Write-up by Paula L.
New World Order- Meeting of January 21, 2017
Our theme was “ New World Order” and our meeting was led by Preston. Preston kicked off the meeting by reminding us of the reality of the new world order under the newly sworn in President Trump.
The word of the day,” Capricious” introduced by Yanyan, was deemed very fitting for the times.
Our first speaker of the day, Brett, delivered project #8 form the Competent Communicator ( CC) manual. The focus was using visual aids. In his speech, Brett gave a brief explanation of how two different algorithms are used to sort information.
Jon was our second speaker with his icebreaker, CC manual project #1. Jon shared snippets of an itinerant childhood all across the country. Looking back, Jon reflected that, although it was hard to always be the new kid on the block growing up, he learned to be adaptable, resilient and willing to try new things. He concluded with words of encouragement and wisdom:“ Change is pretty much inevitable,(..) keep an open mind and positive attitude so that when change comes, you will see all the new and bright opportunities that come with it.”
Our third speaker of the day was Nicole, with project #9 from the CC manual. The focus was to persuade with power. Playing on the Seattle’ s culinary diversity. Nicole introduced “ The Best Sandwich of Them All” which is the Toastmaster’s sandwich evaluation method. Citing from her personal experience as a writer, daughter and teacher, Nicole gave examples of how wrapping your feedback between two layers of compliments, is a highly effective and positive way to deliver constructive criticism.
Ken was the last speaker of the day. Ken presented project #4 from the CC manual. The focus was to speak to inform. In his speech, Ken related an encounter with a rattlesnake on a hot summer day. He used this story to explain how the three levels of the human mind ( reptilian, mammalian and neo-cortex) work.
Marty led our table topics session. She asked members to tell a conspiracy theory of their choosing. Bill was voted ‘ best table topics speaker” for the true story behind the fire that consumed Mr Gyros in Greenwood: a conspiracy of jealous gyros restaurants!
Our evaluators were Kathy, Julie, Cara and Tom. Andrew served as our general evaluator. Tom and Andrew were both voted as “ best evaluators”.
Our next meeting is scheduled for 1/ 28.
