18 November 2008

The theme was "The Simple Life." In these trying and complex times, simplicity is the breath of fresh air that has the potential to replenish that which has been depleted in us.

And I shall have some peace there,

For peace comes dropping slow,

Dropping from the veils of the morning

To where the cricket sings.

--William Butler Yeats

As Toast master for the day, Kelly featured this quote on his agenda this day.

This meeting reminded me that we are volunteers at Toastmasters. It is time to elect club officers again, so the officers that were present made sure to say a few words to describe the roles of each position and to tell a little a bit about how things get done around the club and invite anyone who may want to step up to fill a role this time around.

6:30 AM welcome by Bud Rubin

Attending this meeting on this day: Ann, Connie, Tryphine, Bud, Theo, Tony, Lee W., Mark, Kelly, Stephanie, Josie, and two visitors: Kathy (from Toastmasters in Pacifica, CA) and Barbara (from Toastmasters in Prague, Czech Republic).

As Toast Master, Kelly takes control of the meeting and introduces the theme and inspiration (provided by Josie, a Buddhist story of what heaven is).

Guests introduce themselves and say a few things about their experience with Toastmasters.

Officers describe their roles in light of the coming election.

Speeches at this meeting:

1) Lee W., "There is Light at the End of the Tunnel," 6-8 minutes, The Persuasive Leader manual, speech #5. Actual delivery time: 00:08:19. Evaluated by: Tryphine (actual evaluation delivery time: 00:03:43, 13 seconds overtime).

2) Stephanie, "CHAR lee keh BECK," 6-8 minutes, Competent Communicator manual, speech #3. Actual speech delivery time: 00:07:33. Evaluated by Theo (actual evaluation delivery time: 00:03:20)

Other roles at this meeting:

Word of the day: Josie (word is integral); word was used 12 times throughout the meeting time

Ah-count: Mark

Grammarian: Tony

Timer: Bud

General Evaluator: Connie

Table Topics: Ann. This was a good one! Each member got a chance to make a brief introduction of a randomly selected member that day. Ann passed out quarter sheets of paper at the beginning of the meeting. On these little pieces of paper, club attendees wrote their names, career titles, interests and hobbies. The person doing the introduction used this information to put their little speech/introduction together. A great idea! We all have to make introductions at some point. It is a great skill to develop and hone. All Table Topics introductory speeches were delivered within the specified time limits.

Awards at this meeting:

Best Table Topics: Tryphine (who did a great introduction of Kelly)

Best Evaluator: Theo

Best Speech: Stephanie

 

Announcements:

Elections! The sign-up sheet was passed around. Stephanie pointed out schedule details.

Meeting adjourned at 8:00 AM