Thanks to VPE Ruth who gave me a lift, I arrived early at Harrovians Speakers' Club in Stanmore. We were to enjoy a speech on singing, my speech on quotations - an evening of fun lay ahead. First we were busy with practical matters, setting out the chairs, and I insisted on moving the timer's table with lights to one side of the aisle so that the aisle was not blocked and in an emergency everybody had a quick, clear run to the fire exit. Safety first.
Heroes of the evening included Gosbert Chagula, a former President, presented with Heroes chocolates by Ruth Vishnik, another former president.
President Indra Sikdar, ATMS, AL, opened the meeting with the Toastmasters' International mission statement. He told a story about soldiers painting masks to help cope with internal traumas.
Toastmaster of the evening was Gosbert Chagula, who began, most originally, quoting a radio announcer, 'Welcome to another edition of Harrovians!'
Gosbert welcomed returning member Matthew who, I recall, once gave us a speech on throwing Frisbees, and guest Aslam from Northwood.
Guest Aslam, an enthusiast who joined at his first Harrovians Speakers' Club meeting, like I did the first time I attended. President Indra Sikdar was able to offer the choice of pay tomorrow on line or now by cheque or cash, whichever is easier and quicker for you.
Grammarian Karim Tharani had prepared by researching very thoroughly and spoke authoritatively. he told us that his name is Arabic for generous, and generously shared his knowledge with us. His word of the day was Augur, from Greeks who interpreted the flights of birds in order to predict. Karim reminded us that Hamlet, in the Shakespeare play of that name, defies the auguries (plural of augury). Karim recommended the Oxford Dictionary of English Grammar. He advised that he would be looking out for alliteration, triads and accurate spelling in any visual aids.
Ampura was our timer.
Hari who was supposed to be table topics master was unable to attend, but had emailed his topics to VPE Ruth who took over.
The first question for the impromptu speeches was:
1 T
ell us about a brave or heroic new activity you've tried.
Dear Reader, I suggest you think about how you would answer this topic and the others.
Indra Sikdar described how he belonged to Spice which organises outdoor activities and restaurant visits. The group took him to Luton for indoor surfing. Indra demonstrated surfing horizontally, balancing.
The other new activity he tried was a mock parachute jump. A fan created the rich of air you would feel when jumping - handy to prepare you if you are planning on the real thing. He finished, 'Been there - done that.'
2
Your serene holiday turned into an adventure. Tell us about it.
Veeren - went to an overseas wedding and enjoyed witnessing a beach wedding at a hotel with all inclusive unlimited food and tried the Caipirinha cocktail, the Brazilian national drink. After three days on the beach he took tours to see a Mayan temple, the Tuloom caves, an astrological hole, and swimming underwater in sunlight.
3
If you had a dream job, what would it be?
Lorna,
What (crazy thing) did you do to attract the attention of your first crush?
myself (Angela) on my first crush and what I did.
Which one item would you buy if you won the lottery?
Jay said she would have a car, for independence, so she would not have to wait for a bus.
In a crisis, what would you do?
Jayanthiny Kangatharai gave a speech about the small number of minority ethnic and racial groups in academia and as professors. The lack of women also. So there were few role models. She quoted statistics.
Sanjay started his speech The Joy of Singing by singing. He ended by quoting Ella Fitzgerald: The only thing better than singing is - more singing!
I (Angela Lansbury) gave a speech on quotations entitled: All's Well That End's Well.
I began by asking who could not say who originated that phrase? To my surprise, I saw a sea of hands.
So I asked who knew? Only two people. English teacher Lorna, and Indra Sikdar, were confident that is was William Shakespeare (Shakespeare's play is given the title All's Well That Ends Well).
Angela Lansbury with book Quick Quotations for successful speeches. Angela Lansbury is another former President of Harrovians.
Evaluations
VPE Ruth Vishnik presented Gosbert, immediate past president who is leaving to live elsewhere, with a blue and white shirt as well as the chocolates called Heroes.
Sanjay the singer won the ribbon for best speech. He had used a quotation, too.
Glossary
ATMS
AL
See previous post for glossary.
