May 31st 2016 Theme – Come What May…?

“People who read on holidays always have a better time because it’s total escapism, both physically and mentally”~~ Jasmine Guiness

Welcome to the fifth and final meeting in May.

Lynne was the toastmaster of the day. She provided us with interesting celebrations and traditions practiced throughout the month of May.

Her GAT(e) team comprised of : Grammarian -  Robert (mendacity), Ah-Counter – Jim and Timer – Randy.

Chizuko was the 1^st speaker of the day. She completed Project #9 from the CC Manual – Persuade with Power. The title of her talk was “Tidying-Up” which she completed within 7 minutes.

Through her talk, Chizuko persuaded us to think of tidying up and decluttering as a holistic process based on the book - The Life Changing Art of Tidying Up by Kondo Marie.

Chizuko encouraged us to embrace the following points with a positive open mindset so that one can truly enjoy the tidying up process -

1.  Before beginning the actual process of tidying up, it is very important and inspiring to imagine the ideal lifestyle one wishes to have.

2.  While tidying up, one should keep only those things that spark joy within. Discard all others with a sense of gratitude for having served you and make a promise to take care of all things that you keep.

At last, Chizuko encourages us to see tidying up as letting go of the past and restarting our ideal future.

Chizuko was voted the best speaker.

Jean was her evaluator. She commended Chizuko on her excellent choice of topic, which was very informative and persuasive. With good volume, hand gestures and pauses, Chizuko effectively delivered her talk. As a suggestion, Jean offered Chizuko to provide handouts including main point of her talk.

Jean was voted the best evaluator.

Anisha was the 2^nd speaker of the day. She completed Project #9 from the CC Manual – Persuade with Power. Title of her talk - “What’s wrong with Thinking” which she completed within 7 minutes.

Through her talk, Anisha led us through common scenarios where we tend to get lost in our thoughts, become mindless and start running on an auto pilot mode. When she once caught herself exhibiting that behavior, she made a pledge. To be mindful and aware for 30 mins per day – practicing mindfulness. The rest of the story was about how she reacted to an unusual situation that she encountered at a local park during those 30 mins duration.

Having personally experienced the benefits of mindfulness and meditation, Anisha persuaded the audience to take 10 mins out of our busy schedule and start practicing quiet time. Not only is it the perfect way to turn our mind into an ally, it also energizes us and fills our heart with love and compassion.

Amritha was her evaluator. She gave kudos to Anisha’s delightful talk filled with stories and conversations. With excellent eye contact, body gestures and stage presence; her talk was delivered effortlessly. As a suggestion, Amritha offered Anisha to perhaps start the talk with a story to add more punch to the opening.

Julie was the 3^rd speaker of the day. She completed Project #6 from the CC Manual – Vocal Variety. Title of her talk was “Creating more success with Vacation Carefree Energy” which she completed within 7 minutes.

With the use of slideshows and many interactive questions, Julie encouraged the audience to consider merging work with relaxation and money with carefree energy. As a realtor, she experienced tough financial situations during the recession of 2007. Though those years were hard, she learnt to master her emotions. She taught herself to feel good no matter what the circumstances were.

Julie led us through a visualization exercise which allowed us to experience different emotions and showed us how to use the exercise to the best of our advantage. She emphasized that by developing a relaxed carefree vacation energy, one’s creative potential is enhanced allowing for greater productivity and results.

Barb was her evaluator. She appreciated Julie’s well-structured talk filled with emotions and gestures. As a suggestion, she offered Julie to incorporate a little bit vocal variety to enhance the impact of her visualization exercise.

Warren, our general evaluator gave kudos to our Sergeant at Arms (Lynne) for making all arrangements prior to the meeting and starting on time. The 3 well-prepared speakers along with encouraging evaluations together made it a great meeting.

We had 1 guest (Craig) and 15 members in attendance.

Member attendees were: Amritha, Anisha, Barb, Chizuko, Hadaya, Jan, Jean, Jim, Julie, Kathy, Lynne, Nancy, Robert, Tobias and Warren.

Respectfully Submitted,

Amritha Imandi, Secretary

Public Speaking Northwest #9406.