Overwhelming and Full of Cheers: The Special Meeting on December 16, 2023

"Overwhelming" was the word of the day for the Special Meeting on December 16th. It was a well-chosen word apt to describe what happened during the meeting and after the meeting. I give credit to Toastmaster Momoko who also used the derivatives of the word. How did the meeting proceed … Well, let me recount:

Starting this year 2023, Senri TMC has stamped its regular meetings starting with "Here’s My Trick." This is an original feature of the club wherein a member shares his/her tips as an effective public speaker. The year-ender role taker was Toastmaster Kazu. His tips were: (1) Be Concise with your Sentences (2) Eliminate Unnecessary Words, and (3) Use "KISS METHOD." Toastmaster Kazu was also the Vote Counter at this meeting. He can handle the two roles with ease.

Then, the awaited "Prepared Speech Session" gave way to three ladies who delivered with great speaking style and enthusiasm to convey their speech content and messages. Toastmaster Mariko talked about Christmas childhood experiences with regards to the belief in the existence of "Santa Claus." It was interesting to note that the topic connected the audience and the speaker. As I listened to her, memories of her topic came flooding into my mind. Her speech was entertaining and at the same time gave a picture of a child torn between "belief" or "doubt" on what adults claim exists.

"The Giant Killer" was Toastmaster Anne's speech title. I was expecting to hear about "tarantula" or "gorilla." But to my surprise, she delivered a heartwarming biography speech about a baseball player who not only excelled in his field of sports but went "beyond the call of duty - to serve and offer his life for his country." Her speech used nonverbal communication, movements, and gestures that added more to her touching message. It was an eye-opener for me, a reminder of the many unsung heroes of today.

The last speaker was Toastmaster Tamiko. She delivered a keynote-style speech recounting her journey in "Speaking in Public." She did give credit to Pathways for helping her achieve the communication confidence that she now possesses. Toastmaster Tamiko made me and the audience recall the great, informative, and entertaining speeches that she had delivered along the way to "Level 5 Project of Presentation Mastery."

The "Evaluation Session" is another unique aspect of Toastmastering. No teachers; thus, speakers and audience learn through the constructive feedback of peer toastmasters. The three evaluators, namely, Toastmasters Teruhiko, Hideo, and Mitsuru, used the "Sandwich Approach." They praised, commended, suggested, recommended, and encouraged the three speakers to consider their comments as they pursue their project paths. An "overwhelming addition" to this session is that the assigned evaluator Toastmaster Teruhiko was also evaluated by a peer, Toastmaster Kiyono. This action is very helpful to evaluators who are still "gaining ground" in their evaluation skills.

As the year is about to end, the Table Topicsmaster Toastmaster Yoshiko chose for the "Table Topics Session" topics related to "Reflecting on This Year." The topics ranged from MVP Star Player, technology, food, word, book, movie, and something started or challenged this year. The speakers who were called upon to answer did their best to expound on their ideas and they did "overwhelmingly."

On top of all these, the club welcomed two guests, namely Takashi and Gloria. We were "overwhelmed" by their presence and their decisions to be members of the Senri Club. "Cheers!"

The transition between sessions and other segments ran smoothly. Thanks to the Toastmaster of the Day, the confident Toastmaster Munehira, who was in control of all proceedings. He chose the "Meeting Theme – New Year's Eve" which the Table Topicmaster did align her topics with.

The two minor roles, the Ah-Counter and Timer, were done by Toastmaster Kaori and Toastmaster Masami, respectively. They did a commendable job with their assigned roles even if the role was new to them. Their role preparations were evident as they performed their roles flawlessly.

The "Cheers!" closed this year's special meeting. We had an "Online Party." It was not merely a "drink and eat party" but became a venue to air out concerns, share tips on assessing/improving speaking abilities, and reflect on one's Pathways journey this year. It was a wonderful time, a time worth doing again!

Indeed, the December 16 th Special Meeting, was "overwhelming!"

Rene