Thank you for an enjoyable evening, filled with great speeches and contributions from our delightful post-antediluvian audience of members and guests.

The speeches

On our first meeting since the summer break, we had four of our members present four distinctively different speeches. Fereshteh told us how important her PhD mentor was to her in helping her find her voice in her community. Alice told us how she learnt from her Mysterious Maverick Luca, was supported by Luca, and eventually outgrew Luca. Both of these speeches were from Level 2 ‘Introduction to Toastmasters Mentoring’ projects. We got to know both Tatjana and Ishan better through their superb Ice Breakers. Tatjana’s sharing of her core values resonated with us. Receiving a special mention for her natural use of body language when illustrating her nephews and nieces spontaneous ‘Toastmasters’ meeting. Especially as this was an Ice Breaker speech. Ishan’s analogous comparison of the Persian prophet Zarathustra to his own path in developing a ‘startup’ drew some fascinating insights into the teaching of a prophet who had influence on many of the world’s religions including Zionism , Judaism, Islam and Christianity. Zarathustra or Zoroaster is best know after the philosophical work of Nietzsche, “Thus Spake Zarathustra”.

The Evaluations

Evaluations from Michelle, Elias, Anna, and Richard were well-thought-out and to the point. All provided suggestions for improvement for the speakers. Suggestions which each and every one of us can learn from, even if we were not the speakers standing in front of the audience on the night.

The Table Topics

Table Topics challenged the speakers to compare contrasting ideas and present which may be best. Speakers showed that striking a balance between (for example) tradition vs innovation is equally important. And that the one without the other may not be possible. This was a good choice of topics, which speakers, including guests, were able to relate to and construct meaningful speeches.

The rest

Our Toastmaster of the Evening, Nicola, was her usual efficient self, as she conducted the evening, keeping to time, and bringing each participant on stage with a well-thought-out introduction. The Timer (yours truly) became so engrossed in the first speaker’s speech that he forgot to show the green card until nearly 30 seconds had passed. I should add that he did manage after this slip, to show the cards at the right time. Which reminded him how important it is to be fully focused on the task when you are the timer. General Evaluator, Joanna, commented on what was overall a well-run meeting. Despite dinner only being served twenty-five minutes into the break to some of our attendees, which resulted in them still eating when the meeting reconvened. An area where we can definitely seek improvement from the catering staff. Kevin challenged us to use the word ‘bygones’ 15 times in our speeches. He thought he had failed when he was only able to count 13 bygones from speakers. But th en sneakily slipped in one of his own so that we stood at 14… And before long we had our 15… even though Kevin had sat down by this time. Our Ah-Counter Gabrielle, shared some tips on how he is managing to avoid erms and ahs that all of us can learn from.

One area where I think we can improve on is how we conduct our Table Topics sessions. Recently, we’ve developed a habit of asking for volunteers. Which does not always work, and often lead to wasted time. The intention of Table Topics is two-fold: to teach members to speak extemporaneously. Off the cuff. And to give members who do not have a role an opportunity to participate. So the way to conduct it, is to identify members without a role. The topicsmaster call on these members to present a topic. It is okay to ask if any of the guests want to volunteer. But we give our members a first chance to speak. And they do not have an option. See also the Topicsmaster role description on our website: https://zuribergtoastmasters.ch/roles-at-meetings

Awards

Awards went to, Alice for Best Speaker, Anna for Best Evaluator, and Roland for Best Table Topic. Fereshteh received a Level 2 Completion Award and our two Ice Breakers, Tatjana and Ishan received Ice Breaker ribbons!

Next meeting – 27 August: Improv Workshop

Please click here for details of our next club meeting

Harry Loots

Well. Perhaps not quite so much into the wilderness, as members stayed on familiar ground and delivered five inspiring and informative speeches.

The theme did, however, provide the Toastmaster of the Evening, Anna, with some great introductions of the speakers. 

First up was Vanessa, who shared her first experience hiking with Michelle and Anna, and what she had learnt. Svetlana and Rafael both presented Level 2 projects – Understanding your communicational style, and both provided us with insight into communication patterns and styles. Svetlana explaining on Passive, Passive/Aggressive, Assertive and other styles. Rafael mimicked the style of a typical pilot. Making the point that the style is deliberate to instil a sense of confidence in passengers. Calm, Self-assured. Nothing can go wrong while I’m in control… Joram and Harry both completed Level 1 of their current pathways projects. Joram asked if the price is right? And, Harry’s takeaway message was, ‘Engage. Before you judge.’ which earned him the Best Speaker award.

All our evaluators provided valuable feedback to the speakers, with Michelle receiving the Best Evaluator award. 

Thomas presented us with a series of topics based on the Wilderness theme. Michelle took this award as well. On top form, our Michelle!

Alicja was our timer of the evening. She explained clearly what the timing requirements were for each section of the programme (Prepared Speeches, Evaluations, and Table Topics), and provided the speakers with feedback on how long they had spoken for. 

Vassilis chose the word vacillate as our word of the day. His feedback, on the use of our language, showed there’s always opportunity for improvement. Ah-counter Anton kept tabs on our use of filler words. And Fereshteh, as General Evaluator, gave us great feedback – especially as regards the introduction of speakers. We welcome speakers on stage, accompanied by applause. Then announce their name, title, title, name with no further applause at this point.

Our programme featured two major changes: Our Sergeant-at-Arms now calls the meeting to order, shares a few house-rules (like mobiles off or quiet), points out the toilets to guests (and forgetful members), then introduces the President. 

The other change is that the timer works with the TME. Announcing times immediately before the prepared speeches, evaluations, and table topics. This way, the timing is clear in the speakers’ minds. The timer also provides the actual time for the speaker at the end of the session.

Our next meeting will the last before our summer break. We still have a few roles open for the evening. Please go and sign up. And, if you can’t make it, please mark yourself as not attending. I look forward to seeing you there!
Please click here for details of our next club meeting

Harry Loots

Dear all

This is the first newsletter you’ll be receiving from me as President of Zuriberg Toastmasters Club. I am immensely proud to have been selected to lead this club this year. And will give my utmost to continue in the tradition of making this club a top club in District 109. In fact, it is my aim to make it the top club among top clubs. 

One of the first tasks we’ve set ourselves as a committee is to have all seven officers trained during the Club Officer Training window. So far, we have four of our officers trained. This already puts us way ahead of other clubs. 

In my first address as president, I spoke about “People who give of their time to serve their community”. In this case, our committee. First, they serve the immediate community. Us. The Club. And then by maintaining the club in a healthy, successful manner, striving for excellence, they are able to serve the wider community. The people who make their home in Zurich and surrounds. The team epitomising the words of Dr. Ralph C. Smedley’s, when he said: “We work together to bring out the best in each of us, and then we apply our skills to help others.“

Each of our 2024/25 officers introduced themselves and their aims for this year in a short speech. First up was our Immediate Past President, Vanessa, who mentioned that among her aims is to start an initiative to create an opportunity for advanced speeches for advanced speakers. Next up, Vice-President Education, Anna, who is available to help you reach your goals. VP Membership, Samira, will continue the fine tradition we have of welcoming guests and converting them into members. VP Public Relations, Richard, addressed us via video from Las Vegas. Promising to continue in the fine manner he has looked after our external communications. New to the committee, Elias takes on the task of Secretary – a key link in our organisation. Another stalwart, our Treasurer, Thomas, promised to keep looking after our money diligently and ensure that subs are submitted on time to TMI HQ. VP Mentoring, and Past President, Roland set out his vision for ensuring that every member who wants a mentor wi ll be assigned one. And how, through mentoring you become acquainted with your club’s culture. Finally, it was the turn of our two Sergeant-at-Arms, Vadim (in person) and Yesenia (via video) to share their aims for the year. Both new to the committee, they’re already showing why it is important to bring new blood on board, with their suggestion that we trial an electronic voting system for Best Speaker, Evaluator, Table Topic. Each of our committee members were also presented with an officer pin, which they can wear proudly at work, Toastmasters, or wherever they want to show off their commitment!

Alice led a very interesting Table Topic session, tasking the speakers to present as politicians – most of whom had done something dodgy and having to explain their way out of this ‘scandal’. Pietro won the Best Table Topic award. Perhaps there’s a latent politician lurking within… being able to turn dodgy dealings into a speech of success.

Having changed our process so that the timer announces times before prepared speeches, evaluations, and table topics, we had slight confusion. With General Evaluator pointing out that the instructions for the role had not been updated at the time he was preparing for the role. 

Our next meeting, on 16 July, is themed “Urban” with Anna in the Toastmaster of the Evening role. We look forward to sharing this evening, the penultimate before the summer-break with you. 

“You give but a little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself [your time] that you truly give.”

        – Kahlil Gibran

Till next time

Harry