Peace Speakers gathered August 1st anticipating two prepared speeches. This meeting had an art theme. After all, one speech focused on a piece of art, and we understand that all thought-provoking works, some visual and others written, have a lot to teach us.
As Toastmaster today, I informed everyone that we'd enjoy listening to and interpreting various forms of art. And no one needed an art degree to have fun!
Joelle served as the presiding officer today in our president's absence. As our new VP for Education, I commend her for helping me, the Toastmaster, get names of those taking on roles for our meeting early enough so that I could get my agenda out to everyone prior to Wednesday.
Perry gave our Invocation today from the book Wheel in the Air. He read the poem "Looking for a City," which talked about Abraham's search for God's city. Perry likened it to the city of Peace Speakers, a community of people on a quest as well.
2 PREPARED SPEECHES - 2 WORKS OF ART
Our 1st speaker, Becki, gave a speech on "Ekphrastic Poetry." It's basically one work of art about another work of art. She read the poem, "Not My Best Side" by U. A. Fanthorpe about the painting "St. George and the Dragon". It was divided into 3 parts, with monologues from each of the characters: the princess, the dragon and St. George.
Becki's delivery while sharing this poem used great expression, body language (just look at that claw), vocal variety, and timely pauses. It brought the 3 characters in the painting to life, and not in the way one might expect. (If you missed this meeting, google the poem and look at the painting. It's poetry that's especially entertaining and easy to understand.)
Our 2nd speech was by Geoff, who is pictured in the center. He shared a full-page advertisement of an exercise or rowing machine positioned over what appeared to be dark blue water. The ad read: "Give your dad a lifeboat for Father's Day."
Geoff shared elements necessary for effective persuasive writing and gave 3 primary ways to persuade:
- Appeal to the sense of logic
- Appeal to passions and/or fears
- Appeal to a sense of ethics
In looking back at the ad, we saw that all 3 criteria were met for persuasion. Giving Dad a rowing machine would logically enhance and protect his life, failure to do so might mean a shortened lifespan for Dad (hence the dark foreboding waters), and it was just the ethical or right thing to do (give Dad a "lifeboat")!
Since we find ourselves wanting or needing to persuade our co-workers, friends, family, and even strangers on a daily basis, Geoff has given us some tools that'll make our reasoning more compelling when we use the art of persuasion.
TABLE TOPICS FOR THE ARTIST IN YOU
Table Topics prompts were delivered to members in individual envelopes this time. Betsy had inserted prints of different pieces of artwork in each one, but the directions on the outside of the envelope were all the same: "This is your most recent piece of art that will go on display tomorrow. Describe it, defend it, and share what inspired you to do it."
Back up at the podium as the Toastmaster, I tried to take notes of what members shared in their 1-2 minute talks and take a few pictures from there, but I didn't do either very well. No matter. I'll relay what I remember, which is that we enjoyed people's sharings during Table Topics and laughed a lot.
Robin's envelope held a photo of a large, outdoor, metal sculpture that she described as abstract (our word for the day), adding that it was an out of this world creation. She admitted, in all honesty, that she'd never create anything like this monstrosity, which induced our laughter.
Becki drew the envelope with a picture of colorful children's hands, saying they represented diversity in the world, reflecting all kinds of people that coexist around the planet.
Geoff drew the envelope with a really weird-looking outdoor sleepbed, which he described as having an urban camping approach for sleeping in the out of doors.
Joelle's picture had dozens of similarly-sized circles; some with circles inside them. She claimed she had created her piece for the benefit of her son's kindergarten class...to teach them how to make circles.
Becky, our newest member who just joined Peace Speakers today, drew the envelope with the famous Mona Lisa painting. She talked about her decision to give Mona a mysterious smile and continued with numerous artsy details (which my sieve brain failed to retain). I just remember thinking, "Wow, what an interesting answer."
At the conclusion of the 5 members' spontaneous and brief talks, we voted for the most inspiring speech. Becky, our newest member who talked about Mona Lisa, walked away with the Table Topics trophy. You've got bragging rights for the next 2 weeks, Becky. Display that trophy proudly in a prominent area!
Eric and Todd, pictured above and below, agreed to serve in the role of speech evaluator for the 2 speeches given during our meeting today. I'm still at the podium and not taking notes as they talk, but I recall they gave Becki and Geoff numerous and specific accolades as well as a few constructive tips for improvement. What they share is their personal responses based on a checklist from a Toastmasters manual. It takes 2-3 minutes for an evaluation to be shared and is just as invaluable for the speaker as it is for the evaluator.
As I look back, this was such an enjoyable meeting from top to bottom! Maybe it had to do with the change in perspective. It's a different view and feeling than sitting out in the audience. It's an honor to serve as Toastmaster, and standing in front of my Peace Speaker comrades as I orchestrate the educational part of the program is exciting.
A year ago the thought of serving as Toastmaster was boggling. Today it's seen as an opportunity and a privilege. It can have it's hassles preparing for the meeting, but even those afford one precious growth. And that's what Toastmasters is about - the willingness to stretch and grow your communication and leadership skills in a friendly and supportive environment.
If you're a visitor to this blog, please join us in an upcoming meeting and experience a Peace Speakers meeting.
OUR NEXT FEW MEETINGS
ARE AUG. 15 AND SEPT. 5, 2012
ARE AUG. 15 AND SEPT. 5, 2012
Peace Speakers Toastmasters Club
Presbyterian Center
1st and 3rd Wednesdays
1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
100 Witherspoon Street
Downtown Louisville, KY
Respectfully submitted,
Kay Chambers
VP of Public Relations for Peace Speakers
