On With a Fresh Start: The 180th Regular Meeting: July 15, 2023

The 180th Regular Meeting of the Senri Toastmasters Club was hybrid (venue at Toyonaka Chuo Kominkan and Zoom) on July 15th. It was the first meeting for this new term 2023-2024. The newly-elected president, Rene opened the meeting with a big bang of the gavel. The club meeting which was always composed of vibrant and enthusiastic members welcomed the first visit of the Area C3 Director (Maho of the Shin-Osaka Leaders Toastmasters Club) and two other guests including a member of the Takarazuka Toastmasters Club. 

The Toastmaster of the Day, Kama-yan introduced each role-takers who did their tasks unquestionably. Kama-yan managed with ease the smooth transitions and baton passing to each session master. He also reminded everyone to use the “word of the day – mandatory.” The said word was defined and used in several sentences by the Grammarian and Word Master, Tamiko.  

This meeting also marks the start of a new feature in our agenda. This new portion named, “Here’s My Trick” aims to share with club members different ways and tips on speech organization, delivery, and evaluation. Speakers on this portion will be led by officers and members who willingly share their knowledge and expertise. The first batter was Rene. She talked about the “Kinds of Definition” which can be used in writing one’s speech body. There are 5 ways namely: (1) Historical, (2) Dictionary, (3) Personal, (4) Expert, and (5) Cultural. Likewise, she gave suggestions on how to employ “definition,” like (1) select a word with depth (2) use personal experiences (3) make use of sensory language (4) discuss connotations (5) provide real-life examples and (6) be creative.  

We had three prepared speakers for the “Prepared Speech Session.” Each speaker’s delivery was stamped with confidence gained through experience and having a full grasp of their speech content and message. 

The first speaker, Maririn, recounted her “Long and Winding Road” to complete her Path, “Innovative Planning.” She talked vividly about her experiences in preparing for the required speeches and with initiative and effort to work with other Toastmasters to come up with projects. Her “journey” with her Path project gave ideas and encouragement to me and the members. Maririn has successfully crossed the line and she did say “Goodbye to Innovative Planning.”

The second speaker, Yoshiko, delivered the same speech “Little Women” incorporating some of the feedback she got at the previous meeting. It was a narrative speech, full of vivid descriptions of the characters and the scenario at that time. The speaker gave reasons why she liked the famous book. At the same time, Yoshiko saw herself in the book’s heroine, Luisa May Alcott, who wanted to live happily and freely without gender restrictions. I do share her thoughts on these. 

The third speaker, Kazu, delivered the same speech “My First Trip to India,” taking into account the constructive feedback received from his speech evaluator. We were able to imagine and picture his business trip experience in India.  He was very vocal in sharing his unforgettable encounters relating to food, hotel accommodation, workplaces, and interaction with the local people. I really admire how he closed his speech with the message that his first trip to India made him energetic, adaptable, and a challenging mind.

The “Evaluation Session” was very fulfilling and educationally constructive. The first evaluator, Momo, evaluated the first speaker praising her for having an unceasing motivation and resourcefulness to reach her project completion. The second evaluator, Nanea, commended how the speaker tried to apply the feedback given for her previous speech, which was to give more concrete related incidents. The third evaluator, Tenten, congratulated the third speaker for trimming down his ideas into three clearly cut categories. These three versatile evaluators used the “Sandwich Approach” in giving feedback. I really appreciate and regard this approach as helpful for speakers to improve. 

The “Table Topics Session” led by Yasuko was very interesting. Her prepared topics seemed easy, but they weren’t. The questions made the speakers think deeply and be placed in a “hot spot.” Some questions run like these ... “When was the last time you lost your temper, and why?”, “Who was the last person to whom you said, 'I love you?'”, “What can’t you buy with money?”, and so on. I like her confidence in handling this session with smiles and composure.

The other Evaluation Team role takers, like Kama-yan as Vote Counter, Hiko as Ah-Counter, and Mune as Timer, did their roles conscientiously adding to a smooth, enjoyable, and rewarding educational meeting. 

I can say that we are on the right track and on with a fresh start with the Senri Toastmasters Club! 

Rene