Eye contact: The 181st Regular Meeting

The topic for "Here's My Trick" was Eye Contact. (To know what "Here's My Trick, this article may help.)

One of the experienced members, Marilyn, talked about how eye contact is important to make our speeches effective. She told us we might want to look into the listeners' eyes long enough to communicate their ideas and know how they are reacting to our message. She also mentioned that our eye contact should not be too long because that will make the listener uncomfortable.

She was not comfortable with eye contact at the beginning, though. She says eye contact is one of the first tricks she learned in Toastmasters. When she delivered her first speech, the Ice Breaker speech, she received feedback from one of the members, saying, "You were constantly gazing at the wall at the back of the room." She followed his advice and now she can use eye contact to engage the audience and see how they are reacting to her speech so that she is able to adjust the content of her speech to suit the audience.

Later in the meeting, General Evaluator Tenten provided feedback to the entire meeting on eye contact. He pointed out that some members were not keeping eye contact during their speeches. Some online attendees were looking away from the camera. Some in-person speakers were looking down on their manuscripts.

This can be said of the functionary role-takers as well. Every moment of our meeting is an opportunity to practice public speaking. When a role-taker explains his or her role, it is a public speaking moment. When a Toastmaster of the Day, the master of ceremonies, or a General Evaluator introduces speakers and evaluators, these are public speaking moments. We might want to use these opportunities to hone our public speaking skills. One thing we can do is to pay attention to what we learned at this meeting, eye contact.

Want to get comfortable with eye contact? Visit us at one of our meetings! 

My Experience in the Senri Toastmasters Club

It has been exactly one year since I joined the regular meeting of the Senri Toastmasters Club as a guest for the first time. I will write about what I have learned and what surprised me in this club by reflecting on this year. My experience of joining a club with zero knowledge may be helpful for those who are considering joining this club or are interested but unsure about what this club is all about.

As I had been interested in public speaking and improving my English speaking skills, Toastmasters had captured my attention for a long time. However, it took me five years to gather the courage to visit a club. I remember I was very nervous on the day of my first visit. Upon arriving at the venue, the club members were busy setting up the room, but they kindly took the time to engage in a conversation with me. This short conversation not only brought me a sense of relief but also made me feel genuinely welcome. Once the meeting started, it proceeded at a rapid pace and ended before I could fully figure out everything that happened. However, I was so impressed by the members' positive atmosphere and remarkable command of English that wanted to become a member of this club. After my second visit (The Senri Toastmasters Club allows up to three visits.), I decided to join the club.

Before I joined the Senri Toastmasters Club, I held the impression that Toastmasters was a place where we practice speeches earnestly like a "Speech Dojo." Later on, it turned out to be different. Surprisingly, not everyone gives speeches at every meeting. There are various roles to fulfill besides giving speeches, and there are so many things to learn through taking those roles. One such role is that of the Evaluator, responsible for assessing the strength and areas for improvement in speeches. In my case, taking this role makes me more nervous than giving my speech. To evaluate someone else's speech, careful listening and thoughtful consideration of good points and areas for further improvement are needed. It is a difficult role, but I have recently realized that it is a very good opportunity to learn about speeches and actually, I gained a lot of knowledge and awareness from this role. The Evaluators also have an opportunity to be evaluated on their evaluation speech by the General Evaluator. I find this aspect of the club's system to be excellent because regardless of the role we undertake, we can receive feedback. I think these aspects are the appealing features of this club

.

Perhaps you may be wondering, after reading this far, if you join our club you will be required to take on so many different roles. There is nothing to worry about. New members will not take on roles immediately upon joining. The members in charge of education and other experienced members will gently push you to try new roles at the right time. Moreover, for a while after joining, new members are assigned experienced mentors, and if you have any questions or concerns, you can ask them any time and will be assured that they will always be there to provide you with genuine support.

Toastmasters is not a place where a teacher teaches you something, but it is a place where you can learn from each other through taking on various roles. Perhaps it is not so much "a club to learn speech" as "a club to learn various things through speech." These various things are not only English speech or presentation skills, but also leadership, teamwork, and communication skills, which are very useful in the real world. Why don't you join the Senri Toastmasters Club and enjoy valuable experiences through public speaking? If you have been interested but hesitant, as I once was, I encourage you to attend our club meeting as a guest. You will be welcomed by friendly and supportive members!

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。