Public Speaking Northwest #9406

 

Meeting Minutes

April 12, 2022

Public Speaking Northwest Toastmasters 

Members in Attendance: Amy, Barb, Jean, Jim, , Kate, Kelly, Kristin, Lynn C, Lynne D, Mara, Maria, Meera, Warren

No Guests

Our Sergeant at Arms, Lynne D, opened the meeting at 12:00 p.m.

Opening Comments by our President, Lynn C

The meeting theme was:  “April Showers”

The word of the day was “pluvious,” relating to or characterized by rainfall.

Our Toastmaster was Nancy, who gave us MANY interesting tidbits on humans showering, the largest group of people who showered, typical length of showers for men and women, in what countries people shower most frequently, etc.

Our Gate Team was:

Grammarian –Maria          

Ah Counter – Maria.

Timer – Lynne D

General Evaluator – Kate

Speaker #1 was Amy, with her speech, “A Universal Symbol of Hope,” 5-7 minutes.  Amy engaged us immediately with the picture she described of a one-horned, white animal, and then she surprised us by saying that the animal was a rhinoceros.  Then she gave us the history of unicorns, the symbolism, and how the unicorn has been spoken about over the years.

Speaker #2 was Jim , with his speech, “You Choose.”  Jim told us a brief history of Demosthenes and the evaluator who told him that he was a terrible speaker.  Jim told us that his toastmaster’s goal this year was keeping his speeches to 5-7 minutes. Then he explained the many ways that he had been working to attain that goal.  Then he challenged us, “What important difference do you want to make? How do you plan to do it? Choose to take it or leave it.”

Evaluator #1 was Warren, who complimented Amy on her word choice, use of adjectives, and the phenomenal pictures she created with description. He suggested that she not read her speech, but use bullet points to improve eye contact.  

 

Evaluator #2 was Mara, who said that Jim was a better speaker than most.  She added that she had not been able to suss out the structure of this speech, and that he had been relaxed and engaging. 

Table Topics

Kelly had apparently spent a lot of time creating pictures of famous people alongside club members wearing similar outfits. She asked members to comment on the fashions as if we were Joan Rivers. 

Maria was shown a picture of herself next to Diane Keaton in top hats. She commented on the appropriateness of the pose.

Kristin was asked to comment on the picture of Warren and President Bush.

Mara commented on the picture of Nancy and Diane Lane.

Barb talked about the picture of herself and Robert, back to back, wearing plaid.

Jean commented on the picture of Jim and Johnny Carson.General Evaluator, Kate, commented on Barb’s use of the phrase, “Let me see,” as a good way to avoid crutch words, said it had been a great topic, and appreciated seeing speeches from a relative newcomer and a veteran speaker.  Kate complimented the Evaluators on use of the sandwich method, and Kelly on the fantastic table topics.

Nancy provided some humorous riddles.

The meeting ended on time.

Respectfully submitted,

Barbara Katz, Secretary