Golden Oldies – Meeting summary from August 24, 2013

Shen delivers his first Toastmasters speech.

Shen delivers his first Toastmasters speech.

Janell, launched the meeting as Toastmaster by taking us back in time to Seattle’s jazz history on Jackson Street showing off part of her vinyl collection with the meeting’s theme, “Golden Oldies.” Twelve members and two guests, Karen and Adrien, attended the meeting.

Members write feedback for speakers.

Members write feedback for speakers.

Shegkun (Shen) presented his first project from the competent communicator manual, the Icebreaker. He made an inspiring speech entitled “Risk that Makes My Life T
hrilling,” emphasizing the value of taking risks as he described his excitement in deciding to turn down opportunities at home in China to study here (and then at MIT), and his goal of helping address food security in China.

Our second speaker, Michelle, presented project #3 from the competent communicator manual in a speech entitled “You, Too, Can Be an Urban Farmer . . . Starting Today!” With carrot and trowel in hand, she discussed the benefits of home gardens and how easy it is to get started, even in late August.

Nicole presented project #2 from the “Special Occasion Speeches” advanced manual. Her speech, entitled “Farewell,” was what she would say to praise her colleagues, both as a group and individually, if she were leaving her job (which she isn’t!).

Junlei presents a song title to Mike for Table Topics.

Junlei presents a song title to Mike for Table Topics.

Karen selects another song title for Table Topics.

Karen selects another song title for Table Topics.

Junlei, this meeting’s Topicsmaster, asked participants to imagine themselves at an international conference on global warming where the speaker suddenly receives a note requiring use a specific song title. Mike, Andrea, Karen, and Auggie were our brave Table Topics volunteers. After much hilarity, Auggie won the ribbon for best Table Topics for his use of “Hit the Road, Jack” in a speech about governmental corruption in Uganda.

Auggie wins the ribbon for Best Table Topics.

Auggie wins the ribbon for Best Table Topics.

Andrea, Scott, and Madeleine presented evaluations of the speeches. Johan gave a general evaluation of the meeting. Scott won best evaluator for the meeting.

Club president, Johan, inducted two new members, Auggie and Shen. Nicole ended the meeting with a reminder and call for participants in the club’s speech contest on September 14—our next meeting!

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