At today's Toastmasters meeting I played the role of humourist. The timing of this made me laugh a little, partly because of a black dog but mainly because last night I completed Michael Palin's excellent Diaries 1969 - 1979, The Python Years.
Michael's (I have to use the his first name as I feel I know him a little bit now!) book was an inspiration, not so much because of Monty Python, but because of his ability to laugh at himself. So today I decided that instead of telling a joke, I would simply share the thoughts I first expressed in this blog post last year.
Although the speech was only a minute or two, I decided to introduce a new element. Last year at Northern Voice, I enjoyed watching Dave Olson give an entire 30 minute speech using paper slides that he presented then tossed away like a good Bob Dylan video.
I can't pretend to have been as accomplished as Dave was, but the overall effect seemed to work. The feedback was good and even heard a few gentle giggles in the crowd.
Northern Voice kicks off again today, with Moosecamp tomorrow and the conference all proper like on Saturday, when Dave is speaking again - this time with a subject called F*ck Stats, Make Art Dossier. I can't wait! If you are not attending, check out Miss 604's guide to following online.
Photo by Robert Scales
Tags: toastmasters, MichaelPalin, Diaries, MontyPython, NorthernVoice, nv08, Moosecamp, DaveOlson, Miss604
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