WOW. Ok, that was our word of the day. But it is so apt. Hull Speakers, probably the most relaxed and welcoming public speaking group, held its second online meeting. And what a success. Should you be part of it?
Worldwide, Toastmasters meetings are increasingly held online for the immediate future. You may wish to improve your essential online skills. Why not join in one of our meetings to do this?
Perhaps you are already a member of the wider Toastmasters family. You may be a curious non-member wondering what goes on at a Toastmasters meeting? You may even be nervous coming to an online meeting with complete strangers! Don’t be. Be our guest at one of our meetings and be part of the fun.
Ping us a note if you are interested and come along as our guest. contact@hullspeakers.org. It’s so easy. You just need an internet connection, a computer with a webcam, audio and mic (whose hasn’t these days?) and you are away.
Here’s how it works and what we did last time:
Our Second Online Meeting Went Really Well
Lincoln offered to be Toastmaster for the evening and his role was to follow the agenda and keep the meeting on time. Great work Lincoln – it went like clockwork and everyone had a great time.
What’s the Agenda?
Our agenda has two clear speaking sessions; formal speaking and informal speaking (Table Topics.) The formal speaking sessions are prepared, in advance, by the speakers and last about 7 minutes. The informal speeches involve talking on a topic given to them, unprepared, for up to two minutes.
Then we have formal evaluations. Every speakers receives some guidance from another member who has carefully observed them so as to help them improve. Members of the audience give feedback too; after all, when you speak, you want to know how an audience received your message – that’s the point! But it’s very constructive feedback rather than a caustic review.
Speeches
We had two speakers tonight; Charlie and Alison. They gave their prepared speeches on two riveting topics
“Remote Meeting Mastery”
Charlie launched into a very impressive talk on online meetings – and very timely advice on how to use these techniques.
The guidance was content rich and riveting – the main recommendation for Charlie was to not look down at her own onscreen notes
Charlie went through all the key essentials including being at eye to the camera, the right background, managing meetings and action packed tips.
We hope Charlie will not write up her notes and share with other members as a valuable resource. Excellent and great presentation, Charlie.
“The Way to the Solution”
What a powerful performance. Alison had to use visual props – and chose slides.
She used slides very effectively to show three techniques to move from problems to solutions: 1. Questioning, 2. Models and pathways and 3. Creativity.
It flowed well but it was recommended that Alison use, what she mainly did, graphics rather than text to support her message.
This was Alison’s final speech from the Competent Communicator Manual – which she has now passed. Well done Alison.
Table Topics
Johnny was Table Topics Master this evening. The idea of Table Topics is to let members speak for up to two minutes on an unprepared subject. This develops impromptu speaking skills. Johnny chose topics relating to personal experience. Who can’t talk about that for two minutes? Fantastic topics, Johnny.
Evaluators
Every speech gets evaluated; how could you improve without feedback. Below explains the main evaluation roles.
Our Winners
Members vote for the best role holder. Often this is a close run thing. Tonight’s winners were:
Best Speaker: Alison
Best Table Topics Speaker: Stephanie
Best Evaluator: Clare
Don’t Forget the First Timer!
Well done to Melanie. She visited us for the first time and joined in with an excellent Table Topics talk. She gets the very impressive ‘First Timer’ ribbon!
Next Online Meeting
Our next online meeting is on Tuesday 28th April at 19.00 BST / 18.00 BST. If you’d like to join in as our guest let us know contact@hullspeakers.org
image sources
- Charlie VP Public Relations: Hull Speakers