2 PhD students: 1 is a Toastmaster, 1 isn’t

The thesis review is coming up for Lisa*, PhD student at Massey Albany. Understandably, she’s felling a bit nervous about this formal presentation in front of academics from the department, her supervisors and examiners. Therefore, she decides to first have a practice run at her Toastmasters club in Auckland.

Magdi… what?

It was great to see so many guests tonight, both returning and new, with a special welcome back to our former President Cherry. Our Toastmaster, Advait, enlightened us with his terrifying experience on Friday the Thirteenth, although not in the most madiminious? … magnanimous (we had bit of trouble with our word of the day) manner.

We don’t all have the same opinion on the benefits of PowerPoint.

Some results of our discussion, and one edition of the Word of the Day

“Only two things can change a woman’s mood: 1. I love you 2. 50% discount” What a nice idea for Table Topics to comment on satirical cliches as they circulate on social media.

Vigorous Body Language

A very warm welcome to our numerous guests tonight! We were treated with two Ice Breaker speeches from some of our newest members, Richard and Rory. I was amazed to hear what both of them had already experienced in their lives, be it foreign countries and cultures, accidents or challenges at school. Our evaluators Ross and Vivek were right saying that both Richard and Rory displayed great talent and vast potential as speakers.

Create Compelling Presentations!

Three great speeches, an educational mentoring session, very fun Table Topics and helpful evaluations made this meeting another exciting event at U-CAN-SPEAK.

Our great Toastmaster of this meeting: Sam

At U-CAN-SPEAK, we recognise all speakers with a big round of applause. At first, you’ll be applauded for your effort, later for your skill.

Making the Most of Academic Conferences

We had an interesting and engaging meeting with our theme “Conference Workshop for Postgrads”. All events of the evening were themed around roles during a conference. A conference is a meeting of several people to discuss a particular topic. Of particular interest for our guests (postgrad students) would be an academic conference – gathering of scientists or academics where research findings or a workshop is conducted.

Timm inspired us to speak with ‘strangers’ at conference events and not just stay with your fellow academics.

Afghanistan and Japan: OE out of the Ordinary

Dan gave a very sobering and moving speech on his experiences of being an army commander in Afghanistan and losing several soldiers on the battlefield a year ago, this month. Unfortunately, he was unable to bring in his army gear, but promised that he would do so on some other occasion.

By delivering this speech, Dan has now completed the first five speeches of the Competent Communication manual and was given an award by Timm to recognize this achievement. Well done, Dan!