Zurich Toastmasters Blog, Monday 20 February by Allison Turner

Our new president Marina Riedi opened the meeting just a little after 19:00, welcoming an almost overflowing room of members and six guests.

During the business session, Marina mentioned a new development in the upcoming District 59 (Continental Europe) split: several members of the German-speaking clubs in Switzerland, disappointed that both of the current proposals separate Switzerland from Germany, are working on a new proposal that includes Switzerland in the Northeast District instead. Our club committee has voted in favor of this proposal, details of and discussion about which can be found on the Division E website, www.swisstoastmasters.org.

Maggie Lu was Toastmaster of the evening.

The first Speaker was Tulia Lopes, giving her third speech from the Entertaining Speaker advanced manual, A Brazilian in Europe. She definitely met her objective of making us laugh, describing the “embarrassment” that can come from getting your words wrong. Tulia’s speech was evaluated by Marina Kortenbusch.

The second Speaker was Mahima Klinge, who gave a 40-minute seminar from the Professional Speaker advanced manual, Freedom from Personal Suffering. Awaken the Giant! She explained that worrying is a waste of energy because the only time that truly exists is the now. She suggested practicing gratitude by writing down everything we are thankful for and reading over the list every morning and night. She also suggested focusing on breathing as a means of staying in the now. Mahima’s speech was evaluated by Shane Murphy.

After the break, I introduced Clint Chadwick of Mosquito Hill TM who is getting an advanced TM club going. The advanced club will be only open to CCs who are also members of another local club, and will allow for longer speeches and more focused evaluations. Interested members should contact zurichadvancedtoastmasters@gmail.com .

Next, Mario Christiner led a rather unusual debate as Table Topics Master. Markus Künkel, a guest from Zuriberg TM, argued for keeping Greece in the Euro, but Frances Turley won the debate, saying they should be dropped. The next topic was the age-old question of which way the toilet paper should be hung. Theo Schotten, arguing for “over”, was of course correct. Mahima said we should be grateful for toilet paper whichever direction it hangs. Finally, Marina Riedi claimed that it is men who have it harder in our society, but Manuel Gomez won the debate, saying that women do.

Theo as General Evaluator mentioned that the TME should keep everyone’s focus at the front so the meeting proceeds smoothly, although as Jokemaster France Bernard asked, “What’s time to a pig?”

Best Speaker was Mahima, Best Evaluator was Shane, Best Table Topics Manuel.

Next meeting: March 5th—the International Speech Contest and the Evaluation Contest.

Raw Winter Fun by France Bernard

The meeting was opened by our new President, Marina Riedi who then handed the meeting over to the Toastmaster of the Evening, me.  This was my first time taking on this role so I was a bit nervous.  I must say though it was quite enjoyable.  I chose Winter Fun as the theme for the evening since it finally felt like winter in Zurich what with the snow and cold.The first speaker was Shane Murphy who after being a Dad for five months has become an expert on body language.  He shared his expertise with us while making us laugh.  The second speaker was Maggie Lu who gave us a show and tell about her recent trip to Ethiopia.  Unfortunately, there was not enough time for her to share all of her wonderful photos demonstrating the history, landscape, people and culture of Ethiopia.  Our third speaker, Ann Soederblom, delivered her inspiring tenth speech which focused on her development in Toastmasters and about overcoming her fear of public speaking.  Congratulations Ann!  Last but not least, Marina Riedi, presented us with a method to control our emotions when they are about to take over.  She has used this 8-step method herself to tame the tigress within!  Congratulations to Shane who won the blue ribbon for best speech.Katja Isik then led us through an entertaining session of Table Topics based on quotes from famous people.

Another enjoyable evening at Zurich Toastmasters!

Welcome our new president by Laura Beyer

Our meeting started regularly but ended with a change of presidency. Marina Riedi, who won the vote unanimously, superseded Bettina.

Five speakers took the floor this evening, but only four were to be evaluated, as Mahima gave an educational speech. She instructed us on how and where to apply the advice that Michael and Ravish had given in their speeches on strategic success based on planning – KISSes – motivation, and mindfulness.

These motivational topics were followed by Nic’s speech, which had been planned to be persuasive too, but I think he convinced most of the listeners not to be persuaded into eating in-vitro meat.

The last speaker, Jim, secretly dedicated his speaking time to his wife Katharina, who later thrilled us in the role of spider-woman. Based on the audience’ approval of (super-)Mario’s performance, Katharina and Mario shared the honour of having given the best answer to the table topics. These had been creatively designed by Kumar.

Unfortunately, our joke master of the evening had fallen sick and couldn’t make us roar with laughter. I would like to use this blog to make good for his absence:

Two sultans are riding through the desert on camels. It is very hot, they have been riding for a long time and there’s no water in sight. Suddenly one of the camels drops dead. The owner says, “This always happens! What do you do, that your camels are so enduring?” And the other one says, “We should have ridden a little faster, the headwind would have cooled the camels.” As soon as the first sultan is out in the desert again, he rides like the storm – suddenly his camel drops dead again and the sultan says, “Oh …, it froze to death!”

New Beginnings by Bettina Riedi

With a good amount of New Year’s motivation our Toastmaster of the Evening, Shane, welcomed us to our first Toastmasters meeting in 2012. The meeting provided insights into the lives of our members and the world of symbols. We got to know better two of our newest members better in their icebreaker speeches. Having traveled extensively during the past years, Stephan is looking forward to finding a new job in 2012. Laura, who has always loved exploring new things, started 2012 with the biggest adventure in her life so far, i.e. leaving her hometown Berlin and moving to Zurich for an indefinite amount of time. Having spent her childhood Germany and in Namibia and thus being herself a “third culture kid”, Catharina introduced us to the challenges and opportunities faced by people who spend a significant part of life during development years outside of their home countries. Theo revisited his icebreaker he gave 30 years ago, vividly telling us some anecdotes of his life –we look forward to the next icebreaker in another 30 years. In the second part of the evening Rosa challenged our Table Topics participants having them choose and talk about symbols. All in all a great start into 2012 for our club. Let’s keep up this spirit.

Zurich Toastmasters Christmas Party by Jim Murdoch

This years Christmas Party and our last meeting in 2011 was well attended and enjoyed by all. The organizers deserve praise for putting an interesting and exciting program together, thank you Maggie Lu and Zukhra Abdumalikova!

The theme of the evening was “holidays around the world” and we were asked to wear something from our own country. A few of the ladies came with amazing national dress. The only guy costumes I saw were an orange football jersey and a green football scarf. After the apero the evening was got under way and warmed up by a beautiful rap song, written and sung by Mahima. We had heard a lot about Mahima’s other side and it was exciting to actually see her perform. Her song was about empowering women, and tonight was definitely a ladies’ night.

We then sat at three nicely decorated tables for the starters. Everything was so well organized. Each person received two tickets indicating which menu items they had previously ordered. We had also received a numbered ticket and the gifts we were asked to bring also received a number sticker. This was for later we were told. At this point I would like to say that the food was excellent, as always at Werdguet. And Bettina, our president, honored the staff with a special gift.

Maggie and Zukra had a few table-topic games planned for us. The first had the usual surprise element as some members were asked a specific question about their country. The second game allowed us to make a wish and ask someone from the other tables to present their solution towards that wish. This was an interesting yet challenging table-topic opportunity. At the end of our meal it was time to exchange the gifts. A number was called which allowed the numbered gift and ticket to be matched. Again a very creative way to finish off the evening.

It was a great evening of fun with our Toastmaster family which grew by one member during the evening. Welcome Mario.

Enlightening Evening by France Bernard

It was a full house this evening due to a number of guests.  Katja, acting as Toastmaster of the Evening for the first time, introduced the speakers.  We had the pleasure of listening to five educational and enlightening speeches.  First off was Rosa, who gave a speech on destiny.   She came prepared with a flip chart and handouts.  Next up was Elia who challenged us to disconnect from our electronic gadgets for just one day.  Maggie then educated us on the benefits of sleep with the help of a slide show.  Ann gave a persuasive speech on turning work into fun.  Last but not least, Tulia entertained us with a folk tale about a knight and his rusty armor.

Our guests from a Toastmasters club in Poznan, Poland showed us an original film, which can be viewed on YouTube, where the next conference will be held in May 2012.

Gabriele acted as Table Topics Master and asked some challenging psychological questions to our speakers.

In summary, another great evening at Toastmasters Zurich!

High Five and Hallo from Posznan by Theo Schotten

Monday, November 28 at the Werdguet restaurant. A meeting packed with people and action. Five guests,  five speeches and everything else Toastmasters do. Victor Delgado has joined the club and Lino Sequeira indicated that he will join. Welcome aboard, Victor and Lino!

Guests Gregory and Monica from Posznan, Poland, came to promote the next District 59 Spring Meeting in May 2012 in Posznan. Gregory showed a witty video showing Posznan with the message. “Toastmasters, we are waiting for you”. That looks good, let’s all go there.

But first let’s all come to our own traditional Year End, Christmas Social Event:

Date and Time: Monday, December 12,  18:30h – 22:00h

Venue: Werdguet Restaurant, Morgartenstrasse 30

Aperitif and 3 course dinner, Members            CHF 30, Guests CHF 50

(and Heavens beware, probably some speeches)

Sign up with: Maggie Lu at: aligao20@gmail.com

Guests are welcome and passive members are encouraged to come and see their old friends and make new ones!

Katja Isik, Toastmaster of the evening guided us through the program with a firm hand and an eye on the clock. Rosa Hofer’ speech “Destiny… Can it be programmed? Got us all philosophizing. Elia De Santis with “Disconnect” advised us to disconnect sometimes from the electronic media, maybe make an internet free day once a week. More good advice followed in Maggie Lu’s speech “Sleep well” with insights and wisdom from Chinese medicine. Ann Söderblom  persuaded us that “Work = fun”…. when you do it right.  The last speech by Tulia Lopez was a folk tale about “The knight (or night?) in the rusty armor”

Gabriele Broggini had prepared some challenging and interesting questions about psychology. Too bad there was not much time available for it.

Nick Ahmann, supported by several little helpers, was in charge of the Evaluations.

Best Speech: Tulia, best TT: Manuel ; best Evaluation: Mahima.

Winner of the evening: all present, even if we went a bit over time.

A miniblog about the November 14th meeting by Theo Schotten

With four speeches scheduled the first part of the meeting was packed. France Bernard opened the prepared speech session with “Travelling with kids” and her good advice was eagerly absorbed by all but especially by the young parents and those soon to be so. Katja Isik came to the point and introduced us to the secrets of “The importance of good customer relations”. Jim Murdoch’s speech number explained “How the mind works” and Mahima Klinge presented a speech from an advanced TM-manual and she had to give a sales talk of 15 – 20 minutes. Mahima took the opportunity to sound the praise of her music CD and found some willing buyers. Thanks to the efficient time management of the Toastmaster of the Evening, Theo Schotten, we were finished at 20:00h exactly and enjoyed the usual delicious Werdguet food and drink. Olivier Leroy was the Master Evaluator, he was assisted by the following individual speech evaluators Shane, Tessa, Gabriele and Bettina.Maggie Lu had her debut as Table Topic Master, and accomplished it with charm and competence. The ribbon for best TT-speaker was conquered by Ravish Patil, the best speaker ribbon went to Mahima and Tessa Neuman took the best evaluator ribbon home. Rosa Hofer closed the session with a somewhat naughty joke about women’s weight problems. Everything else that happened has by now been deleted from or overwritten in the analog memory in my head. In summary: an enjoyable, stimulating evening in good company. See you all on Nov. 28th.

Make your life easier by Frances

On the last day of the month and just before two of our area contests, Shane opened the meeting with a loud bang of the hammer! In the absence of our President, Bettina, Shane congratulated our two recent CCs and added them to the chart. Frances showed the club the new ribbon award received last TM year of “Distinguished Club Award” and promoted that everyone should aim higher this year and get the club to the next award level. Shane announced both forthcoming contests and encouraged everyone to attend.

Unfortunately, our first speaker cancelled, so we just had three speakers, one 4th and 2 X 6th from the CC manual – female dominated. The room was bulging with 6 visitors which brought a new impetus to the group. All three speakers brought great ideas about how to make life easier, some great tips on memory training and the last about keeping rules and regulations. We all went home better equipped to put this enlightening information to good use.

As usual Tessa did a great job as TM of the evening with wondereful philosophical quotations linked to the speakers. Our AG Jim evaluated Katharina and told us he knew her better than anyone else, so was able to give her special advice on her speech.

The meal was served in the main restaurant which gave everyone a better opportunity to network and mingle among the members.

The General Evaluator role taken on by Zair who gave fair and objective judgements on the roles of the evening.

The Table Topics Master was Hugo. He wanted all speakers to give an acceptence speech for an award they received. This gave a lot of humours responses as the questions were unusual.

In all, a great and worthwhile evening again with the best speaker award going to Marina Kortenbusch, table topics to Elia and best evaluator Jim. Well done to our winners.

Taking on a role is so beneficial and a great experience – so don’t be shy – come forward, you will learn and grow by participating fully in the club roles.

Frances

Encouragement before the start of the cold season by Bettina Rutschi

Our last meeting took place right before the end of this year’s long lasting summer and in the middle of the contest season. Fittingly, Olivier, our Toastmaster of the Evening, chose the theme “season” to lead through this evening. Our three speakers Kumar, Jim and Patrick captivated us and our guests with their speeches in the first part of the evening. Kumar took off elaborating on the first “season” of our planet when it came into existence. Jim then reminded us of the power of our thoughts, explaining that with the right thinking we are able to influence our health and energy level and even to overcome characteristics and weaknesses that we never wanted to have. And even situations in which everything happens to go wrong, Patrick explained us in his 10th speech achieving his CC, to always look forward, as there will be better times ahead. If it doesn’t kill you it will make you stronger. Mentally and physically strengthened Theo guided us after dinner break through the “sweaty season” of every Toastmaster’s meeting, i.e. the table topics session, asking participants to respond to famous sayings and quotes. With our members being at full strength the answers were very amusing. The meeting ended with Olivier honoring the winners of the evening and myself encouraging everyone to attend our next meeting on October 17, 2011, when the area contest will take place.