Toastmasters Meeting Progress and Flow

▼What is the flow of a Toastmasters meeting?

This blog post will introduce you to the content and flow of a Toastmasters activity (a regular meeting).

If you are new to Toastmasters, this article will give you an idea of how fun Toastmasters is and what you can learn. If you are new to Toastmasters, this is a great way to get an idea of the fun and learning involved!

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No.312 Christmas Special Meeting

Today’s meeting was a Christmas Special Meeting!
It was held on December 24th, which was Christmas Eve!
Two guests joined us and everyone enjoyed the lively Christmas atmosphere!

We, the Yokohama Ocean Toastmasters Club, have friendly club meetings on the 2nd and 4th Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., so please feel free to visit us!

・Guest Visit to Yokohama Ocean Toastmasters Club
https://www.yokohama-ocean.org/en/guestvisit

Now let’s see the contents of our club meeting!

＜Japanese Session＞

In our club we have Japanese and English sessions every time.

This time we started with a Japanese session.

A great advantage of our club is that you can learn to give speeches and presentations in both Japanese and English.

In the Japanese session, you can try your hand at Japanese speeches and presentations.

In addition, our club uses ZOOM's translated captions feature so that even beginners in Japanese can get a general idea of the content through translated English subtitles, etc.

We at the club are committed to this kind of language support.

▼Word of the morning：「笑う」(Laugh)

In the club, we introduce a phrase that we will try to use that day as "The word of the morning”.

This time Ms. B is in charge.

It's almost New Year, so let's bring in good luck by laughing a lot!

It was a phrase typical for this time of the year.

▼Prepared Speech：「ピンポンのすすめ」(Let’s try the Table Tennis!)

In Toastmasters, each member prepares and delivers a 5 to 7 minute speech to improve communication skills.

This time, Ms. E. talked about table tennis, which she started to lose weight.

Ms. E is an experienced table tennis player who has been a member of a table tennis club for seven years since junior high school.

She started participating in a table tennis club at a sports center in her hometown of Yokohama.

Table tennis is a national sport in China, but it has a large number of players in Asian regions such as Japan and Korea, as well as in Europe, where it originated!

Today, table tennis has a bright image and attracts people's attention, but in the 1980s, table tennis had a dark and gloomy image.

Then, the popular TV personality Tamori said on a program called "Laugh It Away(笑っていいとも)", "Table tennis is kind of dark", and the following year, the number of people participating in table tennis clubs at junior high schools plummeted!

There was a story about this later, and Tamori later apologized to the Table Tennis Association and donated 10 million yen to the association! This story is amazing!

Today, a professional table tennis league called the T-League has been established, and the number of table tennis players is increasing despite the declining birth rate.

Nowadays, more junior high school boys play table tennis than baseball.

The speech was full of such topics as "Table tennis is a good sport for those who want to take up a little sport and for seniors”.

▼Impromptu Speech ”Table Topics”

Toastmasters clubs have a section called "Table Topics," where members give impromptu short speeches on topics thought up by the moderator.

It is a very enjoyable segment that helps develop the ability to think on the spot and think quickly.

This time, Mr. L. was the moderator!

Please try to think how you would answer the question if it were you!

(This session will be held in Japanese. Please try to think of your own answers in Japanese!)

・Question 1: "Do you believe in Santa Claus?"

Ms. W. answered this Christmas question. There is no right answer, so it will be interesting to see how she answers the question.

When Ms. W. was a child, she cried because she did not like the Christmas present she received, but the next day she got another one.

Santa Claus is the one who makes these dreams come true! That is why she still believes in Santa Claus and we should all believe in Santa Claus! This was a fun way to end this topic.

・Question 2: "What has stuck with you most this year?"

This was a subject for the end of the year and the many things we cried and laughed about.

Mr. K answered this question with a sad story about the founder of a mountain climbing-themed club who passed away in the mountains. He told us that after that, the interaction between him and those who had been associated with him expanded greatly, and after the sadness, the joy also spread.

・Question 3: "What are your plans for the holiday season?”

Ms. B replied that she would like to finish cleaning up and spend some time with her sister.

To celebrate her 20th birthday, she would like to go to a beer bar and have a few drinks.

She concluded, "I hope you all have a New Year's Eve filled with laughter”.

・Question 4: "Is there anything you would like to challenge yourself with next year?"

From the content of Ms. E's speech, the topic was to ask her what she would like to try new in the New Year.

Mr. J. replied that he would like to learn to play the piano, something he has never had the chance to do!

He also mentioned that he would like to give a speech at an international conference.

Beginning to play the piano is so wonderful! It makes me wish that I could play the piano too.

・Question 5: "What do you want to stop doing next year?"

Unlike the fourth question, this one asks what you want to stop doing. Makes you think a bit, doesn't it?

Mr. S's answer was unexpected: "I'm quitting my current job!" This was a surprise not only to me, but to everyone in the audience!

He said he had received a new job offer and wanted to take up the challenge of using English and other languages in his new workplace! (I am so relieved!)

・Question 6: "What are you most looking forward to in the coming year?"

Moderator L. said, "The war that is going on right now, I really want it to go away."

I also really hope there will be peace.

Mr. S. responded, "I hope it will be a year of many smiles”.

This year has been a year of many personal problems, so he hopes that these clouds will clear and become clearer.

He also said that he is very much looking forward to witnessing the evolution of technology, as it is said that AI will evolve and surpass the "singularity".

I am also really looking forward to seeing the evolution of these new technologies!

・Question 7: "What were your frustrations this year?"

Mr. L, the moderator, said that he had received an award in his company, but he was frustrated that he could not say as much as he would have liked because his mind went blank. This question was based on his experience.

Respondent Ms. E said that she could hardly challenge herself to give a speech in English this year.

She said that she did not have many opportunities to use English at work and that Toastmasters was the only place where she could use English, so it took some courage for her to challenge herself.

She said, "Next year I will work on my speech! I will give at least two speeches in English!" That was a great New Year's resolution.

・Question 8: "What good things have happened to you in learning English?"

He asked Ms. S., who now uses English in her work, what she liked about learning English.

Although Ms. S. graduated from the English Literature Department, she had a long gap in terms of using English.

When she retired, she decided that she wanted to "get out and do something," so she took the tour guide exam and is now working as a tour guide!

She says she enjoys being able to see Japan from a different perspective through a different language, English.

She also said that being able to put herself in such an environment is one of the advantages of using English.

・Question 9: "Are there any differences between Japanese and American Christmas?"

This time, Ms. W. temporarily returned to Japan from Chicago, U.S.A., to attend a club meeting!

The question was about the difference between Christmas in the U.S. and Christmas in Japan.

She said, "The excitement of Christmas and spending time with loved ones is the same! She also said, "The ratio of Christianity is different between Japan and the U.S., so the part where you actually go to church and attend mass may be a little different. However, spending time with loved ones, eating delicious food and having a good time is the same.

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I encourage everyone to think about how you would respond to the questions posed this time!

I am sure you will gain flexible communication skills that will allow you to respond to any topic that comes up!

▼Member Feedback (Evaluation Session)

In a Toastmasters club, you will receive constructive feedback on your speech from other members. The advice is structured in a way that is easy for the recipient to incorporate, pointing out several good points and making positive suggestions for improvement.

A third party's perspective is extremely valuable in improving your speaking style. Through this feedback, Toastmasters club members improve their speaking skills.

Feedback on Ms. E's speech

Ms. K gave feedback on Ms. E's speech.

The theme of this curriculum was "researching something and giving a speech about it”.

Ms. E researched and gave a speech about the increasing number of people playing table tennis and an episode of Tamori-san, which was pointed out as a good point.

She also said that he highlighted three good things about table tennis, which was just the right number.

She also said that it was good that she actually held a table tennis paddle, which made it easier for the audience to visualize her speech.

She said that the speech was well organized and advised that if he wanted to improve it further, she could mention the costs of getting started in table tennis, such as rackets, clothing, and table tennis club fees.

＜English Session＞

After a short break, the second half will be an English session.

▼Word of the morning：”Festive”

In the English session, we also introduce phrases that we will try to use that day as "The word of the morning”.

This time Ms. S. is in charge.

The streets are filled with Christmas lights and the atmosphere is truly "festive”!

This was a perfect phrase for such a time of year.

By including phrases and expressions you don't normally use, you can expand your vocabulary.

▼Prepared Speech：”1997 Santa Claus Hats 2023 version”

In each English session, the members also prepare and present a speech of 5 to 7 minutes to improve their communication skills.

This time it is a story about Christmas in New Zealand when Mr. K was young.

The title of the speech is "1997 Santa Claus Hats 2023 version".

He was living in New Zealand at the time and did not have enough money to live on, so he decided to take a part-time job selling Santa Claus hats.

He had to sell up to 100 Santa hats on a commission basis!

In the middle of all this, he sometimes had to go door to door only to have the door slammed in his face.

He tried going to shops as well as homes, but to no avail.

He had no choice but to try selling to the teachers and students at the school he attended.

This was a great success and he sold 12 Santa hats to start with!

He also talked to his host family, and they advised him: "Why don't you go to the pub?”

He thought to himself, "They would never let me sell in a pub", but I had no choice”, so he decided to go.

He spoke to the manager of the pub, and he gave him the OK!

Here's the twist.

He made a gesture and said, "Samurai Santa is here!” He danced with gestures.

The customers in the pub were in a tipsy mood and the Santa hats sold like hot cakes.

He sold 20 hats in total.

He then went to the most famous local pub and asked for it, but the owner refused to give him a chance.

This was the last place he wanted to be in order to achieve his 100 goals.

He walked away discouraged, wondering if this was how life was supposed to be.

On the contrary, the people in the town were walking around with a very festive feeling.

He thought he heard a voice from the sky saying, "Why don't you sell your products here?”

"Merry Christmas, Santa hats for charity! Charity Santa hats for $5 each!”

Then someone called out to him.

“Are you from Japan?”

“Yes, I am! I'm dressed in the colors of the Japanese flag (Santa costume).”

“Do you know Dragon Ball?”

“Of course I do! Kamehameha!(かめはめ波!)”

They were amused and from there the rest of the Santa hats were sold!

It was like watching a drama!

He himself gave an enthusiastic speech in his Santa suit.

-Venture outside your comfort zone.

He closed with a quote from the Disney movie "Tangled", which has become the slogan of the Yokohama Ocean Toastmasters Club and told stories of the wonderful challenges he faced in his younger days.

There are tears and laughter. One of the wonderful things about Toastmasters clubs is that you can not only practice your speech, but also relive the experiences of various members.

And like K's experience, Toastmasters clubs are a place where it is okay to fail and to challenge yourself.

▼Impromptu Speech ”Table Topics”

In the English sessions, there is also a section called "Table Topics", where people give short impromptu speeches on topics that the moderator has thought of. Today's moderator was Ms. T. It has been a while since she has moderated a Table Topics session.

・Question 1: "When was your busiest time of the year?"

For Mr. I, who replied, this was indeed the busiest time of the year!

The number of people in Mr. I's team had been reduced due to a transfer to another department, so he had to work many times as many hours as before, which was dizzying.

But this gave him the opportunity to travel to Tokyo, which was fortunate for Mr. I, who attends Toastmasters from a rural area.

Being busy is not always difficult. He says he tries to look at the positive aspects of his busy schedule and says he can learn from it.

・Question 2: "Tell us your story of trial and error and growth this year."

The theme of this topic, related to K's speech, is a story of growth through trial and error.

Ms. W, who answered the question, said that this was a year in which she did not have many challenges.

Nevertheless, she took up tennis and started taking tennis lessons at a local sports center!

In fact, she said she had failed once, and this was her second attempt. The message was that if you hit a wall at something, give yourself another chance.

・Question 3: "Do you have a favorite way to relax?”

A member who has returned from the USA are currently living in Chicago. She says that Chicago is so cold that it feels warm in Tokyo. Moderator Ms. T. said that her favorite way to relax during the cold season is to take a leisurely bath with bath salts, and the question was asked, "What is your method of relaxation?”

The answer came from guest Ms. L.

She told us that she likes to go walking and that walking and enjoying nature helps her to relax.

This time we had guests from overseas, which gave the meeting an international flavor.

International exchange is one of the best things about our club!

(Certainly, you can learn Japanese Language & culture from Japanese members.)

・Question 4: "What new things have you started this year?"

The final topic was a review of the year.

Ms. S. said that she started her hobby of dried flowers during the COVID-19 season.

She said it was nice to be able to love spring flowers even in winter. It is a wonderful hobby.

This corner is one of my favorite corners because you can try to talk about different topics and themes, and it is very fun to hear different stories from other members!

Please come and see for yourself!

▼Member Feedback (Evaluation Session)

Feedback on speeches is also given in the English sessions. This time, Mr. S gave feedback on Mr. K's speech.

He commented that Mr. K had enthusiastically delivered his speech in a Santa Claus costume and that it was very typical for today's Christmas meeting.

He also suggested that a false beard would have made him look more like Santa. He also suggested an idea to improve it.

＜General Evaluation Session＞

During the general evaluation session, we will review the content of this club meeting and provide feedback.

We will comment on what was good about each meeting and what needs improvement.

Today's general evaluator was Ms. S.

She commented that she learned a lot from the variety of speeches and table topics today.

And Ms. K's big smile during his speech! She also pointed out these good points.

And at every club meeting, we also count the number of filler words, such as "um," "well," and "you know," to improve their speaking style and make it easier to understand. We also point out grammar mistakes and share good expressions.

Today's grammarian and ah-counter was Ms. S. She said that everyone's speech today was fluent and very well done.

▼Best Speaker Awards

Toastmasters clubs recognize and reward excellence in public speaking.

Here are the winners of these awards.

・Best Table Topics Award (Japanese): Ms. W

・Best Table Topics Award (English): Ms. L (a guest)

・Best Evaluator Award: Ms. K

・Best Speaker Award: Mr. K

The Table Topics Award is sometimes won by a guest with a great answer.

Congratulations to all of you!

＜Lunch after the meeting＞

The second club meeting of each month is held by combining the online meeting and the Yokohama/Kannai venue.

We also have a lunch meeting after the meeting with participants at the Yokohama/Kannai venue.

This time we went to a deep-fried skewer(串揚げ Kushiage) restaurant in Kannai, Yokohama to celebrate the return of a U.S.-based member after a long absence!

Guests also joined us for lunch, and we had a fun international exchange!

It is also a good place to ask Toastmasters members about the activities. Please join us for lunch when you visit us at the venue!