Just Do It?

Tuesday, January 15, 2007
7 attendees
Word of the Day – Moxie

The foundation of the Toastmaster’s experience is the structure and flow of each meeting. Each activity, as you know, is designed to provide opportunities to speak in front of your peers. The thought being each chance you speak provides more experience that leads to more self-confidence as a communicator. Each member in today’s meeting did just that, participated in a great program.

Jennifer Gill (VP of Membership) served as Table Topics master and asked members and guests to speak about issues related to the Golden Globes - their favorite actor (guest Raynard Price), favorite film (Club President Joe Simpson) and (Gene Hargreaves Treasurer). And the winner(s) were… Gene and Joe!

Today’s featured presentation was delivered by one of the club’s most dynamic speakers, Paul Burke (Vice President of Membership). Paul presented the fifth speech entitled Anti-Oxidants, Speaking to Inform Manual, Project #5, “Abstract Topics”. This speech which needed to be 7-9 minutes in duration, was littered with gems that we can all learn from. The dramatic pause – Paul actually held his breath to prove a point about living without oxygen – which emphasized his point and held the audience’s attention. He utilized visual aids to highlight points but they also kept him on topic and organized without being obtrusive or too obvious. The speech flowed seamlessly and as any good presentation will do, ended much too soon.

There is a saying in boxing – styles make fights – and our second presenter, member Bertha Bruner, highlighted a much different style that was just as effective as Paul’s. Her speech, the ninth speech from the Competent Communicator Manual, “Persuade!”, 5-7 Minutes entitled Just Do It, was introspective, delivered with calm and controlled emotion. It covered the how and why of setting resolutions and her reasons for keeping them. She highlight the points with personal examples of her prom date and the drama behind it; words to live by from her minister and a great conclusion that tied it all together. As Bertha nears the finish line, I hope we see more of this personal style shine through.

Note – Start off the new year by ‘re-visiting’ the club and sharing your experiences with us. Make a resolution to achieve your CC or just speak on table topics – we’d enjoy having you back!

Service to Others

Tuesday, January 8, 2007
10 attendees
Word of the Day – Engaged

I hope the new year finds everyone well and in good spirits. The beginning of the year conjurs up resolutions, hopes and goals for the days ahead and often serves as the road map for change. Last Tuesday’s meeting has highlighted the path our newer members are taking as Toastmasters in the days ahead. New talents were at the fore, shining brightly in our table topics and main presentation portions of our program and we enjoyed it.

After an invocation deliver by Kathy Hendry (Secretary), Raynard Price provided the word of the day - Engaged.

Joe Simpson (President) served as Table Topics master and asked each member to speak on topic devised while lying on his sick bed over the past weekend. In between a bout with a bug, he witnessed the world through morning television, which inspired the following topics:

Britney Spears – Does is say more about us as a society that we are drawn to sensationalized stories of distress? Cynthia Jimerson, Seargent at Arms

Roger and Barry – should athletes face a ban or be stricken from record books because of their use of steroids? Paul Burke

Writer's Guild Strike - Do you have issue with Late Night Talk Shows going back into production and crossing picket lines? Jennifer Gill, Vice President of Membership

California's Gambling Profits Initiative - Do you support or oppose Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's stance of the upcoming ballot's most hot topic? Gene Hargreaves, Treasurer

Obama or Huckabee – Which candidate has the better chance, after early and unexpected primary wins, of winning their party’s nomination? Member Melissa Rosen (Winner)

Guest Raynard Price delivered his second speech entitled My Mentor. His speech highlighted a relationship with an influential professor in San Diego that shaped his life. The speech focused on giving back and doing for others and .Although mainly read from notes, it was delivered smoothly, with plenty of hand gestures, body movement and eye contact. I’m sure I speak for others when I say that I’m definitely looking forward to hearing more about Raynard’s experiences through future presentations to the group.

Note – Start off the new year by ‘re-visiting’ the club and sharing your experiences with us. Make a resolution to achieve your CC or just speak on table topics – we’d enjoy having you back!