May 14, 2007 Minutes
From Austin Toastmasters (Balcones, Club #3407)
Balcones Toastmasters May 14, 2007
Chapter 3407 District 55
Minutes of Meeting
The May 14th meeting was opened by President Jake North. We had two visitors. David Crow recently moved to Austin from Oregon where he was in Toastmasters. Steve Levering came at the invitation of Priscilla Oehlert and Jack Frick.
Anne Child served as Toastmaster. "Graduation" was the theme and she opened with a statement on the students of Virginia Tech continuing their education despite the recent shootings.
- Prayer & Pledge was lead by Scott Perry who expertly served as Sergeant at Arms.
- Timer was Geoji George. He took on the duties well after mastering a cantankerous stop light. He kept everyone to their requested time limits
- Sonny Sonntag filled in at the very last minute as Grammarian with the word for the day "surprise". It was used by Steve G, David Crow, Priscilla, Frank, Jim, Jonathan and J.D. Interesting uses of language were Lesley - practice; Priscilla - I was so excited; Jim - I remember when she was 100%; Hollis - an old man's thoughts turn to tomatoes; Rick - democracy is a problem; Steve H - "I can!"
- One Minute Toastmaster was Lesley Bradstreet - Practice things that don't come naturally during normal conversation. Don't wait until you give a speech. Stand in the neutral position when you find yourself slouching. Look someone in they eye for an entire sentence as you chat.
Table Topics Master was Steve Gonzales. Steve asked participants to volunteer ahead of time to talk about a celebration (graduation or otherwise) that turned out not as expected.
- David Crow - 1:30 - David told us graduating 8th grade was unexpected as he went back and forth from standard classroom environments to individual learning centers.
- Priscilla Oehlert - 1:30 - Priscilla had a wonderful Masters graduation celebration in Tempe with many friends, one being a thoughtful photographer.
- Frank Peters - winner - 0:50 - Frank told of his wife graduating from college at the same time as one of their sons and also another son graduated from high school that year. The newspaper came to get a picture of all the graduates
- Jim Comer - 1:37 - Jim spoke of sharing Mother's Day with him mother the day before. She is the happiest person but doesn't remember anyone. When he was 8 she took ten 3rd graders to a matinee via the New Orleans street car... a very brave woman!
Speaker #1 Hollis Baker - 5:50 - "Spring & Old Men" - Hollis related stories of several tomato growers: Carl - a retired rancher and Army veteran; George who feeds once and mulches thick; Mike who battles thin soil in Liberty Hill; a fellow from Moso who plants deep, mulches heavily but as for water, they're on their own. He even knows a lady tomato grower or two.
Speaker #2 - Rick Bradstreet - 9:59 - "Welcome to the State of Semi War" - Rick described semi-war as everything that has happened since 9/11; fear, constant state of orange alert, and paranoia; He discussed the machinery that perpetuates this state - military contractors, a secret advisory, citizens being kept out of the decisions, invasions on small countries to display our power, press that focuses on trivial drama. His suggested solution is to break away from the notion that the US has to protect everyone and to re-institute the draft.
Speaker #3 Steve Helmke - winner - 9:10 - "Team Hoyt" - Steve told the inspirational story Rick and Dick Hoyt. Rick has Cerebral Palsy. His parents insisted in helping Rick to thrive. They developed a computerize voice for him in the 70s. Dick has helped his son run in marathons and compete in Ironman triathlons. Running in a race was the first time Rick did not feel disabled. Their motto is "I can."
General Evaluator was Karen Bondy.
- Table topics evaluator was Jack Frick - 2:20 - David didn't bob and weave. He has a good voice. Priscilla radiates friendship and built excitement throughout her speech. Frank had a good introduction, a solid middle, and a great conclusion. Jim is a polished speaker and drew a contrast between his mother now and what she meant to him.
- Evaluator #1 for Hollis was Jonathan Huizingh - 3:30 - Hollis is a master story teller with use of vivid details punctuated by great vocal variety and pauses. He started with clasping his hands but stopped as he warmed up. He danced around the lectern a bit. Jonathan wants to know what is the best way to grow tomatoes.
- Evaluator #2 for Rick was JD Stewart - tied for winner - 3:05 - Rick always acknowledges all the guests. He took a complex subject and explained in a short amount of time. He was able to do this with a well organized structure which he verbally detailed with "I'm going to talk about", then enumerating his points and closing with "in conclusion." These worked well for this speech. He could have omitted his critique on George Bush, especially given a different audience. He could have woven a story into the presentation for more effect.
- Evaluator #3 for Steve H. was Matt Carlin - most improved and tied for winner - 3:00 - Steve asked him to listen for vocal variety which was there. Steve was very conversational and really felt for his topic. He had great eye contact, telling the story to each individual in the room. Steve however stayed planted in one place. He ended with a challenge to all of us to face our difficult tasks.
Timer and Grammarian gave their reports. Harry Savio spoke of being inspired by the Hoyt story too. Britton Cox, home from school in New Mexico, shared that he was promoted to drill instructor. Steve Levering was pleased to be with us this morning and looks forward to returning.
Jake reviewed the schedule for our next meeting on Monday May21st.
Future schedules are available at http://www.balconestoastmasters.org/schedule/ .
We adjourned a few minutes late but enjoyed our time together.
