Barry welcomed members to the meeting and introduced adjudicator, Hilary Stephens. She was delighted to be back among us again and gave some tips about preparing our 3 minute speeches, in only ten minutes - quite a discipline in itself. It was important to choose a topic quickly, to avoid wasting time through indecision and to try to begin with a question to the audience. Then, it was important to map out a structure, with a middle and conclusion, and to include a quote where possible. She reminded us again of the importance of voice pitch and pausing. Our hard-working Secretary Maureen, had prepared a list of fifteen topics, so it wasn't too difficult to find one that appealed, and then to start on the ten minute preparation task.
New member David, was first to speak on the topic - ''The worst thing I've seen in my life' and spoke movingly about his visit to Hiroshima and the power of forgiveness, as a message to the Japanese people. Ann then spoke on the topic -' To apologize is a sign of weakness' and proceeded to present balanced views on this issue.
Michael spoke movingly on his topic ' What my mother used to say', Irene voiced her thoughts on 'I believe in the power of friendship' and another Irene considered whether or not 'Health is wealth' and definitely thought it was. Further members addressed topics, such as 'Is it always better to tell the truth' and wondered if it was possible to live life without telling a lie at all? So, as you see, another absorbing evening at the Circle, and thanks to Barry for interesting anecdotes, while waiting for the adjudicator to finish writing her comments between speakers. Hilary in her summing up remarks, was so impressed with our speeches that she couldn't decide on the winners, in fact we were all winners. So with that happy thought, I look forward to next weeks activities at the circle, (clue, describing mystery objects), so check out this blog next week, or even better, come along and visit us.
New member David, was first to speak on the topic - ''The worst thing I've seen in my life' and spoke movingly about his visit to Hiroshima and the power of forgiveness, as a message to the Japanese people. Ann then spoke on the topic -' To apologize is a sign of weakness' and proceeded to present balanced views on this issue.
Michael spoke movingly on his topic ' What my mother used to say', Irene voiced her thoughts on 'I believe in the power of friendship' and another Irene considered whether or not 'Health is wealth' and definitely thought it was. Further members addressed topics, such as 'Is it always better to tell the truth' and wondered if it was possible to live life without telling a lie at all? So, as you see, another absorbing evening at the Circle, and thanks to Barry for interesting anecdotes, while waiting for the adjudicator to finish writing her comments between speakers. Hilary in her summing up remarks, was so impressed with our speeches that she couldn't decide on the winners, in fact we were all winners. So with that happy thought, I look forward to next weeks activities at the circle, (clue, describing mystery objects), so check out this blog next week, or even better, come along and visit us.
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