Century Toastmasters Meeting Minutes 9-8-04

MEETING THEME: Just Do It!
WOW: bon vivant - A person with refined and sociable tastes

President Dick Larkin welcomed the larger than usual crowed who showed up for refreshments and Professional Guest Speaker, Debra Pestrak.  Kudos to Dick for finding such high quality speakers and look forward for more in the future.

Debra opened up with a handout to all on her topic of expertise, "The Fine Art of Influence".  Debra has written a few books and has motivational tapes too on the subject of influence and been a success in sales as well.  People are influenced by Habits, Perception, Likeability, and Association.  Her research involved talking with many CEOs and high-achievers.  The points made were known to many but the reminder and application brought the points to light.  As a speaker, Debra is very polished.  She involves the audience with questions and anecdotes. It is good to see how a paid professional delivers her subject.  Debra even asked for feedback from those present.  Debra usually has an hour to present the material and did a good abbreviated version within a half hour.

While our members aren't paid just for their speaking ability, they are very professional as Joe Stewart and Michelle Hoyt proved. 

Joe started very effectively without saying much verbally but loudly with the word, "Vote" on a piece of paper.  He did a very good job in being non-partisan but encouraged all to vote after doing research on the candidates and the issues. Don't rely on being hand-fed someone else's opinion.

Michelle talked enthusiastically about what Toastmasters can do for you.  Michelle has developed into a very good speaker, minimizing her initial speaking nervousness and becoming relaxed in front of a crowd.  She covered getting involved by committing to CTM, ATM, or CL goal completion in a short time-frame and becoming an officer. 

With time short, I acted as General Evaluator and introduced Matt Greenbergs to evaluate Joe and Julio Sanchez to evaluate Michelle. Stephen Jaworski gave the timer's report, appropo for a referee.  Too short a time to vote for best evaluator.  Michelle won Best Speaker among club members and completed her CTM.  Congratulations to Michelle.

We had inquiry for membership application from 2 guests, so the meeting was successful in attracting more people.  In a couple of weeks, we will have our Table Topics contest so sign up with Stephen Jaworski.  Let Stephen or I know if you want to participate next week, as well.

OUR NEXT MEETING WILL BE - Wednesday September 15, 2004, CP 4120C 

THEME:  Release the past and embrace new opportunities
WOW: Myriad: Consisting of enormous but indefinite numbers
TOASTMASTER: Doug Goodman                       GENERAL EVALUATOR: 
EDUCATIONAL MOMENT: Maury Tasem         EVALUATOR 1: Byron Shovlain
SPEAKER 1:  Dee Williams                                EVALUATOR 2: Dick Larkin       
SPEAKER 2: Julio Sanchez                                EVALUATOR 3: Joe Stewart        
SPEAKER 3: Stephen Jaworski                     GRAMMARIAN/AH COUNTER: 
TABLE TOPICS                   

Byron Shovlain, Secretary
Century Toastmasters