Meeting Recap: Sept. 24, 2014 (Harvest Moon)

Other special guests were previous International Speech finalist Mario Lewis, Lois Lynn, Dmitriy Kumshayev, Jenny Chengand Nan Li. “Equinox” was the Word of the Day presented by Kadisha Currie.“Helping Others in Need” was the story of Jacqueline McIntyre’s greatest mentor and role model – her Mother. After recounting some examples of her Mother’s generosity, Jackie donated her AC Bronze to APS upon the completion of this speech. Wendy Reynoso gave an eloquent evaluation, praising Jackie’s heartfelt story, and mentioning that the art of storytelling is the “apex of public speaking.” Wendy then suggested a more definitive opening and conclusion, and using vivid descriptive language to truly bring the story to life.

Guest speaker Marc Williams is revisiting all the clubs that gave him a chance to practice and develop his world championship speeches. Marc gave us “Chase to the Championship,” the inside story of his experience at the Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking, this year held in Malaysia. After winning his semi-final contest against nine other District Champions, Marc made the courageous decision to enter the final round with an entirely new speech, begun just 48 hours before. He did not finish in the top three, but he learned the ultimate lesson that “we speak not to win a trophy, but we speak to make a positive change in people’s lives.” Marc has already made a positive change in all of us. His speech at APS was a tour de force of superior speaking techniques, incorporating a strong structure, gestures and bodily stance, facial expressions and humor - all used to enhance the important message.

In “Fighting Your Giant,” Rhoundy Jones assumed the proverbial role of David, fighting the Goliath of self-doubt. Using humorous stories laced with sincerity, Rhoundy advised that the best way to keep that giant at bay is to never feed it. Marcia Berry liked the vivid language and the story of the high school date that never came to be. Marcia also recommended more expansive gestures, focused individual eye contact, and a more relaxed posture.

Todd McKinney ran a Table Topics segment that allowed Marcia Berry a chance to practice for the upcoming Division D Contest. Mario Lewis and Lois Lynn both offered Marcia their expert feedback. Mario suggested beginning the answer in a fixed location, and only later moving with purpose as the answer may require.Tatyana Gorbatyuk believes that perseverance is ultimately more important for success than natural talent, and Kevin Bob humorously said that he is an opportunist trying to make the best of every situation. Jenny Cheng revealed that her parents in China may not completely agree with her decision to pursue a business career in the United States.  

APS President Georgia Jones gave a virtuoso master class performance as General Evaluator, first offering thanks and praise to Marc Williams and Toastmaster of the Day Eloise Johnny, but then offering at least one point of constructive feedback for every other participant. Georgia demonstrated why APS represents the “apex” of evaluation. Grammarian Kadisha Currie commented on the lack of filler words at this advanced club, and Manuel Saldana gave the best kind of Timer report possible – one filled with humor.

APS will capture the gavel from LIU Brooklyn Toastmasters on Tuesday, October 7 at 6 pm. Marc Williams will be a speaker. Please join us at that meeting.

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Todd McKinney

VP Education, Advanced Public Speakers