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