Sept 22nd 2015 Theme: Autumn Leaves

“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” ~~ Albert Camus

Welcome to the fourth meeting in September blog.

                    Jean was our toastmaster today.

The GAT(e) team comprised of: Grammarian – Jim, Ah Counter – Jung, Timer - Devi and General Evaluator – Amritha.

Andrew was our first speaker of the day. He completed his Speech #3 from the Competent Communicator Manual – Get to the Point titled “Luck”. The duration of his speech was 5-7 mins.

Through his speech, Andrew shed light on the kind of luck that favors all of us when we are well prepared. By using personal stories, he illustrated how well-prepared individuals in his life were able to gain triumph over tough life situations. He points out that by being well prepared, it is easy to take action when opportunities come along our way.

Naser was his evaluator. He praised Andrew for his well-presented speech with the suggestion of adding pauses and moving mindfully.

Naser was voted the best evaluator.

Our second speaker was Chizuko. She completed her

Speech #2 from the Competent Communicator Manual. The title of her speech “An interesting Difference”. Duration – 5 to 7 mins.

Through her speech, Chizuko highlighted the differences

between Japanese and American education system. Whereas in Japan, her middle schooler was a part of a big classroom which worked together as a team, after moving to US her middle schooler had to get adjusted to the college like routine in middle schools here.

Chizuko was voted the best speaker.

Kathy was her evaluator. She complimented Chizuko on

her well-prepared speech. As a suggestion, Kathy encouraged Chizuko to rely less on her notes as she gives more speeches in the future.

We had an unplanned table topics section. Jan was the Table Topics Master for the session.

Tobias answered the question “Which animal is the most beautiful?” His answer “Hawk” because a hawk can fly high, dive down and get its prey – even with a damaged wing.

Grace spoke about an old Chinese song which is her favorite. She shared with us how the song brings back her wonderful childhood memories each time she listens to it.

Our humorists Robert and Dave concluded the meeting with 3 funny jokes.

We had 20 members and 2 guests attend the meeting today.

Members:  Amritha, Andrew, Barb, Chizuko, Dan, Dave, Devi, Grace, Jan, Jean, Jim, Jung, Kathy, Linda, Lynne, Naser, Rance, Robert, Tobias, WooYun.

Guests: Ganesh M. and Marlon K.

Our active membership total currently is at 38.

Respectfully Submitted,

Amritha Imandi, Secretary

Public Speaking Northwest #9406