The theme of today’s meeting was Halloween. Everyone came in costume. There were 24 participants (including 3 guests) who put a lot of creative effort into their looks—wearing wigs, masks, costumes, and headgear. It was a mysterious, colorful, and slightly eerie group that made it feel as if we’d stepped into a café in Akihabara.
We started at exactly 2:00 p.m. Today’s “Word of the Day,” presented by TM.A, was “Enchantment.”
And today’s master of ceremonies was the highly experienced TM.N. The role takers for the day were introduced. At first glance, TM.I seemed to have put no effort into his appearance, but when he suddenly put on an Iron Man mask and began mechanically explaining the role of the “Ah Counter,” the room got even more excited.
The first session was Table Topics, an impromptu speaking segment. TM.W served as the chairperson. The questions drew on quotes from past Toastmasters competition finalists. The audience was once again electrified by the impromptu speeches, which covered experiences such as speaking in front of large crowds, receiving plenty of encouragement, and realizing that “sometimes a white lie is necessary.”
Next up was the “Prepared Speech” segment. Four speakers took the stage today.
The first speaker was new member K, who delivered a self-introduction speech. Comparing his hometown to Singapore’s fusion cuisine, he spoke about his upbringing. It was a humorous and cosmopolitan story.
The second speaker was also a new member, TM G, who gave his self-introduction. he recounted his childhood dream of becoming a doctor, his career as a newspaper reporter, his battle with disease, and his journey up to the present. His earnest personality shone through.
The third speaker was veteran member TM O. He shared stories—such as returning to his hometown of Fukuoka to stay overnight at an elementary school with an old friend and conducting a communication workshop—in a style reminiscent of an impromptu speech.
The fourth speaker was TM O. Starting with the story of Cinderella, she spoke about the importance of having the courage to express what you truly want. At the end, she cast a magic spell to make the participants’ wishes come true. Combined with her adorable costume, she captivated the audience.
After a break, we held the “What’s Up Session.” TM. E, a silent member who hadn’t had a chance to speak during today’s meeting, shared her thoughts on Halloween.
Next was the “Evaluation” session. Four evaluators provided comments—laced with humor—to the speakers who had given prepared speeches, highlighting what they did well and areas for improvement. The gesture coaching by veteran member TM O was excellent.
Finally, we presented the awards for today’s Best Speakers. Congratulations!
Best Table Topic Speaker: TM T.T
Best Evaluator: TM Y.O
Best Speaker: TM T.O
Bonus Section
Best Halloween Costume: TM K.G
If you’d like to increase your opportunities to speak English or get used to speaking in front of an audience, please feel free to come observe a meeting at our club.
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本日の例会のテーマはハロウイーン。皆さん、衣装。カツラや仮面、衣装、かぶり物、等々、様々な趣向を凝らした参加人数24名（ゲスト3名）が参加。秋葉原のカフェにきたかと思うような不思議で華やかで怪しげな集団です。
2時ちょうどにスタートしました。本日のWord Of The Day はTM.Aさんによる”Enchantment” です。
そして本日の司会は大ベテランのTM.Nさん。本日のロールテイカーが紹介されていきます。ひとり、なんの趣向もこらしていないと見えたTM Iさんがアイアンマンの突然に仮面をつけて、Ah Counterの役割を機械的に説明を始めると会場が一段と沸きます。
最初のセッションは即興スピーチのテーブルトピックです。TM.Wさんが司会です。過去のトーストマスターの大会のファイナリストの言葉を引用しながらの質問です。大勢の人の前でしゃべった話、多くの励ましをもらった経験、ウソも方便と悟った経験、即興でのスピーチに会場がまた沸きます。
続いてPrepared Speechのコーナーです。今日は4人のスピーカーが話をします。
一人目は新入会員Kさんの自己紹介スピーチ。生まれ故郷にシンガポールのミックス料理にたとえて、自分の生い立ちを語られました。ユーモアを交えた国際色豊かな話です。
二人目も新入会員Gさんの自己紹介。医者になりたかった幼年時代。新聞記者としての活躍。白血病を経て、現在にいたった経緯を語られました。真面目な人柄がうかがえます。
3人目はベテランのOさん。地元の福岡にかえって昔の友達と小学校に泊まった話やコミュニケーションのワークショップをした話を即興スピーチのように語られました。
4人目はOさん。シンデレラの話から、勇気をもって自分の欲しいものを伝える大切さを語られました。最後は参加者の願いが叶う魔法をかけくれました。かわいらしい衣装をが相まって聴衆を魅了しました。
休憩を挟んでWhat’s up session が行われました。今日のミーティングで話す機会がなかったサイレントメンバーのEさんがハロウイーンについて語られました。
次にEvaluationセッションです。4人のEvaluatorがPrepared Speakerに対して良かった点と改善を望む点についてユーモアを交えつつ話をされました。ベテランOさんのジェスチャー指導が素晴らしかったです。
最後に本日のベストスピーカーの表彰です。おめでとうございます！
Best table topic Speaker: TM.T.Tさん
Best Evaluator: TM Y.Oさん
Best Speaker: TM.T.Oさん
番外編
Best ハロウイーン衣装 TM.Gさん
英語を話す機会を増やしたい方や、人前でのスピーチに慣れたい方は、ぜひ一度当クラブの見学にお越しください。
