July 7, 2009 Meeting

Josie here for Connie. This was a special post-Independence Day meeting in that we had an extended Table Topics session and only one prepared speech. Several members were on vacation. A lovely time was had by all.

Meeting brought to order at 6:33 AM by Bud.

Attending: Giselle, Brian (guest), Lisa, Tryphine, Bud, Kathy, Michael H. (guest), Michael W. (guest), Nik, Joe, Eileen (guest), Laura, and Josie.

Of note: Michael H. joined the club today. Welcome Michael H.! Brian and Eileen are still considering EarlyRisers as a real possibility.

Toastmaster of the Day: Josie

Theme for the day: Getting Better all The Time

To open the meeting Josie did a Tai Chi demonstration set to the Beatles song, "Getting Better" to show what she is getting better at all the time.

The Prepared Speeches at this meeting:
1) Lisa, "Change", Competent Communicator manual, project #4, time [5-7 minutes]. Actual delivery time: 00:05:33. Evaluated by Laura.


Other Roles at this meeting:

Inspiration: Josie, "First the blade, and then the ear/ Then the full corn shall appear/Step by step, day by day,/ Life Unfolds in an orderly way" by Dorothy Pierson

WordMaster: Nik and the word was complement, which was widely used by everyone

Timer: Bud
Ah Counter: Eileen
Grammarian: Laura

Table Topics Master: Giselle who had people "step away from the table" and come to the front to deliver their impromptu speeches. Highlights include: the military "square" metric of the relationship of the physical-mental-spiritual-emotional balance; inspirational songs that motivate you to be better (the Beatles featured again); the benefits of being a pessimist include seeing things as they really are; creative use of language to describe your previous job as a dish washer can land you a job; training your brain is always a good idea; clearing your clutter in your garage or on your desk can be a big project with big benefits; giving up something (like sugar) or someone (like an ex) can make you feel better.

General Evaluator: Joe -- who did one of the most thorough general evaluations of a meeting I have ever witnessed! Nice work, Joe.

Joke of the Day: Kathy Bibby, who asked, "What is Beethoven doing in his grave at this very moment?" DECOMPOSING!

Awards at this meeting:
Best Table Topics: Bud
Best Evaluation: Laura
Best Speech: Lisa

Club Business: Officers will be inducted next week. Michael H. will do his Ice Breaker. Jane will be Toastmaster. Be sure to respond promptly!

Meeting adjourned at: 8:00 AM