“The Luck of the Irish” Lingo Advanced TM Club March 15/22

I don’t know if it was the “luck of the Irish” or what, but we had a “fortuitous” meeting, referring to the word of the day (Fortuity) selected by our newest member Grammarian and English teacher, Violet W.  We are so “fortuitous” to have her join our club. 

After being introduced by Cherry, Sgt at Arms, Eileen S, TM for the evening, cautioned us on getting caught up with the new currency “Leper-coins,” and with that our meeting was off and running.  In introductions we learned several members had some Irish blood in them but the rest of us just wanted to visit there someday for various reasons. 

We did not have a business meeting nor induction of our two new members, Violet and Richard M, as he was unavailable. Get well soon Richard. 

Dan Mc gave an exceptionally good longer speech on “Collaboration.”  The biggest takeaway was his statement “collaboration is not a choice, it has to happen.” He used an analogy between two teams he worked/works with and the three important aspects of collaboration: Clear objectives, Know the persons involved and Create a safe place. Speech evaluator Craig B liked various aspects of the speech and reminded the speaker (all speakers) to look at the camera. 

Then it was my turn to host TableTopics so why not find out who had the “luck of the Irish” through selecting cards to correspond to the numbered questions. Xiao X selected the first card and chose a “two” to which she was asked about the “two” roles she likes to fill. They are timer and evaluator as they require the most attention and listening skills. Violet selected a “three” and responded to the “three” parts of evaluating a speech. She referred to the “sandwich” technique, which was a good review for all of us.  The lucky picker of the “pot of gold” - number “four” was Craig who instead of responding to a TT question, he was able to ask someone a question about “Ireland, luck, green or TM.” Incidentally, during Introductions, Craig told us he was a lucky person. Craig chose Rhys D to response to the subject “Ireland” asking him what three people he would take to Ireland on an all expense paid trip to Ireland. Rhys decided he couldn’t take just three of us but all eight of us (I am not sure if the Cat was coming too). Cherry had a question on the “seven” executive roles and she gave the pros and cons of each. Eileen took the most time in responding to her “five” question, naming “five” TMs she admired (Dan and I were pleased to be on her list) and giving us an in-depth description on her late TM friend, Bernadette C-L, who sounded like a wonderful person.  TT Evaluator Xiao summed up the TT session as “exciting, educational and well done.” Eileen won best TT but Timer Cherry, wearing a timer/judges hat, disqualified her for going overtime, noting Violet was the second place winner. 

There was some discussion on the next Lingo event scheduled for April 5/22 with no firm decisions as to the theme or TM for the evening so stay tuned. Edith B VPPR

Motivational Strategies workshop presented by Lingo Advanced Communicators on March 1/22

Well we were not only inspired and/or motivated, but we also had a great evening of sharing, learning and laughing.  Rhys D, Area B51 Director/ Lingo opened the meeting and called upon Cherry C, TM for the evening to get us started.  All our members were present, old and new, plus six guests.  Our guests came from the West - BC (Karen B, D21 Club Growth Director) and the East - Sask (Don Z, Past D99 Director) plus Alberta (Guitaj K Area F5 Director, Michelle S Area B9 Director, Doug K and June M). What an elite bunch. 
As an icebreaker, Cherry had us introduce ourselves by selecting a motivational strategy from a list of ten one liners - #2  “Be genuine with people” received the most responses and a couple originals were suggested. She then outlined the evening plans of top notched presentations.  
Violet W, perhaps a new Lingo member (the ink is not yet dry), presented a L5 Motivational Strategies Pathway speech regarding Team Building. She spoke about her team creating a Jeopardy Board type Toastmasters trivia game.  I would love to play it.  Next Xiao X also did a Level 5 project, a Dynamic Leadership elective - Moderate a Panel Discussion, when she moderated a panel on what else but “Motivational Strategies for Toastmasters Clubs.” Hence, a panel of dignitaries were gathered consisting of our own Richard M, D99 Quality Program Director/newest Lingo member and Dan Mc, D99 Club Growth Director/ Lingo Pres, plus Karen B from D21 and Don Z from D99. The panel offered many, many strategies for motivating members. I liked hearing that organization, effective evaluations, providing a respective and supportive environment plus having a fun aspect were important. Music to my ears.  
Speech Evaluator,  Craig B, concentrated on the presentation and delivery style of the speaker, while speech evaluator Eileen S concentrated more on content of the discussion and management of the moderating process. She gave a sample suggestion of a smooth conclusion. 
Meanwhile, I perhaps picked the wrong meeting to be timer, as I timed, and timed, and timed.
Cherry ended the evening with a couple of case studies for discussion on the chat box; which required everyone to put on their thinking caps along with some flying-fingers typing skills.  Michelle S. summarized the 1st case study. The 2nd case study was open ended and Gultaj K. said it was a difficult question. Agreed. 
Guests are certainly welcome to join us again and Cherry would make sure that they were invited to become Lingo members. They all provided such great energy for the event.  
I bet they would like to tell us about their “Irish Luck” at our next meeting March 15/22 at 7 pm MST. Eileen Is TM for the evening and lucky for us, there will be an induction of new members. The more the merrier. 
Many of us will also continue judging speech contests, if not organizing and perhaps competing. Since It was is such a busy evening, did anyone notice if March came in as a Lion or a Lamb??   Submitted by Edith Baraniecki, DTM, VP PR