Closing the year with festive cheer 

One Avocado, Three Saboteurs, Five Powers…. 

Our last meeting of the year took a slightly different format to usual, and was cheerfully navigated by Simon W., our Toastmaster of the Evening. 

Our first speaker, Karl, intrepidly stepped up to deliver his Icebreaker. With humour and honesty, he took us on the journey that brought him to Toastmasters, introducing us to his family, and seamlessly incorporating light-hearted jokes and anecdotes spanning Star Wars and avocado on toast! This was balanced with some surprising facts, and we learned with interest that Saturn is losing its rings. What a great start to his Toastmasters learning path! 

Our second speaker, Amanda, grabbed our attention by plunging us straight into an argument taking place in her head! The prospect of a promotion resulting in three sinister saboteurs surfacing in her mind: could she really do it, surely she’d fail, she’d let people down. Luckily, Captain Sensible came to the rescue with a calming flourish and shone a light on the Five Powers of Positive Intelligence. We can use these powers to tame our internal saboteurs, strengthen our mental wellbeing and live our best lives. 

Both speeches were thoughtfully evaluated. Ade and Jacqui provided balanced feedback to highlight the many aspects that were engaging, clear and confident, as well as where there is opportunity to make the speeches even better next time. 

This ended the first part of our meeting and during the break we indulged in a delicious spread of savoury and sweet treats that we had each brought in. We took a slightly longer break to make the most of the time to chat with fellow members.  

….and a Table Topics Secret Santa 

This was a natural segue to our next agenda item, the Table Topics, with a Secret Santa theme. Simon took to the stage to host, with each person pulling out a surprise present from the Santa Sack. On opening it, giving a short speech on why this gift was the perfect gift for them. A resoundingly grateful response by all to a wide range of presents, including chocolate, pick-up sticks and a finger skateboard!  And with that our President, Jacqui, joyous in a penguin woolly hat, wished us all a very merry Christmas.

Is improving your confidence to stand up and speak on your New Year’s resolution list? Join us for our next meeting on Wednesday, 10^th January. Visitors are welcome; this is the best way to see how becoming a member will help you. Happy New Year!