 | | | | Feel free to contact us with any questions, suggestions or feedback. | | | | | | | 4 August 2009 | | | | As I look back on my last report it was on the 5th May. It only seems like yesterday but 2 months seems to have swept by. Our new president Sudanta Abeyakoon was also the Toastmaster and as always he brings, enthusism, energy, encouragement and empathy to each meeting.
We started by being asked to describe a special and memorable moment. They ranged from weddings in beautiful surroundings, holding a grandson in one arms, walking in north Wales national park , travelling to Dubai, listening to a Beefeater at The Tower of London who was an excellent speaker, meeting family, to joining TM, barbeque, and beaches.
These moments lead to the first of 2 icebreakers. Jude Nazareth was captain of his team at University. This meant he had to give a speech at the Christmas ball but on that ocassion he cant recall what he said? This was due of course to availing of false courage but tonight that was not required! There were other events that made him ask 'That's where it all changed' and one of those was when he decided to join TM.
'When I grow up' was the title of Yetunde Komolafe icebreaker. She wants to write a book and do motivational speeches. She met many inspirational speakers but one in particular was Nelson Mandela a formal lawyer like herself. Doing well in school is not enough as she wanted to improve her communication skills and like Jude that is why she has joined TM.
It is not good to get anger. It is a disease and needs to be controlled. Judith Agaba was doing her #2 recalled when she got so anger that she lost contact with a friend for 6 months. It took her that time to wind down. So 'How to manage anger' is to keep cool, compose yourself, and in the end it is not worth it. Keep that blood pressure under control.
How many different types of power are there? Organisational, personal, knowledge, position, absolute and many more. Aki Akiwumi #5 'I have got the power' and tonight he did as he had the power of transferring his thougths from one person to us all.
Vanessa Buck ACB#6 described in her eloquence when at her dentist she was asked to scream as loud as possible. Why? The dentist wanted to go and play golf and the waiting room was full of people! 'The Gift of Time' - get those banal jobs done as quickly as possible like clearing her loft. She uses colour stickers for jobs around the house, pink for her, like cleaning the bath, blue for him like painting. What a great idea! Time hold onto it like a kite, make it expand and sense the present it is a gift.
This was Ann Clarke first evaluation and her observation of Jude's icebreaker was honest and true. Neil Lockhart talked about the weaknesses (not many) and strenghts of our other icebreaker. Abbi Green learnt to question about if we react to anger and liked the personal stories. Joan Jardine recommendations were to play with the voice and walk with purpose. David Longley liked Vanessa visit to the dentist and her personal moments.
It was Sameel Komolafe first time as Table topics Master. These were no 'Banal' thoughts. He questioned us most profoundly on - 'if you could change one thing about your life what would that be, who in history has inspired you the most, where do you see yourself in 5 years time, what would you change in the last 7 months'. Can you answer them? To answer these there is only a few moments to think.
Tonight we had the presence of our Area Governor David Langworthy. He was not only general evaluation but his main role was to present the club with its blue sash for obtaining the Distinguished Presidents Award. I believe the only club in the area to achieve this award this year? So Congratulations to all those who are on the committee and those working behind the scenes.
The next meeting is on Tuesday 18th August 2009.
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