Century Toastmasters Meeting Minutes 4-20-05

Century Toastmasters Meeting Minutes 4-20-05

Theme: Keeping cool
WOW: Composure – calm and steady control over emotions

Sergeant in Arms Jude Awiylika began the meeting on time with the Pledge of Allegiance. President Dick Larkin made several announcements before leaving for a special engagement. In the next couple of weeks, Century Toastmasters will be trying a new way to schedule members for speeches and functionary positions in meetings. Joe Stewart will schedule people for positions on a rotational basis. The purpose in trying this is to help members get experience trying new things in the club, and to help people better reach their goals in Toastmasters. More details will come soon. Dick also announced that he is helping students at San Diego High School by facilitating workshops on how to be a better speaker. He’ll be there April 28 and May 4, from 9-11 a.m. You may email or call him (760-579-1005) if you’re interested in volunteering and assisting. He’ll take as many people as want to volunteer.

Byron Shovlain soon stepped in as Toastmaster and introduced the theme and word of the week. He mentioned that with speaking, preparation and practice brings confidence and composure. Very true. He asked everyone to stand up and introduce him or herself and explain how he or she maintains composure. Some responses included exercise, meditation, anticipation, getting to places early, thinking positively, and not stressing out over the small things. I (Molly Frisbie) delivered an Educational Moment on “10 Tips for Successful Public Speaking.”

Tony Gutierrez presented his CL 2 speech, completing the series. Congratulations Tony! It is a big boost for the club. Tony talked about the promises of a Toastmaster. He asked us to close our eyes and remember why we joined Toastmasters and what our original goals were. Then he asked if we’re achieving our goals. If so, great, if not, it’s never too late to evaluate where you are and how you can eventually reach your goals. Tony’s speech served as a great reminder to all that it’s so important to remember why we are at Toastmasters, and if our actions match our goals and dreams as a member.

Jude led the group as Table Topics Master, first telling a story of how he kept his composure as a boy facing a big and scary dog. Stephen Jaworski told a story of officiating high school basketball when his composure was tested. Doug Goodman spoke of his dog Deacon that also has the capability of acting as a guard dog. Darcy Konold and myself answered two of Jude’s questions involving somewhat scary circumstances. Thank you Jude for your inventiveness and enthusiasm.

Dee Williams served as General Evaluator, Darcy evaluated Tony’s speech, Amir Sherif was the Grammarian/Ah Counter, and Jose de la Torre acted as timer. Tony won Best Speaker and Stephen won Best Table Topics. We also welcomed Tony’s friend from San Francisco, Antonio, to the meeting.

The next Century Toastmasters meeting is Wednesday, April 27, at noon, Century Park, Building 4, room 4120C. We hope to see you there!