News
Meeting November 09, 2009
Report by David Lennon
Best Table Topic: Peter F
Best Evaluator: Chafic
Best Speech: Nina G
Another fabulous night at London Communicators with loads of guests and two people "scrambling" (the word of the day) to become members.
The two Davids, me the Prez and David O as TM, performed brilliantly, though David the TM said he was not very comfortable in the first part but really enjoyed the second half. Well, we all have our preferences in life.
Eight challenging Table Topics presented by Christoph R on the theme of being the spokesperson for someone undergoing challenges, ie Gordon Brown, Silvio Berlusconi. Aliki, Neil, Mike, Rachel, Katherine, Peter and Tania rose to the occasion, some rather more briefly, than others. Peter F adopted an Italian accent to win our hearts as the defender of Berlusconi, a happily married Catholic who would never dream of infidelity (says Peter who has led as sheltered life).
Three very different prepared speeches followed the break. Christoph B gave us a rapid history of communications through the centuries, and said in future, as George Orwell predicted, we will all be numbers (gulp!). Len W took us on a nerve-racking horse-ride through the Welsh countryside which delivered him from fear to exhilaration. Nina Glass gave us an Advanced Manual speech entitled "Bon Voyage Mr Jobseeker" with very specific recommendations about "dos and donts" when out there in the job market. We were riveted, especially those recently laid off!
The Evaluations were delivered by Steve for the Table Topics, and Chafic, Andrew and Paul for the set speeches. They were generally constructive, as they should be. Steve's was a masterclass, but it was Chafic doing an evaluation for only the second time who won our hearts and our votes.
The GE was Peter who detailed all the elements of the meeting that he liked and/or would like to see improved, including making sure all the ribbons on the banner are straight, so I guess he was really stretching for a recommendation!
Before we left Steve reminded us that our spin-off club Angels in about to go live and invited all members come along on launch night, Thursday 19 November.
Reminders about Christmas dinner were made, its Monday December 7. The Xmas Dinner is always huge fun, don't miss it. Book now. Contact Steve Maguire or any club member.
Afterwards we repaired to the pub where profound discussions about speaking issues abounded.
David Lennon
(The opinions expressed are all my own, of course)