Meeting Recap: Nov. 20, 2014 (Special Event: Darren LaCroix and Cathey Armillas)

Every guest was thankful that VP Membership Marcia Berry had coordinated a wonderful spread of sandwiches and refreshments.APS President Georgia Jones gave the official welcome, and then talked about some of the guiding principles of our advanced club. Neerja Purang welcomed the guests on behalf of District 46 and expressed gratitude to Cathey and Darren, who personify the true spirit of Toastmasters.

Cathey Armillas is a three time DTM and former Governor of District 7 in Oregon. In “How to Rock a TED Talk,” Cathey used humor, personal stories, and video clips to demonstrate the essentials of this growing communication medium. Her presentation is required listening for anyone looking to expand their public speaking opportunities to the world of TED Talks. I have attached her handouts.

Darren LaCroix is the 2001 Toastmasters World Champion of Public Speaking, and is now in great demand as a speaker, trainer and coach. Darren showed a video of his winning speech, and then taught us “How to Own the Stage.” Just some of the many valuable lessons:

1)  Build audience connection - by using “you” focused questions, speak to one but look to all, use pauses to allow audience reflection.

2) Take us don’t tell us - by using dialog not narration, by showing people’s reactions, by invoking sensory imagery.

Cathey and Darren then coached audience volunteers. Jeanne Boyarsky, Harry Aneziris and Cecelia Wallace all spoke to the meeting and then got some expert advice.

Neerja and Georgia closed the meeting with thank you gifts for Cathey and Darren and made the welcome announcement that both would return to be a part of our Spring Conference on May 9.

Should Men Meet Women on the Subway? APS Toastmasters will debate this urgently controversial topic at our annual humorous debate on Thursday December 11, 6-7:30 pm. The moderator will be Brian C. Robinson, author of “How to Meet Women on the Subway.” Please RSVP by responding to this email.