Blog for the meeting on 2nd May
228th regular meeting of Fuchu toastmasters club was held on 6th June. Under the state of emergency, our meeting was held on line via zoom. We had a guest toastmaster from abroad. She inspired our meeting more fun and exciting than usual. Every month, the first Sunday, we do our meeting all in English, if you’re interested please feel free to join the meeting! We’re waiting and going to welcome you very much.
■ Today’s word：”abundant”
At the beginning of the meeting, one of participants announces “today’s word”. Speakers can build up practical vocabulary by trying to use today’s word in their speeches.
■ Prepared Speech
A prepared speech is made based on the speech manual written by toast masters international. Speakers have to make a speech along purposes in the manual such as “logical speech” and “effective way of speech”. The manual gives us specific advices. Achieving the purposes step by step allows you to improve your speaking skill.
[1st Speaker: TM M] Speech Title: “Transit At London Heathrow Airport”
TM M-san started his speech with “My dream is coming true!” He talked about a travel experience that he had five years ago. At the airport he didn’t enough time to transit and finally he got a mail from Airline Company. It was very fun to listen to his speech.
[2nd Speaker: TM S] Speech Title: “The impact pf COVID-19 on college students in Japan”
TM S-san talked about the college students under the state of emergency. Now their college life is like, online classes, no extracurricular activities and closed college facilities. “Always watching the PC screen is exhausting.” or “No interactions. I can’t make new friends.” They are having problems.
■ Table Topics Session
Table Topics is impromptu speech. A facilitator for Table Topics gives a title of speeches and assigns a speaker. The speaker have to organize his/her idea and make a two-minute-speech on the spot. Quick response ability can be improved through the Table Topics speech.
TM L-san was today’s Table topics master. She gave us seven questions below.
1. Do you like rainy days?
2. What animal do you think the gentle rain is?
3. what do you like to do in the rainy days?
4. Which do you like to use on rainy days, an umbrella or folding an umbrella?
5. What song do you like to listen to on the rainy days?
6. Do you think it’s OK to drink rainwater?
7. Has anyone ever “rained on your pride?”
■ Evaluation session
In the evaluation session, evaluators previously assigned describe good points and area for an improvement and encourage speakers to make more effective speeches. Evaluators have to listen to the speech carefully and are qualified the ability to analyze good points and area for an improvement quickly. Even if you are not evaluator, evaluator-like- listening is a good training to be a good speaker.
■ Award session
The best speaker of each session, prepared speech, table topics and evaluation, is chosen by all participants voting and is awarded for his/her best speak. Congratulations!
