01/25/2016 meeting "I have a dream …"

Hello Fellow Toastmasters, our meeting back from our holiday off last week was productive and appropriate since our theme was Martin Luther King Jr. 

Thank you to our Toastmasters who filled in for roles last night, this is a great opportunity to learn and practice our skills. 

Our Invocation by Byron was uplifting as he shared a story of inspiration from our own Toastmasters magazine. Migo filled in as our Joke Master and he was also our Toastmaster for the night, making sure our meeting stayed on track. 

Lucille was our Table Topic Master and she gave a very good introduction into our Table Topics, and gave us thoughtful questions on a topic that is often sensitive. All speakers are commended for going up and speaking their minds and sharing their views on this holiday and the importance of it. 

Our Table Topic Evaluator George focused his evaluations on critique and pointed out patterns of habits that some of the speakers had. Very useful pointers were given for all speakers. 

Thank you for the wonderful refreshments provided by Byron, Daniel and Migo last night. The snacks were truly enjoyed. 

We had one speaker for the night George, who gave us his sixth manual speech about the Roller Derby and what it takes to be a referee. He presented a very entertaining and well thought out speech. His evaluator Brian, had more praise than critique, but offered a few helpful suggestions for his next speech. 

The general evaluator, myself, gave a well-rounded review of the meeting then handed it over to our Toastmaster Migo to announce the winners of the night. We ended our productive meeting a few minutes early and are eager to reconvene once again next Monday night. 

Hope to see many of there. 

1/11/2016 meeting "Wisdom"

Hello Fellow Toastmasters, 

Our second meeting of the year found us with a small, but mighty crowd speaking about wisdom and inspiration.

A number of members stepped up to fill in roles, including some of our newer members; great job and way to take advantage of the opportunity.

Brian, as our Table Topic Master, asked us to share with the audience about movies or life events that inspire us and/or provide us with wisdom.  All speakers shared stories of inspiration and were very comfortable on stage. Our Table Topic Evaluator Dee provided advice for our speakers that was short and to the point. 

Refreshments last night were provided by Martin, thank you! We definitely indulged during the break.

Our Toastmaster Byron introduced our speakers for the night. Daniel gave us a manual speech about the hitting the ‘Jackpot’ and what he would do if he won the lottery. Lucille shared with us an impromptu speech about childhood rhymes and the meanings behind them. Garvin also gave us an impromptu speech on ‘The Cold, Hard Truth’ about making the most of our lives while we are still alive.

The speech evaluators, Daniela, Migo and Fabian, provided useful feedback to the speakers by emphasizing the things that worked well, and providing suggestions on things that needed improvement. Our General Evaluator Lucille did a wonderful job pointing out details about the meeting that normally go unnoticed. 

An announcement was made about the LACE training. If interested, email Daniela for more information. Overall, a great meeting last night, and hope to see many more fellow members next time.

1/4/2016 meeting "New Year, New Beginning"

Hello Fellow Toastmasters, our first meeting of 2016 was energetic and filled with wise words for the new year. 

Dee filled in for Invocation and reminded us that the holidays are centered around family and love. This was notably true since Dee invited her sister Carolyn from Wisconsin to be our guest tonight. 

Our Joke Master Byron started off by warning us that he is not a great joke-teller, but his 'carnival' joke had us laughing out loud and blushing!

Michael was our Toastmaster for the night and facilitated the meeting, making sure we stayed on track and on time. 

Our General Evaluator for the night, Daniel, did a very nice job at the beginning of the meeting explaining the roles of the 'helpers,' our timer and grammarian, to our members and our guest. He also gave a great recap at the end of the meeting of the speech evaluators' pointers. 

The Table Topic portion of the meeting was soon underway as the Topic Master, myself, Daniela, eased us into the first meeting with questions about new year resolutions, memories and plans. All Table Topic speakers shared personal stories about what their plans for the new year are, or what they found memorable about the last year. 

Byron was also our Table Topic Evaluator (thanks for filling in) and gave our speakers very succinct but useful pointers. After two weeks off, he gave us advise to get us back on track. Some pointers included: don't forget to greet your audience, avoid negative talk when speaking, and relating your speech to your Toastmaster's experience is always a good way to go :) 

Refreshments provided by Ernestina and Martin were great, thank you. The spicy guacamole humus was a hit!

After the break we had two prepared speeches and one impromptu speech. George shared with us his "Recipe for Change" as he vibrantly explained how a pair of bunny slippers helped shape his career. Fabian gave us an impromptu but valuable speech about keeping the magic of kindness alive not only throughout the holidays, but always. Last but certainly not least, Brian shared an animated introduction to skiing on a 'piste' slope, and the meaning behind the different signage. If you are a beginner, and you see double black diamonds, go the other way!!

The speeches were followed by three great evaluations by Dee, Garvin and Migo. All three evaluators boasted on the great points of the speakers and also gave constructive criticism and tips to improve their speeches. No only do the speakers learn from this, but so does everyone else listening. 

Great job tonight everyone; we had a very productive & entertaining first meeting of the year. See you next week!  

12/7 meeting "Table Talks"

Good morning fellow Toastmasters,

Our 12/7 meeting "Table Talks" has us thinking on our feet as we had an array of questions asked of our Table Topic master Daniel last night.

Our meeting started with a great opening invocation by Lucille and joke by Byron (both did a great job). Michael ran a very smooth meeting as we got out on time last night.

Daniel our Table Topic master asked us varying question which had us thinking and looking to the sky (as the questions made us think a little)

Brian then went over each TT speaker in great detail offering each speaker poignant advice.

Refreshments were provided by me, Byron, Martin, and Dee. All different snacks/refreshments very good selection. THANK YOU ALL!!!

Daniela spoke to us about keeping your eyes on the road while driving and how distracting it is. A very informative speech and eye opener on the hazards of driving while distracting. Juju gave a impromptu speech about her family tree in which we learned a lot about her AMAZING father. Both great speeches in their own right.

Both Lucille and Ernestina offered advice and feedback to their speaker.

Last night's meeting was a real treat, very fast paced and entertaining. Please note, Monday January 4th is our next regularly scheduled meeting. We hope to see everyone back real soon!!!

11/30 meeting "Argument"

Good morning fellow Toastmasters,

Our 11/30 meeting "Argument" saw us attempt to sell fellow Toastmasters on various products & I for one was sold!

Our meeting started with a great invocation message by Juju and a very funny opening joke by Sergio. Daniel, back from his vacation filled in admirably as our Toastmaster last night running a very smooth & fast meeting.

Charles our TT master last night brought in a "Bag 'O Goodies" for each of us to sell, and boy did we sell! We each selected an item which we then pitched to fellow Toastmasters. I saw a lot of very excited Toastmasters go up and speak last night. Who knows, we might all have a career in Sales/Marketing as a fall back career.

George then provided very honest feedback we could each put to use improving our speeches. ***GREAT JOB GEORGE***

Refreshments were provided by Florence. For those who missed it, Florence made salmon dip and brought in freshly cut fruit. Very healthy snacks…THANK YOU SO MUCH FLORENCE :)  And can’t forget Byron who provided warm water/tea on a very chilly night!

Lucille started the prepared speech portion of our meeting with a speech about Sears and her Thanksgiving which all worked out in the end. Martin followed her with his Icebreaker speech where we learned a little about his life. His speech had us listening so intently that he brought home his 1^st first ribbon by winning the best speaker of the night…CONGRATS MARTIN  :)

Both Brian and Ernestina offered their assigned speaker advice they could implement for their next speech.

Truly a fun and entertaining meeting. Can’t wait for next week as it’s our last regular meeting until after our Christmas break so let’s have a full house next Monday my fellow Toastmasters!