Presents, Gifts and Treats

Tuesday, October 2, 2007
13 attendees
Word of the Day – Tabula Rosa

For me, birthdays were great growing up. You could open one present, then another, then have some cake and open more presents. It was just the kind of over-stimulation that a young person needs. As you grow older days like these are few and far between. Attendees at today’s meeting witnessed a plethora of treats opening all around.

After a great invocation from VP of Membership Jennifer Gill we moved right into a wonderful story from our Toastmaster Gene Hargreaves (Treasurer). Gene’s celebrated a birthday (Happy 56^th!) over the weekend and the tale behind his new hairstyle was laugh out loud funny. Can you saw bowl cut? The part about being shocked was a bit unsettling though (smile)…

Gene’s story was another great example of how Toastmasters can help you in situations where a story is needed at the spur of the moment. Funny and seemingly rehearsed, his gestures and vocal variety are a great example for members to study.

More treats were in store during Table Topics:

• Guest James Tu talked about working at younger ages; and
• Winner Jennifer Gill spoke about giving and receiving in relation to her beloved bike

Our featured presentations contained a bit of old and new. Newcomer Melissa Rosen’s Icebreaker was next on the agenda. Melissa, a very talented Graphic Designer in Metro’s Design Studio wove a story that began in the mid-west.

Her mother held out hopes of returning to New York but two decades later Cincinnati Ohio is still home. Melissa’s fondest memories of sleep-away camp were communicated with great hand-gestures (have you been to Toastmasters before?) that illuminated walking high above the ground on a tight rope. A reunion at the camp also led to a romance with her soon to be husband. Her story finished with the birth of her son Maxwell. A great job of taking the audience on your personal journey!

Club President Joe Simpson took a humorous look at having a recognizable last name and some of the strange coincidences that exist with two very famous ‘Simpsons’. The point of this Advanced Communication Series speech was to start and end with a humorous speech but add five jokes seamlessly throughout the presentation.

Today, October 9, will feature presentations from Bertha Bruner and another icebreaker from James Tu. Bring a lunch, a friend and enjoy the show.