Hi Everyone!
 
This Monday we were all Rachel's girlfriends! The guys may have been a bit hesitant at  first, but they all come around. We had some serious "girl talk" ranging from Rich telling us about his favorite romantic movie and Elaine explaining what qualities she likes best in a man!
 
We had three members step up to the plate with one prepared speech and two impromptu speeches. As it so happened, the theme for our meeting was to BUILD.
 
Kate gave us an excellent technique for starting and building a conversation. She taught us how to start with small talk that includes topics like weather and then to build, build, build... from there (if you choose). She explained that as you continue the conversation you can choose to add more facts and personal opinions to create a greater connection between you and the other person. She gave us a demonstration of conversation building with Rich as her partner. Thank you Kate for giving us a way to comfortably "break the ice".
 
Elaine gave us an impromptu speech with humorous anecdotes about raising her children and grandchildren. She told me impromptu speaking was "not her style" and that she was very nervous. Regardless of how she felt (and I think we can all relate) she did a great job and her shaky nerves were not apparent. Elaine may not have had notes to fall back on, but she took a chance and in effect is building on her public speaking skills.
 
Ian also gave us an impromptu speech. It may appear that Ian has always been comfortable with public speaking, but the truth is he began the same way we all did or are doing with Toastmasters. He used to be a nervous wreck. Ian gave us a short history of how he began to confront the situations that made him uncomfortable and continued to build on getting comfortable over the years. His speech is a great testimony to Toastmasters meetings and practicing. The only way you're sure to succeed is practice, practice, practice (or in other words, build, build, build).
 
Also, as a reminder, we have our Humorous Speech Contest next Monday, September 16th! See you then!
 
Sonia,
President, Eagle Toastmasters