Meeting Recap: Sept. 12, 2013 (Welcome to the Club)

Dear APS Members,

Our September 12 meeting brought us a “cornucopia” (Word of the Day) of interesting guests to enliven a spirited and informative meeting. 

Toastmaster of the Day Rafay Khalid brought his usual soft-spoken but disciplined style to the proceedings, which started with Harry Aneziris’s rollicking account of the Toastmasters International Convention in Cincinnati. Manuel Saldana followed with an entertaining folk tale from the Storytelling Manual: “Four Brothers.” Although he didn’t murder his brothers like his protagonist, he found the brothers’ odyssey similar to his own journey to the USA. Evaluator Pam Burke praised his use of bold gestures and dramatic language, but suggested he could make his story even more effective by increasing his vocal variety and giving each character definite traits to help the audience keep track. Next, Marcia Berry demonstrated how difficult cold calling can be with “Conquering the Cold Call” from the Persuasive Speaking manual. After giving her audience tips on converting cold calls into hot prospects, she enacted a role-play with Christine Navigante. Evaluator Wendy Reynoso confirmed that these tips really work, and encouraged salespeople in the audience to use their contacts, respect the gatekeepers, and be patient when pursuing a sales lead.

Table Topics Master Georgia Jones then introduced a series of Toastmasters-related questions, including “What are your Toastmasters goals?” “What drew you to Toastmasters?” and “Do you ever intend to retire from Toastmasters?” Members and guests responded with funny and inspiring answers that reminded us just how much we get from our Toastmasters involvement.

Rafay led the club in the induction of new members Mañuel Saldaña, Derek Chen, and Mary Cropsey. And General Evaluator Todd McKinney suggested that giving new members more time to speak by shortening the lengthy ceremony might make future inductions more meaningful.

The next meeting will take place on Wednesday, September 25 at 6 PM. APS members: Don’t forget to bring your $40 cash dues. Also, don't forget to: Sign up for roles in upcoming meetings.

We hope to see you then.

Marcia Berry

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Marcia Berry

Secretary, Advanced Public Speakers