Join us for an inspiring evening as we celebrate the theme of “Flourishing” at our upcoming Toastmasters meeting. This special session is dedicated to personal growth, vibrant expression, and the budding potential within us all.
Date: March 12th Time: 6.45pm Location: L200
Agenda Highlights:
Inspirational Speeches: Immerse yourself in stories of growth and achievement from our members.
Evaluations: Participate in or witness constructive feedback that nurtures our speaking skills.
Table Topics: Challenge your quick thinking with impromptu speaking opportunities that reflect our theme of flourishing.
Featured Quote: “And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” – Anaรฏs Nin
Whether you’re looking to bloom in your public speaking journey or simply wish to be part of a community that celebrates progress, this meeting is for you. Let’s flourish together in an environment that supports and elevates our goals.
๐ฑ Embrace this opportunity to grow, share, and connect. We look forward to seeing you bloom at our meeting.
I am deeply honoured and thrilled to have received two No. 1 awards at Toastmasters. In this post, I share the recipe for success.ย
For those of you out there who are up for your next challenge, may it inspire you to embrace challenges with aย #growthmindset. Everyone else has a role to play too! Read on..
Nine months into my Toastmasters journey, I was selected to represent my local Toastmasters club at the annual area speech contest. Last Friday, as I stood next to seasoned competitors, I could have succumbed to nerves.
However, I chose to embrace the opportunity. My passion for continuous learning, #personaldevelopment and the thrill of embracing new challenges kept me focused on the mission. As we navigate the AI revolution, I believe that cultivating a growth mindset and readiness to approach challenges with collectedness becomes more essential than ever before. This contest was a great opportunity for me to walk the talk.. ๐
All I had to do was be myself, try my best, apply all my transferable skills, knowledge, experience. And see what happens with a healthy dose of spontaneous #creativityโฆ
The result? ๐ ๐ฏ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ : I received “๐ญ๐๐๐๐ ๐ท๐๐๐๐” awards in the ๐ฅ โ๐ด๐ฑ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ค๐ฉ ๐ฆ๐ท๐ข๐ญ๐ถ๐ข๐ต๐ช๐ฐ๐ฏโ and ๐ฅ โ๐ต๐ข๐ฃ๐ญ๐ฆ ๐ต๐ฐ๐ฑ๐ช๐ค๐ดโ categories. I am truly humbled by the next opportunity to compete at the Divisional levelโฆ
๐๐ฒ ๐ญ๐๐ค๐๐๐ฐ๐๐ฒ๐ฌ?
๐๏ธ ๐ฐ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐จ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐: The spellbinding techniques and motivational speeches delivered by my esteemed competitors truly inspired me. I learned much from observing everyone in action and by what they shared.
๐ ๐ฌ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฌ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐: Everyone played a role in supporting the event in a hybrid context. A heartfelt thank you to our host, UBS, for providing the venue and every individual who collaborated to make it a success.
๐๐ ๐ซ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐: A big thank you to all the judges, my distinguished Zuriberg Toastmasters Club, committee and members for their much valued feedback, support and vote of confidence. Immense gratitude to my mentor, Roland Straub, for believing in me, Dr. Vanessa Stournari for her support, Alice Nuslova, PMPยฎ for her guidance and to Ben Nordemann for introducing me to this fun path!
๐๐จ๐ซ๐๐ฅ ๐จ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ฒ? There’s a first time for everything! We just need passion, readiness to embrace new challenges and a supportive network!
๐๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐ฆ๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ง๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ: where everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and hone their #leadership skills. Where Leaders Are Madeโจ
It’s hard to believe that our 21st meeting of the Toastmasters year has already concluded, and what an inspiring evening it was!
Svetlana led the way as our Toastmaster, guiding the session with finesse! She seamlessly introduced our speakers, each one offering their unique take on the theme of “strategy.” A special thanks to Denisse, our General Evaluator, and to her team Michelle, Vassilis amd Mathieu for ensuring a constructive yet empowering evaluation throughout the meeting.
Speakers’s highlights
Monica delivered a thought-provoking speech titled “How should I survive in a world full of ideals?” within Project Leadership Development #3-8. She skillfully delved into the question of whether we set unrealistic ethical standards, presenting a philosophical topic with a deeply conversational and engaging tone.
Zsolt tackled the theme of “Environmentalism” in his Presentation Mastery #1-3 speech, introducing vocal variety and powerful gestures. His content and delivery earned him the well-deserved title of Best Speaker for the evening.
Joran took us on a humorous journey with “I should have told Laurence”, in his Project Presentation Mastery #1-4 speech, shedding light on some unfortunate leadership examples he encountered in his career.
A warm welcome goes to Innocent, who embarked on his Toastmasters journey with the “Icebreaker” speech for Project Presentation Mastery #1-1. He effectively introduced himself to the club, showcasing he is guilty of an authentic speaking style and a charmingly humorous personality. He set a positive tone for his future speeches. A warm welcome to the club, Innocent!
The art of evaluations
Our evaluatorsโYani, Elias, Christina, and Kevinโprovided insightful feedback, strategically analyzing the speeches with empathy and encouragement. Kevin was recognized with the Best Evaluation award for his outstanding contribution.
Table Topics
Our impromptu speech session was orchestrated by Richard, who took us on an engaging journey of alien invasion scenarios, showcasing creativity at its best. Tatyana won the Best Table Topics Speaker award, convincingly assuring us that an alien invasion is nothing compared to the challenges we, the earthlings, create for ourselves.
Closing Thoughts
A heartfelt thank you to all who contributed to the wonderful atmosphere and the success of the evening, showcasing our commitment to personal development and effective communication within the strategic framework of Toastmasters.
What is on the horizon?
Looking ahead, let’s continue our journey to public speaking excellence in the upcoming meetings. As we experiment with different locations until we return to the familiar Blue Monkey, seize the opportunity to try different stages, starting with a theatrical stage
March 12th โ Regular Meeting with a shocking Theme and Joanna as the TME (L200)
Special Events:
Area E4 Contest: Friday, February 23rd 17:30 to 22:00 in Europaallee (or join online) come to support our club winners, Thomas, Christina, Elias and myself, Vanessa at the international, evaluation and table topics speech contests. Engaging speeches and mingle with the other Toastmasters clubs of our area (Walk the Talk, Credit Suisse Corporate Club and St. Gallen TMC). Hier is the registration Link https://forms.gle/bM5PaeFXCVHLECZZ9
Area E4 German Speech contest: Saturday, February 24th online
How are speeches of our area doing in German? Join to explore and maybe support ๐
Embrace the spirit of renewal and fresh starts at our upcoming Toastmasters meeting themed “New Beginnings.” It’s the perfect time to set new goals, try new speaking roles, or simply refresh your public speaking and leadership skills.
Date: 27th Feb 2024 Time: 6.45 p.m. Theme: “New Beginnings”
๐น Highlights of the Meeting:
Inspirational Speeches: Hear stories of transformation and new starts.
Table Topics: Sharpen your impromptu speaking skills with prompts that inspire renewal.
Evaluations: Dive into the power of feedback & growth.
Featured Quote: “The magic in new beginnings is truly the most powerful of them all.” – Josiyah Martin
This meeting is your canvas for the year ahead. Whether you’re a seasoned member or new to Toastmasters, let’s embark on this journey of growth and discovery together.
๐ Let “New Beginnings” inspire you to speak boldly, lead confidently, and start anew. Join us for an evening of motivational stories and actionable insights.
Prepare to engage in the art of strategic thinking at our upcoming Toastmasters meeting. This session is dedicated to exploring the depths of strategic communication, planning, and execution through the power of speech.
Date: Feb 20th 2024 Time: 6.45 pm Theme: “Strategic”
๐ Meeting Highlights:
Themed Speeches: Discover how strategic thinking can be applied in various aspects of life and work.
Table Topics: Test your quick strategic responses to unexpected questions.
Evaluations: Learn to provide feedback that targets strategic improvement and growth.
Featured Quote: “Strategy is about making choices, trade-offs; it’s about deliberately choosing to be different.” – Michael Porter
Dive into the discussion on how strategic thinking influences our decisions, leadership, and the path to achieving our goals. Whether you’re a seasoned strategist or just starting to explore this vital skill, this meeting is your opportunity to sharpen your mind and your words.
๐ Join us for a night of insightful speeches and strategic thinking. Let’s navigate the complexities of strategy together!
Gear up for an exhilarating Speech Marathon at our next Toastmasters meeting! Dive deep into the art of public speaking with back-to-back speeches, constructive evaluations, and boundless energy.
Date: February 13th Time: 18.45 Event: Toastmasters Speech Marathon
๐ Event Highlights:
Non-stop Speeches: A lineup of speeches across a variety of topics and styles.
Rapid Evaluations: Quick, insightful feedback to help speakers grow.
Endurance and Skill: Test your speaking stamina and learn from others.
Featured Quote: “The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible.” – Arthur C. Clarke
This is your moment to challenge yourself, refine your speaking skills, and enjoy the supportive atmosphere of our Toastmasters community. Whether you’re speaking, evaluating, or cheering on your fellow members, the Speech Marathon is a fantastic opportunity for growth and camaraderie.
๐ Join us for this marathon of words and wisdom set against the beautiful backdrop of Zurich. Let’s inspire and be inspired!
Join us for a special Toastmasters meeting celebrating Burns Night, an evening dedicated to the great Scottish poet Robert Burns. Embrace Scottish culture, enjoy Burns’ poetry, and enhance your public speaking skills.
Date: 30th January 2024 Time: 6.45 pm Theme: Burns Night
๐ฅ Special Features:
Burns Poetry Recitation: Experience the magic of Robert Burns’ poetry.
Scottish Traditions: Learn about Scottish culture and enjoy traditional dishes.
Themed Speeches: Share stories or speeches inspired by Burns’ works or Scottish heritage.
Featured Quote: “Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind?” – Robert Burns
Dress in tartan or come as you are, and prepare for an evening of eloquence, inspiration, and Scottish charm. Whether you’re a Burns enthusiast or new to his work, this meeting is a perfect blend of cultural celebration and Toastmasters’ spirit.
What a truly enchanting start we had to the new year at our last Tuesday’s gathering, set against the historical backdrop of the medieval Guild of the Carpenters in Zurich!
Stepping into the medieval guild hall was like taking a journey back in time. The rich history of the Guild of the Carpenters provided a unique setting for our meeting. Sabina, our Toastmaster of the evening, skillfully guided us through an entertaining journey, seamlessly navigating the challenges posed by the new venue with her excellent preparation.
Speakersฮ Highlights
Keynote in Evaluations:Roland, in his eloquent keynote, likened evaluation to the essential fertilizer of our growth. He outlined nine guiding principles, with the first and foremost being to listen carefully and observe the speaker’s objectives.
Yani elucidated some Artificial Intelligence (AI) aspects with the creative story- telling elements, while bringing Alan Turin to life throughout her speech.
Path Reflection: Harry shared an inspiring reflection on his extensive public speaking journey, starting at the tender age of seven. His key advice? To become a better speaker or conversationalist, one must begin by learning to listen. His remarkable achievements earned him the best speaker award.
Zsolt seamlessly integrated his speech with the theme of the day, providing valuable insights on hacking ourselves to turn learning into an entertaining journey.
Icebreaker: Congratulations to Marco for his icebreaker! With vivid descriptions and body language, he took us on a captivating journey to Italy. What added to the speechโs quality? His authentic sharing of his public speaking objectives.
The Art of Evaluations
Evaluations, being a form of speech themselves, demand engaging openings, structured content, and effective time management. All evaluators applied some of the nine principles shared in the keynote, granting them the skill of effective listening! Christina, with her constructive examples, was rightfully awarded the best evaluator.
What Awaits on the Horizon
– 23rd of January: Club Speech Contest with Alice and Kevin as Contest Chairs.
– 30th of January:Cultural Enrichment with Burnโs Night hosted by Harry. Spoiler alert: Expect Scottish ambiance, poetry, whiskey, and the opening dedicated to our general assembly.
Here’s to more captivating evenings at the Guild of the Carpenters, where each gathering becomes a page in our own historical narrative.
Join us for an exciting Toastmasters meeting where the theme is “Entertainment!” This session promises engaging speeches, lively participation, and a valuable keynote on the craft of evaluations.
Date: Tuesday, 16th January Time: 18.45 CET Location: โผ๏ธZunfthaus zur Zimmerleuten (new location) Theme: “Entertainment”
๐ Keynote Focus: Discover the art of evaluations. Our keynote will guide you in providing feedback that entertains and enlightens, transforming evaluations into an art form.
Featured Quote: “Life is a great big canvas; throw all the paint on it you can.” – Danny Kaye
Prepare to be both the entertainer and the entertained, enhancing your speaking and evaluation skills in a vibrant atmosphere. It’s not just a meeting; it’s a performance where every word counts!
๐ In the world of ‘Entertainment,’ every speech is an act, and every feedback a highlight. Be part of this exciting journey!
What a fantastic way to close out the year! Our celebration was infused with the perfect blend of fun, creativity, and a festive atmosphere, creating the recipe for a truly successful party.ย Anna and Iย took great pleasure in orchestrating and hosting this memorable evening! A special shout out toย Samiraย andย Thomasย who engaged as our croupiers for the night, full in style!
Table Topics Highlights
The Table Topics segment showcased that expression in any form, be it improvisational speeches, storytelling, body language, or even drawing, has a magical effect on engaging the audience. When these elements are harmoniously blended, the engagement scale reaches its peak, leaving the audience captivated.
Beyond the entertainment, we uncovered hidden talents among our members! Gabriele and Hugo claimed the spotlight, walking away with cinema tickets to the picturesque art kinos of Zurich as the prize! Joran struck Bingo, leading to a short impromptu award acceptance speech, much to the delight of the audience. Meanwhile, Michelle earned the grand casino night award, revealing the depth of talent within our Toastmasters community.
What is on the horizon?
Looking ahead, the horizon is promising! The new year kicks off with three diverse meetings designed to enhance our public speaking skills.
Join us:
– January 16th for a regular meeting,
– January 23rd for the Club Speech Contest (last registration roundโreach out to Alice!),
– January 30th for a Cultural Enrichment Meeting hosted by Harry featuring a Burn’s Night celebration.
Let’s embark on this journey of growth and eloquence together as we set our New Year’s resolution to elevate our public speaking prowess.
Cheers to a year filled with compelling stories, confident speakers, and shared success!
Warmest regards,
Vanessa Stournari
President Zuriberg TMC
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