May 7, 2007 Minutes

From Austin Toastmasters (Balcones, Club #3407)

Balcones Toastmasters May 7, 2007

Chapter 3407 District 55

Minutes of Meeting


The May 7th meeting was opened by President Jake North.

Gordon Baker served as Toastmaster. "Advice to the next generation" was the theme. Gordon opened listing 3 types of advice 1) Mother-in-law advice - a standard not your own 2) Oops I missed the boat advice - no one else should make the same mistake 3) Remove the curtain - the world is run by the man behind the curtain

  • Prayer & Pledge was lead by Matt Carlin. After an inspirational prayer, Matt served as Sergeant at Arms.
  • Timer was Steve Gonzales. He timed us all to the second and we got out a bit early!
  • Vlad Garner was Grammarian and the word for the day was "sage". He opened with a wonderful quote "Let a fool hold his tongue and he'll pass as a sage." The word of the day was used by Gordon, Jennifer, Sonny, Frank and Hollis. Steve G. did great on during his introductory talk but had a few Ums during the Timer report. Jennifer used so and you-know. Jake used so and 'cause. Good catches.
  • One Minute Toastmaster was Rick Bradstreet - Be yourself. Practice talking about yourself and what's important and exciting to you.


Table Topics Master was Jennifer Wagner. Jennifer built on the theme of the day urging us to talk about advice we did NOT take but we wish we had.

  • Karen Bondy - 1:00 - Karen ignored the advice of her parents about finding a good college nearby. She went to school on the east coast but came home to graduate from the University of Texas.
  • Phil Hallmark - 1:18 - Phil did not heed "Don't marry that woman" and a divorce resulted. Don't be a salesman, but we all need to buy things.
  • Jon Beall - 2:09 - Jon's mother warned that the good schools were only in the east, he went to A&M. Treat business as business, not personal. Easy until you don't get paid.
  • Anne Child - winner -1:33 - "Mow away from your source of electricity" was Anne's father's advice when leaving her to take care of the house.


Speaker #1 John McMillan - tied for most improved - 7:34 - "A Nation Terrorized by Tattoos" - John cleverly spoke to the President of the United States and the Tattoo Review Committee about tattooing. He spoke of job loss and health issues resulting from piercing and tattooing . He told a story of fearing being "stung" at Denny's by his scorpion tattooed waiter.

Speaker #2 - Jake North - 6:23 - "Ten Hours in April" - Jake relived his painful experience at a previous Arizona Ironman Triathlon. He was treated for tendinitis just before the event causing him to suffer through the last two thirds of the marathon. He will be prepared and healthy with proper training for his next Ironman next April... and he'll improve his time.

Speaker #3 Sonny Sonntag - winner - 7:41 - "Stories from College" - Sonny told of his student employment as a lab technician and Freshman Foley's interest in how Sonntag got the good position instead of washing lab utensils. His second story was of the OK State University's wrestling team seeing their winning streak end but learning sportsman ship when their next streak was threatened.


General Evaluator was Frank Peters.

  • Table topics evaluator was JD Stewart - 3:07 - Most Table Topic participants wrung their hands. Phil has a strong presence. Jon simply pauses, effectively, when he doesn't know what to say. Anne has good gestures.
  • Evaluator #1 for John was Jim Comer - winner - 3:00 - John had a clever opening and good use of language. He always does wonderful research. John needs to stop reading. If he does that, he'll be able to have eye contact and movement. Don't hide behind the facts. Surprise us.
  • Evaluator #2 for Jake was Hollis Baker - 3:15 - Jake has a strong, straight body. Don't wear it out. He had good voice variation. He gave us an interesting history of the Ironman triathlon and conveyed his desire to improve.
  • Evaluator #3 for Sonny was Mary Buker - tied for most improved - 2:11 -Sonny took us back to college in the 30s. He had a humorous first story and an inspirational second story. Sonny pauses, gestures and his voice well. She really enjoyed his use of "tinkle, tinkle, rattle, rattle" then pause.


Timer and Grammarian gave their reports.


Jake reviewed the schedule for our next meeting on Monday May14th.

Future schedules are available at http://www.balconestoastmasters.org/schedule/ .

We adjourned ahead of schedule.

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