April 14th Meeting

We had a change to the meeting format tonight to add some variety. We began with a variation of the topic theme and spoke mainly about issues that we could speak with passion. Enthusiasm and passion are of course essential ingredients for speakers in general and for level two speeches. Everyone spoke well and managed to generate interest and debate. The business session had several items of news about out club dinner, Sussex Pride competition and the AGM/debate. This will be emailed in more detail to those on our mailing list.

After a short break, we had two excellent level one speeches that were interesting, informative and a delight to listen to. Both of them has a measure of personal history combined with tales from the past. Both passed easily. An experenced speaker concluded the speeches with a fine offering about corporations.

So another perfect evening? Well no actually. The meeting also demonstrated how important it is to keep in control of events. The chairmanship was poor, and some tasks and expectations slipped. Whilst it was a good meeting in one respect - it reminded us that every meeting needs to be chaired efficiently and competently. Being the strong club that we are, this is something that is easy to practice, and of course, to get right next time.

In normal situations, we get one shot at the social or business speech/presentation. At Croydon speakers you can try something, and learn from it whether it goes very well, or whether is demonstrates a need for a little more polish.

Our evening was a great evening, but it needed a duster to add that special sparkle. A challenge that will be met next time on the 28th April.