Meeting Recap: April 22, 2015 (Earth Day)‏

Dear APS Members and Guests,

What’s the best way to celebrate Earth Day? By going to an APS meeting of course! The planet is now a better place thanks to APS and Toastmaster of the Day Manuel Saldana, who gave some historical background on the annual observance which dates back to 1970. The Geocentric outlook was shared by special guest ToastmastersUrsula Pietrzykowska and Marcelo Braga. “Geocentric” was the Word of the Day offered by Grammarian Christine Navigante.

Accepting an imaginary “Emmy Award for Maureen” was a project by Jacqueline McIntyre who played the part of a popular actor on a daytime TV drama. Speech evaluator Ursula Pietrzykowska praised Jackie’s humorous warmth and gracious manner, but wanted a more rigorous execution of speech project goals. Ula also mentioned that handheld notes are a distraction, and are better left on a lectern or table. 

Barbara Stallworth did “Suffrage. Beneficium?” After so many have fought and sacrificed to secure the right to vote, how can we in good conscience not exercise that right? Harry Aneziris was persuaded by Barbara’s earnest and serious appeal, but suggested there was no need to apologize when introducing religion or politics in a Toastmasters speech, especially when the material calls for it.

“Just One Thing” is the autobiographical contest speech by Todd McKinney, where doing even a small thing you are passionate about is the best way to make a difference. The Round Robin evaluators liked the message and stories, but wanted more emotional connection and further fine tuning of language and gestures.

Manuel Saldana conducted an Earth Day themed Table Topics session. Christine Navigante believes that there is an environmental problem, with too much trash and not enough recycling, but Barbara Stallworth recycles properly and conscientiously disposes of the “cleanest trash in New Jersey.”  Jacqueline McIntyre celebrates Earth Day by helping neighbors plant their garden, and Ula Pietrzykowska agrees that it is good to set aside one day to contemplate what is important. Brian Robinson believes that people should lead by example and that all change starts with the individual, while Marcelo Braga said that in the long run there is hope for everyone as well as the environment. Harry Aneziris believes that people are in much greater danger than the earth, and that we should celebrate a “Day of Life.”

General Evaluator Brian Robinson had feedback for everyone not already evaluated. Brian praised Ula’s evaluation skills, especially that she did not waste time before getting to the substantial suggestions but he did want to hear a more definitive conclusion. Brian liked that Harry opened his evaluation with a personal story, but wanted him to focus on the main evaluation suggestions and avoid unnecessary tangents so that “less is more.” Brian reminded the Table Topic speakers to address their reply to the audience and not the Table Topics Master, and that speaking from the heart - as Ula did - is the best way to connect with the listeners.

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Todd McKinney

VP Education, Advanced Public Speakers