Smedley Saturday!

A unique Toastmaster's Club problem required a unique solution. What does a club do that does not have enough slots to match speakers? You add one two-hour speakathon to the club schedule and dub it "Smedley Saturday!"

If pictures are worth a thousand words, here are a few thousand words to complement the two-hour meeting today.

Angi Anderson "T-Moded" the club's first Smedley Saturday, with husband and Sergeant at Arms Brian setting up the room as well as delivering two exceptional speeches from the basic manual (Your Body Speaks, Research Your Topic.) Brian's mastery of body language and explanation of geosynchronous satellite orbits garnered a well-deserved "Best Speaker" ribbon.

Elizabeth Sussex (an adriot timer and evaluator) provided Brian enlightening notes and commended him on his ability to demonstrate everything from the YMCA song to a child's overwhelming need to go to the bathroom!

Karen Woodson evaluated Brian's second speech, providing constructive feedback on improving the visibility of visual aids.

Shenequa Mitchell covered her #3 "Get to the Point" speech with a polished presentation on the ethnic conflict between the Russians and the Chechens. Glenn Tolle evaluated Shenequa's well-prepared speech, remarking on the quantum leap in confidence Shenequa has demonstrated over the last few months.

Glenn Tolle's entries for Smedley Saturday, "Chess Openings" and "Uncle Sam Still Wants You" demonstrated enthusiasm and conviction, yet proved weak sequels to Friday's "Trip to the Dentist." The club president's public speaking benefited significantly from gloves-off reviews by VP Education Robin Walker and resident DTM Carl Thormeyer!

Many thanks to those who participated in the club's first Smedley Saturday Speakathon. This event is slated to be a monthly fixture for the club. For those who missed this event, be sure to claim a seat at the next one!

You can also view more photos from "Smedley Saturday I" here.