Ukranian feedback

The workshop I ran was written up in the Ukranian media. With the help of google translate, I have asertained that the woman in the photo is not trying to flee my classroom. It appears the Ukranians quite liked it.

Wikileaks

I stepped in at the very last minute to speak AGAINST the motion that this house believes wikileaks is in the public interest. Not a natural position for a journalist to take, but I had (or concocted) enough reservations to make a convincing argument. We didn't win, but neither did the proposition gain an overall majority (plenty people abstained). It was also a great experience to make a 7 minute speech from scratch with absolutely zero preparation. What fun!

Women and children's rights in the Ukraine

Today, I ran an EU-funded workshop for Ukranian journalists on women and children's rights in Kiev. It was a wonderful experience. The 40 journalists who attended all had stories to tell, and we came up with a few more that need to be told. I hope to see some Ukranian names in the running for the 2011 Lorenzo Natali prize for reporting on human rights.d.

Vandore vs UKIP

I am very pleased to say that my debating partner and I defeated the founder of UKIP and the motion that This House Would Leave the EU at the UCL Debating Society tonight. And against all those doctors too!

My last Toastmasters of Paris speech.

I've had a wonderful learning experience with Toastmasters of Paris. The highlight ws definately winning third prize in the humourous speech competition on only my third speech. I displayed my cup of the mantlepiece for a long time. It's all packed up now, as in a few days I leave Paris for a new life in London. Thanks for all the memories guys and girls - and the speaking tips too!