May 3, 2022 Lingo calls it 20X22 Night

Lingo Advanced Toastmasters presented “2022” through pictures and story telling. Toastmaster Eileen S opened the evening, welcomed our guest Mildred H and introduced the presenters for three totally different presentations. She was assisted by Xiao being Zoom master and Craig B, who was already thinking of what he could present in 2023. 

Dan McC did his presentation on his passion for artwork titled “Why collect art?  So well done that we want to visit his home gallery someday.   My presentation was titled “Time, Talent, Treasure, with a dose of Survivor” about my working trip to Guatemala City to build day care furniture. Such memories to treasure. Cherry C’s presentation was titled “Who invented bowl haircuts” which gave us a peek into her early years with a humorous twist and she noted who else has had/endured/enjoyed bowl haircuts.  Dan won best presentation and with that we are already thinking of how we can compete next year, perhaps we can call it “2023” - 20 slides of 23 seconds each.  Another great aspect of these presentations is that we all were able to present them again, Dan at Oxbridge Orators and Cherry and I at Fabulous Facilitators TM clubs.  We would also invite guests to do presentations next year as well.   

Our next event is May 16/22, with Rhys D as Toastmaster.  The theme is “Evaluating the Club’s Success” and it is elections. I don’t think the club had a good enough year to win a Stanley Cup though. 

Lingo Advanced Communication's Meeting April 19, 2022 - National Poetry Month

Did you think sitting around discussing poetry may be boring? Wrong! Lingo  Executive had a great meeting last night, but we did miss our other members and guests. We heard these words that described the evening: family, team, fun, prepared, and of course “poetic,” the word of the day, per Cherry C, grammarian.

I led off the poetic meeting by introducing myself as Sgt at Arms in limerick style (“finicky” rhymes with Baraniecki!) and the TM for the evening Eileen, the square dancing Queen.  Eileen S had given us a heads up a few days earlier asking us to come ready with our favourite poem, which was mentioned either during introductions or Tabletopics. 

Always thinking food, we had a “PIE” meeting: prepared speeches, impromptu speaking (of sorts), and evaluations.

Xiao gave us a Dynamic Leadership L5 speech regarding “Lessons Learned” - she gave a very articulate rendition of a work project she and her team worked together on. Her speech evaluator Rhys D, said she did “a bang up job.”  Lots of description, we felt like we were there without doing the work. Well done Xiao. 

We then heard Dan Mc recite Robert W Service’s poem “The Cremation of Sam McGee.”  The poem had special meaning to him as the setting was places that he had been.  Dan used the perfect inflection in reciting the poem. Given Dan’s recent voice issues, he deserved double applause.   He also recited a second poem. He was also timer so did double duty.

Eileen was also Tabletopics Master asking us to recite our favourite poem and why we selected that poem. As TT Evaluator, I noted everyone picked a poem that reflected their personality and/or interests. Cherry’s poem, with lots of rhyming reflected on the meaning of life but she asked if it was poetry or prose. My poem, “In Flanders Field” was emotional to me as I saw it written in John McCrea’s own handwriting and in the specific setting “where the poppies blow between the crosses row on row.”  Rhys recited, without an ah or um, Alfred Lloyd Tennyson’s poem about the “Kraken.” Given Rhys’ love of sports, we were not surprised, other than where was the cat?  Xiao made us all smile and clap, as this mother of two young boys, recited a short kids poem. Eileen laced poems within her TM role but recited a Robert Frost poem about the year 2000 from a book, yes, a book. She is always aware of what is happening around us, like in the City of Edmonton.  Well done everyone. 

It was a close race for best Tabletopics but Dan and Rhys tied. Eileen closed out the evening with a play on the words from Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.” …”and now my friends the meeting is done.”  

What an enjoyable evening and we have another coming up. On Tuesday at 7 pm May 2/22, when your taxes are all done, join us for our “2022” meeting, Lingo’s fourth annual version of presenting slides, this year in recognizing the year 2022, 20 slides of 22 seconds each on your topic of choice, where pictures help tell your story. So far we have three members presenting (Dan, Edith and Cherry) and can accommodate three more presentations. Other members and guests, accept the challenge, first come first served. There are prizes. Eileen enjoyed being TM so much, she is willing to do it again. Xiao will be our Zoom master so the slides upload and run smoothly. Contact one of us to register.  So looking forward to real spring and the upcoming evening.  Submitted by Edith Baraniecki VPPR

April 5/22 - Communication is Leadership - How can you up your game?

Sgt at Arms Craig B opened our meeting in a very skilled manner, citing the housekeeping items and then introduced the TM for the evening Cherry C.  We welcomed guests from near and far, Kris S from Edmonton and Miles G from St Albert and from the other side of the globe, Suzanne F from Brisbane, Australia. We were pleased that our member dignitaries were also present, Richard M, D99 Program Quality Director, Dan Mc, D99 Club Growth Director and Rhys D, Area B51 Director. 

For introductions, Cherry had us picked our leadership/communication style from a list on screen: 1) Assertive 2) Aggressive 3) Passive-Aggressive 4) Submissive 5) Manipulative 6) Direct 7) Indirect 8) Authoritarian 9) Laissez-Faire.  There was a tie between "Assertive" and "Direct".

Next we had three interactive presentations, plus Tabletopics

1) For my Ice breaker presentation, I kept timer Shiao X spinning and Zoom master, Richard, busy. He divided the ten of us into five rooms where each team of two were given a picture of an object to come up with creative ways to use the object.  They were 1) Eileen S and Miles - a candle 🕯(or as they referred to it as a beacon of hope), 2) Edith B and Rhys - a salt shaker 🧂 referring to the use of many types of salt, 3) Dan and Cherry - a clock ⏰ even throwing it at noisy neighbours, 4) Shiao and Kris  - a long screwdriver 🪛 topping us all as the “winners” with their many uses and 5) Craig and Suzanne - a 💡 light bulb giving them the bright idea to discuss Craig’s book display virtual background. As far as was reported, there was lots of good “communication” between group members and no arguments.

2) For Presentation #2, Eileen discussed how to use a “Positive Approach” giving us ten tips to help build stronger, positive relationships. She added a dash of humour in explaining them. What great tips. Using polling, we rated our own present ability to carry out the ten strategies. The rank of 75-95% was the highest. There was no ranking below 45%. The top strategy that people would most like to work on, was “be considerate with the feelings of others.” No one listed “be friendly and helpful.”  We must be already there.  

3) For Presentation #3, Dan discussed “What is a skilled communicator.”  He asked us who we thought were good communicators. Several suggested celebrities and past and present leaders of various countries or political parties, although some leaders very noted to not be good communicators. We also discussed when we were a good communicator and when we were not.   There was lots of lively discussion. 

Rhys led Tabletopics, which were “Two Dichotomies,” where participants was to name all the advantages of being  (1) Introverts vs Extroverts   (2) Authoritarian vs Laissez-Faire Leadership.   Miles won best Tabletopics, although he argued all sides.

It was a full and enjoyable evening according to guests and members. Guests are welcomed to join us again. Perhaps April 19/22, where we will recognize National Poetry Month - “Roses are red, Violets are blue, Lingo wants you…..”.

“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

Feb 15, 2022 Open House “Survivor night: Outwit, Outplay and Outlast”

Lingo Advanced TM Open House “Survivor night: Outwit, Outplay and Outlast” 

Well our doors were open, so to speak, but only one guest came. We are very happy that Violet W took us up on our invitation to join us for an evening of “Survivor - Outwit, Outplay & Outlast.” Just what we needed in the midst of winter, experiencing another difficult Covid year, and busy times with Toastmasters as speech contest season is approaching.  

Sgt at Arms Rhys D Introduced fellow Lingo Charter member Survivor Edith B, TM for the evening, who had everyone look at their thumbs since she read that a big curvature of the thumb is an indication of flexibility and survivorship. Grammarian Cherry C chose a good strong word of the day, as we all have great “potential” and are all survivors one way or another. From members and our guest introductions, we heard things like cancer, other health issues, job loss, long careers, long marriages and loss, caused by a natural disaster.  

Before we got to the fun and games, Cherry C gave an inspirational speech from the Dynamic Leadership Path Level 3 titled “Leaders are made.”  She described her own story which led her to becoming a leader within her career in Government. Speech Evaluator Eileen S liked how Cherry presented her speech but thought she could have tied in her original question about the age a person started drinking coffee into the conclusion of her speech.  It is wonderful that Eileen can always find a concrete suggestion for improvement, particularly since she had a busy evening being timer as well. 

Dan Mc used an interesting and thought provoking approach in leading Tabletopics by posting quotes and then asking a question.  Craig B thought we had good structured responses but we could have enhanced our gestures.  Xiao X won best Tabletopics describing her sudden need to relocate in Edmonton and how in turn it has benefited her family.  

Then we “Let the games begin.” Thanks to Gamemaster Xiao and family, we played several rounds of guessing games using Blooklet.com. We may not have “Outwitted, outplayed or outlasted” our fellow toastmasters but we did find out how well we did or did not know capital cities, flags and logos. Thanks to the ultimate games, the Olympics, we did better than we could have. Such fun. 

We were then back to Toastmaster business with reports and a round robin evaluation of the meeting. Our next meeting is on Tuesday March 1/2022 at 7 pm MST where the educational topic will be Motivational Strategies. Dan will coordinate the event and Cherry will be Toastmaster. But the very best news is that our guest Violet W will give a speech as she is working on the Motivational Strategies Path. What a lucky coincidence. Way to go Violet. We are certainly looking forward to hearing your presentation.  Edith B, VPPR 

 

Workshop: District 99 Contest Judges Training Feb 1, 2022 at 7:00pm

It was our pleasure to host the D99 Contest Judges Training Workshop. There were close to 40 participants. Many of them asked for the power points from the workshop. We are happy to provide them.

Thank you to D99 Quality Program Director Richard M and D99 Club Growth Director Dan Mc for assisting Eileen S (Lingo Advanced Communicators) in putting the workshop together.  Eileen presented, along with Rhys D (Lingo/Area B51 Director) and Glynn W, who we were thrilled to hear his Chief Judge talk.  Lingo Advanced members who were facilitators, Sgt at Arms and Timer. Our VP PR, Edith Baraniecki was able to pull off  3 presenters, a 20 minutes breakout session,  a demo video and ballot exercise; she even managed to give us a 10 minutes break. 

If you require the link to the TI Rule Book, ballot, or other items, please let me know. 

Last, but not least, we want to invite you to Lingo’s Open House on February 15/22 at 7 pm. The “fun” side of us. We will be having a “Survivor” night theme so be prepared to Outwit, Outplay and Outlast other guests and members. Just be thankful the theme is not “The Bachelor.”

                                                      

Contact Edith Baraniecki if you have any questions and for the link if you discarded it

 from the workshop. It is the same. We would be thrilled to have you join us.

Edith Baraniecki, DTM VPPR Lingo Advanced TM

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