ANZ Talk of the Town ToastMasters ( 9 July 2009 )
Toastmaster: Yang Xu
1.Word of the day:
Plush. It is an adjective, characterized by extravagance and profusion. Synonyms are lavish, lush, and plushy.
2.Round robin
What does “Globalization” mean to you? How does it affect your life?
3.Table topic
3.1 What motivates me ?
Answered by Chris. Firstly, put on the pressure to do things. Secondly, to expect the rewards at the end.
3.2 What interests me most is?
Answered by Jasmine. It is the money that interested her most.
3.3 When I let my hair down?
Answered by Caitlin as a guest. When she is going out with friends, or for food, meals, or others.
3.4 What makes me successful?
Answered by Pallavi. When things really interest her and she is really passionate about them.
3.5 The worst punishment for me?
Answered by Celina. She lost nearly $ 2000 as the fine for an over withdrawal.
3.6 When you walk bare foot on the sand?
Answered by Allan. It could be holiday, and he will think about where he should take for the next holiday, where he is from and headed to.
4. Evaluators for table topics:
Nikkho for odds numbers, and Sam for even numbers.
5. Prepared speeches
5.1 Ice breaker speech from Henry Lee.
There are three main points in Henry’s speech.
First, he came to Australia alone at the age of 11. He had experienced many difficult but meaningful, memorable and enjoyable things. He has learned how to be independent.
Second, the year when he was 14 was Henry’s best year ever in his life. Staying in off-campus location with a wonderful experience of village life, he has learned how to appreciate to work with others; and found a balance between emotion and the spiritual in life.
Lastly, the aim of joining the toast master meetings is to improve Henry’s pubic communication skills.
5.2 Hacking the bird in the sky from Willar.
Willar talked about how to make money from birds’ nests. He mentioned the secret of the buildings for hosting those special kind of bird for the harvesting of birds’ nest are highly valued.
He noted that these houses must be in the right location ( which should be close to the sea, ideally 100meters above sea level, at around 26 to 30C degrees Celsius ) and the floor to ceiling height should be at least three-storey high.
In addition, system for letting in sun light and high frequency speakers are the other two attributes to attract the special birds.
5.3 Briefing: A year on the executive from Ben.
Ben has mentioned three things he has learned from being a president for one year. He has learned sophisticated and professional communication skills at many levels. He noted that being proactive is the key to achieve goals. He has learned and practiced how to encourage team work to achieve group objectives. The most enjoyably part in the past one year was to help new members to get to know the functions of toastmasters and to participate to improve their public effective speaking skills.
5.4 Speaking to inform: story of a GFC from Ajit.
Ajit firstly briefly mentioned the definition of GFC (global financial crisis) and then explained and demonstrated the implications on/from the U.S and spread to other countries.
It led to the second point that banks set interest rate differently and independently from the reserve bank.
Lastly, what things should we do in this current situation. He has kindly suggested three things: start saving; buy what you can afford; and give away the valuable things that you do not need but help others out.
6. Evaluators for the prepared speeches.
Jess
Jasmine
Robert
Ross
7. Rewards
Best table topic: Chris
Best evaluator: Ross
Best Speech: Ajit
8. Hugh closed the meeting by rising three encouraging and profound questions:
Why do we join toastmasters?
How can we be better?
What should we do now and next?
Talk of the Town 