Our host for the meeting with a ‘flying’ theme was Irina Baldwin, who, in her first go at the role did an exemplary job of guiding us safely through the evening. As we had a little time to spare, Irina challenged every member (and each of our 5 visitors) to speak for 30 seconds on the subject ‘If you could fly anywhere tonight, where would that be?’. Everyone did an amazing job, with Sussex being the closest destination and Australia being the furthest, although Bhutan sounded the most tempting with its high happiness count.
This was followed by a simple but imaginative Table Topics session led by Anthony Boboe, based around numbers which was won by JJ, one of our visitors, who entertained us by telling us about his four sisters and his 84 cousins.
In the prepared speeches, Aga Stewart gave a polished performance for her ‘ice breaker’ speech, talking about how her husband ‘imported’ her from her native Poland to England, and what she learned from the experience.
Karen Willis then delivered an impacting speech on developing meaningful goals by looking at the past year from different angles, including describing the year in tweets and using the 4 Ls (Liked, Learned, Lacked, Longed for).
Anthony Brennan gave an excellent evaluation of Karen’s speech, earning him the title of ‘best evaluator’ for the meeting.
A special mention for Monica Alabi who excelled despite being thrown into a second role at short notice.
Overall a very enjoyable evening with many people taking on new challenges which, after all, is what Toastmasters is all about.

We have some inspiring, eloquent and downright side-splitting speakers so we can expect our club competition for the International Speech and Evaluation Contest to be a night to remember!

Please join us at Aubrey Park Hotel to be inspired and cheer on our club entrants.

The winners from West Herts Speakers will go to the area competition and have every chance on going on to division and district levels.

There is some more information on the following link:

https://www.toastmasters.org/Leadership-Central/Speech-Contests

Monica “blamed it on the Suffragettes” in her prepared speech to win her third Best Speaker title in a row – a wonderful start to the West Herts Speakers year.
Cathal Gilbert won best evaluator for his detailed and warm critique of Corinne’s apposite speech on web awareness.
Karen took the Table Topics prize with memories of the world that opened up to her when her parents – finally – agreed to get a television.
If it sounds like a dry night, it certainly wasn’t – the strong line up of speeches prompted a load of laughs.
The theme of the evening was, quite aptly for this time of year, Weather and Toastmaster Sola wove it into her links with great enthusiasm.
We were thrilled to welcome three visitors who have all promised to return – and bring their friends!
Our next meeting is at 7 for 7.30pm on 27 January at Aubrey Park Hotel. Ask for us at the friendly reception desk.

It was puns galore at West Herts Speakers tonight with the theme of Bond.
There were also visitors galore to add more sparkle to an evening with lively speeches and an innovativeTable Topics led by Corinne.

The next meeting will be on 13 January – I wonder what the theme will be?

Karen Willis (Toastmaster,) led us through the night with the theme of space. Winners of the magical odyssey:
Speaker: Judy Mallinson
Evaluator: Cathal Gilbert
Table Topics: Katie and Aga (tied)

Don’t miss our next meeting on 9 December at Aubrey Park Hotel. The theme is Bond, James Bond.

The meeting sparkled from beginning to end with the theme of magic. Karen led the impromptu rounds with an adapted Pecha Kucha – the Japanese game of speaking to a fast moving slideshow.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PechaKucha. The enchantingTable Topic captured imagination and challenged competitors.

Katy delivered her icebreaker with an amusing and adept talk revolving around beer, Boston and cats.
Winners of the evening were Irena (best evaluator) and Monica (Best Table Topics and Speaker).
New member Jonathan Webb was inducted in a short and invigorating ceremony. He commented that everyone seemed so dauntingly professional – perhaps not realising how quickly members had blossomed in the group. But that is the magic of West Herts Speakers!

Dan was voted best speaker with just his second time on front of the West Herts audience. Irina’s evaluation of his speech won her best in that category.

An Icebreaker pin was awarded to Philip for his first speech too.

All members were pleased to see the boosts to confidence and ability within just a few speeches.

The next meeting is on 25 November at Aubrey Park Hotel. Visitors most welcome.

West Herts holds it next regular gathering on Wednesday (14 October) at Aubrey Park Hotel.
Anyone interested in attending can simply turn up at 7.15 for 7.30, or phone Judy on 07958628158 for more information.
You don’t have to speak at your early meetings – but you can if you want to!

West Herts was wonderfully represented at Area level today with talented competitors and plenty of club support.

Congratulations to Muhammad Omer who stepped in at the last minute to win the Table Topics Contest with a rib tickling take on what he would want on a desert island.
Delightful veteran Stuart Lawson took a highly commendable second place.

Richard Beagle took third place in a field of eight in the Humorous Speech contest with a tale of smuggled apples and a escaping model plane.

Irina Baldwin (Table Topics) and Anthony Brennan (Humorous Speech) also put in strong performances after winning at club level.

Special mention also to the other West Herts members Karen, Phil and Judy who were there to cheer on their fellow club members and take on essential support roles on the day.

Wednesday 9 September we have two contests in one evening! Why not have a go at a humorous speech, or Table Topics (or both)? If you are a member you are eligible to enter! You can find out more about the contests here:http://toastmasterclub.org/kb.php?mode=article&k=27

Wednesday 23 September, we have a showstopper of an evening! We are delighted to be welcoming Martin Brooks, an impacttologist®. He studies how the top communicators in the world convince, influence and motivate others through the combined effect of their behaviours, their “impact”. Martin will share what impact is, why you need it and give some simple but highly effective “take-aways” to help you increase your impact and success. Martin will be available for some Q&A informally also. Please note that there will be a normal Table Topics session, but no other prepared speakers. As always, guests are welcome.

Does anyone know what makes a story?
The definition is that you don’t know what will happen until you get there – a bit like a West Herts Speakers meeting. (Thanks to John Kendall, Area Director)

For anyone who feels shy about joining a Toastmasters group this week’s meeting, especially, would have dispelled any fears.

The night, as usual, was a distillation of support, fun and encouragement. It was even more obvious than usual because of the smaller group – summer draws many of the members away.

President Richard Beagle asked everyone what they wanted to achieve that night and everyone accomplished their goals!

New member Phil Walls led an invigorating round of Table Topics (impromptu speeches).

The word of the day was ‘portmanteau’, and even the winners of the evening ended up as two parts.
Table Topics was the only competition of the evening and the tied winners were Richard and Judy!