Ginza! June 24, 2018

1. Introduction

Our last meeting was held on Sunday, 24th June at Kyobashi- Plaza-Kuminkan, in Ginza, where we enjoyed two high-quality speeches, a great table topics session and a special workshop from the regular member with the guests.

2. Roles

Drian Von-Golden, President of the Club, welcomed everyone to the meeting then led guest introduction. There were two guests, including Brian Bowie and Etsuko Tomlinson. He then took it over to Toastmasters Tomomi who explained the running order of the meeting. and declared the meeting theme"Look Back". Then, she invited President Drian, to conduct the installation ceremony.

3. Installation Ceremony

The club witnessed passing of the baton of Ginza excellence from the outgoing officers into the able hands of the incoming officers for the 2018-2019. New officers are; Sergeant at Arms: Eva, Secretary: Masayo, Treasurer: Gakky, VPPR: Yossy, VPM: Yuki, VPE: Tomomi, and President: Yuko.

The growth of the Toastmasters program in the Ginza depends largely upon the actions of these new officers. On our honor, new officers pledged to individually stand by Ginza, to live with it, and to work with it throughout the coming year.

4. Workshop

Followed the installation ceremony, Drian presented the great workshop, titled “Charismatic”. Drian invited us to think about the word “Charismatic”. This word association led us to this question: What key qualities of a charismatic person are. He, then, identified key elements of charisma that we can incorporate to become greater leader. These elements were; confidence, passion, vision, focused, infection, enthusiastic, determined, fearless, dynamic, and creative. Through his presentation, he urged us to transform ourselves into the person others want to follow by learning how to inspire and challenge people to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

5. Song of the Day

What are your favorite songs to listen to on a rainy day? After the short-break, Yuki shared “Raindrops keep falling on my head” by B.J.Thomas, 1969. We sang together and our beautiful chorus made us feel good on a rainy day.

Then, Toastmaster Tomomi introduced Yuko, who chose “ostentatious” as the words of the day.

6. New member induction ceremony

An induction ceremony is a wonderful step in Toastmasters relationship. VPM Yuki welcomed the inductee, Kanako into Ginza and she stated her Ginza’s expectations and the Ginza's memberships' responsibility to her. Both of regular members and new members promise to contribute to the other's success.

7. Prepared speech

Then, the first speaker was Bin, with her Storytelling #3 - titled “Sea Cucumber Fried Noodle”. She explained to us the importance of understanding languages to become familiar with. She ordered “Sea Cucumber Fried Noodle” in the local restaurant, but the served food was completely different from the food she eat in China. She confirmed us the best way to improve our language skills through learning process.

Next speaker Eva impressed the audience with her Competent Communication Manual #9 - Persuade With Power- titled “What if”. She shared with us the birth of the Ginza Toastmasters Club. She appealed that Ginza members now have the opportunity of developing our speaking & listening skills, overcoming the fear of speaking. She persuaded us that inspiration can come from unexpected places in unexpected times from unexpected people.

8. Table Topic Session

Table Topics Master Andy then organized wonderful impromptu session on various topics, which Brian, Tomomi, Kenny, Yuko and Drian joined. Highlights included tips for getting more girlfriends in Brian, the strange story that Rakugo keeps her doing the things she loves most in Tomomi, hot romance with monkey in Kenny, the best age in Yuko and celebrities in Drian.

9. Evaluation

After the table topic session, General Evaluator Yuko invited two wonderful evaluators – Kenny for Bin and Brian for Eva. Finally, Yuko evaluated our meeting.

10. Awards

Best Table Topics Brian Bowie

Best Evaluator Kenny Kawarazaki

Best Speaker Bin Tang

11. Next meeting

The next meeting will take place at Kyobashi-Plaza-Kuminkaikan, on Sunday, 22th July, at 14:00. New member Kanako will do Toastmaster. Come over to practice your public speaking!