George served as Toastmaster to a Memorial Day theme. Despite only 7 Members in attendance there was still a full agenda with 3 Prepared Speeches. We started a few minutes late to fill some roles and ended on time.

Scott elaborated on his embrace Pathways tip. He suggested thinking about Toastmasters and Pathways in 3 ways:

  1. Education – Each Pathways project has educational content to be read or watched. Most of them have to do with leadership or communication. Think about this material and how it applies to your life.
  2. Organize your thoughts – Working with people requires the ability to communicate our ideas in a coherent, organized manner. Preparing a speech forces you to exercise this skill.
  3. Delivery – Being professional in speaking ability requires practice and cultivation of fundamental skills. Speaking to a group of fellow members helps you get better and overcome nervousness.

The Word of the Day was instigate which means to bring about or initiate. A great word but the group struggled to incorporate it into their speaking opportunitites.

George shared some philosophy on why Memorial Day matters. He also referenced a memorial service for Sgt. 1st Class Javier J. Gutierrez, who was recently killed during combat in Afghanistan.

Scott gave a prepared speech for his Level 4 Effective Coaching Pathways. He shared his experience as a public speaking coach for a group of healthcare Account Executives. He suggested any coaching situation requires you identify the Principles to be developed and the Processes to accomplish them. He finished with a quote from Phil Jackson, the famous NBA Coach:

“The most we can hope for is to create the best possible conditions for success, then let go of the outcome. The ride is a lot more fun that way.”

Phil Jackson

Traci gave her 9th speech from the Competent Communicator Manual (Toastmasters previous education manual). She spoke about her personal journey with the fear of public speaking and how she uses mindfulness to help with anxiety. She also said that it has helped her tremendously in parenting. She gave supportive scientific data proving the health benefits of a consistent mindfulness practice and closed with this Viktor Frankl quote:

“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”

Viktor Frankl

Our newest member, Rikas, gave his Icebreaker setting a new record on the fastest to do so. He spoke about his work environment and career aspirations which have led him to Toastmasters. Great job and Welcome Rikas!

Our evaluators highlighted several worthwhile tips including the power of personal stories, camera position, use of quotes, structure, apologizing (don’t do it) and confidence.

George also gave a great piece of encouragement by advocating that Toastmasters helps cultivate our speaking voice so when our times comes, we are ready. He also spoke about the appropriateness of using humor in a speech during a memorial or eulogy. He suggested it symbolizes that “we will not bend a knee to despair, but we will celebrate the joy of life.” Well said George!

Nicole went with Memorial Day themed Table Topics questions and George took home top prize.

Give a speech soon if you haven’t done so in a while! And sign up for a role if you will be in attendance next week.