February 18, 2008 Minutes

From Austin Toastmasters (Balcones, Club #3407)

Balcones Toastmaster - Notes from 18 February 2008

Monday’s meeting was marvelous. We had two well-prepared speeches and one tacked on at the last moment. Mary’s speech was on pointers for better evaluation. That being the heart of improving our speaking talents makes it a most interesting subject. Mary had studied, and researched many resources and had graphics to explain her words. Well done. Mary, I would like a copy of your visuals and your speech.

Jim Comer brought a dynamite speech on the upcoming Presidential race. Jim wove a history of our past elections as well as his becoming a Democrat in a most compelling way. Jim was a little over time, however our club suspended the “Death Warrant” for his transgressions and awarded Jim the well-deserved Blue ribbon. I was proud of our clubs magnanimous gesture.

The third speech was some story about selling pecans on the street. However if you had no money Frank would just give you the pecans. I was a little distracted about that time and didn’t get a full set of notes. (Hollis if you hadn't guessed yet)

Antoinette brought a handful of Table Topics on President’s Day theme that challenged five speakers. Jonathan, Sonny, Sandra, Donald, and Peter. All did well. Sandra, a visitor, won the ribbon. Donald was a visitor from another TM club and Peter is a returning Balcones member.

Harry handled the Evaluations adroitly. Scott did TT with grace and kindness. Anne did Comer a fine job of evaluation. Jerry pointed out ways Mary could improve. Mike Prentice, a returning Balcones TM, evaluated “The Pecan That Ate New York.” His suggestions were well taken. Mike won the ribbon for Best. That fits him.

Next week’s speakers are; Priscilla, John Allert, and Anne.

HBaker