Meeting Recap: Sept. 10, 2014 (On to the Area Contests!)

Dear APS Members,

“On to the Area Contest!” was the rallying cry, as the Paladins of APS prepared for their coming battle. Toastmaster of the Day Derek Chen - who just recently achieved his DTM – led a meeting that also featured advanced speech projects from members on the verge of reaching their next educational goal. “Paladin” was the Word of the Day, given by the Paladin of District 46 - Neerja Purang. After arriving as a guest, Kadisha Currie left as the newest APS member.

District 46 Governor Neerja Purang was first up with a brief inspirational message: perseverance can sometimes lead to solutions coming from unexpected places.

Jacqueline McIntyre told the touching story of “A Young Activist,” an AIDS victim who became a spokesperson for AIDS awareness even though she was only 6 years old. Evaluator Georgia Jones admired the speech content but reminded everyone that a stronger speech structure always reinforces the message.

“A Tale of Two Babies” was Manuel Saldana’s humorous speech about the newest additions to his family – not so identical twins. This was the case despite ultrasound tests that predicted otherwise.  Marcia Berry loved the humor, but suggested Manuel needed to show more restraint with hand gestures and especially avoid using both hands symmetrically.

Sheryl Berger humorously recounted her son’s case of “Senioritis.” This not uncommon malady causes high school seniors to slack off after being accepted to the college of their choice.  Todd McKinney admired Sheryl’s confident delivery and range of vocal dynamics, but wanted her to proclaim the overarching message – that none of us can afford to be complacent.

“Doctor Says” was the final rehearsal for Harry Aneziris before the Area 44 humorous contest. The Round Robin evaluators praised the humor and the unexpected twists in Harry’s story, but they suggested certain jokes needed more clarity and that some vocal effects may have been too loud.

Todd McKinney gave APS Table Topics contestant Marcia Berry her chance to practice by offering several typical questions. Each of her answers was followed by a 1-2 minute Table Topic “evaluation” by another club member. Pam Burke, Derek Chen, Neerja Purang, Kadisha Currie, Harry Aneziris and Georgia Jones each took their opportunity to critique Marsha’s performances.

General Evaluator Kevin Bob broke new ground by assuming that role at APS for the very first time. Kevin thought the meeting was well organized, but especially praised the actionable feedback of the speech evaluations. He also called for reports from the paladins of his evaluation team, Grammarian Neerja Purangand Timer Pam Burke.

Dear Members: Please contact Pam Burke or another club officer if you have not paid your club dues! APS will get a $100 Toastmasters gift certificate if we can renew 20 members by September 20.burke.pamela.r@gmail.com 

~ - ~ -  ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~

Todd McKinney

VP Education, Advanced Public Speakers