March 26, 2007 Minutes
From Austin Toastmasters (Balcones, Club #3407)
Balcones Toastmasters March 26, 2007
Chapter 3407 District 55
Minutes of Meeting
The meeting was opened by President Jake North.
- Prayer & Pledge was spontaneously but aptly lead Priscilla Oehlert who also served as Sergeant at Arms.
- Harry Savio served as Toastmaster. The theme of the day was "April Fools Day " and other pranks.
- Timer was Hollis Baker who kept careful track of all our times.
- John Allert was Grammarian and the word for the day "shenanigans" kept with the theme of the day. It was only used by Sonny and Vlad. He counted a few Ums.
- One Minute Toastmaster was Karen Bondy (1:28). She cautioned us to consider the diversity of our audience when choosing the words we use.
Table Topics Master was Vlad Garner. He kept with the theme and encouraged participants to discuss various aspects of playing pranks. Table Topic participants were:
- Jon Beall - 1:36 -winner - He told his son that the bank with his money burned .
- Jim Comer - 2:00 - deviated from the topic to relate a news story about Shiite and Suni children being killed while playing soccer and their parents horrendous reaction.
- Frank Peter - 1:09 - Frank told his son the coach called and said he didn't have to play. The son was in disbelief.
- Sonny Sonntag - 0:45 - Joked that he didn't remember any pranks and was at an age where it was OK for him to forget.
Speaker #1 Phil Hallmark - winner - 8:39 - "Three Things for Safe Cycling" - Phil told us the 3 main causes of bicycles crashes are being a kid, cyclist error, and having no lights at night. We should ride predictably and confidently. He suggests always wearing a helmet, gloves, and really cool bright flashing clothing.
Speaker #2 Anne Child - most improved - 6:36 - "Deciding to Go Straight" -Anne related issues she considered when deciding to get braces including pride, time and money. Then told how she dealt with those issues.
Speaker #3 Glenn Nielsen - 8:09 - "Just Relax"... it ain't happening, he's an intense guy. This is why he too has braces and spoke of the disadvantages (talking with a lisp and getting teeth pulled) and advantages (excuse to spew stuff at people and laughing gas).
General Evaluator was Scott Perry. He suggested we start on time, enjoyed the theme and respected Dan Naden for giving a thorough table topic evaluation.
- Table topics evaluator was Dan Naden - Check the list of participants before the meeting. John had a good story with a good ending but should give more depth. Jim was passionate even though he was off topic. Frank had his hands on his hips as if he was not interested in speaking. Sonny should have taken a detour and spoken about something else. In general all table topic speeches were too short.
- Evaluator #1 for Phil was Sonny Sonntag - 2:17 - Phil asked him to watch for a stern appearance and nervous pacing. There was no distracting pacing and Phil looked pleasant while giving us useful information that will benefit us all.
- Evaluator #2 for Anne was Lesley Bradstreet - 3:07 - Anne looked relaxed and had energy. She used tongue in cheek humor. Keep doing what you are doing and share yourself.
- Evaluator #3 for Glenn was Rick Bradstreet - winner - 3:12 - Glenn is a master at speaking. He has an electrifying presence and great humor. But he fakes the personal stuff and should reveal himself more.
Harry asked for the Timer and Grammarian reports and handed the floor back to President Jake. Jake had one order of business. Dues are now due. The rate will be $55 but there will be no $3 sitting fee. This was welcomed by the group.
Visitor Nancy Davis encouraged us to support the bill her nursing organization is pushing forward in the Texas Congress.
Geogi George enjoys the members of our group and signed up.
Steve Gonzalez finds us to be an encouraging group.
Guest Catherine Cord (sp?) had to leave before the end of the meeting.
We adjourned well past 8:00.
Future schedules are available at http://www.balconestoastmasters.org/schedule/ .
