April 9, 2007 Minutes

From Austin Toastmasters (Balcones, Club #3407)

Balcones Toastmasters April 9, 2007

Chapter 3407 District 55

Minutes of Meeting


Correction to omission: Frank Peters won Best Evaluator at the April 2nd meeting.


The April 9th meeting was opened by President Jake North.

Darlene North served as Toastmaster. Her introductory theme was Easter remembrances.

  • Prayer & Pledge was lead by Steve Helmke who also served as Sergeant at Arms.
  • Timer was Jennifer Wagner. She clocked everyone to the second.
  • Anne Child was Grammarian and the word for the day was "frustrated" used by Hollis, Phil, Frank, Harry, Dan, Darlene, Sonny and Mary. "Um"s were counted from Geogi, Amanda, Vlad, Harry, John Allert and Anne.
  • One Minute Toastmaster was Hollis Baker. His pitch, prepared in two minutes reminded us of the upside down pyramid... Start with the lead line, add supporting statements, fill in with fluff if necessary.


Table Topics Master was Phil Hallmark. His "take it if you want it" strategy presented a topic and allowed possible Table Topic victims to volunteer for that topic.

  • Gordon Baker - winner - 1:35 - "story about a pet" - Gordon told of taming his dog with a Beagle head and a Blue Healer body by using techniques seen on "The Dog Whisperer."
  • Frank Peters - 0:45 - "Humbling Golf Story" - Frank spoke of being humbled in practicing his golf stroke after having fallen and injuring his shoulder.
  • Steve Helmke - 1:46 - "Vacation to an exotic place" - Steve related the joys of swimming in with the dolphins in Cabo San Lucas.
  • Geoji George - "anything you want" - Geogi told us he valued spending time with family and friends at weddings.


Speaker #1 Amanda Garner - most improved - 5:29 - "Dispelling the Myths of HPV" - Amanda's second speech educated us about HPV. Not only promiscuous women catch it. Many people never exhibit symptoms. There is no cure but there are treatments for warts and cervical cancer caused by HPV. The HPV vaccine protects from the worst 4 of the 100 varieties.


Speaker #2 Vladimir Garner - winner - 7:55 - "Golfing with Papa" - Vlad engaged us with his story of meeting and wining approval of Amanda's grandfather while golfing among the pump jacks in Kilgore Texas where no matter how ugly the course, you can't argue with a $5 "green" fee.\


Speaker #3 Harry Savio - 8:57 - "The Discriminating Impact of Regulations on Housing" - Harry informed us that owning a house is the #1 way of accumulating wealth. Children living in a house are more likely to get a good education and homeowners participate in the community more. Then he told us of communities where housing restrictions are preventing lower income people from owning homes. Removing restrictions could reduce costs by 35%.


General Evaluator was Dan Naden.

  • Table topics evaluator was Scott Perry - 3:59 - He liked Phil's unique approach. Gordon always has a good story and great hand gestures. Frank has a fluid voice and a nice gentle pace. Steve gave us a personal story with enough details to entice us. Geogi got up to speak even though coerced. He clasped his hands and should strive to keep them at his side.
  • Evaluator #1 for Amanda was Antoinette Griffin - winner - 2:41 - Amanda's speech was well organized. Don't apologize. Her speaking was breathy so slow down. Very informative.
  • Evaluator #2 for Vladimir was Steve Gonzales - 1:14 - Steve felt like he was in the room with Papa and Roberta. Vlad has great volume and pauses. He had wonderfully vivid descriptions.
  • Evaluator #3 for Harry was John Allert - Harry started with at story that set the mood for his presentation. His use of visual aids were good, perhaps changing to a list not a full quote on a slide or two would help. He blocked the screen once. Harry has good eye contact. John wanted to hear a stronger ending with a summary of the issues and a challenge to the listeners for a desired action.


Timer and Grammarian gave their reports. Sonny Sonntag, Rich Bradstreet and Mary Buker had quick comments.

Jake closed the meeting with a few announcements - - $55 dues are now due. - Dan Naden has an article published in the latest Toastmaster magazine. - Antoinette Griffin won the area contest and moves on to the division contest this Wednesday. Congratulations to both!


We reviewed the schedule for our next meeting on Monday April 16th. Scott volunteered to substitute for Harry in the Evaluator #1 slot. Future schedules are available at http://www.balconestoastmasters.org/schedule/ .

We adjourned right at 8:00.

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