August 31, 2009 Minutes
From Austin Toastmasters (Balcones, Club #3407)
President Fred Maynard welcomed Michael Giles back after a leave of absence, along with returning guests Mike Walsh and Area Governor Scott Killen.
Gordon Baker was our Toastmaster and provided us with smooth transitions, doing a beautiful job of highlighting each speaker and blending the threads of the meeting together seamlessly. His theme was what we do to relax and enjoy ourselves.
Prayer and pledge were offered by Jason Boehle.
Timekeeper Mike Carr goes kayaking on Lady Bird Lake for fun.
Grammarian Peter Ryon plays with his computers in his down time. He didn't choose a word of the day - we could use any word we liked. Peter gave a very thorough count of and's/so's/but's.
Our one Minute Toastmaster was Mark Hicks, who walks 4-6 miles a day to keep from being grumpy. Mark painted a picture of Biosphere III - a Toastmasters meeting. He suggested that we cease looking inward, but look out at each other and appreciate others for thier unique contribution. Toastmasters is a place and time that we can forget ourselves - we are already in the club!
Michael Giles was our Table Topics Master. Michael relaxes by setting aside time to do nothing at all. Michael asked each participant what they wanted to accomplish.
- Mike Walsh wants to be able to speak freely in front of people and give good presentations.
- Anne Child said that the obstacle to reach her goals is usually herself. She's never been one to set goals and is a good procrastinator, making long complicated lists of lists. She wants to improve her ability to get others to do what she wants them to do.
- Charlie Cole - Best Table Topic - already has the skills of anlysis, a sharp mind and enthusiasm to help him accomplish his goals of helping people handle their finances.
Dan Naden - Best Speaker - relaxes by reading. He's currently reading a book called "A Course Called Ireland." His speech entitled "Manage to Motivate" was given to the remaining employees of Borland after their recent merger. He used the images of the 1980 US Ice Hockey team and the development of Google as examples of teams that pulled together when the moment was crucial and accomplished amazing things.
Priscilla Oehlert - Most Improved - likes playing with her cats, Simon and Max, to help her relax. Her speech "Can I Help You With Your Organizational Skills?" involved teaching about organizational skills and roll playing with Steve Gonzales. Steve did an excellent job portraying a difficult, monosyllabic employee in need of organizational improvement. Priscilla then asked for and received some good feedback from the audience.
Jerry Barrett rides his bike to relax. His speech, "All In the Family," was filled with funny stories about his family and life.
Jane Sanford was the General Evaluator. She likes to go to festivals with her family on the weekends, and spent last weekend at Fall Creek Vineyard, stomping grapes. The evaluators had a theme of their own in Gordon's (famous for telling stories) honor - our favorite stories and why.
- Karen Bondy evaluated Table Topics. Karen likes the story of "Chicken Little" because the story highlights the problems with overreacting.
- Mike Prentice evaluated Dan Naden. Mike likes the story of "King Midas" because it teaches 2 lessons - the obvious one being "Greed is Not good" but second is his favorite: "Beware of unintended consequences."
- Antionette Griffin - Best Evaluator- evaluated Priscilla Oehlert. She likes "Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer" because it teaches us that our oddities make us unique and valuable.
- Steve Gonzales evaluated Jerry Barrett. He likes "The Tortoise and the Hare" - a steady, focused effort overtakes wild, erratic behavior to win the race.
Comments:
- Mary Buker - Enjoyed being a judge with Priscilla at a Toastmaster contest event.
- Sonny Sonntag - Likes the idea of "5 minute vacations."
- Rohit Chaube - needs lots of people to sign up for contest! Will send an email letting us know what we need.
- Priscilla Oehlert - had a great time being a judge at another club's contest.
- Jason Boehle - Dues are due! $45 starting at our next meeting.
- Scott Killen - told us that we have a great club and we are on our way to achieving special awards.
NO MEETING NEXT WEEK!!! Resume regular meetings on September 14, which is our Humorous Speech and Table Topics Contest - same time and place.
