a summary of action items. He encouraged her that a little more structure in the body of the speech would help him follow the story line.

Scott also highlighted his thoughts around the use of a question when giving a speech. Think about this: If you say to your audience, “I have a question for you. How many of you know someone who has been stuck?” Without telling your audience what to do with that question, it can make them uncertain as to whether you want a reaction.

So try this instead.

If you want them to engage with you say: “By a show of hands, how many of you know someone who has been stuck?”

If you want them to think about it, say: “I have a question for you to think about. How many of you know someone who has been stuck?” If you go with this thinking route, make sure you pause for a moment to give them that time to think!

The difference is subtle, but as a speaker you are in control. It’s your job to lead your audience in thought or action.

Tom led our Table Topics, and used a question related to our theme. He asked the participants: “What would you like to change in your life and how do you plan on implementing that change?”

Traci referenced her public speaking anxiety and that’s why she joined Toastmasters. She took home best speaker.

Praveen would like to change his general outlook and be more positive.

Sunny would like to make positive professional changes.

Yvette (our guest!) is all about personal growth and figure out her passions.

Lauren (our other guest!) is all about growing and understanding herself.

Jeff would also like to work on his outlook.  

Danny talked about taking a step back and not seeing everything as a competition.

Sunny served as grammarian and commended Nadine, Danny and Scott for some of their sayings. She liked the idea of less preparation for her next speech to work on not being afraid to fail. (Remember, we are at Toastmasters to practice so we can be better in real life!)

Traci served as General Evaluator and loved Bruce’s use of a personal connection in his intro with every helper’s role. She also highlighted the importance of sharing a blend of glowing and growing points in evaluations.

The area humorous and evaluation contest is THIS Friday at 6 PM at Concord Fire Station #9. Address is 1020 Ivey Cline Rd, Concord, NC 28027. Go support John and Nicole!

Enyonam will serve as Toastmaster next week. Sign up for a role if you will be in attendance!