Big thanks to all the participants, judges, timekeepers, ballot counters, Sergeant at Arms, and organisers for putting on a spectacular evening.

Mark your calendars for the Area Contest: 26 March 2012, 7pm at the Westminister Thistle!

Speech Contest Participants James Barnett: Upside Down Andrew Chuks: Beyond the Clue Mountains Jenny Cutler: Cruise Crime Laura McCracken: The Cava Prinicple Alison O’Mahony: Love in a Cold Climate	Speech Evaluation Participants Mystery Speaker: Tom Elliot From Phoenix Speakers James Barnett Andrew Chuks Jenny Cuter Sonalini Gunasekera Glenn Jones Dara Lanlehin Laura McCracken Alison O’Mahony
Laura McCracken (2nd), Andrew Chuks (1st), Jenny Cutler (3rd)	Laura McCracken (3rd), Andrew Chuks (1st), James Barnett (2nd)

London Cardinals 1st Place for the International Speech & Evaluation Club Contest

Jessie Macneil-Brown, our President, welcomed us on a snowy night and pointed out that Toastmasters is not only about making progress on your speaking skills but also about personal improvement, leadership and friendship.

“What do you do on a freezing cold, miserable night? You go to Toastmasters!” reminded us our Toastmaster, Glen Jones, keeping warm with his woolly hat, and setting up the theme of the evening “freezing cold miserable night”

Our Timekeeper –Caroline Ellingham– explained the Timekeeper role and Denise Tyrell, our grammarian stated that her role is fun: you listen, feedback and challenge. The word of the day is “weather”.

Our Table Topics

Monica Chong, Table Topics Master, chose a theme that almost everybody has a strong opinion about: Facebook.

Saket Modi, “I’m on Facebook for the right reasons, I post photos and connect with friends I’ve lost touch with.”

Gino Coquis, “If I had to post my mood I’d share with my 700 friends that I’m excited to be at Toastmasters”.

Maggy Etheridge, “I’m not on Facebook because I prefer to be with my friends rather than seeing them through a computer”.

Dara Lanlehin, “First thing I’ll do if I became rich is call my mum and say: Mum, I’m rich, don’t worry about a thing I’ll take care of you”.

Danny Callaghan, “What avatar would you be? “I would create an avatar that would do all the online things that I don’t want to do”.

Sinead Ni Mhuircheartaigh, “I would be the Davos woman airlifted from meeting to meeting”.

Tanya Alekseeva, “I wouldn’t change anything in my life but if I had to redesign something it would be to gain confidence to come back in 2 weeks”.

Patrick, “I would “Like” being here right now because I can feel an energy in this room that is remarkable”.

Simon O’Mahoney, “On ways to communicate within Cardinals “Communication is quite appropriate, in fact Cardinals is frighteningly communicative”.

Caroline Ellingham, “Probably I wouldn’t like to reunite with old friends. If I wanted to do that I would have done it already”

Jason Belne, Would you invest in Facebook? “I’m sick of hearing about this IPO”.

Allison O’Mahoney, “To the question “What is the most important thing to do?” The best leaders often answer : To Listen”.

Jo Holmes, our table topics evaluator provided amazing tips and commendations to the 12 topics speakers within time. And our sergeant at arms Dara Lanlehin introduced our 8 guests of the evening.

Laura McCracken video recorded the prepared speeches.

Olga Pirog, Icebreaker - Where do you come from? “London looks like the world was shrunk and fit into this city. Everybody can find themselves here”.

Evaluated by Nigel Cutts

Richard Russell took his chances by choosing a rather complex topic “Persuasion is all in the mind, in their mind”. The outcome was an amazing speech number 3 where we could see new angles of Richard’s speaking talent.

Evaluated by Saket Modi

Laura McCracken gave us a speech from the advanced manual full of tips on how to approach Job Searching “The secret sauce of job searching is mindset, focus and habit”

Evaluated by Sally Maier-Yip

And finally Gilly Cutts dazzled us with her take on the Cardinals Challenge. She was given 3 randomly picked words: TV, iron, and Australia and she had to come up with a speech on the spot. She structured the speech amazingly by converting the 3 words in 3 confessions: Having a TV in the bedroom, her passion for the meditative powers of ironing and “Would I go back to Australia? …maybe not”.

Evaluated by Jessie Macneil-Brown

General Evaluator: Hilary Briggs, gave the club and those that had not yet been evaluated some useful feedback.

WINNERS! Table Topic:      Simon O’Mahoney Best Evaluator: Jo Holmes Best Speech:    Gilly Cutts Ice Breaker:      Olga Pirog

Our next meeting – Monday 20th February 2012

Hope to see you at the next London Cardinals meeting. We have a perfect line up with an Icebreaker, a Number 2, a 6 and a 7 … all in the capable hands of our Toastmaster, Monica Chong.

Upcoming Meetings

Monday 5th March 2012 – London Cardinals meeting

Monday 12th March – International Speech and Evaluation Competition @ London Cardinals.  Everyone can take part.  If you would like to help out in the organisation of this competition or take a role at the competition on the evening itself then please email cardinalssecretary@gmail.

Monday 26^th March 2012  - Area 6 International Speech and Evaluation Competition hosted by London Cardinals. If you would like to help out in the organisation of this competition then please email cardinalssecretary@gmail.

Extra meeting in April – the last Monday in April will be an extra Cardinals meeting: London Cardinals Taboo Table Topics and Debate meeting.  Monday 30th April.  Please put this date in your diary and look out for more details in the next few weeks.

Announcements

Are you good with IT and websites?

London Cardinals needs a volunteer to join the committee and help with the digital side of things – we need someone knowledgeable in WordPress and website design.  If you think this might be you and you would like to join the committee then please email cardinalssecretary@gmail.

2012 Programme

Please remember to let our VPE, Laura McCracken, know about when you want to do your next speech, and also about any roles you want to fulfil (e.g. Toastmaster, Timekeeper, Grammarian, TT Master, TT Evaluator, and Speech Evaluator) as part of the new and much easier to follow Leadership Manual.  You may email Laura at cardinalsvpe@yahoo.com or catch her at the next meeting.

Gilly Cutts oversees Competent Leaders, encouraging everyone to complete the Competent Leader manual.  Please help Gilly by making sure we have your correct email address.  If you have any questions about competent leadership skills please do not hesitate to contact Gilly or have a chat to her at a meeting.  Gilly has also requested that you let her take a look at your leadership manual so she can take note of the of the leadership roles you have completed to date.

Facebook page

If you have a Facebook account please visit the new London Cardinals Facebook page.  Copy and paste this link in to your browser: http://www.facebook.com/groups/londoncardinals/.  The Facebook page will have updates, news, links to newsletters, photos and more!  But do not fret – if you do not use Facebook everything will still be sent to you via email.

Bring your friends

We love guests at London Cardinals and we love to also promote the club – so why not spread the news to friends, family and colleagues about how fab we are and bring them along to the next meeting?

“Laura McCracken and Toastmasters can help equip you with the right skills for public speaking” Jessie Macneil-Brown, our President, praised London Cardinals and reminded us how to get on the programme.

Our Toastmaster, Richard Russell, set the theme for the evening – “Motherly advice”

Our Timekeeper – Henry Lamb – explained the Timekeeper role.  Olga Pirog, Grammarian, set the word of the evening: ‘splendid’.

Gilly Cutts, Table Topics Master, continued the theme of ‘advice’.  Jessica Forster: “Going to watch Everton Football Club play gives me a buzz.” Stephan von Posern: How to get back your va va voom.  Monica Chong: Baby pandas as pets.  Dara Lanlehin: Going to Nigeria for an ‘unusual’ break.  Deborah Henley: Breaking the OCD habit. Maggie Etheridge: Best way to beat a phobia is to confront it. Danny Callaghan: “The innocence of children makes me laugh.”  Simon O’Mahony: Plastic surgery only if you have a Hollywood career.  Sieu Ngu: Taking a risk by joining London Cardinals. Saket Modi: Recommends the book ‘The Secret’.  Paul Walsh: The perfect date “With someone reasonable who doesn’t have OCD and is organised.”  Sally Maier-Yip: A hot date in multicultural Hong Kong. Sinead Ni Mhuircheartaigh: A cure for the Toastmaster addict.

Kevin Sullivan, Table Topics Evaluator, expertly evaluated all 13 table topics in the time available.  Sergeant at Arms: Alex Hancock introduced 4 guests “Guests are our hors d’oeuvres – short, sweet and full of flavour.”

Monica Chong videoed the prepared speeches in the second half.

Catherine Slater, Ice Breaker– ‘Life is full of surprises.’ “I hope you know me more after my speech.”

“What a splendid Icebreaker!” Jessie Macneil-Brown, Evaluator

Bruce Hurd, Ice Breaker – ‘Put your tray tables in upright position and seats up’ “I think the knocks are here to remind us we are human and to make the sweet journey even sweeter.”

“Bruce treated us to a cavalcade of his humour.”  Alison O’Mahony, Evaluator

Rachel Luft, Speech No. 7 – ‘Charity begins at home’ “I’d like you all to think tonight about what you can do in your local community.”

“A call to action that was powerful, persuasive and precise” Danny Callaghan, Evaluator

Nigel Cutts, Advanced Speech: Interpreting poetry- ‘The Prophet’ “Work is love made visible.”

“A splendid poetry delight!” Stuart Lewis, Evaluator

General Evaluator: Laura McCracken, gave the club and those that had not yet been evaluated some useful feedback.

WINNERS! Table Topic:      Maggie Etheridge Best Evaluator: Alison O’Mahony Best Speech:    Bruce Hurd Ice Breaker:     Bruce Hurd Ice Breaker:     Catherine Slater

Our next meeting – 06.02.12

Hope to see you at the next London Cardinals meeting tonight. We have a perfect line up with an Icebreaker, a Number 3 and an Advanced Speech… all in the capable hands of our Toastmaster, Glenn Jones!  And we have a special guest joining us as well… Hilary Briggs, District 71 PR Officer!!

Upcoming Meetings

Monday 20th February 2012 – London Cardinals meeting

Monday 5th March 2012 – London Cardinals meeting

Monday 12th March – International Speech and Evaluation Competition @ London Cardinals.  Everyone can take part.  If you would like to help out in the organising of this competition or take a role at the competition on the evening itself then please email cardinalssecretary@gmail.

Extra meeting in April – the last Monday in April will be an extra Cardinals meeting: London Cardinals Taboo Table Topics and Debate meeting.  Monday 30th April.  Please put this date in your diary and look out for more details in the next few weeks.

Announcements

Are you good with IT and websites?

London Cardinals needs a volunteer to join the committee and help with the digital side of things – we need someone knowledgeable in WordPress and website design.  If you think this might be you and you would like to join the committee then please email cardinalssecretary@gmail.

2012 Programme

Please remember to let our VPE, Laura McCracken, know about when you want to do your next speech, and also about any roles you want to fulfil (e.g. Toastmaster, Timekeeper, Grammarian, TT Master, TT Evaluator, and Speech Evaluator) as part of the new and much easier to follow Leadership Manual.  You may email Laura at cardinalsvpe@yahoo.com or catch her at the next meeting.

Gilly Cutts oversees Competent Leaders, encouraging everyone to complete the Competent Leader manual.  Please help Gilly by making sure we have your correct email address.  If you have any questions about competent leadership skills please do not hesitate to contact Gilly or have a chat to her at a meeting.  Gilly has also requested that you let her take a look at your leadership manual so she can take note of the of the leadership roles you have completed to date.

Facebook page

If you have a Facebook account please visit the new London Cardinals Facebook page.  Copy and paste this link in to your browser: http://www.facebook.com/groups/londoncardinals/.  The Facebook page will have updates, news, links to newsletters, photos and more!  But do not fret – if you do not use Facebook everything will still be sent to you via email.

Bring your friends
We love guests at London Cardinals and we love to also promote the club – so why not spread the news to friends, family and colleagues about how fab we are and bring them along to the next meeting?

“We are kicking off London Cardinals 2012!” Jessie Macneil-Brown, our President, launched the new year for London Cardinals Toastmasters with energy and passion: “This year is going to be amazing!”

Our Toastmaster, Simon O’Mahony, set the theme for the evening – “Pantomime Night”

Our Timekeeper – Trang Le – explained the Timekeeper role: “We encourage you to speak as much as possible but not as long as possible”;  Catherine Slater, Grammarian, set the word of the evening: ‘miserable’.

Jessie Macneil-Brown stood in as Table Topics Master last minute and did a great job with the topical theme of 2012.  James Marshall: “There are two miserable events in 2012, the Myan Calendar and the Olympics.” Bruce Hurd: Looking back at 2012 in awe and thinking ‘that was a brilliant year’.  Sally Maier-Yip: 2012 will be the year for her big 30th birthday bash.  Sieu Ngu: “My tip for saving money is not to spend it!”  Nigel Cutts: how the Eurozone will fair in 2012, “thank goodness we did not join the Euro!” Caroline Ellingham: Using sport to separate herself from working life. Stephan von Posern: Never getting a promotion.  Andrew Chuks: “Who needs TV when you have London Cardinals?”  Richard Russell: Baby names for girls. Alex Hancock: Wouldn’t like to miss anything this year.  Jessica Forster: Ruling Great Britain and getting rid of youth unemployment.  James Barnett: Making music festivals suitable for all.

Gilly Cutts, Table Topics Evaluator, expertly evaluated the table topics.  Sergeant at Arms: Alex Hancock introduced the guest.

Caroline Ellingham videoed the prepared speeches in the second half.

Craig Haffey, Speech No. 4– “People who make resolutions are ten times more likely to succeed in achieving their resolutions.”

“Wonderful poise.” Andrew Chuks, Evaluator

Denise Tyrell, Speech No. 6 – ‘What a year’ “This is my barking mad vision”

“Full of energy and very engaging.”  Jessica Forster, Evaluator

Jo Holmes, Advanced Speech – ‘The lost four million’ “My life has always straddled two worlds”

“A fantastic and really high quality speech” Glenn Jones, Evaluator

Monica Chong, Advanced Impromptu Speech – using words: embarrassed; mountain; water. “I had a nightmare about coming to London Cardinals without a speech.”

“Great structure” James Barnett, Evaluator

General Evaluator: Rachel Luft, gave the club and those that had not yet been evaluated some useful feedback:“I had more kisses tonight then I had on New Years Eve!”

WINNERS! Table Topic:      Nigel Cutts Best Evaluator: Glenn Jones Best Speech:    Jo Holmes

Our next meeting – 23.01.12

Hope to see you at the next London Cardinals meeting on Monday 23rd January. On the agenda for this meeting we have the clever and witty Richard Russell as our Toastmaster; table topics run by the glorious and gorgeous Gilly Cutts and a range of speeches from the Competent Communicator and Advanced Speech manuals including not one, but two – yes you heard it right TWO (!) Ice Breaker speeches from Bruce Hurd and Catherine Slater – so come and support them in their first speech and everyone else taking part in the programme.

Announcements

2012 Programme

Please remember to let our VPE, Laura McCracken, know about when you want to do your next speech, and also about any roles you want to fulfil (e.g. Toastmaster, Timekeeper, Grammarian, TT Master, TT Evaluator, and Speech Evaluator) as part of the new and much easier to follow Leadership Manual.  You may email Laura at cardinalsvpe@yahoo.com or catch her at the next meeting.

Gilly Cutts oversees Competent Leaders, encouraging everyone to complete the Competent Leader manual.  Please help Gilly by making sure we have your correct email address.  If you have any questions about competent leadership skills please do not hesitate to contact Gilly or have a chat to her at a meeting.  Gilly has also requested that you let her take a look at your leadership manual so she can take note of the of the leadership roles you have completed to date.

Judging Workshop

There will be a judging workshop taking place on Monday 30th January,  7 – 9 pm.  This will be in preparation for the upcoming contest season – and it is the first time that such a workshop has been held.  Please contact Monica Chong if you are interested in attending the workshop – we’re limited to 2 places for the club.  The workshop will take place at the Spectator pub (home of St Paul’s Speakers). 6 Little Britain,  London,  EC1A 7BX.

Evaluation Workshop: 24th January @ Holborn Speakers
Have you ever sat in your seat and been inspired by watching your club’s experienced members delivering fantastic evaluations? And wished that you could do the same? Well Holborn Speakers is pleased to announce that they are holding an evaluation workshop at their club on Tuesday 24th February. The aim of this workshop is to equip you with proven tips and techniques for helping you to deliver helpful and inspiring evaluations.

Facebook page

If you have a Facebook account please visit the new London Cardinals Facebook page.  Copy and paste this link in to your browser: http://www.facebook.com/groups/londoncardinals/.  The Facebook page will have updates, news, links to newsletters, photos and more!  But do not fret – if you do not use Facebook everything will still be sent to you via email.

Bring your friends
We love guests at London Cardinals and we love to also promote the club – so why not spread the news to friends, family and colleagues about how fab we are and bring them along to the next meeting?

Just to get you through your withdrawal symptoms from no London Cardinal meetings until 9th January 2012 (!!) – here are the last two meeting notes, plus a round up of what happened at the Christmas meal.

London Cardinals Meeting: Monday 5th December 2011

Our President, Jessie Macneil-Brown, opened the evening by telling us all how Toastmasters had helped her to listen.

Toastmaster, Laura McCracken, set the theme for the evening – “Which child are you in order or birth?”

Our Timekeeper – Olga Pirog – explained the Timekeeper role.  Gino Coquis-Ortiz was the evenings Harkmaster listening to all the speeches and roles – and asking questions later in the evening.

Jessica Forster was the evening’s Table Topics Master leading everyone through a Table Topics session of ‘the 12 days of Christmas’.  Caroline Ellingham: Memories of Christmas morning and Father Christmas; Jessie Macneil-Brown: why being a turtle is better then a dove, Jessie would be ‘Tracy the Turtle wearing bright red lipstick’.  Henry Lam: Eating his mum’s chicken at Christmas. Alex Hancock: Hating Christmas songs.  Andrew Chuks: boxing at the Olympics. Denise Tyrell: the best eggs are the chocolate ones “a soft, mallow centre; rich, deep caramel flavour and a dark, intense chocolate “. Gilly Cutts: “I lived for ballet as a child.”  Richard Russell: running over a cow in India. Catherine Slater: Favourite type of dance is ballet.  Danny Callaghan: Passing a law to outlaw the use of phrases that get on his nerves. Nigel Cutts: Adoring the haunting sound of the Scottish bag pipes. Paul Walsh: standing in for a pop group back in the day and playing the drums.

Monica Chong, Table Topics Evaluator, expertly evaluated 12 table topics.  Sergeant at Arms: Jessica Forster introduced 3 guests.

Henry Lam videoed the prepared speeches in the second half.

Richard Russell, Speech No 2 – ‘It is better to give then receive’ “I’m going to talk about jigsaw puzzles and a teapot”

“Powerful title – great opening.” Gilly Cutts, Evaluator

Sally Maier-Yip, Speech No 3 – ‘The happiness formula’ “Happy things happen to happy people.”

“An enjoyable speech – Sally gave depth to the meaning of happiness”  Paul Walsh, Evaluator

Glenn Jones, Advanced Speech, Humorous Speaking Manual – ‘999′ “This job, that I was once proud of, is down there with the traffic wardens”

“I could tell it was going to be a brilliant speech from the minute Glenn walked up to the stage” Denise Tyrell, Evaluator

Andrew Chuks, Advanced Speech, Humorous Speaking Manual – ‘Planes, trains and automobiles’ “Trains, planes and automobiles – sometimes it’s better to walk!”

“Andrew was wonderful – as he always is – tonight” Jenny Cutler, Evaluator

General Evaluator: Nigel Cutts gave the club and those that had not yet been evaluated some useful feedback. “Tonight was a really great vibe – so London Cardinals!”

WINNERS! Table Topic:      Paul Walsh Best Evaluator: Jenny Cutler Best Speech:    Sally Maier-Yip

London Cardinals Christmas Dinner: Monday 12th December 2011

The London Cardinals Christmas Dinner had an excellent turn out.  Expertly hosted by our President, Jessie Macneil-Brown – “This is the best club in the world because we have some of the best people in our club!”; and very well organised by Monica Chong (who sadly couldn’t make it on the night) and Gino Coquis-Ortiz, who managed the introductions, was Table Topics and did the Invocation at the end.

The table topics included delights from: Sally Maier-Yip: most memorable Christmas day was in France; Jessica Forster: most memorable Christmas present was her Sindy Doll Kitchen Cafe; Maggie Etheridge: wanting this Christmas to be a memorable occasions; Trang Le: Santa Claus wearing red heels; Denise Tyrell: “If we didn’t have a commercialised Christmas then what would the elves do?” Catherine Slater: How to celebrate Christmas her way.

Prepared Speeches:

Simon O’Mahony:“The United Nations asked me to step in at short notice to deal with Father Christmas.”

James Barnett: “What are you looking for in 2012?”

James Gilpin: “The 12 Days of Toasties”

London Cardinals Meeting: Monday 19th December 2011

Our President, Jessie Macneil-Brown, opened the evening by praising the achievements of London Cardinals over 2011.  “What a year!  We need to celebrate the amazing achievements of London Cardinals! Are we or are we not the best club in the world?”

Toastmaster, Nigel Cutts, set the theme for the evening – “Who would you like to spend Christmas day with and what one question would you ask them?”

Our Timekeeper – Stephan von Posern – explained the Timekeeper role.  Catherine Slater was the evenings Harkmaster listening to all the speeches and roles – and asking questions later in the evening.

Sally Maier-Yip was the evening’s Table Topics Master leading everyone through a Table Topics session of the ‘Resolutions’.  Jenny Cutler: Her perfect body shape at the age of 18; Paul Walsh: Skiing with torn ankle ligaments.  Jessie Macneil-Brown: Tips on how to speak French.  Catherine Slater: Going to back to China to visit her home.  Alan Mustor (guest): Almost becoming a professional football player.  Laura McCracken: ‘The way I will bite the dust will be falling off a boat.” Gilly Cutts: Her favourite book: Shantaram.  Jessica Forster: Why London Cardinals is the best club in the world. James Barnett: Surfing in Cornwall in September.  Saket Modi: London is a great place in the summer. Caroline Ellingham: Learning French to go to Paris. Sinead Ni Mhuircheartaigh: How to keep your energy levels up.

Maggie Etheridge, Table Topics Evaluator, expertly evaluated 12 table topics.  Sergeant at Arms: Jessica Forster introduced 9 guests.

Laura McCracken videoed the prepared speeches in the second half.

Gino Coquis-Ortiz Speech No 2 – ‘My Christmas as a kid in Peru’ “My first memory of Christmas in Peru was the annual visit of my Godmother.”

“Real passion!  Gino really drew us in with his description of Christmas in Peru.” Craig Haffey, Evaluator

Deborah Henley, Advanced Speech, Entertaining Manual – ‘Journey to the ends of the earth’ “If you stroke your Babel fish in just the right way, you’ll be able to hear the glaciers speak.”

“I commend Deb’s freedom to be silly with confidence.”  Jo Holmes, Evaluator

James Marshall, Advanced Impromptu Speech– ‘Kazakhstan, Flying and Rupert Murdoch’ “I need a hug!”

“How many of us in here could take three words and turn it in to a speech?  I was blown away!” Gilly Cutts, Evaluator

James Gilpin, Advanced Speech – ‘The 12 days of Toasties’ “Such a privilege to be invited to give the last speech of 2011.”

“What an honour to evaluate such a fantastic speech – and what a memorable message.” Stewart Lewis, Evaluator

General Evaluator: Ola Aralepo gave the club and those that had not yet been evaluated some useful feedback.

WINNERS! Table Topic:      Paul Walsh Best Evaluator: Gilly Cutts Best Speech:    Deborah Henley

Our next meeting – 09.01.12

Hope to see you at the first London Cardinals meeting of 2012 on Monday 9th January. Please check following emails for the line up.

Announcements

Facebook page

If you have a Facebook account please visit the new London Cardinals Facebook page.  Copy and paste this link in to your browser: http://www.facebook.com/groups/londoncardinals/.  The Facebook page will have updates, news, links to newsletters, photos and more!  But do not fret – if you do not use Facebook everything will still be sent to you via email.

Bring your friends
We love guests at London Cardinals and we love to also promote the club – so why not spread the news to friends, family and colleagues about how fab we are and bring them along to the next meeting?

Other news

Gilly Cutts is now overseeing Competent Leaders and encouraging everyone to complete the Competent Leader manual.  Please help Gilly by making sure we have your correct email address.  If you have any questions about competent leadership skills please do not hesitate to contact Gilly or have a chat to her at a meeting.

Finally, please remember to let our VPE, Laura McCracken, know about when you want to do your next speech, and also about any roles you want to fulfil (e.g. Toastmaster, Timekeeper, Grammarian, TT Master, TT Evaluator, and Speech Evaluator).  You may email Laura at cardinalsvpe@yahoo.com or catch her at the next meeting.

“Whether you are here for the first time, or 100th time, you have the chance to improve your public speaking skills here at London Cardinals” Jo Holmes, did a fantastic job as tonight’s stand in President.

Our Toastmaster, Stephan von Posern, set the theme for the evening – “What do you like about England?”

Our Timekeeper – Kevin Sullivan – explained the Timekeeper role.  Jane Chambers, Grammarian, set the word of the evening: ‘delicious’.

James Barnett was the evening’s Table Topics Master.  Jessica Forster: “If you have to go somewhere before you die – go to Dubrovnik.” Simon O’Mahony: changing the speed limit to 80 miles an hour.  Dave Kirkby: Exhibition on the Galapagos. Sinead Ni Mhuircheartaigh: Being a slave to the electronic book.  Jo Holmes: writing about rowing. Wanu Sandu: being a broke law student and wanting to join Toastmasters. Jane Chambers: making those she dislikes disappear.  Catherine Slater: Pulling a rabbit out of a hat.  Henry Lam: Looking after younger siblings and missing out on things. Kevin Sullivan: The perfect weekend.  

Danny Callaghan, Table Topics Evaluator, expertly evaluated 10 table topics.  Stand in Sergeant at Arms: Jessica Forster introduced 8 ‘delicious’ guests.

Catherine Slater videoed the prepared speeches in the second half.

Dara Lanlehin, Speech No 2 – ‘To be or not to be’ “Being yourself is important – embrace the life you have.”

“Great use of language.” Trang Le, Evaluator

Laura McCracken, Advanced Speech: Speaking to Inform – ‘The Future of Work’ “Change before change gets you.”

“An extraordinary speech – Laura eats, drinks and sleeps work.”  Gilly Cutts, Evaluator

Nigel Cutts, Advanced Speech – ‘Our kind of traitor’ “I first read John le Carré back in 1963 – I was entranced”

“Whenever Nigel comes on to the stage he always has a sense of control” James Gilpin, Evaluator

General Evaluator: Monica Chong gave the club and those that had not yet been evaluated some useful feedback.

WINNERS! Table Topic:      Sinead Ni Mhuircheartaigh Best Evaluator: Gilly Cutts Best Speech:    Laura McCracken

Our next meeting – 05.12.11

Hope to see you at the next London Cardinals meeting on Monday 5th December. We have a programme that will not disappoint! With the Toastmaster being either Simon O’Mahony OR Andrew Smith (we love to keep you guessing!), Table Topics lead by Jessica Forster and two of our newbies (Richard Russell and Sally Maier-Yip) taking on two of our older members (Glenn Jones and Andrew Chuks) for that converted best speech ribbon. This one you’ll not want to miss!

Announcements

Cardinals Christmas Meal – Last day to RSVP and pay up Monday 5th December!

Monday 12th December 7pm @ The Star Tavern (6 Belgravia Mews West, London SW1X 8HT)

It will be fun high energy evening to get you into the season spirit, full of great food, and of course after dinner speeches.  The club has to put in a deposit & menu order by end of day Monday 5th December.  So if you would like to  to join in for the Christmas fun, please do sign up now.  We have some great speakers lined up & entertainment…

Secure your place now by contacting secretary@londoncardinals.com

Facebook page

If you have a Facebook account please visit the new London Cardinals Facebook page.  Copy and paste this link in to your browser: http://www.facebook.com/groups/londoncardinals/.  The Facebook page will have updates, news, links to newsletters, photos and more!  But do not fret – if you do not use Facebook everything will still be sent to you via email.

District Governor commendation

Our dazzling immediate past President – Gilly Cutts – was awarded a District Governor commendation.  Well done Gilly – great achievement!

Bring your friends
We love guests at London Cardinals and we love to also promote the club – so why not spread the news to friends, family and colleagues about how fab we are and bring them along to the next meeting?

Other news

Gilly Cutts is now overseeing Competent Leaders and encouraging everyone to complete the Competent Leader manual.  Please help Gilly by making sure we have your correct email address.  If you have any questions about competent leadership skills please do not hesitate to contact Gilly or have a chat to her at a meeting.

Finally, please remember to let our VPE, Laura McCracken, know about when you want to do your next speech, and also about any roles you want to fulfil (e.g. Toastmaster, Timekeeper, Grammarian, TT Master, TT Evaluator, and Speech Evaluator).  You may email Laura at cardinalsvpe@yahoo.com or catch her at the next meeting.