HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Hi to all Bremer Forum members and friends
Hope the New Year starts perfectly for you all - and gets better as each day comes and goes. 

Thought that you all may enjoy this - for auld lang syne - and perhaps with Campbell in mind.

Bah Humbug

Relaxing time .....

That was a lovely relaxing time yesterday ladies.... thanks to Toni's magnificent hostessing and to the great company and lively conversation. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

Campbell and Lisa - catch up OS

SELFIES -  of Lisa and Campbell - OS
 
 

Here is further proof that our friends caught up while overseas.  Wouldn't that be fun?  Stole these photos from Campbell's personal blog. 

Lisa will be at Toni's tomorrow so no doubt we will hear about their meeting and her trip OS.  Will see you for lunch if you can make it - Sunday 10am for Blade Runner ???? (sounds like a real girly movie) or for Lunch at noon - just bring something to share (food that is). 

Thanks for the Memories

Thanks for putting the photos up Lorraine. What a great night, and how lovely to have had Kath with us. You cannot believe how delighted I was to draw the final ticket, and have my pick of all the presents. You see, earlier that day I had been involved in a similar event at another break-up and, drawing number 4 on that occasion, didn't get to steal anything. So well done me!
Mum tells me, however, that these Santa Steals have been wreaking havoc with longstanding friendships. It seems that when someone tries to 'steal' their present some people just won't surrender it, with the result that certain parties are not even speaking to one another. So we did very well. All friendships still intact.
Looking forward to seeing you all again next year, when I will strengthen those mush-valued friendships and perhaps forge some new ones.

Christmas is a steal...

A few photos from final meeting - where lots of Christmas Memories were shared as well as Gift giving. Funny how most were reluctant to steal another gift when they were entitled to. Final `steal' of the night was a coup -Toni helping herself to Leanne's movie ticket. Good one Toni!  Cath `stole the show' with her Christmas Tree transported on the train speech - great to have her youthful spirit with us to share the fun.       HAPPY CHRISTMAS.... DON'T FORGET... Members are all invited to the Committee/Handover meeting - 3 December - dinner starts 7:15pm after the meeting.  
ALREADY LOOKING FORWARD TO 11 February 2014 for our first meeting - aren't you?

Toni and Cath

Jayne, Rex, Leanne and Pam

 

Wendy, Lorraine and Jenny

Blog skills

So while I'm away from sunny Ipswich I am going to contribute not only to this blog but my own which you can find at
weeparahandy.blogspot.com

Now I must add at this point that the pg rating will be slightly higher on my blog than this one. But that is the great thing about language it can be colourful or down right dull and boring. The latter of course  will never be seen on these crusty pages of the Bremer Forum Blog

All Over Bar the Shouting

Well, that's another great session almost tucked away, and I think we navigated our first group session assessment without too much trauma. I know I learned a lot.
So thank you, Jannene, for a brilliant array of speech opportunities, impromptu practice sessions, tutorials and everything else that went into a packed programme on the theme of Life Stories. That we took out three major Forum awards as well as the Ashes Debate was the icing on the cake. Well done everyone.

Its gone all too quickly

Well peeps, this session is almost over, and it's gone all so quickly.  Being President has been wonderful and I couldn't have done it without a great committee a and fervent Secretary who had my back - thanks Lorraine, no words can express my gratitude.  If you want to experience all that Forum has for you - and it's a lot more than just learning how to speak more confidently - give us a try.   Join our first session under Leanne, an experienced President who is coming with a great programme. She is thinking outside the box and we will all be surprised.  I am sad I will miss last meeting of the session but it's Christmas and will be all about the steal, steal, steal.  See you in February when I can come with my Past President badge on ;)

Is it that close to Christmas?

 

 

 

One way to get into the Christmas Spirit ... is to start early.  A few Bremer members are getting into the mood for their Christmas Meeting on Tuesday 26 November. 

 

Does anyone want to join in the fun? 

A time for appreciation

Great night for appreciation of all that our group accomplished throughout this session.  Congratulations to Jannene, our President, for an inspiring session and a brilliant inspirational address to top it off. 

Let's have a little celebration this Tuesday night...

Are you all ready for the Biannual General meeting Tuesday night?  I am ... well almost.

We can make this meeting lots of fun - so come prepared to enjoy the meeting... and especially ready to say a big `thank-you' to those who have made the session so interesting. 

Jannene - why don't we all bring some small treat to eat ..... as 3 members will be away for the following Christmas Meeting ... so why shouldn't we celebrate on both occasions.  I'm up for it. How about everyone else?

Had fun tonight at Tuesday's Art & Soul Exhibition

Very proud to be part of a packed audience to appreciate the diverse and creative works of art by these very talented ladies.

Especially proud of our Toni's work on display - is there no end to her talents?  A special treat also to see Leanne in the very honoured role of `opening' the show.  Don't miss catching up with the artwork on display at ARTtime, 203 Brisbane Road Ipswich, until the 20th November.
A most enjoyable occasion. Congratulations Toni.

2 special works of art by Toni - behind the 3 artists

100th Inductee welcomed ... to Bremer Forum

What a special occasion to celebrate - the longest standing member of Forum Communicators Assoc'n - Lettie Morelle with more than 52 years in Forum - welcoming the very newest member of Forum - Karen.  Karen was the 100th inductee into Bremer Forum.

FORUM was a winner on the night....

Seventh  Ashes Debate (not counting the Toowoomba debate) ... and sixth in a row as WINNERS. Congratulations to the Bremer Team. A close call by the adjudicator, but a win is a win is a win. Well done Rex, Leanne and Jannene ... sounds like the `dream team' to me and you certainly convinced us `that the future of Australia is in good hands with Gen Y'.

It was a great night to be at Bremer Forum with our 100th Inducted member very aptly welcomed by President Jannene.  Looking forward to Karen, a long-standing friend, being part of our fabulous speaking group.



Lettie Morelle - happy to present Trophy to Bremer Forum TeamCould it be that FORUM was the winner on the night - especially with Forum Treasure - Lettie Morelle OAM - with us to present the winning trophy.  A special moment in Bremer Forum's History.

Special thanks also to our other `dream team' who did the work behind the scenes - before and after... Lisa and Wendy.

Cannot wait until the next Ashes Debate...



Happy members of Ashgrove and Bremer Forum Teams with adjudicator

The Delights of Debating

Congratulations Ashgrove on a valiant effort - arguing the failings of Gen Y to keep the future of Australia safe in their hands, you did well but it was great to see Bremer Forum come out on top ....  what a great night of viewpoints, waving hands, passion and the odd sledging!  Can't wait until next year.  The trophy stays with Bremer, and the new Ashes urn will be brimming with the notes of both teams, adding to the wonderful history between these two clubs.  Viva the heart of public speaking at Forum, Viva the art of debating.

The future of Australia is in good hands with Gen Y - Why?

This important question will be decided at Bremer Forum tonight - so excited about this topic for the Ashes Debate against Ashgrove Forum. Come and support the teams -  GO the Bremer Team... 

Working with our youth is an investment in the future ...

A privilege once again to gain a glimpse into the future with some of our local youth in a workshop on public speaking. There was little time available to perform miracles - but it was pure magic when they stepped outside of their comfort zone, used their imagination and accepted the challenges we threw at them.

Leanne and I enjoyed encouraging them to take simple steps towards overcoming their fears - which finally led to using persuasive language in order to be accepted for the ... job, TV role, Uni, sports team, etc. 

Well done to all the students - hope we convinced them that if they gain the skills and confidence as a speaker - they will not only change their own lives - they will also have a greater impact on others.

Congratulations Ipswich on the great venue  - Studio 188 in Brisbane Street
Congratulations Ipswich City Council on providing such a program to develop our youth
Congratulations Bremer Forum members - for investing time and experience for benefit of the youth of our City

Ashgrove Forum ... be very afraid

Another very vibrant stimulating meeting at Bremer Forum last night. 

Topics included - Reflecting on the many joyful experiences and culture discovered in a trip to Finland;  Plans for the Canberra War Memorial - the Soul of our Nation;  Emotional memories of a family's iconic mountain climb in honour of a Dad; Those prophetic words by JFK that led to the space race and the outcome;  Exploring John O'Groats in Scotland when Princess Dianna died - and our Blind Date was Hans Heysen (born 8 October) - a comparison of styles of early Australian painters - John Glover and Hans Heysen.

Anyone who missed the meeting - our chosen team (by default) for the Ashes Debate is (1) Rex (2) Jannene (3) Leanne.  These three brave members have been hard at it for at least the past 4 months (well - since last night anyway) deliberating their arguments in the affirmative for our annual challenge against Ashgrove Forum for our next meeting on 22 October... That the future of Australia is in good hands with Gen Y. 

Looking forward to the return of Tom, Narrelle and Pam at our next meeting. 

Still celebrating Bremer Forum's success at Conference

 

 

This is photographic evidence that Bremer Forum loves to celebrate the success of our members.  Toni Risson does not usually come to Forum with coloured curly ribbons dangling from her locks - this is the aftermath of the members setting off their loud poppers and Rex (not) lighting the candle on a celebration cake - our way of saying CONGRATULATIONS TONI!  We love your style as a speaker - thanks for bringing home the trophies from Conference.  

Great way to celebrate Jannene, Leanne and Rex...  Toni must feel very special by now.

No Bull.... this was a great experience

After an early morning drive through the countryside, Bremer Forum members, Toni and Lorraine, were inspired by the large group of youth - who gathered this weekend at Thornton (near Laidley). They came from as far afield as Sydney to North, West and Central Qld -... to participate in the camp coordinated by the Ausline Cattle Assoc. LEAD Program.

No bull ... the future of the Cattle/Beef industry and Australia generally, is in good hands with this generation ... that's what I believe. Especially if they take our advice `not to be satisfied to run with the herd' and add the skills of `public speaking' to their list of qualifications.

This was a great opportunity as workshop presenters to pass on helpful hints and practical experience to help these budding cattle experts to overcome their fear of public speaking and a privilege for us to work with such a bright and fun group of teenagers.

Toni and Lorraine were happy to be involved and after a much needed caffeine boost at the newly opened `Eagle Rock Café' in downtown Laidley - we headed home down the Warrego Highway in the dark - weary but satisfied that it was time well spent.

Every Meeting a Milestone

I should know that every meeting we hold at Bremer Forum holds mini milestones for people - their first speeches, their first time chairing, their first time through the door - its never the same and never boring!

Last night was no exception - hearing people weaving tales around New Australians - relating fish communities to real ones, ancestory, population growth, gypsies and the real life history of Maria from the Greek Cafe - all rich in their own ways - we even found time for the fun of honouring successes - watch out for our next meeting.

Debate coming up - lets hope we can continue the winning tradition against Ashgrove Forum - there is nothing like good healthy debate between friends.....

Expect surprises at our public speaking meetings

I should always expect to be surprised at our public speaking meetings.

First surprise was our delightful visitor - looking a little lost outside the Ipswich Trades Hall Building ... so pleased that she came. Thanks for inviting her, Toni; we just love visitors - and we look forward to her return.

Jannene's Blind Date speech - kept us in suspense for a while but the info soon pointed to the famous puppeteer (muppeteer) Jim Henson.

Jenny's 10-minute speech defining New Australians was very informative, and great that Jenny shared some of her own ancestry with us.  The title did lend itself to informative speeches tonight - certainly good  for the audience to be reminded of the incredible journey taken by many who now call Australia home. Not sure about you, but I'm still scratching my head at Campbell being able to speak about fish to that title... very clever analogy used but then Campbell gets away with anything.

What great feedback about Campbell's success as MC of the Moon Festival. Only thing he was nervous about was singing in Chinese. Congrats Campbell - you have done us proud.

Congratulations also to Jannene who finally received the engraved trophy for winning our Impromptu Speaking Comp. for the Biennium.  Toni (Biennium Winner) and Wendy (Session 1 Winner) were also presented with their rightful Trophy for Bremer Forum's Prepared Speech Award.

Thanks for the unusual celebration of my Spirit of Forum Award... to have grown people suddenly  stand and start popping party poppers was a bit of a shock but lots of fun. Thanks for that... I felt appreciated.  Some poor soul must have cleaned the mess up - thanks for that also.

President Jannene - pulled another special award out of the box tonight - and Wendy was `pinned' for her bravery in dealing with the chair so calmly - inspite of it being only her 2nd time in the chair - and the meeting procedure she handled so well.

How fortunate we are to have Pam give us feedback - helps to know what we did well - and what we can improve. All part of the Forum experience.

Excited about doing the Public Speaking Workshop out past Laidley in the next few weeks. Toni, Jannene and myself will have lots to report at the next meeting. Hope the cattle are friendly ... and I am looking forward to meeting the students from throughout the Eastern States. 

Another amazing night at Forum over.  Now looking forward to the next one on 8 October...

I never thought I would do that!!

On Saturday I hosted the Moon Festival at the Ipswich State School for the Alpha Chinese School and it turned out to be a great day. However not in a million years would I have been up on that stage, I believe, if I hadn't been attending Forum to gain the skills and confidence. I even managed to sing a few lines of a Chinese love song, and in Chinese, and to top it off not one drop of alcohol had passed my lips.

And I must thank my Forum friends for helping me along the way to make the day easier for me and to point me in the right direction, although I know I don't listen very often.

So I believe if anyone has any doubts or fears about speaking in public, take the first step and walk into the Bremer Forum, free your mind and dissipate your fears.

Inspired... by two great topics

It's great to feel inspired about a topic - I suddenly have two topics that have impressed me in past few days and need the opportunity to learn even more about them by doing a speech on them.  

One of the things I love about Forum is the fact that you have a captive audience to speak to. Another is that you can speak about something you have a passion for - or simply want to know more about. It works both ways... doesn't matter if happens to be the mating habits of the African Dung Beetle ... now don't go googling that ... because I don't even know if it exists. 

New Australians .. is the title this Tuesday 24th. Expecting a great diversity of topics to this title... ... Hmm!  Wonder if I can fit `the mating habits of the African Dung Beetle' into such a title.  I can always try.. as I prefer to think outside the square.

Looking forward to your 10-minute speech Jenny.

Bremer Goes to Conference

Left to Right

Front - Jannene, Leanne

Back - Lorraine, Toni

Forum Communicators Conference 2013

Hooray! GRAND CHAMPION speaker - Toni Risson of Bremer Forum

Toni Risson's outstanding success in the Forum Speaking Awards at Conference reflects not only her own brilliant mind and talent as a speaker but also the fact that Bremer Forum, as an organisation, is on the right track in developing members' speaking confidence and ability.

At the Biennial Conference last weekend for Forum Communicators Ass'n Inc. Toni represented Bremer Forum in both speaking competitions -  Impromptu Speaking (2 minutes and not for the faint-hearted) and Prepared Speech (10 minutes).

The Climax of these speaking awards is The Ruth Don Award  - GRAND CHAMPION - chosen by a panel of experienced Forum Assessors.  Each award carries the name of one of the Forum Founders.

At Saturday's finale, the Conference Dinner, Toni was firstly announced as winner of the Marjorie Puregger Award for Impromptu Speaking, and we were so proud. When they announced our Toni as the Grand Champion, Ruth Don Award, it was a very proud moment for her fellow Bremer members. A well deserved win cheered by all present, in what was a talented array of speakers from throughout the State.

Toni has developed as a brilliant speaker with the ability to captivate an audience both with her choice of topic, her ability to take an audience with her, and with natural expressive delivery.  When Toni combines her talent for adding touches of humour with the ability to construct speeches well - she is dynamic. 

We are so proud of you Toni - congratulations on your success at Conference - and thanks for putting Bremer Forum's name on the Forum map - and more importantly, literally on the much-prized trophies.  WINNERS ARE GRINNERS! - I say.

The Spirit of Forum - Accolades from Your Peers

I am back home and still feeling the fragrance of Forum Conference - Qlds premier public speaking group.

I wanted to do a special post on Lorraine Foran being awarded the Spirit of Forum award. No-one really knows the hours, the heart and the soul that Lorraine pours into ensuring Forum is the best it can be for everyone who attends. She would say that she is one of many, and in part that is true, there are many who perform their roles through being on Dais and participating in various standing committees well. But Lorraine is quite special in this regard and her passion and commitment was recognised and celebrated on the weekend by her peers - how wonderful.

A talented speaker herself, she engages that knowledge and skill to make us the best we can be. Well done Lorraine, we are proud that you lead us into uncharted waters and are such an integral part of our club.

The Spirit of Forum

Until Life Membership is instituted, the highest accolades bestowed upon Forum members are the Badge of Honour and the Spirit of Forum Award. You have to be really, really special to get these.
The former is a life tribute, and the three people who have earned this had been Forum members for over 50 years, so each of us has a way to go before we can aspire to that. The Spirit of Forum is awarded annually to someone who, for a long time, though perhaps not 50 years, has gone above and beyond the call of duty in many aspects of Forum life.
Last night, as Elaine read out the qualifications for this, Leanne and Jannene and I looked at each other and remarked in unison, 'They should give that to Lorraine.' Then, as Elaine described the actions of the person who was going to receive it, we added, 'She's going to give that to Lorraine.'
And she did.
Congratulations Lorraine. Your spirit touches all of us and we are all so proud of you. As Elaine said, numerous people may deserve to be hailed as the Spirit of Forum; but none more than you. How lucky are we to have you for our very own?

Breeding Ground

You head off to conference wondering how you'll cope with speaking to competition conditions, hoping discussion about contentious constitutional changes won't become too heated, and fearing you won't be able to sleep in a strange bed. But when you get to conference you have completely unexpected encounters with information, ideas and people; that's what conference is really about.
As I listened to the best-of-our-best deliver their carefully-prepared 10-minute speeches I learned about fascinating topics like Nurse Edith Cavell and the experiences of Australian nurses during World War One, but what I value most about those speeches are revelations about speech-writing in general. Later, conversations around the 'water cooler' suggested areas of impromptu speaking that have slipped between the cracks in previous sessions. And late-night pyjama parties created opportunities to peep beneath the surface of personalities previously glimpsed only at the microphone.
What did I learn? Well . . . that's a secret because I plan to develop tutorials on some of these insights. So stay tuned. (And because what happens at the pyjama party stays at the pyjama party).
This weekend's conference was a breeding ground for thoughts, ideas and friendships. And I've come home germinating like a pumpkin seed in a compost heap.
We're in for an exciting two years as Forum Communicators rises to meet the challenges of a world vastly different from the one in which founders Ruth Don, Marjorie Puregger and Jessie Groom planted a club to equip women to speak in public and run meetings with confidence. And I know we're in good hands with the new head gardener Margaret Townsley.
Thanks Elaine for a wonderful conference and for all your hard work in tending us for the past two years.
Roll up your sleeves everyone.

Toni - Queen of Conference

How amazing it was to see Toni Risson win both the Impromptu section and Grand Champion Award for her speaking. We have all seen Toni grow as she has participated in Forum over the last few years. Congratulations also to Sara from Dalby club, People's Choice. The calibre of speaking from clubs all across Brisbane and wider Queensland was a feast to our ears. Can I encourage you, now is the time to join and start learning the art of speaking! This could be you when Conference rolls around in two years time.

What a Smorgasbord!

What a smorgasbord of speeches we had on Tuesday night. A plethora in fact. It was wonderful to have the subject of our speeches pre-ordained.... that took the stress off a little. What a thoroughly delightfully entertaining night, where we heard our newest member Tom execute his first 5 minute speech. PLUS an Assessor from Rostrum visited, giving us insightful comments to take home and digest. Perfect !!

What a Great Meeting

Great meeting as usual everyone, and so appreciated Don's assessment of us all. Another highlight was Jannene's fabulous lead into her tutorial about speech preparation - a YouTube clip about Ma and Pa Kettle beating around the bush and getting nowhere! Sounds like me when I try to put my thoughts together sometimes!!

A Wonderful Bouquet

This week's meeting was like a bouquet bursting with blooms of all kinds and colours. Numerous smallish speeches on an array of celebrities enabled those who, like me, know a lot about a little to be enthralled by things like Elizabeth's going up a tree a princess and going down a queen. In a tutorial on speech structure, which likened hearing a speech to inspecting a house, Jannene whetted our appetites by drawing on popular culture, in particular, our beloved Alice's exchange with the Cheshire Cat about knowing where one wants to go. This is an extremely effective device. We got to drool, yet again, over Colin Firth - thanks Rex; I'm glad you know what women want. The comments of outside assessor Don Mansfield highlighted slightly different speech elements and featured insights about members that we may not appreciate are key strengths because they are so familiar to us - sometimes you don't see the forest for the trees. I had the opportunity to refresh my skills at chairing a meeting, even though I forgot the Vote of Thanks (and so did everyone else), and had a last-minute impromptu practice, which was very welcome. And best of all, I saw people pushing themselves beyond their previous successes, and succeeding. Campbell's speech, for instance, reflected a capacity for research gained, perhaps, from writing his 10-minute Carpe Diem speech. Well done everyone. Now remember that special challenge I threw down at the beginning of the meeting . . . .

I Have Returned

Thanks Everyone for another amazing evening on Tuesday - Life Stories is really revealing some gems and insights into the lives of others.  Try out your new mind-mapping techniques for next session focus speeches around the title of New Australians.  As an in-bounder myself I am looking forward to pouring my heart and thoughts into 5 minutes of word wizardry .... watch this space.  El Presidenti (no longer in absentia)

I Agree !!

I really enjoyed the diversity of the speeches the other night. It was good to have everyone speak to a different person although Toni and Tom did have a clash talking about Yoko. But they still produced a slightly different take on her life.

Another confidence boosting follow-up from our assessor Don made it all worthwhile. It was good that he was able to target our strengths and point out to us where we might be able to make things better. After all, if it wasn't for Forum I wouldn't be so calm about being the host at the Moon Festival on the 21st. If I hadn't come here I would have to take my wee flask of whisky in me pocket to get me through :-)

Inspired by another great meeting...

Program for last night was extremely informative - our newest member was overheard expressing his amazement at how much he actually learns in our 1-1/2 hour meetings.  Not only through the experienced feedback on the general meeting procedure and to speakers - and the workshop on `mind mapping' to put your information together for your speech - but the wealth of information in the speeches.  This was certainly a night for all that and more. 

How about the confidence by last night's chairman...  who confessed that taking on the leadership role during the previous session has definitely given her more confidence in chairing meetings.

Great work everyone... a well planned program Jannene - congratulations to you and to all of our members - for the research and effort they put into their speeches.  

Five members heading for Conference and a great weekend of fun, fantastic speaking, food and Forum `Fanatics'.  Good luck to our speaker representing Bremer Forum at Conference - that was a confident impromptu last night - go get 'em Toni. 

How To Give a Vote of Thanks

When I assessed last week, I mentioned that it's a good idea to have a simple outline of a Vote of Thanks in your bag in case you get asked to do one on the night.  This is an example -

VOTE OF THANKS - Speaking segment with a main speaker
Madam Chairman, members and guests...
It gives me great pleasure to be able to give the Vote of Thanks to our speakers tonight.
______________(main speaker is named), has_______ (entertained / informed / persuaded us / offered insight - what you have gained)
All of our Following Speakers have provided us with / shown us how to ____________.
It has been a _____________ speaking segment.  Madam Chairman, I have much pleasure in moving this Vote of Thanks to all of our speakers tonight.

VOTE OF THANKS - to all speakers equally
Madam Chairman, members and guests,
Tonight we have been __________(informed / challenged / entertained) by all of our speakers.  (No one speaker is singled out). 
We heard about __________ (be brief), and we loved every minute of it / have learned so much about __________ (what you have gained). 
Madam Chairman, it gives me great pleasure to move the Vote of Thanks to all of our speakers tonight.

Life Highlights.... Where do we stop?

Hope everyone has their speech ready for Tuesday... Life Highlights....  My subject is so vastly written about it will be very difficult to trim down the highlights to less that 5 hours let alone 5 minutes - but I will have to try.  Should be a very interesting and informative night.  It will be great to catch up again with our old mate Don... who will give us some constructive feedback on our speeches.

Looking forward to seeing you all there...  

Our One Hundredth Member

Guess What!  
The next person who joins Bremer Forum will be our 100th member inducted - ...  and that's worthy of a special celebration.

Do you have a friend or acquaintance who has been hesitating to come along to our group?  Now is the time.  They won't win an overseas trip for it .... but surely we could have a packet of chewie or a chocolate bar or something special for our 100th.

If they don't jump in at our next meeting on the 10 September - I know someone who wants to join on the 24 September.  Let's see who it will be.... and let's make them feel very special - because any one who joins our group... must be special.

Next Meeting

I missed the previous meeting. Can someone explain about the pick-a-box challenge, and what it has to do with life highlights please?

Extraordinary - that's what our speakers are....

In the Beginning.... who would have thought the topics this would bring to light....

• The Internet and the incredible journey so far ... a journey without end
• Humble beginning of the telephone created because of a deaf wife (wondering what I could invent - because of a deaf husband?  This could be the `retirement plan' I've been waiting for )
• The great narratives from the Bible - reflected in so many modern stories
• The humble beginnings and rise to fame of Susan Boyle who `dreamed a dream'

Add to this ---

• 27 August 1908 - one Birthday - two great men - Lyndon Baines Johnson and our Don Bradman
• Our visitor - sharing how their lives evolved because of an initial encounter that started a journey into basketball and beyond
• Some very strong opinions voiced through a simple formula used for impromptu speaking

I get my adrenalin rush from this great interaction in Bremer Forum with intelligent, caring, strong confident people .... who share much wisdom plus a special part of who they are at every meeting ....  just love it

Bremer Forum is the right place for this ....

Hey everyone... expecting another visitor at our meeting Tuesday 27th August.

A long standing friend who is desperate to overcome fear of speaking in public speaking. This has caused her to literally freeze at large national gatherings of the company she holds a management position in.  I'm excited about being part of her journey to change this.  Hate to see anyone suffer in this way when we know how possible it is to overcome the fear.  

See you there.

GREAT AMBASSADOR TONI...

For those who couldn't make it - I attended the morning tea on Saturday to support Toni who was 1 of 4 key speakers on the program for the Fundraising event for Mayoress' Community Fund Committee.  Toni used her speaking skills well as she delivered her wealth of knowledge on Greek Cafes with ease and had the capacity audience in the Barry Jones Auditorium totally captivated.  Her PowerPoint presentation using remote was as professional as you can get.  So very proud of her.... and you should have seen her moves in the impromptu  Jazzercise class ... legendary. 

Now for Tuesday 27th ... our next meeting - looking forward to hearing your take on `In the Beginning' - Leanne put out some great ideas for topics.  See what your lateral thinking can produce to this title.

Don't forget to register for Conference by 26 August.  www.forumcommunicators.asn.au for your Registration forms.

Success at last....

Thanks Campbell for all your expertise in helping the amateur bloggers get started. You are a gem. 

Bursting into Blogging

Hi everyone... it ain't easy being green at this blogging. This is a test run to see if I have mastered the complexity of putting words into the right section of this maze... and finally make my way into the light.  Sometimes I love modern technology and sometime I don't. So here goes fellow bloggers and friends of Bremer Forum. Wish we could meet every week - so that we could enjoy more great speeches.

My Brain is sore.....

Yes I'm always intrigued by the diversity of speeches we have to a topic and it looks like there is no let up for next meeting. I haven't given a 10 minute speech for some time and it can be very challenging but it is a good work out of brain. I slept like a log that night :-)

We exercise our bodies at the gym and we exercise our minds at Forum

Titles

That was an excellent title for your speech Campbell - 'Carpe Diem' made us all think about what's important in life....unless it didn't ;)  Rex' title for next meeting is also open to broad interpretation - 'In the Beginning'...  What about:

• the big bang theory
• the creation of a painting or any project you can think of
• the history of local or national organisations / volunteer groups / businesses / a town
• anything worthwhile begins with an idea...what about how the brain generates ideas?
• inspiration - where do you get most of your best ideas (a certain location / google / watching people?  Give an example of how something unfolded for you, and try to leave the audience with something to think about.

Have fun and I'll see you on the 27th!

Meeting 13 August

Hi All
Great meeting and great speeches. Leanne, I enjoyed your speech. Taking the title in the negative and saying what was NOT good about it was clever-hope you are feeling better now.
It is so true that we count the days and wait for our holidays and then end up sick. At uni it would be straight after the exams! Just when you really need a rest you spend the first week miserable!
Leanne-how many minutes are you suggesting for the "pick a box" speech?
I don't think I have done a speech this year-so it was "getting back on the horse" again. Feels good....
Jenny

Keeping it 'under wraps'

I've been thinking about this speech-writing business and, in particular, how our blog might help members develop topics as they write their speeches. It occurs to me that an important aspect of any speech is the element of SURPRISE! Isn't part of the fun at meetings discovering what members do given titles? The End, for example, might be about coming home after touring Europe, the words uttered on famous deathbeds, retirement.....or something else entirely. Doesn't part of the power of a speech lie in the audience not knowing what it's going to be about? Wouldn't a speech be a bit boring if we'd already read it?
I find myself holding back in posting questions about how to attack or improve a speech, because then that element of surprise is at risk. We've never discussed this before, but don't you hold back when preparing a speech?
The speech I gave last meeting is probably the one I will give at conference, and I'm aware that, especially since this is a competition, it should be kept 'under wraps' - that it's potential diminishes if conference attendees know too much about it. The title - What Women Want - intrigues, but doesn't give away too many secrets.
What do you think? Don't the best orators play their cards close to their chests? Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

Lets go blogging

It is wonderful to have an opportunity to promote our Forum to the outside world, and to let others know what a great time we have at meetings, honing our public speaking skills, especially the impromptu practice we've had in the last few months.  It is a great confidence booster.  I'm excited to be part of a group of enthusiasts who enjoy listening to my life stories.   Keep on blogging.

Congratulations to Toni on her impromptu speaking efforts at the Birthday luncheon.  Toni will now represent us at Conference.  I couldn't think of a better speaker - cant wait to hear you in September.

Ok I will.....

As I've thrown down the gauntlet to my fellow bloggers, I now have to get off the bench and and jump in with both feet. I believe this is a great medium for freedom of speech and creativity,but also a great venue for us to share with the world the value of an organisation like the Bremer Forum. Every week we are treated to new thoughts and ideas from our members when we are asked to speak to a title or thought. It can only serve to expand your mind and enhance the soul.

Let's Get Blogging...

Hi everyone! Bremer Forum has been in the ether for nearly a month; now is the time to get blogging! It's not hard, and Campbell is very willing to help. He's here with me now, as a matter of fact, helping me to sort out the finer points of the blog page on my computer. Everything is so much better when someone who knows what they are doing is nearby. 'Carpe Diem' is the title of the next speech, and certainly the theme for this post, so take the opportunity! Make your first post today! Campbell has thrown out a challenge: how many posts can we make before next meeting?

Genesis

How very exciting! Bremer Forum now has a blog. In our endeavours to learn about, and support each other in, perfecting the arts and techniques of public speaking, others can now find us and join in the fun.

Presidents Welcome

A year of personal firsts – my first time as President, first time doing formal study and the first time writing on a blog.  Its going to be an exciting 6 months in forum, learning the art of story-telling the mystery of our personal experiences and others lives.

We had an amazing evening on Tuesday night, treated to hearing 4 speeches given from the heart.  They were all winners but congratulations Toni for taking home the trophy and earning the right to represent forum at Conference in September.

Can I encourage you to come along and be part of a "first" in your life.  We would love to hear many more stories that are yet to be told.

See you at the lectern!

Jannene