What I learned at Thomson Toastmasters

The table topics (impromptu speeches) were Powerpoint Karaoke - with speakers taking the picture or caption of a series of slides on a topic chosen from half a dozen, such as adventure travel. The first would be an obvious phrase, an obvious quotation or proverb, then something totally unexpected, another picture, another quotations, finally Thank you.

Most people were given five slides on which to improvise a two minute speech. One person was given seven slides and he went over the time limit.

 The results were hilarious. One person was deadly serious, despite the absurd situations. Another kept appealing to the audience, "What does this mean?' and, "Do you know what this means?" and "neither do I!" The quotations came from Patton and Anne of Green Gables. I thought this would be a good way to practise topics in a workshop. Other people thought they would take the system back to their clubs.

 You need five or six topics and five slides for each. A little time for the research. But once you have created it you can do it again for the same club at one year intervals, or for different clubs.

My other idea for a workshop is that I will ask the audience to form into pairs. Each person will take part of themselves of their clothing or items nearby as a prop and subject for their speech one one of four themes.

For example, the objects could be: body parts and clothes a pony tail, a bald head; reading glasses; a hat; a tie, shoes. Nearby objects a briefcase, a rucksack, a desk, a practical chair, a screen, a flip chart.

Subjects could be: what you can do to solve a problem, my new year's resolution, celebrate differences, the right way to do it, expensive or cheap - which is best, how to improve what you have. They then get into pairs and take turns picking one of the questions and answering it using the prop. I was language evaluator and grammarian.

 My word of the day was Oxymoron. Positive words I liked included enchanting. Two negative phrases which I liked despite the negatives, because the emotions expressed was positive were: No worries. I don't give a damn.

 'I want to share with you' is a good opening, but not the second or third time from additional speakers.

 'In conclusion' signposts where you are going, helping the audience to follow, as well as keeping yourself on track and to time.

 Angela Lansbury, author and speaker.