Public Speaking Northwest Enjoys the Words of Jerry Seinfeld

"According to most studies, people's number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that sound right? This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you're better off in the casket than doing the eulogy." Jerry Seinfeld


Despite "most studies" mentioned by Seinfeld, Toastmasters know that public speaking is alive, well, and thriving. Public Speaking Northwest and other Toastmasters clubs continue to welcome all, fearful or not, who desire to grow in speaking and leadership roles.


Today's meeting was no exception as we welcomed

Kimberly

Kimberly, our newest member. 






Our President, Jean, opened the meeting with Lynne, Mihaela, Pierce, Ken, Kathy, Jerry, Pat, Joanne, Kimberly, Abe, Casey, Kyle, Elaine, and our Area Governor, Tammy Preuss in attendance.

Jean with flyer

Toastmasters are also creative leaders. Jean reminded those present of our upcoming Book Auction and Open House. She distributed the eye-catching new flyer, a fabulous design collaboration between Mihaela and Barb. This will be a fun All Table Topics meeting coming on April 9. 





Lynne, today's Toastmaster, introduced her GAT(E) Team

Lynne

Grammarian: Jean / Word of Day = CAPTIVATE
Ah-Counter: Pierce
Timer: Elaine

Jean and Pierce

Elaine

SPEAKERS & EVALUATORS

Jerry

Jerry, speaking first today, brought us a topic valuable to all, but especially pertinent to Toastmasters. His title: "Are You Listening?" Hearing is a passive activity; listening is work. We should listen with silence, then paraphrase, and try to close the "gap." Jerry shared an easy reminder with us. The letters in the word LISTEN can be rearranged to spell SILENT. Good one, Jerry!

Abe

Abe praised Jerry's opening and his use of the white board for an organized presentation of information. Abe also appreciated the LISTEN = SILENT anagram. He said the anagram and several of Jerry's examples were memorable for providing relatable points at which listeners can relate and "close the gap."

Kathy

Kathy, our second speaker, gave an interpretive reading from from a 10th century Japanese story, The Bamboo Cutter and the Moon Child, considered one of the earliest examples of science fiction in that one of its characters comes from the moon. 

Ken

Ken began his evaluation by inviting three audience members to show how well they listened to the reading by offering one suggestion each. Ken incorporated those suggestions into his evaluation. He praised Kathy's gestures and how they accentuated points in the story.





TABLE TOPICS

Mihaela

Mihaela presented another fun Table Topics by having her volunteers select cards on which were written headlines. The participants had to share the headline and tell its story.






Joanne's headline: Finding better ways to change students' misbehavior.
Pierce's headline: Hundreds checked after organ donor dies of rabies.
Abe's headline: Lead batter recycling has moved to Mexico.

Pierce

Abe

OUR BLUE RIBBON WINNERS

Best Speaker ~ Jerry

Best Evaluator ~ Abe

Best Table Topics ~ Pierce

Before Jean adjourned the meeting, Tammy Preuss, Area Governor, thanked our club for its support and participation in last week's area contest.  

PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE DAY: Joanne

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Coming April 9, don't miss our highly anticipated Book Auction and Open House. This will include good eats so plan to bring guests with whom we can share the bounty. Every attendee, member or guest, should bring a new or gently used book for the auction. Using Table Topics format, we'll present our donated books and fan the flames of desire among the bidders. Ken will be our auctioneer extraordinaire.

Dues collection continues for the upcoming membership period: April 1 - September 30, and we want to qualify for the District 2 incentive prize drawings. Please see your Treasurer, Joanne, with either cash or checks payable to Public Speaking Northwest. Many thanks!

Please help all outstanding loaner CC and CL manuals find their way home. Bring them with you next week, or contact Joanne for alternate arrangements. Much gratitude!


If you'd like to join us for polishing your presentations, developing leadership skills, and making friends, we welcome you.

We meet every Tuesday from noon to 1:00 PM. You'll find us at the Seattle Times Building in Bothell, Washington ~ 19200 120th Avenue NE. Feel free to bring your lunch.

To find out more contact: Jean Tracy, JeanTracy@kidsdiscuss.com, 425.745.0022.

Respectfully submitted,

Joanne, Secretary/Treasurer