Well, hello again Blog readers, last night there was one of my favourite, if most challenging activities at the Speakers' Circle. Members had been circulated with a choice of five titles, at the last meeting, and, as usual the aim was to speak interestingly about their selected topic for up to five minutes. Well, that's a scary idea for some, but it wasn't obvious in listening to our members wax eloquent on such titles as : ' If only', ' Manners maketh man ', ' I know that's what I said, but that's not what I meant'. There were two other titles on the list - 'The history of the world is the history of wars' and 'With all the resources we have why is there so much inequality in the world? ' Members chose topics from the first three, so I guess to express thoughts on the last two, in all of five minutes, was more than an impossible task.
Anyhow, I have to say, I was most impressed by to-nights speeches and the standard of presentation just seems to be getting better and better in the Circle. I particularly liked the way in which some members talked about their memories of choices made in their lives, and the pattern of events which arose from these. As regards myself - I thought I'd chance taking on the topic 'I know that's what I said, but that's not what I meant'. Isn't it funny how the words just seem to come out of your mouth, without any feeling of strain, when you're really identifying with the subject. I just loved this topic, and could have spoken for ages on it! Finding humour in a subject that used to stress me out, and having the audience laugh along with you, now that's a worthwhile activity.
Hoping to see you all again next Monday evening, when the theme will be a reading from a favourite foreign writer or poet. Then the week after that, the 7th April, the annual dinner at Ormeau Golf Club. Until next week..............
Anyhow, I have to say, I was most impressed by to-nights speeches and the standard of presentation just seems to be getting better and better in the Circle. I particularly liked the way in which some members talked about their memories of choices made in their lives, and the pattern of events which arose from these. As regards myself - I thought I'd chance taking on the topic 'I know that's what I said, but that's not what I meant'. Isn't it funny how the words just seem to come out of your mouth, without any feeling of strain, when you're really identifying with the subject. I just loved this topic, and could have spoken for ages on it! Finding humour in a subject that used to stress me out, and having the audience laugh along with you, now that's a worthwhile activity.
Hoping to see you all again next Monday evening, when the theme will be a reading from a favourite foreign writer or poet. Then the week after that, the 7th April, the annual dinner at Ormeau Golf Club. Until next week..............