June 30, 2008 Minutes
From Austin Toastmasters (Balcones, Club #3407)
- President Jonathan introduced Priscilla Oehlert who served well as Toastmaster of the Day Monday.
- Jim Comer’s One Minute Toastmaster, “Tell the Truth” got my attention. I think that is what Jim had in mind. Jim’s suggestions would be well to incorporate into our speaking endeavors.
Glenn served as Table Topics Master rather masterfully. His questions all related to sports; good, bad, and silly.
- His first question was handled by our newest, oldest member Dugg who said perhaps Nascar is an Olympic sport.
- Jon, the next participant, was asked about the Olympic sport “Water Dancing.” Turns out that is one of Jon’s hobbies.
- Steven Fina, our newest ‘Steve’, was asked by Glenn what is the most stupid sport embraced by the “Big Boys of Olympics.” We all agreed with Steven it must be “Sliding a Thingy slooooly across ice for some unknown reason.
- Anne was asked if she felt athletes should be paid such large amounts of money? Anne said, “Maybe,” in a round about, entertaining way.
- Then Glenn, very kindly, asked Jonathan’s guest, Richie, if he would like to participate in our madness of TT? He agreed and won the Gold Medal of Table Topics with his answer to the question of, “Should athletes be role models for us.?” He said “Yes.” However more eloquently, and exhibiting a great lack of fear.
The first speaker was Gordon Baker whose title was “Perceptions of Reality.” Gordon referenced Jill Taylor’s book, “My Stroke of Insight,” as well as Priscig’s book “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.” I think Gordon was trying to get into our minds and he did a good job of that. Gordon won the nod for the best speech of the day, and flaunted the “Blue Ribbon” right in my face. Task well done Gordon.
The second speaker, Steve G. had an interesting title, “Vacation in Paradise and Rude Awakenings.” Steve handled , most adroitly, the intricacies of handling money and making money. “Is there a sole so dead that is not interested in ‘Making Money?” Job well done Steve. I wish all us young folk could hear your speech upon our launching onto the sea of life. Thanks for bringing us the “Real Truth” of money handling.
Hollis Baker spoke eloquently about his neice introducing him to Mark Twain on the banks of the Trinity River.
Chief Evaluator, Scott Perry, had a squad of brave souls that did their tasks well.
- Jonathan handled table topics well.
- Mary evaluated Gordon’s speech with aplomb, and earned the ribbon of Best.
- John McMillan evaluated Steve G.’s speech so well he won the “Most Improved” ribbon.
- Kathy Lovelady evaluated the third speaker with aplomb.
Shall we all stand and give Priscilla a standing ovation for running a most interesting and entraining meeting?
Of course!
