Do you have a fear of public speaking and performing?

Do you sometimes avoid business & social situations because of your anxiety?

Toastmasters can help...

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

A Panorama Of Variety...

Saturday, 7 May 2011:

As happens twice a year in the countries which move the time forward in the summer to save energy, someone inevitably forgets and arrives EARLY or LATE for some appointment, church or meeting.

(That's why it's always Midnight of Saturday night/Sunday morning when the change goes into effect.)

And, as we too changed our starting time on Saturday from 2pm to 3pm, Yep, you guessed it. Two members showed up early. One was an hour and a half early!

But as the meeting got under way, there was a lively buzz as last minute roles were confirmed and Chisato was suddenly asked to be Table Topic Master.

Appropriate, if you really think about it. After all, isn't Table Topics about thinking on our feet?

And that's exactly what Chisato did as she rose to the challenge, beautifully giving us four thought-provoking questions that led to a very lively session.

It literally had everybody answering the question in their head as they listened.

First up was Anita, a guest and Toastmaster to be, speaking about how living and working Ubud makes her happy.

Next was Erika. Her excitement and enthusiasm were contagious. Infectious even, as she told of being selected the number one Beatles fan in the world.

Ndari revealed her love for books and her twin brothers, when asked about what would make her happy.

But the one that really caught us all --- and eventually landed her the top honors as Best Table Topic Speaker--- was Siska as she talked about her values as to what she considers as the most important element of happiness.

Without missing a beat, we moved on to the Prepared Speeches session. TOM Miranda introduced each one in turn, helping us better appreciate the project each was attempting.

Tim persuaded us eloquently on the importance of copy writing, inviting us to have a look at his blog for tips on how to create copy that 'sells'. Appearing, natural and relaxed, Tim sprinkled his speech with personal anecdotes and frustration that the audience could easily relate to.

Then Ms Luh came on, and with quiet, organised passion stole the show (and later took top honors in this category) as she talked of the alarming increase in HIV infection in Bali. She speaks about serious issues, but with such passion and sincerity -- we cannot help but hang on her every word.

Some even commented that it seemed much more like a later project - the speech to inspire.

Next was Lina giving her Ice Breaker speech with an amusing tale on her experience having and taking care of a dog for the first time. Lina spoke fluently without using her note, and did not show any nervousness. The audience gave Lina a standing ovation for having broken the ice.

And last, Sri got up to introduce us to a place that we must see, feel, taste and experience in all its richness, variety and wonder. She ended by challenging us ---brilliantly--- that until we know UBUD, we don't really know Bali.

The meeting ended with evaluations and people volunteering for various roles at the next meeting.

See you there!"

Tim Arwine

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