Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Wild Words Contest

In order to prepare good speeches, you need to be able to write.  Here's your chance to participate in a Wild Words Contest and get some great information.


SARK just announced SARK's Wild Words Contest! It's sort of combination between a writing contest and a treasure hunt...and EVERYONE who enters wins a prize! One person will win the JUICY GRAND PRIZE, which includes being FEATURED in your own "Magical Mini-Memoir" in the program - right alongside the other inspiring writers. Enter today - the contest ends April 8th! Plus, through April 8, there is an "Early Word Special" with a really nice discount. Enter SARK's Wild Words Contest here!








 
I love SARK
 
Fran
 

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Poetry In The Valley - new video



Recorded after Valley VIntage Toastmasters meeting. 

Thanks to Dan Caldwell.  Looking forward to seeing more of your work.

Poetry In The Valley is our first attempt at sharing a different type of communication with fellow Toastmasters and guests.

There are as many definitions of poetry as there are poets. Wordsworth defined poetry as "the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings;" Emily Dickinson said, "If I read a book and it makes my body so cold no fire ever can warm me, I know that is poetry;" and Dylan Thomas defined poetry this way: "Poetry is what makes me laugh or cry or yawn, what makes my toenails twinkle, what makes me want to do this or that or nothing."


Poetry is a lot of things to a lot of people. Homer's epic,The Oddysey, described the wanderings of the adventurer, Odysseus, and has been called the greatest story ever told. During the English Renaissance, dramatic poets like John Milton, Christopher Marlowe, and of course Shakespeare gave us enough to fill textbooks, lecture halls, and universities.
 
So what is poetry?


Perhaps the characteristic most central to the definition of poetry is its unwillingness to be defined, labeled, or nailed down.

Don't shackle poetry with your definitions. Poetry is not a frail and cerebral old woman, you know. Poetry is stronger than you think. Poetry is imagination and will break those chains faster than you can say "Harlem Renaissance."


To borrow a phrase, poetry is a riddle wrapped in an enigma swathed in a cardigan sweater… or something like that. It doesn't like your definitions and will shirk them at every turn. If you really want to know what poetry is, read it. Read it carefully. Pay attention. Read it out loud. Now read it again.

There's your definition of poetry. Because defining poetry is like grasping at the wind - once you catch it, it's no longer wind.

from About.com, written by Mark Flanagan

May you enjoy all the poems you read!!

Fran Watson

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Poetry Reading

Our local Toastmasters Club is having a special night on Poetry Reading.  This is the first introductory video about it.



I am planning to participate and will record a video for this as well.  I will post it as soon as it is available.

Poetry reading is a special type of public speaking as the speaker tries to interpret the meaning of the poem and give expression and vocal variety in the reading.  Poetry can be difficult to read and takes more time to think about than just reading a book or a newspaper article.  Participants will have an opportunity to challenge themselves while providing entertainment for the audience.  If you are in the area, we welcome you to visit the Neat Cafe in Burnstown, Ontario.

Fran