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In Matthew Syed’s Podcast this week entitled ‘Tongue Tied’, we hear Simon Day discuss how he joined Toastmasters to overcome his fear of public speaking. “Matthew Syed examines what happens when we’re rendered speechless, and how we can find words when we need them most.” BBC Radio 4: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0011cys Podcast: https://pca.st/a4xs3q45

On Monday 8th November at 7.30pm we held our first in-person meeting this year at St Piran’s School in Maidenhead. The evening was a chance to test the waters and create a Covid safe environment. We followed and implemented Covid safety measures where possible, such as spaced out seats, providing hand sanitiser, encouraging members toContinue reading “We’re Back!”

Club Humorous Speech and Table Topics Contest – 27 Sep. 2021Ian Rees ‘Give it a go!’ That was the advice I was given at the dawn of my TM membership. I’m still doing so. On 27 September I found myself being Contests’ Chair; it’s done now and I have time to reflect. I had enoughContinue reading “‘Give it a go!’”

Maria Latronico, the Sergeant at Arms, opened the night and left us hanging with a question, how to build confidence and earn trust in a cat? I think Alistair Morrell, the club president who opened the evening with positive energy, answered the question immediately after by stressing the importance of participation. By participating in anyContinue reading “Participation is Progress”

Toastmaster of the Evening Stuart got the August 24 meeting of 21 strong off to a rousing start with a round-robin session – 15 seconds each identifying what the phrase ‘conscious living’ meant to them. The warm-up was quickly followed by a very thought-provoking Table Topics session led by Everton, using the various elements ofContinue reading “All of the Elements…”

‘Last year if someone had said let’s hold meetings on line all thumbs would have pointed downwards. Now it seems that we are in the groove, and our screen meetings are running on enthusiasm.   Twenty-three attendees were with us this evening including Diane from Chiltern Speakers and Melanie from Reading Speakers. Clayton conducted theContinue reading “Zoom, Zoom, Zoom”

It was a great Humorous Speech and Table Topics contest held on the  23rd September, everyone who participated did a great job. Plenty of guests visiting the club went away very impressed by the evening. The standard was exceptionally high with lots of laughter in the room. For those of you who weren’t able toContinue reading “Humorous Speech & Table Topics contest – 23 Sep 2019”

Annual Tall Tales Contest 2019 A delightful evening at our President’s home to celebrate 35 years of Maidenhead Speakers Club.  We held the Tall Tales contest where the contestants told funny and wildly exaggerated stories. There were 4 contestant for the Tall Tales competition which took place after a delicious Texan BBQ. First up wasContinue reading “Tall Tales of Maidenhead”

Once again, this years International Speech and Evaluation contest provided members and guests with a spectacular evening. This years event was organised by Toastmaster Julie Farrell and what an evening it was. The event was attended by no fewer than 30 people and everyone was extremely impressed with the speakers and evaluations. The night kickedContinue reading “Annual International Speech and Evaluation Club Contest – 2019”

The role of Table Topics Evaluator (TTE) is a relatively new one for Maidenhead. Some people may be wondering how to do it. My first club, like many others, has this as a role at every meeting so I’ve had lots of practice. Here are my tips on being the TTE. Scope of the role:Continue reading “How to evaluate table topics”