The Magical Power of Humor

Mirth was chosen by Word Master Mary Beth to support the humor theme. Toastmaster Stan Coss used three types of humor featured in June's Toastmaster Magazine, the cover story on "The Magical Power of Humor."   Randy presented a great twist on sharing bad news as Joke Master.  Then Stan launched into his first type of humor, vulnerability.  For two more transitions he used the other types of humor in the magazine, relatability and self-deprecation.  In each he expanded on a Pardee emergency he'd been treated for four years ago.

Carole’s ice-breaker speech was titled, "Who Am I?"  She spoke about her family heritage and the various careers that she has had. She described her educational path and her current studies.

Joseph spoke about communications styles. And personality styles based on Carol Tuttle’s work. He
described energy types, facial features and other ways to identify one of four energy types of people, citing a few FSTM members as examples.  This was level one research and present in Pathways.

Table Topics Master Jeanne Resen presented some interesting prompts to humor.

Caitlin spoke about an embarrassing moment with caring for kids.
Ron spoke about the best Father’s Day he could have.
Karen spoke about her kids.
Mary Beth spoke about her young son’s cuteness.
Danielle described a swimming outing with her family that she will never forget.

Karen evaluated Joseph’s speech. She commented about his dramatic presence and use of humor. Suggested that he rely less on note cards, start the speech promptly, and use more of the stage.

Susann evaluated Carole’s ice breaker speech. Susann noted how calm Carole was in front of the
audience, she used gestures and didn’t say um. A grow was to distribute her eye contact more evenly,
and, as she progresses as a speaker, utilize more of the stage when she speaks.

The eyes and ears team gave their reports: Wordmaster, Mary Beth Dallman,; Grammarian, Don Emon; Ah Counter, Ron Climer/Danielle Messer; Timer: Vicky Balson.

Betty gave the evaluation of the meeting. She praised the table topics and how the meeting started
promptly with Caitlin standing in as the Sergeant at Arms. She noted the evaluators gave glows and
grows. She complimented Stan on his role as toastmaster and asked people to verify their names and contact information to keep our records accurate on the online roster and elsewhere.  (Just prior to the GE evaluation, Stan had apologized for two spelling errors of names on the agenda, tying the number of the Toastmaster the week before.)

Members Present: Caitlin Owens, Carole Kitchen, Joseph Girmann, Stan Coss, Betty McCallister, Susann Swan, Danielle Messer, Randy Dunn, Karen Alexander, Vicky Balson, Mary Beth Dallman, Jeanne Resen, Brad Dienst, Ron Climer, and Carole Kitchen.