Capital City Toastmasters Meeting Recap - September 9, 2010

Submitted by Jillian Bowlin

Today's Theme: Favorite Children's Books

Meeting Recap: September 9, 2010

With a tap of the gavel, Sari Salek launched Thursday’s meeting and introduced Wade Hudson as Toastmaster. Wade shared several kids books he loves reading and introduced the meeting theme, "Favorite Children's books." He welcomed Sari back to the lectern to provide the invocation. Sari read from William Ernest Henley's “Invictus” and the club joined in the last lines: "I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul." Joke Master was Mike Eaves, Word Master was Kelly Lingerfelt and Time Keeper was April Young. The word of the day was flumadiddle: nonsense or something worthless.

Chris Richter gave his appropriately titled speech, "What have I gotten Myself Into?" He recounted an experience where he ended up in a very uncomfortable situation having lunch with people from extremist groups. Dennis Smith followed with "Energy Management--Slow down to go fast." Dennis used his experience as a pilot to explain how slowing down and conserving energy are best. Brian Simpson concluded this section of the meeting with "Speaking without notes." Brian summarized his 12 hour experience at the Get Motivated Seminar into an abbreviated, 7-minute version for Fellow Toastmasters.

Cameron Henley led table topics and selected Tom Beaulieu and Christopher Crane to participate. Both qualified in speaking impromptu and using flumadiddle in their speeches.

Jillian Bowlin, Johnny Carr and Dean DiLillo evaluated the three prepared speeches. A few recommendations included using the floor space to engage the audience, help the audience by telling them what you want to teach by making no assumptions about what they already know and also to ensure the speech title is appropriate for the content.

Tom Beaulieu gave the grammarian's report, including uses of ums and ahs and Ariel Ward served as General Evaluator in giving feedback on the Toastmaster and Evaluators.

Votes were tallied and the ribbons were awarded to Tom Beaulieu, Jillian Bowlin and Brian Simpson.

Club business: More participants are needed for the club contest coming up at the end of September. Dues are due in October.

The attendance count was 20, including 2 guests: Paula Crawford and Charles Hann.