Open Evening 21st October 2014
Our last meeting, on the 21st October was an Open Evening to commemorate 90 Years of Toastmasters.
We had a different format to the meeting which was intended to show guests what Toastmasters is about and give them an opportunity to take part. We had 5 guests and would have had more if there had not been a bad storm which disrupted the local trains but there was still a very good turnout so a lively and full evening.
Our President, Linda, gave a great introduction to the evening explaining some our traditions like clapping, handing over and the titles we use. She then handed over to the Toastmaster of the Evening who was charged with keeping the meeting flowing well and following the agenda.
We decided to have only 2 speeches and the first one was outlining the history of Toastmasters from the very first meeting in 1934, to allowing women in in 1973!!! and to the current 313,000 members in 126 countries around the world. It is really worthwhile to be involved in such an International Organisation.
At the end of the first half of the meeting we had a short Table Topics session (impromptu speaking) which invited regular members to demonstrate how it works.
During the break we all chatted and mingled and the guests were encouraged to try and stand up to speak in our second Table Topics session later on. Two of our guests rose to the challenge and gave very polished short talks. They both showed an interest in joining and we were delighted to welcome them to the group.
Everyone worked hard to make the Open Evening a success especially Tanya whose idea it was. If anyone wants to bring along a guest or come along as a guest themselves there is no need to wait for a special evening to do this. Guests are welcomed at EVERY meeting and they can make contact beforehand or just turn up on the night with no obligation.
As usual, after tidying up, we all moved into the bar for the informal part of the evening where we can get to know each other a little better and share ideas and suggestions.
We had a different format to the meeting which was intended to show guests what Toastmasters is about and give them an opportunity to take part. We had 5 guests and would have had more if there had not been a bad storm which disrupted the local trains but there was still a very good turnout so a lively and full evening.
Our President, Linda, gave a great introduction to the evening explaining some our traditions like clapping, handing over and the titles we use. She then handed over to the Toastmaster of the Evening who was charged with keeping the meeting flowing well and following the agenda.
We decided to have only 2 speeches and the first one was outlining the history of Toastmasters from the very first meeting in 1934, to allowing women in in 1973!!! and to the current 313,000 members in 126 countries around the world. It is really worthwhile to be involved in such an International Organisation.
At the end of the first half of the meeting we had a short Table Topics session (impromptu speaking) which invited regular members to demonstrate how it works.
During the break we all chatted and mingled and the guests were encouraged to try and stand up to speak in our second Table Topics session later on. Two of our guests rose to the challenge and gave very polished short talks. They both showed an interest in joining and we were delighted to welcome them to the group.
Everyone worked hard to make the Open Evening a success especially Tanya whose idea it was. If anyone wants to bring along a guest or come along as a guest themselves there is no need to wait for a special evening to do this. Guests are welcomed at EVERY meeting and they can make contact beforehand or just turn up on the night with no obligation.
As usual, after tidying up, we all moved into the bar for the informal part of the evening where we can get to know each other a little better and share ideas and suggestions.
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