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

Division Club Officer Training – A Refresher and An Eye Opener: June 24, 2023

 The 2023-2024 new term officers of Senri Toastmasters Club (Area C3) participated in a half-day Club Officer Training. We were in full attendance and in full force. Some officers were experienced and have held several offices. Our Senri Team has two neophytes who were very receptive and committed to their office roles. We were committed to learning about our designated posts, listening to other Toastmasters clubs' officers, to ask and airing out our concerns and goals with the purpose of sharing and getting new ideas. Having these in mind, we will face the year ahead strongly, enhancing each other to do his/her duty responsibly and with joy that will trigger a “smooth sailing”, educationally fulfilling, and warm thriving home club in Area C3 and in Division C.

The First Session (Breakout Room 1): I realized that most clubs in Division C share the same concern as Senri Toastmasters Club – the need to increase the number of members. Senri club has a very strong base in terms of its educational output coming from members. But to make the meeting livelier, more varied, and not an additional load on role-takers, we need new active members. These prospective members are people who not only learn/wish to grow for themselves but have the concern to work hand in hand for the club's goals and its members. There are several ways that we aim to have new members: (1) work more on PR using social media, (2) to lure back former or inactive members by pointing out what they are missing, (3) work in line with the District 76 Public Relations, but coming up with an original and customized Senri Club Flyer, (4) to check the municipalities that have International Associations Offices, and (5) advertise the club through "word of mouth."

The Second Session (Breakout Room 2), made us, Division C Clubs, realize the problems of maintaining a team of working officers. Sometimes, due to personal/unforeseen reasons, an officer cannot function very well or has to leave the club. This cannot be helped; thus, flexibility and workload division have to be done. Likewise, creating certain committees for offices can be of help in choosing the next person in line. The experience of a committee member will expose him/her to the office task.

The Third Session (Breakout Room 3): Senri new officers met together in this session. We tried to answer the question – being in office a "Burden" or an "Opportunity." As the top officer, I can sense that each officer shared the same mentality and feeling that holding our office gives us an "Opportunity" to serve the club and fellow Toastmasters, learn the mechanics of our designated office, and gain professionally in aspects of communication and leadership.

SENRI Toastmasters Club's foremost aim is to increase the number of club members. But within the club, how will we, OFFICERS lead SENRI Toastmasters Club? WE wish to let everyone be heard, be observed – giving a chance/a role for everyone. WE have to set an example not only in ways deemed of a person: but in all the club meetings and related activities. WE wish to pay attention to each other's concerns and to pick up hints from the members. Lastly, WE aim to practice sensitivity, supportiveness, encouragement, and to have a strong TEAMWORK.

As a whole, the Division C "Club Officer Training" was indeed a "Refresher" for all officers who seemed to be bogged down by concerns/problems that lie ahead this term. Each one was refreshed by ideas and answers to their different concerns. It was also an "Eye Opener" for the new officers as to the tasks, the experiences of fellow Toastmasters, the available resources, and the possibilities they can use and be equipped with.

Rene

The 179th Regular Meeting: June 17, 2023

The 179th regular meeting was called to order, exactly 2 o'clock in the afternoon on June 17, 2023.

President Kama-yan gave us his last greetings. June is the last month of his presidency. He did a great job leading and encouraging members. Kudos to Kama-yan!

We had three prepared speeches: First one about the book "Little Women," which is very popular. She talked about the content, characters, happenings, and etc. The organization was good, but the flow to the conclusion needed to explain more in detail. Anyway, I enjoyed her speech so much. The second speech was about generative AI. He used some technical words which were not familiar to  me. In conclusion he accepted AI positively. Much easier explanation would have been appreciated for people like me. The third speech was about his first trip to India. He had many uncomfortable experiences, but he seemed to like Indian people who were energetic and good. His story was humorous and interesting. All three speakers were well prepared and made us enjoy speeches.

In the evaluation session, we had three experienced evaluators. The first evaluator gave a couple of good suggestions. The second evaluator seemed familiar to AI and suggested telling us its pros and cons. I think it was a good idea. The third evaluator organized his evaluation speech in three parts, that is, 1) purpose, 2) body language, and 3) vocal variety. As a result his evaluation speech was effective and understandable.

In the Table Topic session, Yasuko, who was assigned as Topicsmaster for the first time, did a very good job. She prepared well and gave us unique questions, for example asking,“What is that?" while showing a ballpoint pen.

As a whole, the meeting was enjoyable, comfortable, and educational thanks to Toastmaster of the Day Rene, who made the meeting go smoothly

Feedback Speech Practice Session, June 3 / フィードバックスピーチ練習会 6/3

We held another special event, Feedback Speech Practice Session, on Sat., June 3. This special session was attended by a total of eight, six members and two guests.

Presentation

At the beginning of the event, one of the members made a presentation titled "The Best Takeaway in Toastmasters." Though we practice making speeches, we don't really have many opportunities to deliver a 5- to 7-minute speech in life. To the contrary, our life is a series of providing and receiving feedback. Practicing feedback speeches, or Evaluation Speeches as we call it in Toastmasters, is in a sense the best takeaway in Toastmasters. 

He talked about how to deliver an evaluation speech using an analogy to a course meal. 

Appetizers

Though the main purpose of an evaluation speech is to provide constructive criticism, starting with suggestions is not easy for the listener to swallow. So, we might want to start with appetizers, some compliments in recognition of what the speaker did well in their speech. 

Main dish

Once the speaker is ready, it's time to serve the main dish, your suggestions to make the speech even better. Yet, you might want to pay attention to make it easier to swallow. Some techniques you can employ includes:
1. Using "I-words" rather than "You-words,"
2. Talking specifically using some examples,
3. Using inanimate subject and passive voice ("be -ed" form), and
4. Using subjunctive mood ("I would have appreciated it even more").

Dessert

After you've made some suggestions, you might want to finish your evaluation speech with some dessert, some encouraging comments to urge the speaker to incorporate some of the suggestions you've made for a better result.

Practice

After Tenten's presentation came the main part. The participants listened to Kama-yan's prepared speech and discuss what was good and what could be improved upon in two breakout rooms. This was followed by a series of evaluation speeches delivered by each and every participant.

The final session was our usual Evaluation Session, but this time, two each form the two breakout rooms delivered their evaluation speeches for Kama-yan. Four evaluators delivered their evaluation speeches from their own perspective. It was great to see two guests delivered a beautifully crafted evaluation speeches with valuable suggestions. Wonderfully done!!

This was so fun and educational that we are doing a similar event this Saturday, June 10 from our usual meeting time, 2:00 p.m. The session is scheduled to last 90 minutes. If you're interested, sign up from the "CONTACT US" form on our website! You, too, will enjoy "The Best Takeaway in Toastmasters."

 

「Toastmasters一番のお土産」
今回はフィードバックをする練習会でした。準備したスピーチをする機会なんて実際の生活ではあまりありませんが、フィードバックの機会なら毎日のようにあります。それが練習できるのがToastmastersのおいしいところ。今回はスピーチへのフィードバック（Evaluation Speech）の練習を通してフィードバックの方法を練習しました。

最初にメンバーのTentenがコツをプレゼンテーション。コース料理と同じようにメインディッシュである改善への提案をいきなり出されても身構えてしまうもの。まずは前菜のごとく、良かった点を認めて聞く態勢を作ってもらいましょう。

次にメインディッシュ。スピーチをより良くするための提案です。ここでもスピーカーにとって受け入れやすいように、
１．自分がどう感じたかを中心に話す、
２．例を使って具体的に分かるように話す、
３．無生物主語を使って攻撃的に聞こえないように話す、
４．仮定法を使って仮の話として話す
などの工夫ができます。

プレゼンテーションの後は実践の機会。Kama-yanのスピーチを聞いてブレイクアウトルームに分かれて感想を話し合った後、参加者全員がEvaluation Speechを練習。その後、メインルームでは通常の形式のEvaluation Sessionとなりましたが、今回はそれぞれのプレイクアウトルームから２人ずつ４人がKama-yanのスピーチをEvaluation。４人とも独自の視点でのEvaluation Speechで良かったですね。特にゲストのお２人が価値ある提案を含んだよくまとまったEvaluation Speechをしてくれたのが印象的でした。素晴らしい❣

今回、とても良い学びの機会になったので、また似たイベントを行います。今度の土曜日（6/10）、いつものミーティングと同じ午後２時から90分のセッションです。ご興味がおありでしたらホームページの CONTACT US フォームからお申し込みを。「Toastmasters一番のお土産」を持って帰ってください。

Impromptu Speech Practice Session / 即興スピーチ練習セッション

Are you comfortable speaking in public when suddenly called on to speak? Not many people are ready for that kind of challenge, but our life is full of these impromptu speech opportunities, isn't it?

Today, we had a special session focused on impromptu speaking, what we call "Table Topics" speech in Toastmasters, where we are given a topic and are expected to start speaking on the spot. We had six of our members and four guests for the 90-minute session.

At the beginning of the event, our president, Kama-yan, gave a brief presentation on how to structure an impromptu speech, introducing a model called PREP. It is an abbrevieation of Point, Reason, Example, and Point. First, you might want to state your point clearly. Then, you follow up with a reason or reasons. To make your reason(s) clearer, you want to add some examples to illustrate. Finally, you might want to conclude with stating your point again to emphasize it.

After this, two members are called on to speak on their respectve topics to demonstrate what impromptu speeches look like. This was followed by two breakout sessions, where five attendess each practiced impromptu speeches taking turns providing topics, speaking on the given topic, and timing the speeches. We shared our feedback and speakers themselves looked back on their speech and found what they could have done differently.

After two rounds of breakout sessions, we got back to the main room and have a "Table Topics" session, where one of the members, Tenten, facilitated the session giving topics and callling on members and guests. We listened to speeches by three members and four guests based on their stories from their lives. It was a truly fun and educational event.

We are having another special event next week on June 3, focused on feedback speech. Our life is full of feedback opportunities, right? This is going to be another fun and educational session and guests are welcome. Interested? Just send us a message via the Contact Us form here!

急に話題を振られてその場で話さないといけない。。。　お得意ですか？　多くの人は苦手ですよね。でも、人生って、即興スピーチの連続じゃないですか？

今日は、Toastmastersで「Table Topics」と呼ばれる即興スピーチに特化して練習する特別なセッションで、６人の会員と４人のゲストが参加しました。

最初に会長のかまやんが即興スピーチのコツについて簡単なプレゼンを行い、PREPというモデルを紹介しました。Point、Reason、Example、Pointの略で、最初に結論を述べ、理由とその例を加えて最後にもう一度結論で締めくくるという構成です。

その後、２人の会員が即興スピーチの例をお見せして、ブレイクアウトセッションに移りました。５人グループで互いにお題を出す人、話す人、時間を測る人を交代しながら練習をし、フィードバックをしました。

途中でメンバーを入れ替えて２回のブレイクアウトセッションの後は、メインルームに戻ってTable Topics sessionと呼ばれる、普段のミーティングでも行っている形式での練習。会員の1人、Tentenがファシリテータを務め、3人の会員と4人のゲストがスピーチに挑戦しました。それぞれの経験をもとにしたスピーチを聞けたとても楽しく学びの多い時間となりました。

さて、来週（6/3）にも特別セッションがあります。次はフィードバックスピーチに特化します。人生って、フィードバックの機会満載でもありますよね？　次回も楽しくて学びの多いイベントになること間違いなし。興味をお持ちいただけましたら、Contact Usフォームからご連絡ください！

Golden Week Vacation—178th Meeting May 20th: A Touching Toastmasters Experience

 

The 178th meeting of Senri Toastmasters on May 20 was a delightful blend of in-person and virtual interactions, as members gathered at Sone Chuo Kominkan and connected through Zoom. The meeting exuded a vibrant atmosphere, with Kama-yan, the President of Senri Toastmasters, announcing an upcoming special Table Topics Meeting and celebrating the tremendous response to their promotional videos on social media platforms.

The meeting theme revolved around the Golden Week Vacation, allowing members to share their holiday experiences. In this blog, we will explore the captivating speeches, engaging table topics, and insightful evaluations that made the 178th meeting truly memorable. 

Word of the Day- Touching (adj) affecting, poignant, moving.
Word of the Day is a word that attendees are encouraged to use during the course of the meeting. picked by the Word Master, one of the functionary role takers.  Its purpose is to help members increase vocabulary and flexibility.

Touching Speeches: 

The meeting commenced with Mune san delivering a heartfelt eulogy as his prepared speech. With the objective of "Delivering a Social Speech," Mune san touched the hearts of everyone in attendance, reminding us of the beauty of life and the importance of love. His speech left an indelible impression, truly exemplifying the meaning of the word "touching."

Kamayan, the second speaker, embarked on an "Ice Breaker Speech" and introduced his son to the Toastmasters circle. He shared a story about his son's vision for the future, effectively using rhetorical devices to depict the anticipation and anxiety between a father and son. Kamayan's speech was colored with personal anecdotes and the analogy of chemistry acting as a catalyst for his career direction, making it an engaging and moving experience.

Renelyn delivered an insightful speech titled "Speak Louder Than," based on the project "Introduction to Toastmasters Mentoring." Her speech revolved around the key elements of effective mentoring, weaving personal stories of three different mentors. Renelyn emphasized the importance of an empathetic attitude that speaks louder than words, concluding her speech with a beautifully calculated and impactful closing remark.

Kazu, a member who joined Senri six months ago, shared a refreshing and enthusiastic speech about his "My Senri Experience." He expressed his comfort in being part of a diverse club where individuals from various backgrounds come together to improve their public speaking skills. Kazu's goal to become a better public speaker resonated with the audience, leaving them inspired and motivated.

Engaging Table Topics: 

The Table Topics Session, led by Kazu, took the participants on a virtual vacation by asking them about their dream destinations. Imaginations ran wild as members envisioned traveling to Argentina, Taiwan, Africa, and France. Interestingly, one of the guests, Nicolas, happened to be from France, adding an extra touch of excitement to the session. Among the participants, Yasuko san, a fresh new member, emerged as the Best Table Topics Speaker, showcasing her ability to think on her feet and express her thoughts descriptively.

Insightful Evaluations:

The Evaluation Session proved to be a valuable learning experience, with Tenten, Momo san, and Yoshiko san providing detailed feedback to the prepared speakers. Their evaluations not only highlighted the speakers' strengths but also offered constructive suggestions for improvement. Suggestions ranged from addressing unintentional body movements to increasing eye contact with the online audience and refining time sequence and content. These evaluations played a pivotal role in strengthening the communication and speaking skills of the participants.

Appreciation and Conclusion:

The success of the 178th meeting would not have been possible without the exceptional leadership of Toastmaster of the Day, Tamiko san, who skillfully facilitated the meeting, keeping everyone engaged and excited throughout. A special thanks also goes out to the Zoom Tech team, whose unwavering support made the hybrid meeting seamless and enjoyable.

In conclusion, the 178th meeting of Senri Toastmasters left a lasting impact on its participants.