This Toastmasters session, themed “There You Are”, was one of the most fun, engaging, and memorable events I’ve attended!
Creative and Engaging Toastmaster
Lucie Harrison, our Toastmaster, was highly creative and exceptionally well prepared. Four days before the event, she sent an email inviting members to share their baby or childhood photos, under the theme “There You Are”, exploring the idea that the seeds of who we are have been present in us since infancy. She also hinted at a fun “guess who” game. Lucie succeeded in sparking curiosity, enthusiasm, and engagement well before the session even began. Her introduction to the theme was thoughtful and energetic, and she facilitated the entire meeting with grace and skill.
Word of the Day: “Contradictory”
Ben Nowland, our Grammarian, chose the word “contradictory” for the session. He made excellent use of his time, delivering a clear explanation and a smooth handover to the next segment. Notably, Kent Bregente, the first speaker introducer, used the word of the day promptly and naturally in his introduction, setting a great example for everyone.
Speeches That Inspired
Jeremy Benton and Louise Landess both delivered impactful speeches. Louise’s speech, “It’s Crunch Time”, stood out especially. Her opening slide featured an image of “us” as one, and she began with a powerful punch: “We are in trouble.” She set the scene clearly, presented compelling data, and drew everyone’s attention to an urgent issue. Natalie, Louise’s evaluator, gave very constructive feedback and challenged Louise to include a call to action at the end. It was a valuable insight for all of us to consider in our own speeches.
Table Topics: Easy To Relate
Rachel McConnachie prepared a set of questions that tied beautifully to the theme. They were relatable and brought us back to our early life experiences, questions like “What was your first move?”, “What was your first job?”, and “What skills did you learn from your family?” The Table Topics segment was both engaging and reflective.
General Evaluator – Erika Andrews
The role of General Evaluator is undoubtedly the most demanding, and Erika Andrews delivered it with depth and generosity. She offered many valuable observations that highlight the true value of Toastmasters, from the importance of clear handovers and the power of the pause, to mindfulness with time management, effective use of the timer, and intentional eye contact with the audience. Her feedback inspired everyone to strive for continuous improvement.
Final Reflections
This session at Boaters Toastmasters left me with a rich learning experience and a light‑hearted sense of connection. It helped all of us better know and appreciate one another. I’m truly excited to continue walking alongside this wonderful Boaters family!
Blog By: YING XIA