Last night members enjoyed a stimulating and informative discussion on the above topic.  Discussion was wide-ranging and views were exchanged as to why language changes - does this represent progress or decay etc.?  We wondered if English was more elegant in Shakespeare's day? We discussed why people can't use 'correct' English?  We considered whether the use of modern technology i.e. word-processing software meant that quality of writing tends to deteriorate, that people can spontaneously write things 'off the top of their heads' on texts, emails, and social media sites that they later regret.  Is it fair to say, that their writing would be better crafted if they had to sit down with pen and a blank piece of paper.
 
I learnt a few new phrases last night - how many do you recognise?  Nimbyism, TINA, Dinky, info-tainment, emogee...........: <  ))
 
Next week at the Circle we will be practising skills of information gathering, asking and answering questions with skill and precision etc.   Again we would be delighted to see more people come along on Monday 16th November from 7.30pm, whether to observe or participate.

Hello Blog readers, the Speakers' Circle was pleased to welcome a reasonable turn out of regular members and a guest, last night, Monday 26th October, the theme was, Hallowe'en inspired activities.   The President had previously invited members to bring in their favourite scary stories or poems, topical quizzes and so on.    Well talking of scary?,  members and guest were invited one by one, to occupy the 'hot seat' at the front of the hall, and respond to 20 questions on a topic of their choice or to take 'pot-luck'.   This was bravely undertaken, with, mostly, no help from the audience.  Anyhow, it was a fun excercise and encouraged the memory circuits into activity.   Connor and William obtained the highest scores.    Other quizzes, needing lateral thinking and creativity, were organized by our Hon Sec. Maureen.   The evening concluded with some great Hallowe'en fare.
 
Next Monday 2nd November - we will be practising some sight-reading activities and the week after that, the topic will be 'Language thrives through change'.   So in preparation perhaps you could bring along some articles which contain language that your grandparents might not have understood?  Do the changes, make communication any clearer one wonders?
 
As usual we look forward to your joining us on the above evenings.  You will be made most welcome.

Hello Everyone,
 
I'd like to thank all of you who made it along to the Circle last night - I've attached some photos of the evening.  Hope to see you next week.
 
Best wishes,
Irene

Well the Circle was pleased to have among us, an excellent adjudicator, Kerena Crowe, last Monday evening.   Kerena is the Founding President of Belfast Toastmasters International and was able to give members valuable tips on the art of public speaking.
 
The topics for prepared speech, which proved most popular were 'You can't change the past, can't be sure of the future, so live for the present'.  Also the following two topics 'My heros', and 'Are we a throwaway society?'  Members enjoyed the challenge of focusing their thoughts into a time-frame of four minutes maximum, for this prepared speech exercise.
 
Following a short break for announcements etc. topic titles were distributed for extempore speech-making practice, with a shorter time of three minutes.  Preferred topic choices were - 'I couldn't live without............', 'Mobile phones', 'We've never had it so good', and 'School-days are the happiest days of your life'.
 
After refreshments, we were pleased to listen to the informative adjudication by Kerena.  On behalf of the Circle, the President thanked her for her most valuable contribution to the evening's further learning on the fascinating art of public-speaking.
 
Next Monday 26th October - members and guests are invited to a Hallowe'en party.  Scary stories and other seasonal cabaret items will be most welcome.?

The Circle started its season on 28th September and we were pleased to welcome some new people along with our other members.  On the first evening, we shared memories of past events, holidays etc.   The second evening, we were pleased to welcome Mrs Meriel Grant who gave the meeting useful tips on public speaking techniques.
 
On the third evening, the 12th October, we had an 'own choice' event, where members and guests read from a favourite poem, or piece of prose, and talked a little about the background to their choice.     The selection was very varied and ranged from 'Supertramp', Testament of Youth, by Vera Brittain (mother of Shirley Williams), an article on Teddy  Roosevelt, the poem, Ozymandius by Shelley, an excerpt from 'Far from the Madding Crowd', by Thomas Hardy,  a short story by Roald Dahl, another poem, Yeats's 'The Fisherman', Pam Ayre's 'Where there is a Will'.  Lastly I spoke about the fascinating book 'Blue is the Night' by Eoin McNamee.
 
Just a reminder that next week, we will be pleased to welcome Kerena Crowe, as our adjudicator, for practice pieces on prepared and extempore short speeches.   Once again you will be very welcome to join us, either to observe or take part.

We welcome members, guests and possible new members to come along to our first meeting of the season at our usual venue at St.John's Presbyterian Church Hall, Knockbreda Park, Ormeau Road.   Please look at the column headed 2015/16 for a list of our activities each following Monday evening.  

The theme for our first meeting on the 28th September, will be looking back on memories which are significant to us for whatever reason - holidays, anniversaries etc. Looking forward to your coming along to our meeting next Monday. Please remember if you're an interested visitor, there is absolutely no obligation to speak.

Hello Blog readers - I do apologise for the lack of posting on our activities but there were technical difficulties with my internet browser.   A new committee was elected and I was honoured to be asked to be President for the incoming season beginning t the end of September.
Further details of our programme of activities will be posted when available.
Best wishes,
Irene