Author Archives: Vancore Toastmasters
Freedom Fighters
There are many teachers among the VanCore member pool, and Kate’s one of them. Lately Kate has been teaching the British philosopher John Stuart Mill, who has strong opinions on liberty. Mill raises fascinating questions about how much freedom the … Continue reading
Note: This Week We Meet Down the Street
VanCore members, guests and assorted curious looky-loos are reminded that we’re meeting in a temporary location this week. It’s the Eclipse Boardroom, on the 2nd floor of 1055 W. Hastings Street. That’s about two blocks northwest of our usual digs. … Continue reading
2013: Year of Conquering the Fear
The children were nestled all snug in their beds, while the fear of public speaking kept them there. That was last year. Time to deploy the New Year’s Resolutions, folks! If fear of public speaking is one of yours … Continue reading
L’chaim! (“To life!”)
We all have our crutches — all of us, no matter how experienced a speaker we are. Past-president Susan’s crutch is a sometimes overdependence on notes. But Susan didn’t look at her notes even once during this week’s great speech. … Continue reading
Next Meeting at Murchie’s: Coffee’s On Us
A great speech often just boils down to “show and tell.” Remember this great tradition from elementary school? Every day one kid brought something from home and gave a short presentation about it. (Four to six minutes, red light at … Continue reading
Tide Coming In
“Imagine yourself,” said Alison, “on your favorite ocean beach.” Be there now, in your mind. Feel the warm sand. You’re watching the waves lap up. The waves keep coming, one direction only. But what about the tide? Is it coming … Continue reading
Scare and Scare Alike
We all ask ourselves, as we are preparing our speeches: what’s my main objective? To entertain? To inform? To inspire? All are worthy, and a speech can push more than one button. But once a year at VanCore we aim … Continue reading
Say it Like You Mean It: Eunoia
Not all Toastmasters clubs include a “Word of the Day” on their weekly agendas, but VanCore does, and it’s hard now to imagine a meeting without it. There have been some obvious words, some silly ones, and some crazily obscure … Continue reading
This is Where I Live (Honest)
Quick: in two minutes or less, explain and defend your home province. Easy enough, right? But what if you were asked, on the spot, to explain a different province? Maybe one that you’re not that familiar with or, gulp, never … Continue reading
VanCore Toastmasters 