del.icio.us 
Digg it 
Stumble it 
facebook
Below is the transcript from an ice breaker speech given by the current VP of public relations back in 11/2006. The grocery store list approach is something we can all relate to; and it gives a personal glimpse into one’s life which is ideal for an introductory speech…
Toastmaster’s Speech #1: The Ice Breaker
Mr. or Mrs Toastmaster … Fellow Toastmasters and welcomed guests. I truly appreciate the warm and supportive welcome into your club. Today, I will be breaking the ice with my first speech and sharing some things about myself through a medium that everyone in this room can relate to … a grocery list!!
I thought it would be good to bridge the unknown (that being myself) with something that we can all relate to (a grocery list).
This grocery store this past weekend.
My list includes:
Jacob’s Creek Shiraz
Frozen Box of Sugar Snap Peas
2 lbs of Frozen Mahi Mahi Fillets ($3.99 lb VIC Special)
2 boxes of Special K Cereal
1 box of Lucky Charms
Sugar Free Raspberry Jam
Bag of Carrots
Fresh Ginger Root
Clove of Garlic
White Onion
Tahini
From the list, you can probably tell some obvious things about me. I shop for a small family (my wife and I), and I go to the store more frequently (1 or 2 times a week).
1. How this list changed since I got married?
a. The list itself is a big change.
Meaning that I * actually * use a grocery list now. Prior to getting married, I would walk up and down every aisle of the grocery store (skipping produce) and buying whatever I felt like. I ended up buying things I already had at home, or end up with mismatched items (peanut butter / no jelly or cereal / no milk). So coming up with a grocery list was a positive change.
b. The list also reflects a healthier lifestyle.
In particular, the absence of sugary treats. When I was little and tagging along in the grocery store with my mother, I would always negotiate a piece of candy out of the deal. That habit followed me into adulthood with my new found buying power and freedom. Thankfully, my wife helped revoke that freedom, and I’ve cut out all those empty calories with healthier alternatives like the bag of carrots from the list.
c. In marriage, I’ve learned the art of compromise.
As discussed, I have a sweet tooth from my pre marriage days. Since my wife and I eat almost every meal together, we have to find compromises from time to time. For example, I really like sugary breakfast cereals, and my wife eats anything healthy. On the list, we bought one box of lucky charms, and 2 boxes of Special K. So, every morning, she will mix 1/3 part Lucky Charms and 2/3 parts Special K to help dilute the sugar content of my breakfast. It did not seem normal at first, but I’ve grown accustomed to the concoction. So, through compromise (and essentially learning a key to marriage), I get to eat lucky charms still … sort of.
d. Fresh vs Frozen foods
2. The next major point to share are the foreign influences (albeit subtle) in this list from my family, and our travels.
a. Foreign influences from Family
Half of my in-laws are Chinese and a lot of the culture has been perpetuated into my life today. The more authentic Chinese diet (not so much the $4.95 lunch specials you’ll find around RTP) consists of mostly vegetables, and fish. This diet is reflected in the list including carrots, and sugar snap peas for vegetables; and mahi mahi as a fish, along with fresh ginger and garlic for sauces used in preparation. A lot of the Chinese and South Asian culture has been passed down from both sides of our family.
b. Foreign influences from Traveling
My wife and I enjoy traveling, and last summer we went on a Mediterranean cruise. Among the many cultural experiences, we picked up a couple of culinary tidbits reflected here in the list. First, we now enjoy having a glass of wine with our dinner from time to time. In Europe, we were surprised to see most people having wine with every meal in moderation. Although, the Jacob’s Creek Shiraz from the list is not necessarily a European wine, it’s the custom that we brought back with us. Further, we found Mediterranean / Middle Eastern food to be very pleasing. The Tahini (which is sesame paste) that we picked up is a key ingredient in many dishes. So, we like to prepare things like Hummus and Baba Ghanouj at home using that and it reminds us of our travels overseas.
3. List illustrates organization and planning.
a. Planning Strategies
My superior planning and organization skills may not be obvious from a couple items on a grocery list. But let me go into more detail into my methods … essentially, I have not purchased large quantities of perishable items that may spoil or become stale. The exception is the 2 lbs of fish is more than we generally eat in a week, however it can be frozen and consumed several months later. Everything else will be used up until the next weekly trip. This shows my ability to plan ahead with great efficiency to avoid midweek trips to the grocery store and not wasting what we buy.
In summary, from the list, I’ve shared various aspects about myself that transcend a simple trip to the grocery store. Some things you may have learned about me include that I try to be organized, lead a healthy life, and that my wife is a big part of my life now. Also, my family’s cultural background plays a role in my life today, and we enjoy traveling the world.
