(It is planned that) one of our members will deliver a speech from his suburban home using video and voice over internet (VVOIP) techniques. The other club members will view the speech (in real time) on a large screen TV monitor at the Shelley home of David. The speech will be evaluated on line. This will be followed by an interactive discussion on the use of VVOIP for Toastmasters meetings.
The use of standard domestic facilities and inexpensive computer peripherals will be a critical test for the ultimate aim of Netmaster members in remote localities to join in a standard club meeting.
Netmasters members: ensure Thursday 3 September is free of other engagements so you can take part in this historic event. Watch for emails detailing the meeting agenda and the actual address in Shelley.
Congratulations to Mark, our cyber Toastmaster pioneer. On 3 September Mark gave his speech, “Mashantucket USA”, from his home. Mark used Skype video over internet from a laptop with webcam. Mark addressed the other Netmasters members who viewed and interacted with Mark in front of David’s iMac.
Mark spoke of his long flight to Boston and the many security checks on the way. Meeting with other Toastmasters from around the world was a highlight. The Convention and decisions at Council meetings gave Mark and fellow District 73 leaders a first hand look at the future directions of Toastmasters, and particularly with “District WA”.
The Skype video call worked very well, but with some minor technical hiccups. We found that Toastmasters may have to learn a new skill when using a built-in web cam: how to sit down while delivering a speech and how to use less expansive gestures! The lack of focussed eye contact was found to be disturbing by some.
Netmasters will conduct further tests with Skype video calls. A general view was that meetings with members at a remote location will have a place, but speeches would be better with the presenter standing in front of a live audience.