BISC - 27 June 2012

Those of us in the audience on Wednesday night could really see the progress all participants have made over the year.  I really take pride in seeing how speakers, presenters and evaluators have improved and how professionally everyone undertakes their role.

We were a relatively small group this evening – only 9 members turned up but so did 4 guests, giving the applause a lot more volume.  Jin was first up with his maiden speech and as it was on the theme of ‘Corridors of Power’, the politician in him shone through.  Having already proved himself as a champion debater, this newcomer will be one to seriously watch as the next speaker competitions come round.  Following Jin was Lorna, the most experienced speaker in our group, who showed us all how these things should be done.

Our evaluators for the evening, Josie and Lyn, gave excellent feedback – commenting on what was done really well and giving at least one suggestion for improvement to each of the speakers.

Mercedes made a great presenter – welcoming everyone and keeping the evening running smoothly and with great enjoyment for all.

The club news covered highlights of the Regional conference and an announcement of the club social on 25^th July.  Lyn is organising this and will be in touch with everyone soon with further details but for now, we know it will be at the venue we enjoyed so much last year – the canalside Pitcher and Piano in Brindley Place.

The workshop following our coffee break was led by Allan on the use of a lectern.  I don’t think anyone could imagine how Allan was going to make this interesting, let alone fun.  But in giving us really useful tips, illustrated by his observations from our own good and not so good practices, he made it entertaining.  And he really drove his point home when he asked for a few volunteers to give a one-minute speech, first using the lectern and then repeating the same speech without the lectern.  There’s no doubt that a speaker is more engaging, more alive, when they put the lectern aside and remove all barriers between themselves and their audience.

Carole Manship

BISC President

BISC 9 May

Our evening kicked off with Waseem as presenter. This was the first
time Waseem had taken on this role and he was fantastic – professional,
welcoming, funny and flexible. And with all the changes made at the last
minute, flexibility was definitely required.

The speeches
Three out of the four scheduled speakers were unable to attend on the
night and that left Matthew as our one speaker on the topic Is there a
future for manufacturing? Matthew gave a very thoughtful presentation on
manufacturing, pushing our boundaries by reminding us that we are part of a
global business world.

Lyn took up a free slot to let people know what occurred at the Saturday
training day for Anglia Council (the coming together of the 3 English clubs:
Birmingham, Lichfield and Cheshire). Lyn thoroughly enjoyed the day, telling
us that in her six years of membership, she’s only been to three of them –
and encouraging all of us to take up the opportunity when these days occur
– they are always worthwhile. And special mention must go to the afternoon
debate and the sterling performance of Jin.

Mercedes also took up the opportunity to speak and share with us her recent
experience of one month in Palestine as an observer with a Women’s Peace
Group.

Julie and myself evaluated the speeches and were later commended for the
professionalism of the feedback.

Before the break, we had an update of club news:
The committee is currently preparing for the AGM and would be happy to
talk to anyone who would like to know more about getting involved and/or
would like to stand for office. We are particularly looking for someone to fill
the role of President Elect.
A reminder that the Regional conference is to be held on 15, 16 June in
Lytham St Anns and there will be a lot of representation from Birmingham
there with Rob and Lucy in the speech contest, Jin in the debate and me
running a workshop. If you haven’t seen the information and are interested
in attending, please contact me. There’s probably still room in a car for a trip
up on the Saturday.
Big reminder: There will be no meeting on 23 May. That meeting has
been moved to 30th May and will include the AGM.

The workshop – the second half of the programme gave me an opportunity
for a dress rehearsal of the workshop I will be presenting at the Regional
Conference. It’s called Appealing to All Elements of Your Audience. People
seemed to enjoy it but I know I have to run it more smoothly with slightly less
confusion.

Mercedes gave us her evaluation of the evening and Waseem ended with
Forrest Gump’s thought for the road – the one about life is like a box of
chocolates. A big thank you to Lyn for stepping in as timekeeper for the
night.

Carole Manship
President, BISC
0121 422 7419
carole@bridgemarketing.co.uk