Speeches

**📢 WICHTIG** 📢 Ab Donnerstag bei schönem Wetter organisieren wir das Treffen draußen, im Tilla-Durieux-Park gegenüber The Playce in Potsdamer Platz. Wir sitzen auf dem Gras, wo der Boden flach ist. Wenn möglich bring bitte Picknickdecken mit.

### **MOUNTAINS – Stories about the climb** ### **Live Storytelling Night (Berlin)** “It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.” — Edmund Hillary Some mountains are made of rock. Some are made of doubt, distance, language, love, grief, ambition, or simply getting out of bed when things feel heavy. This May, THE BEAR invites you to an evening of true personal stories about going uphill — about effort, resistance, resilience, and the quiet (or loud) voice that says: keep going. Our host, Izzy Ahrbeck, returns to Berlin fresh from the landscapes of Patagonia — where the mountains are wild, the wind is real, and every step reminds you that climbing is never just physical. Come as you are. Bring your uphill story. Or simply sit back and listen. We climb together. *** ### 🎤 What this event is An evening of **true, personal storytelling—told live on stage.** No scripts. No acting. No fiction. Just real people sharing real moments when life felt steep: * choosing the harder path * starting again from zero * pushing through thin air * reaching a summit that wasn’t what they expected * almost turning back Some stories will be funny. Some raw. All of them human. Music for the evening comes from Rory, adding sound and atmosphere to our climb. *** ### 💭 Why come? Because storytelling isn’t just entertainment—it’s connection. You’ll leave feeling: * more connected to others * reminded of your own experiences * maybe even inspired to tell your own story *** ### 🐻 How the evening works * **Open Stage** \- We randomly selected storytellers' name from our legendary top hat 👉 Want to tell a story? Put your name in the hat during the evening. First time? Even better. We’re known for being a welcoming space for new storytellers. *** ### 🎤 Want to prepare a story? If you’d like feedback before the event, you can send your idea to: 📩 hello@thebear-storytelling.de When booking, choose a **Storyteller Ticket** so we know you’re interested. 📍 **Venue:** Theatre Pool 📅 **Date:** May 21st 🕖 **Time:** 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm 🗣 Language: English (welcoming to all levels and backgrounds) *** ### [🎟 Tickets](https://www.thebear-storytelling.de/events/2026/05/21/mountains-stories-of-the-climb) Entry is **by donation** (Recommended: €15–20) https://www.thebear-storytelling.de/events/2026/05/21/mountains-stories-of-the-climb Give more if you can, less if you can’t. Everyone is welcome. *** ### 💬 Audience question of the night **Tell us about a time in your life when the path felt steep. What kept you climbing?** *** ### ✨ Final note Whether you’ve climbed mountains, careers, identities, relationships, or invisible inner walls — this night is for you. ## **Our Mission** ## *THE BEAR* **has grown into one of Berlin’s most beloved live storytelling events: a place where strangers become a community through the simple act of listening.** Supported by: [THE BEAR e.V. ](https://deref-web.de/mail/client/3fe0d0dh9KM/dereferrer/?redirectUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fthebear-storytelling.us6.list-manage.com%2Ftrack%2Fclick%3Fu%3Db5d7f087b587f8f081c447437%26id%3Dfc0e2d8df3%26e%3D711d4db9af), [Moving-Speaker.com](https://www.moving-speaker.com/), [Female Speaking Berlin](https://www.femalespeakingberlin.com/), and [Experience Berlin Youtube Channel](https://www.youtube.com/@Berlin-Videos).

Letters to Your Future Self💌 Have you ever wanted to write to the woman you're becoming? A soft, intimate evening to pause, reflect, and write to the version of you that is still unfolding. On May 21, we gather at Bar Freundschaft in Berlin for a guided writing ritual — warm, beautiful moment to slow down and reconnect with our visions of whom we're becoming. Each lady receives a curated letter set made of premium Japanese paper I brought from Kyoto, where this idea first began as a dream. It feels very special to now share it with the Les Amis community. Through gentle guidance and a short grounding meditation, you’ll write a personal letter to your future self — capturing your thoughts, hopes, and everything in between that you are planting today to see blooming in the future. At the end, you’ll seal your letter yourself as part of a small ritual. It will be sent back to you in six months. **Les Amis** is a women-only community of friendly souls. We provide access to hundreds of experiences that explore your passions and connect you with other event participants. **Check our website to learn more, and apply to join our community and events**: [lesamis.cc/apply](https://www.lesamis.cc/apply)

Get ready to **energize, strengthen, and flow** in this dynamic **Vinyasa class** designed to recharge your body and mind. This session blends **powerful sequences, breathwork, and mindful movement** to build strength, flexibility, and endurance—all while helping you reconnect with your inner energy. Expect **fluid transitions, creative sequences, and an uplifting pace** that will leave you feeling **revitalized and balanced**. Whether you need a midweek boost or a full reset, this class is your go-to for shaking off fatigue and stepping into your power. 💥🔥 **All levels welcome! Come flow, sweat, and recharge** https://www.eversports.de/org/activity/109ecead-759d-4bdf-8d7b-bda5e956950b

✨ Women in Agile Berlin Event ✨ Deep Work, Real Impact – Reclaiming Focus in a World of Endless Tasks Somewhere, not that far away, a talented woman is not struggling because she lacks skill, ambition, or drive… …but because her day is filled with everything except the work that truly matters. Admin. Coordination. Emotional labor. The invisible glue that keeps everything running, but slowly pulls focus away from real impact. Have you ever ended a full day and wondered: 👉 What did I actually move forward today? 👉 Why does being “busy” not feel meaningful? 👉 When was the last time I worked with real, uninterrupted focus? The idea that some people are “natural multitaskers” sounds like praise, but in reality, it often hides a system that rewards constant availability over meaningful contribution. At our next Women in Agile Berlin event, Saskia Ruschke will explore why deep, focused work is one of the most powerful, and most underprotected, resources we have. ✨ Together, we will explore: • Why constant task switching drains more than just time • How invisible work quietly takes over our days • What it really takes to protect focus in modern work environments • Practical ways to create space for deep work again 👉 What would change if your focus was truly protected? 👉 What kind of impact could you create then? Join us for an evening of reflection, practical tools, and honest conversation. #deepwork #impact #focus #meetup #agile #scrum #meetupberlin #womeninagile #womeninagileberlin

In May, [Bruno Caballero](https://github.com/bruno-ah-um) will show us how to target hardware accelerators from Java with MLIR based on [his fork of the OpenJDK Project Babylon](https://github.com/bruno-ah-um/openjdk-babylon-mlir-tosa). Bruno leads the Java Virtual Machines Engineering team at [MicroDoc](http://www.microdoc.com), which develops JVMs and maintains ports across various processors and operating systems. In this talk, we’ll explore a toy project that translates Java code into MLIR for the TOSA dialect, which is used for AI and accelerator workloads. We’ll briefly introduce current approaches (e.g., TornadoVM and Babylon/HAT), before looking at how this project reuses existing compiler infrastructure instead of building new backends. Finally, we’ll touch on whether DSLs should be embedded in general-purpose languages like Java or designed as standalone languages. Small snacks and drinks will be available. There is always space for outside topics and discussions. If you have specific questions, please bring them. Looking forward to meeting everyone again!

Join us for a fun, low-pressure way to connect with techies/non-techies in Berlin. On **May 22th from 6:30–9:00 PM** we'll run another session of **404 Brain Not Found – Tech Trivia Night**—a playful, welcoming tech-themed quiz night where curiosity beats expertise every time. You don’t need to be a developer, engineer, or “tech person” to have a great time. The questions span everything from everyday tech and internet culture to random fun facts, so everyone can contribute and shine. Whether you’re in it to win or just to laugh along the way, you’ll fit right in. Come with a team of 3-4 friends, colleagues, or fellow trivia lovers—or arrive solo and **we’ll match you up with others.** It’s a great way to meet new people, share a few laughs, and maybe learn something unexpected. Expect good vibes, light competition, and plenty of “wait, I actually knew that!” moments. No pressure. No gatekeeping. Just a great evening together. We’ll have a small **prize** for the winning team—something to celebrate your trivia glory and well-earned bragging rights! We kindly ask each participant to contribute **€2**. A small buy-in, but it makes the win even sweeter 😉 **More Details** **Location**: Kürbiskern Bar at Kopernikusstraße 23 (Near M13 and M10 trams, Also not far from S/U Warschauer Str). **Time**: Please arrive by 18:30, Quiz starts at 19:00. Can't join if you're late. **Teams**: No team no problem! come alone to join others. If you bring your own team (max 4 members). **Contribution**: Bring €2/player to cover prize. **Quiz play**: 3 Rounds of 10 questions each. 2 minutes per question. Please bring a charged phone to answer the questions.

Bring the food of your country

Everything you have been procrastinating for weeks (or more ;)), finally needs to be attacked. Work through your hardest challenges with the support of the FuN Berlin community. # Agenda: 09:00 Arrival + free coffee/tea (available at ImpactHub) 09:30 - 10:00 Introduction - share your challenge, Fuckups to be solved or Fuckups to be avoided 10:00 - 12:30 Focus Time 12:30 - 13:30 Lunch (we go out together) 13:30 - 16:30 Tandem: Team up and support each other with your problems or focus time 16:30 - 17:00 Share your results and commit to the next steps 📍 Impact Hub Berlin 🗓️ 22 May 💸 Free Spots are limited. Please only sign up, if you really are going to join💛 Powered by Speak TO and Fuckup Nights Berlin Sponsored by Impact Hub We are looking forward to meeting you!

Hanımlar, Beyler, Berlin'de yaşayan, teknoloji alanında çalışan veya bu alana ilgi duyan profesyonelleri bir araya getirmek üzere 22 Mayıs Cuma günü saat 19:00'da Volkspark Friedrichshain'de buluşuyoruz. Amsterdam, Berlin ve Miami'de düzenli olarak gerçekleştirdiğimiz bu buluşmaların organizasyonuna katkıda bulunmak isterseniz, mutlaka bizimle iletişime geçin. Bu buluşmadaki amacımız, benzer geçmişe sahip insanlarla bir araya gelerek yeni iş birlikleri ve dostluklar oluşturmak. Gelirken yanınızda piknik örtünüzü, atıştırmalıklarınızı, içeceğinizi ve keyifli sohbetinizi getirmeyi unutmayın.

**Embodied Consent** mit **Karl-Henrik** für **LGBTIQA+** Kostenlos mit[ ](https://wearevillage.org/shop/embodied-consent/w20-2026/)**[Anmeldung](https://wearevillage.org/shop/embodied-consent/w20-2026/)** **Lernen über Grenzen und Kommunikation** Wenn Sie noch nicht an einem Workshop zum Thema Consent im Village teilgenommen haben, ist es jetzt an der Zeit! Dieser Workshop ist sehr zu empfehlen für alle, die unser Projekt regelmäßig besuchen oder an einem unserer Workshops teilnehmen möchten. Diese Erfahrung wird Ihnen nicht nur helfen, sich in der we.are.village-Community zurechtzufinden, sondern sie wird Sie auch dazu befähigen, diese Werte in Ihr Leben zu übertragen. Sich seiner Grenzen bewusst zu sein und sein Einverständnis oder Nicht-Einverständnis auszudrücken, sind wichtige Fähigkeiten im Leben, aber wir haben nicht oft die Gelegenheit, die Fähigkeit des Einverständnisses auf die gleiche Weise zu üben wie andere Fähigkeiten, wie Singen, Sport treiben oder eine Sprache lernen. Bei Consent geht es um viel mehr als ein einfaches Ja oder Nein. Wenn wir die Zustimmung dekonstruieren, entdecken wir, wie wir unsere wahren Wünsche kommunizieren können, und hören auf, Dinge zu wählen, die wir nicht wollen. Durch Diskussionen, Bewegung und Partnerspiele werden wir Werkzeuge entwickeln, um körperliche Wünsche auszudrücken und zu verhandeln und durch praktische Übungen Grenzen zu setzen. Dieser Workshop ist für Menschen aller Körpergrößen, Geschlechter und Hintergründe offen und einladend. Es handelt sich um einen nicht-sexuellen Workshop bei dem, ohne Druck, Kommunikation und Berührung geübt werden können. Es geht genauso darum, wirklich Ja zu sagen und es auch so zu meinen, wie es darum geht, Nein zu sagen! Wenn Sie noch nicht an einem Workshop zum Thema Consent im Village teilgenommen haben, ist es jetzt an der Zeit! Diese Erfahrung wird Ihnen nicht nur helfen, sich in der we are village Community zurechtzufinden, sondern sie wird Sie auch dazu befähigen, diese Werte in Ihr Leben zu übertragen. Gemeinsam wollen wir eine auf Consent ausgerichtete Gemeinschaft mit gemeinsamen Werten aufbauen und dabei die Verantwortung des Einzelnen für die Einhaltung dieser Grundsätze betonen. Unser oberstes Ziel ist es, gesunde Beziehungen zu fördern und eine integrative Community für eine bessere, vernetzte Zukunft zu schaffen. 🔵 **Embodied Consent** with **Karl-Henrik** for **LGBTIQA+** Free **[Registration Required](https://wearevillage.org/en/shop/embodied-consent/w20-2026)** **Learning about boundaries and communication**. If you have not yet attended a workshop on Consent in the Village, now is the time! This workshop is highly recommended for anyone wishing to visit our project on a regular basis, or to attend one of our workshops. This experience will not only help you navigate within the we.are.village community, but it will also equip you to carry these values into your life. Being aware of your boundaries and expressing your consent or non-consent are essential skills in life, but we don’t often get a chance to actually practice consent skills in the same way we practice other skills, like singing, playing sports or learning a language. Consent is about much more than a simple yes or no. When we deconstruct consent, we discover how to communicate our true desires and stop choosing the things we actually don’t want. Through discussion, movement and partner games, we will build tools to express and negotiate physical desires and set boundaries through the use of practical exercises. This workshop is inclusive and welcoming to individuals of all body sizes, genders, and background. This is a non-sexual workshop, and great, low pressure situation in which to practice communication and touching. It’s as much about how to truly say yes and mean it as it is about saying no! If you have not yet attended a workshop on Consent in the Village, now is the time! This experience will not only help you navigate within the we are village community, but it will also equip you to carry these values into your life. Together, we aim to nurture a consent-centered community with shared values, emphasizing individual responsibility in upholding these principles. Our ultimate goal is to foster healthy relationships and create an inclusive community for a better, more connected future.

🧠 **Decision-Making Under Pressure (Part 2)** ​The wait is over. ​After the great response to our first session, we’re bringing it back — with new scenarios, new challenges, and even more real-time decision-making. ​This is not a typical event. It’s an **interactive business simulation**, where you step into the role of a founder and face real-world startup situations under pressure. ​You’ll work in small teams, analyze scenarios, make decisions within limited time, and present your approach — just like in real life. *** # ​💡 What to Expect ​🔹 Work in teams 🔹 Solve realistic startup scenarios 🔹 Make decisions under time pressure 🔹 Present your strategy 🔹 Receive feedback and different perspectives ​Each round becomes more challenging, pushing you to think faster, communicate clearly, and act with confidence. *** # ​🎯 Why Join ​Because building a startup is a series of decisions — and the ability to make them under pressure is what makes the difference. ​Whether you’re a founder, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply curious, this session will challenge you to think critically and act decisively. *** # ​Event Details ​📅 **May 24, 2026** ⏰ **13:00 – 15:30** 📍 **The Social Hub** See you there! Check out our websites: Company-[Datenstrom-3ag.com](https://datenstrom-3ag.com/?utm_source=luma) Application-[Growfirma.com](https://growfirma.com/?utm_source=luma)

Silent Book Club is a group of book lovers who enjoy reading together in public. All books and all readers are welcome. (Kindly RSVP 'yes' only if you can make it, so we can save a seat for you and our fellow readers on the waitlist!) This page-turning party will unfold in the Café (1st floor) at the Bode Museum. There's no entrance fee, but please order at least one item from the cafe and don't bring any outside drinks :) No quizzes, no pressure, no assigned books - just a group of book-loving souls basking in the beauty of silent reading. **Our thrilling agenda:** 10:30 am - 11:00 am - Arrivals, ordering drinks/food (social time) 11:00 am - 12:00 pm - The Great Quiet Reading Hour (where silence is the star) 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm - Optional socializing, share your reading adventures or just keep exploring the pages Stay for lunch, and who knows? You might just find your next favorite book over a pizza. NB: If you plan to go for lunch, please consider bringing cash, as some restaurants only accept card payments after a certain amount.

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“A Deep Dive into the Declaration of Independence,”** on the origins and impact of America’s founding document, with Denver Brunsman, chairman of George Washington University’s history department, lecturer at Mount Vernon, and noted scholar of early American history and the American Revolution. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-deep-dive-into-declaration](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-deep-dive-into-declaration) .] The celebration of our nation’s 250th anniversary will take on much deeper meaning if you take time to fully understand and appreciate the document that declared our independence from England and gave rise to the American experiment. Learn essential lessons about the Declaration of Independence from Denver Brunsman, is an incredibly engaging speaker who has built a big following among Profs and Pints fans in and around Washington D.C. Professor Brunsman will start by discussing the Declaration’s background, composition, and philosophical underpinnings. You’ll learn how by 1776 American colonists had resisted British policies for thirteen years and endured open warfare with Britain for more than a year. We’ll look at how this imperial crisis influenced the Declaration’s primary author, Thomas Jefferson, as well as the larger Declaration Committee and the Second Continental Congress. In recent years, scholars have focused particularly on the previously underappreciated grievance section of the Declaration. Rather than simply being an afterthought to the more famous preamble (“all men are created equal”), the grievances followed a logical order that carefully presented the case against King George III and the British Empire for a “candid world” to consider. Professor Brunsman will fill you in on how that list of grievances rallied Americans and other nations to the cause. A document both timeless and of its time, the Declaration quickly soared beyond its humble origins as a committee report to become synonymous with American independence and an inspiration for rebellion elsewhere. Dr. Brunsman will consider the place of the Declaration in American life, from the eighteenth century to today, and how the document helped shape much of American history while influencing “the course of human events” throughout the world. The talk will close with customary toasts from the American revolutionary era. Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah! (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: From an idealized Jean Leon Gerome Ferris painting of Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams drafting the Declaration of Independence.

🎉 Speed Dating \- Matrimonial Matchmaking Event for Indian Singles in the USA \| Online via Zoom ⚠️ **RSVP alone does NOT confirm your spot.** Please register via Eventbrite and complete payment. Limited spots available. 🎟 **Register Here:** [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/indian-singles-speed-dating-matrimonial-matchmaking-event-tickets-1987684661329?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/indian-singles-speed-dating-matrimonial-matchmaking-event-tickets-1987684661329?aff=oddtdtcreator) 👥 Age Groups 21 to 29 – [Register Here](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/indian-singles-speed-dating-matrimonial-matchmaking-event-tickets-1987684661329?aff=oddtdtcreator) 30 to 39 – [Register Here](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/indian-singles-speed-dating-matrimonial-matchmaking-event-tickets-1987684661329?aff=oddtdtcreator) 40 to 49 – [Register Here](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/indian-singles-speed-dating-matrimonial-matchmaking-event-tickets-1987684661329?aff=oddtdtcreator) 50 to 59 – [Register Here](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/indian-singles-speed-dating-matrimonial-matchmaking-event-tickets-1987684661329?aff=oddtdtcreator) Join our **Online Indian Speed Dating Event** designed for singles who are serious about marriage and long-term relationships. A simple, structured, and comfortable way to meet compatible Indian singles—without relying on dating apps. **🔄 How It Works** • Register and secure your spot • Join Zoom (link shared before the event) • Participate in one-on-one timed conversations • Meet multiple Indian singles • Receive mutual matches after the event **✨ What to Expect** • 15-minute one-on-one conversations • Opportunity to meet multiple matches in one event • Friendly and well-organized virtual environment • Focus on serious relationships and matrimony 💻 **Event Location:** Online via Zoom **❓ Frequently Asked Questions** **How long are the conversations?** Each one-on-one conversation lasts approximately 15 minutes. **What happens after the event?** We share mutual matches so you can connect further. **What if I am shy or new to this?** The structured format and one-on-one chats make it comfortable and easy for everyone. **Do I need anything besides Zoom?** Just a stable internet connection, Zoom access, and a webcam. **Is RSVP enough to join?** No, your registration is only confirmed after completing payment on Eventbrite. 📲 Follow us on Instagram: [@gofordesi_](https://www.instagram.com/gofordesi_) WhatsApp +1 (732) 789 4636

Centreville Toastmasters members are just like you. Whether you are overcoming your fear of public speaking, improving your skills or already an accomplished speaker you'll get encouraging thoughts on what you're doing well and how you may improve. That's not all you also have a variety of opportunities to strengthen your ability to lead groups. **Are you willing to attend a meeting and see what it is all about? Meeting Hybrid at** 4900 Stonecroft Blvd Chantilly **VA** or online. Contact VP Membership for online link at [vpm-8806@toastmastersclubs.org](mailto:vpm-8806@toastmastersclubs.org)

Our next club meeting is on Sunday will start at 2:15, please join early. if you're coming in-person, parking is free and usually ample at the Community College on Sundays, and most of us park where the spaces are designated for staff and have never had a problem. 👉 Everyone is welcome to join our meeting, participate and practice. You'll get a chance to hear our club members speak and then have an opportunity to play the table topics game. **Agenda for the Meeting:** 1. Warm Up 2. Prepared Speeches (By club members) 3. Table Topics Game (Learn to think on your feet) 4. Feedback **Online - Join us via Zoom** https://us05web.zoom.us/j/86218205188 If you haven't used Zoom before, watch this short video on how to join our meeting - https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=45&v=vFhAEoCF7jg **In-Person** **\- Join us at Montgomery Community College** Meet us at Science Building, room SC 152. The room is located on the ground floor. The exact building address is https://goo.gl/maps/ZEgQH7bKLvzdqtSQ9 For help, please text or call, 301-917-4202.

**In a time of division and isolation, come be part of the community that's rebuilding the town square, one table at a time.** In BreadBreakers, we use the common space of the dining table to have conversations where neighbors can **hear, be heard, and know one another.** If you're hungry for good conversation and deeper community, join us for a Community Dinner in Reston and help blaze the trail to a healthier, more connected society and democracy. Here’s how it works: For just two hours, multiple tables of people set aside the need to "win" and instead focus on sharing, listening, and connecting. Guided by experienced table hosts, we'll tell our stories, try to understand each other, and practice being in community with those with different views or backgrounds. **At this dinner, participants will get to choose between three different topics, including some current events.** Topics range from the political, to the "slice of life", to the spiritual, to the philosophical, to the off-the-wall - but no matter which table you choose to sit at, you can be sure it'll be like no dinner conversation you've had before! You can also **suggest a topic** by emailing us at BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com. Food will be provided for free. For those who wish to provide a donation to help fund BreadBreakers, you can [give here](https://pushpay.com/g/restorationrestonumc?fnd=pO6G-N7oO7FH7Mp1u-x6mA&fndv=Lock&r=No&lang=en&src=pcgl) or at the event. We'll have vegetarian and gluten-free options available. If you have any additional dietary restrictions (Celiac Disease, vegan, etc.) please let us know at BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com so that we can implement the appropriate food handling procedures. **Join us, invite a friend, and be a part of the movement to mend our fractured society and normalize a better way of talking with one another.** BreadBreakers, an initiative by [Restoration United Methodist Church](https://restorationreston.org/breadbreakers) in Reston, VA, is a religiously inclusive community. We are a collaboration between people of all faiths and stripes. Our leadership, volunteer team, and community include people who attend Restoration and people who don't.

Voices of Mount Pleasant Toastmasters is a new faith-based club sponsored by Mount Pleasant Baptist Church of Herndon which is open and all guests are welcome to attend. It is a pleasant fusion of Public Speaking and Leadership training with fun and fellowship. Opening with an invocation, the Club president provides guests the opportunity to introduce themselves to the group with a short elevator-speech and introduces the Toastmaster to lead the meeting with a theme. The General Evaluator and team are introduced to let attendees know the word of the day, the timing of speeches and evaluations, and the filler-words, which wil be counted. In the first segment of the meeting, there will be 1 or 2 prepared speeches from projects studied in the Toastmasters education program (Pathways). In the second segment of the meeting, willing attendees are selected to receive information or a question from the Table Topics Master to give a 1-2 minute impromptu speech. In the third segment of the meeting, the General Evaluator introduces the Evaluator for each prepared speech; reintroduces the Timer, the Ah-Counter, and the Grammarian for reports. Next, the General Evaluator gives a summarized review of the structure and leaders of the meeting. An Educational Moment will be given to explain the Toastmasters Educational Program (Pathways) as an introduction to new members and guests. The presiding officer will make announcements, ask visitors to the club for their impression of the meeting for feedback, ask for prayer concerns, and give a benediction to end the meeting. The group is mainly made up of members of the church who joined Toastmasters for the first time with the chartering of the club in September of 2023. So everyone is learning together and encouraging one another.

This popular and accomplished Toastmasters club (#4787) is open to everyone, with an average of 25 people per meeting, mainly business professionals from the Reston/Herndon area. Meetings are held on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Tuesdays of the month from 6pm to 7:15pm at Conference Room #2 of the Reston Community Center: 2310 Colts Neck Rd, Reston, VA 20191. Some of the group's members are accomplished professional speakers, while others are just starting down their path of improved public speaking, including many non-native English speakers. Whether you're just starting out and looking to improve your speaking or overcome some nervousness...or looking to gain connections and sharpen your skills, you'll feel connected with the members of Reston Town Center Toastmasters. Stop by. Check us out! Chances are you'll like us so much that you'll be back! For more information: http://towncentertoastmasters.toastmastersclubs.org/