Meeting Recap: July 9, 2015 (Toastmasters Heaven)

Dear APS Members and Guests,

Toastmaster of the Day Manuel Saldana led APS in welcoming the New Year, where just about everyone is President’s Distinguished and in a state of “Toastmasters Heaven.” Manuel asked everyone to write down their own idea of Toastmasters Heaven, and he shared their thoughts throughout the meeting. Helping to celebrate this halcyon time were guests Pauline Edwards and Richard Patterson. Additional guests David Hamilton and Jinquan Liang became the newest APS members. “Halcyon” was the Word of the Day presented by Grammarian Pauline Edwards.

Todd McKinney asked where thrill seeking, addicted Toastmasters can go for help, suggesting there may be a need for a “Toastmasters Anonymous.”  Fellow addict Steve Brady enjoyed the attention grabbing opening and the humorous comparisons with other addictive behaviors, but thought that it was time for Todd broaden his skills by writing speeches for others.

Expecting the birth of his first child in just a few days, Brian Robinson encouraged everyone to do whatever it takes and to keep pushing to “Give Birth to Your Dreams.” Jinquan Liang liked Brian’s stage presence and the imagery used, but suggested a possible title change and some additional salesmanship would help him spawn an even more refined message.

Pam Burke wondered “What Would You Do?” when just about everything goes wrong while rushing to catch a flight and then forgetting your laptop in the boarding area. It turns out that challenges like these are what give us the opportunity to be gracious to those who help. Georgia Jones thought that Pam’s use of pauses and her portrayal of other characters were key to creating engagement, but Georgia suggested more speech time be devoted to the lesson learned and less to the actual narrative.

Table Topics Master Harry Aneziris had some inspired questions of a heavenly nature. Pauline Edwards said that her idea of heaven is when everyone is friendly, happy and healthy, but David Hamilton said his dream has come true by achieving his CC and joining APS. Richard Patterson admitted that if his Toastmaster wife forced him to choose, he would pick her ahead of his own Toastmasters membership, while Wesley Webster thought a vacation to South Africa would be an ideal break from Toastmasters. Manuel Saldana would send all the DTM’s to purgatory to assist those still trying to get to heaven.

General Evaluator Georgia Jones had suggestions for everyone as time allowed, but thought it important that all agenda changes be finalized before the start of the meeting. Likewise, any evaluator who refers to their subject as a “great speaker” may diminish the impact of the feedback they have to offer. As highest ranking officer present, Brian Robinson opened and closed the meeting with authority, welcoming guests and including an effective pitch for APS membership.

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Todd McKinney

Secretary, Advanced Public Speakers