Meeting Recap: Thursday, May 12, 2016 (Spring Conference Preview)

Dear APS Members,

With the District 46 Conference just a few days away APS was having a “Spring Conference Preview.” Toastmaster of the Day Neerja Purang led the meeting according to protocol, and guest Toastmasters were Nicole Devlin and Marna Murray. “Protocol” was the Word of the Day announced by Marcia Berry.

M.T.A. spokesman Manuel Saldana explained and took questions on the Canarsie Tunnel crisis in “Canarsie Had Fallen.” It turns out that repairs to salt water damage incurred during Hurricane Sandy will impede L Train traffic for the next three years. Speech evaluator Lisa Qu praised Manuel’s sincerity but asked that he speak with more authority, be clearer with details and tell us what his company really stands for.

Davis Health Products President Kelvin Davis said that it was not his company’s fault that their power protein supplement had been spiked with the stimulant ephedra. He assured the press conference that he has a plan of action to resolve this “Energy Crisis.” Marcia Berry liked Kelvin’s businesslike appearance and that he kept cool under fire, but she wanted him to be more specific about the action plan and to focus more on helping affected consumers and not just position to avoid lawsuits.

International speech contestant Brian Robinson wanted everyone to know that “It’s Too Soon.” Helping some disadvantaged people find jobs taught Brian that it’s always too soon to quit, especially when life changing success might come on that one last try. Todd McKinney praised Brian’s speaking style, his relatable characters and powerful story. An ending that captured the emotion, message and theme was all that was needed.

After the official meeting ended Neerja Purang practiced “Lead to Succeed,” a longer presentation for a spring conference in a neighboring state. Neerja had a mix of inspirational content including examples like Walt Disney and some of her own personal stories to help listeners prepare their own blueprint for success. A Round Robin evaluation praised Neerja’s content, stories and sincerity, but then offered suggestions like engaging listeners from the very beginning, asking audience questions throughout, increasing entertainment value by adding a little humor and selecting some additional, human images for the visual slide show.

Table Topics Master Todd McKinney had questions to find out what members are currently thinking. Pam Burke has a blog site and book about weight loss and has recently spoken to young people at the Eagle Academy. Nicole Devlin is hoping to take her speaking to the next level with an advanced club, even though she recently hired a speech coach. Lisa Qu is hoping to become a great presenter to compliment her career as a designer. When asked to evaluate Brian Robinson’s speech Derek Chen is a big fan, but thought it would need more impact to win. Marna Murray is a Toastmaster since 2001 and is in New York on a photography research project. APS has many great qualities including contestants, but Eloise Johnny would still like to see more members.

General Evaluator Harry Aneziris praised the prepared speeches but agreed that the crisis management speakers needed to speak with more authority. Harry cautioned contestant Brian Robinson to make his ending less abrupt, then proposed that the free bananas he brought to the meeting become a club incentive.

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Todd McKinney

Secretary, Advanced Public Speakers