FS Toastmasters

President Susann Swan, in arriving early, found tables moved together, so she decided to move them to make a new configuration.  It allowed the format of the video conference room but with far more space.  Nice!  Toastmaster Jeanne Resen (and later Table Topics Master Betty McCallister) gave us even more to be thankful for with a Thanksgiving theme. Don Groff set the record straight as Word Master with the word "Pilgrim."  He pointed out that Pilgrim is not only a person that journeys to a sacred place but also the maiden name of Melinda Lowrance.  Melinda has improperly been addressed as Melissa in the past, so it was duly noted that Melinda does not identify with Melissa but with Melinda, Lowrance, and Pilgrim. Speaker Hoyt Griffith and Speaker Danielle Messer smoothy presented interesting powerpoints. Hoyt  explored epitaphs that have added special meaning to tombstones.   His evaluator was Molly Garnett. ...

Here are two "denizens" of Four Seasons Toastmasters: Ron Climer as Toastmaster and Karen Alexander as Table Topics Master.  The Toastmaster is not normally an impromptu role, but our experienced club ventured forth with just an "invisible" agenda and guidance from Ron.  Karen could be counted on to give prompts that elicited the upmost adventure from each recipient. Wendy Whitaker as joke master had her chief character prod under a bed for laughs and Susann Alexander occupied her space well as word master. Jeanne Resen spoke on "Positive Attitude" and encouraged members to be less harsh on themselves and reverse negativity.  In her speech adventure she explored "whymeitis," identified limitations, reframed for a more positive outcome and emphasized the power of simple listening.  Karla Reese was her evaluator. Molly Garnett took us on an adventure in introducing herself with the ever-enlightening ice-breaker.  She spoke on "Conne...

Of the five characters, please put a 1 and a 2 by your favorites:  Santa___; The Grinch___; Max __ Olaf ___________; The Wimpy Kid ___________ This will be on a ballot on Friday.  The top vote-getter may be part of our Christmas greeting to parade watchers with a plug for Toastmasters. No, Pikachu is not one of the choices but it does demonstrate the teamwork involved in putting on a parade or even a parade entry.  Our entry for Toastmasters will include a banner or two, a vehicle, some members walking behind to hand out a brief plug for Toastmasters with a candy cane or red and white striped mint.  And ????.   Your ideas and participation are welcome. We will be trying to have a positive presence that may become a tradition and a sales tool. Our audience will be unlike what we've ever faced as speakers before! The original Macy's Thanksgiving Parade in 1924 was named the Macy's Christmas Parade to inspire C...

This above incident really did happen. But as it was of no consequence, it is best to just focus on the meeting itself, for that is what is really important.  Toastmaster Stan Coss did use the trick or treat theme since the next meeting was to be November 1st.  Susann Swan gave a wonderful joke about Beethoven composing in reverse.  You had to be there to hear the whole story.  No spoiler here. Wendy Whitaker prepared her ice-breaker on "Who Am I and How Did I Get Here?"  Wendy admitted she is a big procrastinator, and she expressed a fascination with birthdays.  She said she is at Toastmasters to sharpen some speaking skills.  She may have been pleased to have exceeded the six minute time limit, as normally her speaking in table topics falls far short of the half-way point.  Karla gave the evaluation (and practiced for the evaluation contest she will enter at the division level). Josh Gravley gave his humorous speech, "Eating Season...

Some absentee members may have wanted to avoid the first frost of the season.  They missed some great tips on how to warm up with business prospects.  Ron Climer, based on his many years in selling and teaching real estate, spoke about establishing rapport.  Toastmaster Carole Kitchen used the theme of "The Colors of Autumn."  Joke Master Hoyt Griffith gave some humorous quotes about public speaking. Ron in his speech said a salesman has to get people to like him or her because people do business with people they like.  You have to get them to talk more than you do because people love to talk.  The salesman has to be a good listener and show interest is what a person is saying and doing.  Ron said it helps to practice being a good listener in everyday occasions.  It also helps to put a big smile on your face.  Josh Gravley gave an evaluation of Ron's speech using the See, Hear and Feel formula. Sally Jones was table topics master with ...

Not every Toastmaster likes to be awakened to the fresh smell of a table topic, the sensation of having to speak on the spur of the moment before a somewhat sizable group.  But this was gently ushered in for three tables of Toastmasters doing table topics.  We'd choose a prompt from the pile and proceed to a delve into responding to it before the three or four audience members around the table. This informal setting allowed members to get to know one another in a conversational way, instead of the usual "performance" in the center of eyes.  VPE Karen Alexander opened and closed the meeting with some comments.  Otherwise, it was all speaking before the small groups.  The most formal air was lent by the full-size flag; usually we have only a small replica. Those in attendance are obvious in full profile or full frontal except for one person at each table:  Stan Coss was table one photographer,  Danielle Messer faces away at table two, ...

Here's the meeting from start to finish, with Toastmaster Wendy Whitaker launching into the theme of "Fall Food" and Betty McCallister recounting from her notes the general evaluation of the meeting and the table topics. Table Topics Responder Joseph Girmann is loading up a crock pot, and Jokemaster Don Groff is making way for a bed frame. Speaker Ron Climer presented his views and called for audience response on "You've Come a Long Way Baby, but You still Have a Long Way to Go."  He remarked on improved race relations but brought up instances of dehumanizing.  He concluded with a call for polite correctness over ever-changing political correctness.  "Being right is no excuse for being rude," said Ron.  Stan Coss was Ron's evaluator. Karen Alexander gave a Mentoring Moment on "Mentoring." She said there was a wealth of information on the subject on the toastmasters.org site.  She encouraged mentors to find out the g...