What a great show for visiting Area Governor John Lente! Fourteen members and six guests (including two from MIIS) cheered on Brian Anderson's #10 speech (now our newest Competent Communicator) and Carl Thormeyer's final speech in the "Communicating on Television" Manual.
We also received the happy news of the birth of Eric Timmerman's baby. Congratulations to Eric and his wife!
Acting President Angi Anderson presented the "President's Distinguished Club" award ribbon for the 2006-2007 Toastmasters year - we achieved all 10 goals and World Headquarters has recognized this!
So far this new Toastmasters year (2007-2008) we have already achieved 3 goals outright and half of two additional goals out of 10 total - as once again we work to achieve "President's Distinguished Club" for the 6th time in 7 years!
Amy Treadwell's Opening Remarks (her first) - she won "Most Improved Speaker":
Angi Anderson's winning Table Topics:
Carl Thormeyer's speech #5 from the advanced manual Communication on Television: The Eight Steps to Making a Motion (Click on link to view the video).
Brian Anderson's #10 speech, When I Say Motivation... - he won "Best Speaker".
Arnie Buss' Evaluation of Brian's #10 speech - he won "Best Evaluator" (in a field of 1):
Upcoming events:
Saturday 25 August: Smedley Saturday - See Angi to speak.
Saturday 22 Sept: Area A1/A2 contest; venue TBD.
Saturday 13 Oct: Division A Contest - Aptos Academy.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Friday, August 03, 2007
Presidential Debates
Fourteen members and four guests cheered on Scott Wilbur in his inaugural run as TMoD with his theme of "Presidential Debates". The three excellent speeches follow:
Luke Lazzari's #4 speech about overcoming procrastination:
Shenequa Mitchell's #9 speech about how endings are really beginnings:
Karen Woodson's #4 speech about the joys of NASCAR racing, for which she won both "Best Speaker" and "Most Improved":
Angi Anderson's picture-perfect evaluation of Karen's speech, for which she won "Best Evaluator":
Peter Blouin led Table Topics with three questions related to elections and politicians. Here is Robin Walker's winning Table Topics speech:
Luke Lazzari's #4 speech about overcoming procrastination:
Shenequa Mitchell's #9 speech about how endings are really beginnings:
Karen Woodson's #4 speech about the joys of NASCAR racing, for which she won both "Best Speaker" and "Most Improved":
Angi Anderson's picture-perfect evaluation of Karen's speech, for which she won "Best Evaluator":
Peter Blouin led Table Topics with three questions related to elections and politicians. Here is Robin Walker's winning Table Topics speech:
General Evaluator Brian Anderson declares Scott's TMoD debut a touchdown...
Next week August 10th: Club Humorous Speech and Evaluation contests. We need everyone there to help select our winners to send on to the Area Contest in September!
Friday, July 27, 2007
Frustration!
Another great meeting.... 17 members and 8 guests became 19 members and 6 guests as we voted Amy Treadwell and Alex Bein into membership. Welcome, Amy and Alex! That brings our paid membership up to 40, so once again we are a "President's 40" club.
TMoD Fred Sadler became frustrated over his computer problems earlier in the week, but he got past that with a little help from his friends (especially Arnie) and that spawned the theme of "Frustration". Fred vented his as he started the program by singing a song of frustration.
Ryan Squires led us in Table Topics, where Scott Wilbur and Alex Bein tied for "Best Table Topics".
Karen Woodson won "Most Improved" for her #3 speech entitled "Have a little faith in yourself" (see below).
TMoD Fred Sadler became frustrated over his computer problems earlier in the week, but he got past that with a little help from his friends (especially Arnie) and that spawned the theme of "Frustration". Fred vented his as he started the program by singing a song of frustration.
Ryan Squires led us in Table Topics, where Scott Wilbur and Alex Bein tied for "Best Table Topics".
Karen Woodson won "Most Improved" for her #3 speech entitled "Have a little faith in yourself" (see below).
Angi Anderson followed with her #8 speech titled "Bag of Tricks", winning "Best Speaker" with her three piles of props representing her past, present and future (see below).
Andrew Kennedy then reported on his High Performance Leadership project, which was performed when he was an Area Governor (see below). Once the paperwork is accomplished, this completes Andrew's final requirement for Advanced Leader Silver.
Chance Litton won "Best Evaluator" for his first-time evaluation, beating out the club's graybeards Arnie Buss and Carl Thormeyer. Here is Chance's award-winning evaluation:
Coming up August 10th: Club Humorous Speech and Evaluation Contests. Sign up with Angi to participate!
Saturday, July 14, 2007
We're Back to Normal!
"Friday the 13th" didn't even merit a mention, as first-time TMoD Eric Timmerman led us through another great meeting with 17 members and four guests present. Eric's theme, "Hollywood and its Impact on your Life", was woven into the meeting throughout, as we all learned of each other's favorite movies.
To add icing on the cake, our visiting dignitary Division A Governor Tim Childers installed the new officers that were present. (Division A consists of 20+ clubs in Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties.)
Scott Wilbur led Table Topics, with Shenequa Mitchell capturing the "Best Table Topics" award with her dissertation on who she would like to play in a movie if she were a movie actress. New member Steve Scaggs (congratulations!) also participated; we specifically voted him into membership at the beginning of the meeting so he would be eligible for Table Topics!
We had three good speakers once again - Ned Powley gave his #6 speech about the different types of speech detractions (ahs, ums, like, you know, fade-aways, etc.). Chance Litton won "Best Speaker" for his strong defense of nuclear power while debunking the various nuclear power myths (his #2 speech). Arnie Buss won "Most Improved" for his third #2 speech (working on his 3rd CC) on "Servant Leadership".
"Best Evaluator went to Fred Sadler for setting the example with his excellent animated suggestions regarding Ned Powley's speech. General Evaluator was Carl Thormeyer.
Robin Walker as Wordmaster started what may become a new tradition in our club - if everyone uses the word, then the Wordmaster gets fined five cents as the word must have been too easy! (He didn't have to worry...)
Upcoming:
20 July: Chance Litton volunteered to be TMoD. Please help him and volunteer for a job!
28 July: Smedley Saturday. Sign up to speak with Angi.
10 Aug: Club Evaluation and Humorous Speech contest.
To add icing on the cake, our visiting dignitary Division A Governor Tim Childers installed the new officers that were present. (Division A consists of 20+ clubs in Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties.)
Scott Wilbur led Table Topics, with Shenequa Mitchell capturing the "Best Table Topics" award with her dissertation on who she would like to play in a movie if she were a movie actress. New member Steve Scaggs (congratulations!) also participated; we specifically voted him into membership at the beginning of the meeting so he would be eligible for Table Topics!
We had three good speakers once again - Ned Powley gave his #6 speech about the different types of speech detractions (ahs, ums, like, you know, fade-aways, etc.). Chance Litton won "Best Speaker" for his strong defense of nuclear power while debunking the various nuclear power myths (his #2 speech). Arnie Buss won "Most Improved" for his third #2 speech (working on his 3rd CC) on "Servant Leadership".
"Best Evaluator went to Fred Sadler for setting the example with his excellent animated suggestions regarding Ned Powley's speech. General Evaluator was Carl Thormeyer.
Robin Walker as Wordmaster started what may become a new tradition in our club - if everyone uses the word, then the Wordmaster gets fined five cents as the word must have been too easy! (He didn't have to worry...)
Upcoming:
20 July: Chance Litton volunteered to be TMoD. Please help him and volunteer for a job!
28 July: Smedley Saturday. Sign up to speak with Angi.
10 Aug: Club Evaluation and Humorous Speech contest.
Friday, July 06, 2007
Surprise!
At our July 6th meeting, we had 11 members and four guests present (one of whom signed up after the meeting)! Alec Metz, with his smooth and flowing mastery of the English language, led us as TMoD in another terrific meeting with his theme of "surprises"!
The biggest surprise was that there was no assigned Table Topics Master! Instead, pieces of paper were attached to the bottom of each chair in the room, and the three lucky individuals with a black dot on their piece of paper got to each be a Table Topics Master and call on one person each! This went unexpectedly smoothly, with Scott Wilbur emerging as the "Best Table Topics" winner for his "Ugly American" diatribe about his menu expectations in a foreign country where he didn't speak the language! We even voted for a "Best Table Topics Master" among the three who drew the assignment - that award went to Leena Oh.
Oh, yes... we had speeches, too! Eric Timmerman was "Most Improved" for his #4 speech about camping in Big Sur. Scott Wilbur then won "Best Speaker" for his #3 speech on bone marrow, and how to be a donor. "Best Evaluator" was a tie between Glenn Woodson and Brian Anderson.
Another very pleasant surprise was the return of Michael Barksdale, who we promptly voted into membership!
We hope to see the rest of the active members back again soon now that the NPS term break is over. We can get a little lethargic when there are a lot of empty seats!
Upcoming events:
Mon July 16: Executive Board meeting, 6PM, La Mesa Community Center
Sat July 28: Smedley Saturday, 1PM(?), La Mesa Coomunity Center
(Sign up now with Angi to get one of the ten speaking slots)
Fri Aug 10: Club Humorous Speech and Evaluation Contest
The biggest surprise was that there was no assigned Table Topics Master! Instead, pieces of paper were attached to the bottom of each chair in the room, and the three lucky individuals with a black dot on their piece of paper got to each be a Table Topics Master and call on one person each! This went unexpectedly smoothly, with Scott Wilbur emerging as the "Best Table Topics" winner for his "Ugly American" diatribe about his menu expectations in a foreign country where he didn't speak the language! We even voted for a "Best Table Topics Master" among the three who drew the assignment - that award went to Leena Oh.
Oh, yes... we had speeches, too! Eric Timmerman was "Most Improved" for his #4 speech about camping in Big Sur. Scott Wilbur then won "Best Speaker" for his #3 speech on bone marrow, and how to be a donor. "Best Evaluator" was a tie between Glenn Woodson and Brian Anderson.
Another very pleasant surprise was the return of Michael Barksdale, who we promptly voted into membership!
We hope to see the rest of the active members back again soon now that the NPS term break is over. We can get a little lethargic when there are a lot of empty seats!
Upcoming events:
Mon July 16: Executive Board meeting, 6PM, La Mesa Community Center
Sat July 28: Smedley Saturday, 1PM(?), La Mesa Coomunity Center
(Sign up now with Angi to get one of the ten speaking slots)
Fri Aug 10: Club Humorous Speech and Evaluation Contest
Friday, June 29, 2007
Bang! (...and bumble bees!)
Bang! (as in 4th of July) was the theme at our June 29th meeting... with Brian Anderson leading 11 members and one guest as TMOD (record attendance for the last Friday in June!) With three speakers and with Alec Metz leading us in Table Topics, we had a full meeting indeed!
We started the meeting with a bang by hearing three speeches. Unfortunately, we have no "You-Tube" videos this week, but here is a synopsis:
Glenn Woodson was "Most Improved" with his #4 speech about the use of analogies, metaphors, similes and other figures of speech, and the need for appropriateness.
Arnie Buss started work on his third "Competent Communicator" manual with an icebreaker, for which he won "Best Speaker". This time around, his "CC" effort will revolve around the topic of leadership.
Great speeches both, but the "piece d' resistance" (excuse my lousy French) was Angi Anderson's #7 ("Research Your Speech") about bees! Addressing the TMOD as "Mr. BuzzMaster" and dressed in a stunning handmade "bumble bee" dress made of alternate black and yellow horizontal stripes, Angi gave us a bee-utifully delightful PowerPoint "HR-rep-to-workers" lecture. Referring to the audience ("NPS Buzzmasters") as worker bees in a new hive (hive #2032), Angi provided us all with "bee and hive" training, and we learned all there is to know about bees! If you want to know more, send a B-mail to Queen Bee Angi at brrep@hive2032.bzz (!!!) Unfortunately, Angi was ineligible for the Best Speaker voting as, alas, she went overtime. (And, like the Army says, "Bee all that you can bee!")
Angi had another chance at an award, though, and once again walked away with "Best Table Topics" by discussing in what way she could be considered the center of the universe! Best Evaluator was Carl Thormeyer for his analysis of Arnie Buss's third icebreaker.
Ed. note: We now have five officers trained for the new term. Two to go to reach 100%!
Blogmasters note: A new online photo account has been set up - you can see more photos of this great meeting: http://www.flickr.com/photos/npstoastmasters/sets/72157600628951322/
We started the meeting with a bang by hearing three speeches. Unfortunately, we have no "You-Tube" videos this week, but here is a synopsis:
Glenn Woodson was "Most Improved" with his #4 speech about the use of analogies, metaphors, similes and other figures of speech, and the need for appropriateness.
Arnie Buss started work on his third "Competent Communicator" manual with an icebreaker, for which he won "Best Speaker". This time around, his "CC" effort will revolve around the topic of leadership.
Great speeches both, but the "piece d' resistance" (excuse my lousy French) was Angi Anderson's #7 ("Research Your Speech") about bees! Addressing the TMOD as "Mr. BuzzMaster" and dressed in a stunning handmade "bumble bee" dress made of alternate black and yellow horizontal stripes, Angi gave us a bee-utifully delightful PowerPoint "HR-rep-to-workers" lecture. Referring to the audience ("NPS Buzzmasters") as worker bees in a new hive (hive #2032), Angi provided us all with "bee and hive" training, and we learned all there is to know about bees! If you want to know more, send a B-mail to Queen Bee Angi at brrep@hive2032.bzz (!!!) Unfortunately, Angi was ineligible for the Best Speaker voting as, alas, she went overtime. (And, like the Army says, "Bee all that you can bee!")
Angi had another chance at an award, though, and once again walked away with "Best Table Topics" by discussing in what way she could be considered the center of the universe! Best Evaluator was Carl Thormeyer for his analysis of Arnie Buss's third icebreaker.
Ed. note: We now have five officers trained for the new term. Two to go to reach 100%!
Blogmasters note: A new online photo account has been set up - you can see more photos of this great meeting: http://www.flickr.com/photos/npstoastmasters/sets/72157600628951322/
Friday, June 22, 2007
"Oh, What a Beautiful Morning..."
With Fred Sadler as Toastmaster opening the meeting by leading us in singing "Oh, What a Beautiful Morning" from the Broadway play "Oklahoma", 14 members and 3 guests celebrated Fred's theme of "Summertime"! (Note that this was a record crowd for an end-of-June meeting; usually we have fewer than 10 present at meetings during the last two weeks of June due to NPS and MIIS both being out of session.)
Robin Walker won "Best Speaker" for his third speech from the Entertainment Speaker manual - "Make them Laugh". The speech, "Canoes", is presented below. Angi Anderson won "Best Evaluator" in her critique of Robin's speech.
Robin's entertaining and humorous speech about the perils of canoing:
Meanwhile, Alec Metz gave an animated #5 speech entitled "Movement", and with lots of body language described a classmate who "danced" the story of the fall of the Soviet Union! His speech follows:
Table Topics Master Warner Howser called on five participants; Glenn Woodson won "Best Table Topics" with his description of his favorite summertime activity. Leena Oh was "Most Improved" with her description of the perfect summertime.
Upcoming Events:
Sat 30 June from 1-4 pm: Officer Training - Golden Gate Univ., Fort Ord.
Tues 3 July - 11 am: New Student Fair - Barbara McNitt Ballroom.
Sat 28 July: Next "Smedley Saturday" for those wishing to speak more.
Robin Walker won "Best Speaker" for his third speech from the Entertainment Speaker manual - "Make them Laugh". The speech, "Canoes", is presented below. Angi Anderson won "Best Evaluator" in her critique of Robin's speech.
Robin's entertaining and humorous speech about the perils of canoing:
Meanwhile, Alec Metz gave an animated #5 speech entitled "Movement", and with lots of body language described a classmate who "danced" the story of the fall of the Soviet Union! His speech follows:
Table Topics Master Warner Howser called on five participants; Glenn Woodson won "Best Table Topics" with his description of his favorite summertime activity. Leena Oh was "Most Improved" with her description of the perfect summertime.
Upcoming Events:
Sat 30 June from 1-4 pm: Officer Training - Golden Gate Univ., Fort Ord.
Tues 3 July - 11 am: New Student Fair - Barbara McNitt Ballroom.
Sat 28 July: Next "Smedley Saturday" for those wishing to speak more.
Friday, June 15, 2007
A Fond Farewell to Glenn Tolle
It was "Family Day" at NPS Toastmasters, as a near-record crowd of 21 members and 13 guests witnessed three outstanding speeches (see below). The group also honored outgoing President Glenn Tolle, who was attending his final meeting at NPS TM the same day as his graduation! With several family members in tow, including wife Nancy, sister Kim, and his two children, Glenn once again "did us proud" with his "swan song" General Evaluation.
Angie Anderson, whose father was one of the 13 guests, led us in an outstanding Table Topics session which brought us into "the inside of Glenn Tolle's mind"! Table Topics winner was Alec Metz, who somehow ended up at a chess table in a public park!
Elie Ishag and Brian Anderson tied for "Best Speaker", Leena Oh was "Most Improved", while Robin Walker was "Best Evaluator" for his analysis of Brian's speech.
Leena Oh's Icebreaker speech, "When I Grow Up:"
Elie Ishag's #3 speech, "Live in the Moment:"
Brian Anderson's #9 speech "Single Planet Species Do Not Survive:"
The meeting ended with several presentations to Glenn Tolle on behalf of the club by Area Governor Arnie Buss. Since the role of "Ah Counter" was Glenn's favorite, the club presented him with his very own "Ah Bell" which he can use with gusto in his new post in Korea while listening to visiting VIPs!
On Saturday 16th, Angi Anderson, Carl Thormeyer, Warner Howser and Arnie Buss attended Officer Training and the Toastmasters Leadership Institute at the main Yahoo! facility in Sunnyvale. Over 170 toastmasters from throughout District 4 attended this outstanding program.
Angie Anderson, whose father was one of the 13 guests, led us in an outstanding Table Topics session which brought us into "the inside of Glenn Tolle's mind"! Table Topics winner was Alec Metz, who somehow ended up at a chess table in a public park!
Elie Ishag and Brian Anderson tied for "Best Speaker", Leena Oh was "Most Improved", while Robin Walker was "Best Evaluator" for his analysis of Brian's speech.
Leena Oh's Icebreaker speech, "When I Grow Up:"
Elie Ishag's #3 speech, "Live in the Moment:"
Brian Anderson's #9 speech "Single Planet Species Do Not Survive:"
The meeting ended with several presentations to Glenn Tolle on behalf of the club by Area Governor Arnie Buss. Since the role of "Ah Counter" was Glenn's favorite, the club presented him with his very own "Ah Bell" which he can use with gusto in his new post in Korea while listening to visiting VIPs!
On Saturday 16th, Angi Anderson, Carl Thormeyer, Warner Howser and Arnie Buss attended Officer Training and the Toastmasters Leadership Institute at the main Yahoo! facility in Sunnyvale. Over 170 toastmasters from throughout District 4 attended this outstanding program.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
The Best of Glenn Tolle
Fred Sadler video taped two of Glenn Tolle's most famous speeches so they are now preserved for posterity....
"Humble Pie - the Fifth Basic Food Group"
Originally Glenn's #2 speech, he entered it in the club humorous speech contest and won - followed by winning the Area and Division contests, and competing strongly at the District 4 contest.
"Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death!"
This speech, from the advanced manual "Interpretive Reading," is the "rest of the story" of Patrick Henry's original speech containing the memorable quote.
"Humble Pie - the Fifth Basic Food Group"
Originally Glenn's #2 speech, he entered it in the club humorous speech contest and won - followed by winning the Area and Division contests, and competing strongly at the District 4 contest.
"Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death!"
This speech, from the advanced manual "Interpretive Reading," is the "rest of the story" of Patrick Henry's original speech containing the memorable quote.
Friday, June 08, 2007
Star Wars and Toastmasters
With a meeting-long innovative analogy between Star Wars and Toastmasters International, TMoD Angi Anderson and her associates (functionaries!) had us spellbound all meeting! DTMs were compared with Jedi Masters, and the history of Toastmasters was presented in a way that related to the sequential Star Wars movie themes. (Could it be that Dr. Ralph C. Smedley was the original Obi-Wan Kenobi?) See the Opening Remarks "You-Tube" link below for more details!
The three excellent manual speeches (two #2, one #8) are reproduced at the You-Tube links below. Winner of "Best Speaker" was Arnie Buss, with Ryan Squires as "Most Improved", and Robin Walker as "Best Evaluator". Robin also won "Best Table Topics" for his description of the possible role of the Ah Counter in counteracting (no pun intended) the "Death Star".
The meeting closed with a heartfelt good-bye from our resident Mongolian member, Mashbat Otgonbayer. We will miss you, Mash; and wish you the best in the future!
And then it was "Party Time", with the potluck at the La Mesa Community Center on Saturday evening, where a good time was had by all! (More on this later!)
Scott Wilbur's inspiring opening remarks:
Angi Anderson, TMoD extraordinaire:
Rosetta Ishag's #2 Speech "The Bar Mitzvah," a loving and moving tribute to her grandson David on the occasion of his bar mitzvah:
Ryan Squires' #2 Speech extolling the virtues of Savannah, GA and the "Spanish moss" link to Monterey:
Arnie Buss on the tools of Toastmasters, an excellent "primer" on what a Toastmasters meeting is all about:
Robin Walker's award-winning evaluation of Ryan:
And may the Force be with you...
The three excellent manual speeches (two #2, one #8) are reproduced at the You-Tube links below. Winner of "Best Speaker" was Arnie Buss, with Ryan Squires as "Most Improved", and Robin Walker as "Best Evaluator". Robin also won "Best Table Topics" for his description of the possible role of the Ah Counter in counteracting (no pun intended) the "Death Star".
The meeting closed with a heartfelt good-bye from our resident Mongolian member, Mashbat Otgonbayer. We will miss you, Mash; and wish you the best in the future!
And then it was "Party Time", with the potluck at the La Mesa Community Center on Saturday evening, where a good time was had by all! (More on this later!)
Scott Wilbur's inspiring opening remarks:
Angi Anderson, TMoD extraordinaire:
Rosetta Ishag's #2 Speech "The Bar Mitzvah," a loving and moving tribute to her grandson David on the occasion of his bar mitzvah:
Ryan Squires' #2 Speech extolling the virtues of Savannah, GA and the "Spanish moss" link to Monterey:
Arnie Buss on the tools of Toastmasters, an excellent "primer" on what a Toastmasters meeting is all about:
Robin Walker's award-winning evaluation of Ryan:
And may the Force be with you...
Friday, June 01, 2007
June Gloom - Not at NPS Toastmasters!
June in Monterey is so typically foggy and cool that today's theme was "June Gloom." Guided expertly by seasoned Toastmaster Mary Lineberger, the meeting was anything but gloomy! With 16 members and three guests (including Sterling Woodson), the meeting was lively and filled with laughter and fun.
The meeting got off to a spirited start with Rosetta's dramatic Opening Remarks. Glenn Woodson's continued his out-of-the-box style with a highly creative and challenging Table Topics session. Reminding us that it is National Donut Month, participants were requested to give a designated award to another member. In keeping with the donuts, Arnie won best Table Topics for giving Glenn Tolle an award for relentlessly "gotta make the donuts."
Rosetta gives an uplifting Opening Remarks:
We were treated to another fantastic and funny Icebreaker speech from new member Chance Litton entitled "The Three L's of Chance Litton" (which turned out to be "Lazy, Lucky, and Loquacious" btw). Chance's wife Becky, who was prominently featured in his speech, was one of the guests. You can view Chance's speech:
Arnie gave a speech in the advanced manual "Interpersonal Communications" about ways to assert yourself in a problem area without damaging the relationship, and included a role play with Glenn Tolle. The consensus in the club appeared to split along gender lines, with men being dubious about the approach and the women being more favorably inclined towards it.
Arnie and Glenn role play a situation:
Brian evaluates Arnie's speech:
Awards went to Chance for Best Speaker, Arnie for Most Improved, and to Brian for his evaluation of Arnie's speech. For an hour today, the gloom of June in Monterey was dispelled by the bright sunshine of another fantastic NPS Toastmasters meeting!
Don't forget the Spouses Social to be held Saturday evening June 9 at the La Mesa Community Center!
The meeting got off to a spirited start with Rosetta's dramatic Opening Remarks. Glenn Woodson's continued his out-of-the-box style with a highly creative and challenging Table Topics session. Reminding us that it is National Donut Month, participants were requested to give a designated award to another member. In keeping with the donuts, Arnie won best Table Topics for giving Glenn Tolle an award for relentlessly "gotta make the donuts."
Rosetta gives an uplifting Opening Remarks:
We were treated to another fantastic and funny Icebreaker speech from new member Chance Litton entitled "The Three L's of Chance Litton" (which turned out to be "Lazy, Lucky, and Loquacious" btw). Chance's wife Becky, who was prominently featured in his speech, was one of the guests. You can view Chance's speech:
Arnie gave a speech in the advanced manual "Interpersonal Communications" about ways to assert yourself in a problem area without damaging the relationship, and included a role play with Glenn Tolle. The consensus in the club appeared to split along gender lines, with men being dubious about the approach and the women being more favorably inclined towards it.
Arnie and Glenn role play a situation:
Brian evaluates Arnie's speech:
Awards went to Chance for Best Speaker, Arnie for Most Improved, and to Brian for his evaluation of Arnie's speech. For an hour today, the gloom of June in Monterey was dispelled by the bright sunshine of another fantastic NPS Toastmasters meeting!
Don't forget the Spouses Social to be held Saturday evening June 9 at the La Mesa Community Center!
Saturday, May 26, 2007
May Smedley Saturday
Another thrilling Smedley Saturday! We had 10 members present and four prepared speeches. Brian Anderson had the reins as TMoD and expertly guided the meeting.
Scott Wilbur led off with an outstanding #2 speech "The Google" that touched on topics from marriage to the challenges of a MySpace page. He was followed by Robin Walker's advanced "Interpretive Reading" of the rousing "St Crispin's Day" speech from Henry V. Speaking from the advanced manual on Entertaining Glenn Tolle kept us completely entertained and laughing. Finally, Arnie Buss gave a speech from the "Interpersonal Communications" manual on a reflective technique called "tracking," ably assisted by Angi Anderson in a role play.
Evaluations were led by Robin evaluating Arnie, Glenn evaluating Scott, Brian evaluating Robin, and Angi evaluating Glenn.
Scott was awarded "Best Speaker" and Angi "Best Evaluator." Mash and Rosetta took turns being timer and ah counter. Also present were Elie Ishag and Fred Sadler.
Scott's "The Google"
Robin's St Crispin's Day Speech:
Glenn's "The Truth"
Scott Wilbur led off with an outstanding #2 speech "The Google" that touched on topics from marriage to the challenges of a MySpace page. He was followed by Robin Walker's advanced "Interpretive Reading" of the rousing "St Crispin's Day" speech from Henry V. Speaking from the advanced manual on Entertaining Glenn Tolle kept us completely entertained and laughing. Finally, Arnie Buss gave a speech from the "Interpersonal Communications" manual on a reflective technique called "tracking," ably assisted by Angi Anderson in a role play.
Evaluations were led by Robin evaluating Arnie, Glenn evaluating Scott, Brian evaluating Robin, and Angi evaluating Glenn.
Scott was awarded "Best Speaker" and Angi "Best Evaluator." Mash and Rosetta took turns being timer and ah counter. Also present were Elie Ishag and Fred Sadler.
Scott's "The Google"
Robin's St Crispin's Day Speech:
Glenn's "The Truth"
Friday, May 25, 2007
Memories and Memorial Day
With 22 members and one guest present we once again had a great meeting, with Shenequa Mitchell doing an outstanding job as a first-time Toastmaster of the Day as she shepherded the three speakers pictured below through the program. Best speaker was Eric Timmerman (see You-Tube link below), while Best Evaluator was Brian Anderson.
Ned Powley led a great Table Topics session with five participants discussing subjects related to memories. Ilie Ishag was the winner of Best Table Topics with his description of his most memorable historical figure, who was Menachem Begin (former Israeli Prime Minister). Mash Otgonbayer won Most Improved for his 3-minute plus dissertation on memorable memorials he had seen in Rome! Great job, Mash... Another interesting "must know" tidbit... never offer Karen Woodson a piece of chocolate cake!
The Speakers...
Andrew Kennedy expounds on emotional pain and friends who have made tragic choices. (#2 speech - Andrew's doing the manual again!)
Ned Powley led a great Table Topics session with five participants discussing subjects related to memories. Ilie Ishag was the winner of Best Table Topics with his description of his most memorable historical figure, who was Menachem Begin (former Israeli Prime Minister). Mash Otgonbayer won Most Improved for his 3-minute plus dissertation on memorable memorials he had seen in Rome! Great job, Mash... Another interesting "must know" tidbit... never offer Karen Woodson a piece of chocolate cake!
The Speakers...
Andrew Kennedy expounds on emotional pain and friends who have made tragic choices. (#2 speech - Andrew's doing the manual again!)
Glenn Tolle Reading Rudyard Kipling's "If". (This was an advanced speech from the Interpretive Reading Manual.)t
Eric Timmerman on the Three Phases of Fishing (#3 in the Competent Communicator manual).
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
"A Few of My Favorite Things"
(Sung to the melody of “These are a few of my favorite things” from the Sound of Music by Rodgers and Hammerstein)
These are a few of my favorite things
Statues with ribbons
And bright colored banners,
Name tags and ballots
World Bank and timer,
A lectern and gavel
And ahs that go ring.
These are a few of my favorite things!
Hands that go clappin
And words that go tappin,
No time for nappin
Table topics is happnin,
Speakers that fly
With a song on their wings.
These are a few of my favorite things!
When the fear strikes
When the words go
When I’m feelin sad:
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don’t feel so bad!
Adapted by Fred Sadler for his #10 speech entitled “It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood” – NPS Toastmasters Club #2032 - May 18, 2007
These are a few of my favorite things
Statues with ribbons
And bright colored banners,
Name tags and ballots
World Bank and timer,
A lectern and gavel
And ahs that go ring.
These are a few of my favorite things!
Hands that go clappin
And words that go tappin,
No time for nappin
Table topics is happnin,
Speakers that fly
With a song on their wings.
These are a few of my favorite things!
When the fear strikes
When the words go
When I’m feelin sad:
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don’t feel so bad!
Adapted by Fred Sadler for his #10 speech entitled “It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood” – NPS Toastmasters Club #2032 - May 18, 2007
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Angi Takes Second at District!
Our very own Angi Anderson, the Division A representative to the District 4 Table Topics Contest, took second place Friday night in Foster City.
Competing against a tough field seven other winners of their respective divisions, Angi fielded the question "What is your mission in life?" with humor and wit.
Friday was also the Anderson's eleventh wedding anniversary - we all offer our congratulations to Brian and Angi!
Thank you Angi for representing your club, area, and division so effectively!
Competing against a tough field seven other winners of their respective divisions, Angi fielded the question "What is your mission in life?" with humor and wit.
Friday was also the Anderson's eleventh wedding anniversary - we all offer our congratulations to Brian and Angi!
Thank you Angi for representing your club, area, and division so effectively!
Friday, May 11, 2007
A Road Less Traveled...
Eighteen members and two guests witnessed several unique events at our 11 May meeting... specifically:
Robin Walker (below) served as acting president as we voted in four new standing rules (soon to be posted on the Web site).
Glenn Woodson (below, left) was TMoD par excellance while conducting a semi-"grab bag" meeting! All but the major functionaries received their roles at the meeting by a drawing. Glenn brought along a dictionary, paper, and marking pens for impromptu Wordmaster Shenequa Mitchell, who did a great job in her unexpected role! Glenn's theme? "A Road Less Traveled".
Mash (below, left) explaining how the weather in Mongolia is slightly different than Monterey, delivered his #4 speech on "The Environment, Nukes and Mongolia". He was voted "Most Improved".
... and Shahid Abrar ul Hassan (below, left) telling us more about the different forms of the English language in his final meeting at NPS Toastmasters. Shahid won "Best Speaker" with this #6 speech. A new graduate of the Monterey Institute of International Studies, Shahid is leaving the U.S. for his new position in Kuwait much closer to his home in Pakistan. He expects to find a Toastmasters club to join there!
Ned Powley (below left) presents his #7 speech, which was a discussion of his current research efforts.
Karen Woodson (below, left) as Table Topics Master ran an outstanding session which was won by Robin Walker.
And last but not least, Cathy Lee was chosen "Best Evaluator" for her critique of Shahid's speech.
NEXT UP:
18-19 May: District 4 Spring Conference in Foster City. Come support Angi as she represents our club and Division A in the Table Topics contest Friday night!
26 May: Smedley Saturday. Specifics TBA.
9 June: Evening Pot-Luck social event at the La Mesa Community Center.
Monday, May 07, 2007
Survey Monkey Results
Smedley Saturday Druthers
1. Which Saturday works best for you?
12 May
22.2%
2
26 May (Memorial Day weekend)
33.3%
3
I can't make either date--perhaps later!
44.4%
4
Total Respondents
9
Saturday, April 28, 2007
A Smedley Medley
It's the last Saturday of April, the sun is shining in a bucolic part of the world - where else would you find members of NPS Toastmasters but at our monthly Smedley Saturday. And today was no exception! We celebrated a veritable medley of speeches, ranging from North Korea to Boston, from monthly phone calls to parents in China to a Monterey organization that promotes international peace, from the practical decisions about growth in our own community to the inner depths of the spirit experienced through yoga. Even more impressive was the fact that two die-hard Red Sox fans (Peter and Carl) chose to forgo watching the game to attend - now that's dedication!
Continuing the tradition of exciting, fun-filled meetings, we were ably led by Angi and Brian ("Team Anderson") with Brian performing the role of TMoD. The first "inning" consisted of Scott presenting an objective case for North Korea's involvement in international drug trade, followed by Shahid informing us of Global Majority, an international organization promoting world peace that started here in Monterey. Batting "cleanup" in this inning was our guest, Ying Shiroma from Bayview Toastmasters, who gave an entertaining speech about her monthly call to her parents in China. The evaluators were, respectively, Carl for Scott, Angi for Shahid, and Arnie for Ying. Maybe it was the fact that it was Saturday, but none of the speakers or the evaluators managed to come in within their time limits.
We did better time-wise after the "seventh inning stretch." Cathy led off by a humorous account of her encounter with Yoga, Pete continued with a hilarious speech about the tribulations, and occasional joys, of a Red Sox fan. Glenn Woodson finished with a persuasive #9 speech urging us all to become informed voters in the upcoming election over the Monterey General Plan. The evaluators were Arnie for Cathy, Scott for Peter, and Glenn Tolle for Glenn Woodson. Peter won best speaker and Arnie best evaluator.
Thanks to our timer for the meeting, Karen Woodson - and thanks also to Glenn Woodson for setting up the video taping on his sturdy tripod!
So it was indeed a Smedley medley, in the great evolving tradition of Smedley Saturday!
Below are some pictures and a video from the meeting.
Scott presents a briefing on North Korea
Carl evaluates Scott Ceremuga
Arnie Evaluates Ying
Pete extols the Boston Red Sox in "Bostonian"
Cathy Lee confronts Yoga
Continuing the tradition of exciting, fun-filled meetings, we were ably led by Angi and Brian ("Team Anderson") with Brian performing the role of TMoD. The first "inning" consisted of Scott presenting an objective case for North Korea's involvement in international drug trade, followed by Shahid informing us of Global Majority, an international organization promoting world peace that started here in Monterey. Batting "cleanup" in this inning was our guest, Ying Shiroma from Bayview Toastmasters, who gave an entertaining speech about her monthly call to her parents in China. The evaluators were, respectively, Carl for Scott, Angi for Shahid, and Arnie for Ying. Maybe it was the fact that it was Saturday, but none of the speakers or the evaluators managed to come in within their time limits.
We did better time-wise after the "seventh inning stretch." Cathy led off by a humorous account of her encounter with Yoga, Pete continued with a hilarious speech about the tribulations, and occasional joys, of a Red Sox fan. Glenn Woodson finished with a persuasive #9 speech urging us all to become informed voters in the upcoming election over the Monterey General Plan. The evaluators were Arnie for Cathy, Scott for Peter, and Glenn Tolle for Glenn Woodson. Peter won best speaker and Arnie best evaluator.
Thanks to our timer for the meeting, Karen Woodson - and thanks also to Glenn Woodson for setting up the video taping on his sturdy tripod!
So it was indeed a Smedley medley, in the great evolving tradition of Smedley Saturday!
Below are some pictures and a video from the meeting.
Scott presents a briefing on North Korea
Carl evaluates Scott Ceremuga
Arnie Evaluates Ying
Pete extols the Boston Red Sox in "Bostonian"
Cathy Lee confronts Yoga
Friday, April 27, 2007
Glenn Tolle achieves Competent Communicator!
With Glenn's terrific #10 speech, NPS TM has again reached the pinnacle of Toastmasterism by achieving all 10 goals as a President's Distinguished Club for 2006-07. Glenn's speech, entitled "Roads", discussed the choices he had made through life and how those choices made him a better person - and how we could "grow" in the same manner. And yes, our newest Competent Communicator won "Best Speaker"!
Luke Lazzari gave a terrific #3 speech describing and evaluating key personnel decisions that Admiral Chester Nimitz made in the Pacific theatre during World War II. Luke was voted "Most Improved". Best evaluator was Brian Anderson evaluating Luke's speech.
(Ed. note: Luke's speech mentioned ADM Halsey, who ADM Nimitz supported in the Pacific theatre in spite of insisting that the fleet perform an underway replenishment (UNREP) in the path of a typhoon. This typhoon ended up sinking three of four destroyers in a picket line with over 800 men lost. The fourth destroyer, the USS Buchanan, included a resident sailor by the name of (our very own) Joe Tacker! Joe has given several speeches about this incident in his life and our country's history.)
Leading the charge as Toastmaster in a well-structured and well-executed meeting was recently anointed Competent Communicator Scott Ceremuga. His theme? "Dreams, Desires and Wishes". Eric Timmerman led us in Table Topics - out of five participants, one of our newest members Scott Wilbur took away the trophy for the second week in a row.
Fourteen members and five guests enjoyed this well-run meeting. Next up: Smedley Saturday tomorrow April 28th from 2-4PM at the La Mesa Community Center.
Luke Lazzari gave a terrific #3 speech describing and evaluating key personnel decisions that Admiral Chester Nimitz made in the Pacific theatre during World War II. Luke was voted "Most Improved". Best evaluator was Brian Anderson evaluating Luke's speech.
(Ed. note: Luke's speech mentioned ADM Halsey, who ADM Nimitz supported in the Pacific theatre in spite of insisting that the fleet perform an underway replenishment (UNREP) in the path of a typhoon. This typhoon ended up sinking three of four destroyers in a picket line with over 800 men lost. The fourth destroyer, the USS Buchanan, included a resident sailor by the name of (our very own) Joe Tacker! Joe has given several speeches about this incident in his life and our country's history.)
Leading the charge as Toastmaster in a well-structured and well-executed meeting was recently anointed Competent Communicator Scott Ceremuga. His theme? "Dreams, Desires and Wishes". Eric Timmerman led us in Table Topics - out of five participants, one of our newest members Scott Wilbur took away the trophy for the second week in a row.
Fourteen members and five guests enjoyed this well-run meeting. Next up: Smedley Saturday tomorrow April 28th from 2-4PM at the La Mesa Community Center.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Another "squared away" meeting...
Nineteen members and four guests became 20 members and 3 guests as Dave Schulz was elected into membership today. Welcome, Dave! (That's 28 new members and one reinstatement since last July 1st.)
Brian Anderson as Toastmaster led another outstanding meeting in true Marine-squared-away fashion, which featured three speakers in yet another successful shakeup of the normal agenda. Speakers went first, followed by Table Topics, followed by the speech evaluators. The theme was "April 20th", which has different meanings to different people.
Shahid Abrar ul Hassan gave his #3 speech entitled "Be Concerned", where he objectively made the case that we all live on the same planet and need to learn to get along. Angi Anderson's well-presented speech on "Depression " (without notes and without lectern) won Best Speaker, while Pete Blouin won Most Improved with his #5 speech describing poker-playing body language.
Shenequa Mitchell was awarded Best Evaluator for her critique of Pete's speech by first-time General Evaluator Eric Timmerman. Best Table Topics went to new member Scott Wilbur. Third-time guest Leena Oh was brave enough to participate in Table Topics as well! Thanks, Leena, and congratulations on your participation.
NEXT UP: Regular meeting of 27 April will feature Scott Ceremuga as TMoD and Glenn Tolle with his #10 speech. Plan now to attend!
Saturday Afternoon 28 April: Smedley Saturday at La Mesa Community Center from 2PM -4PM.
Brian Anderson as Toastmaster led another outstanding meeting in true Marine-squared-away fashion, which featured three speakers in yet another successful shakeup of the normal agenda. Speakers went first, followed by Table Topics, followed by the speech evaluators. The theme was "April 20th", which has different meanings to different people.
Shahid Abrar ul Hassan gave his #3 speech entitled "Be Concerned", where he objectively made the case that we all live on the same planet and need to learn to get along. Angi Anderson's well-presented speech on "Depression " (without notes and without lectern) won Best Speaker, while Pete Blouin won Most Improved with his #5 speech describing poker-playing body language.
Shenequa Mitchell was awarded Best Evaluator for her critique of Pete's speech by first-time General Evaluator Eric Timmerman. Best Table Topics went to new member Scott Wilbur. Third-time guest Leena Oh was brave enough to participate in Table Topics as well! Thanks, Leena, and congratulations on your participation.
NEXT UP: Regular meeting of 27 April will feature Scott Ceremuga as TMoD and Glenn Tolle with his #10 speech. Plan now to attend!
Saturday Afternoon 28 April: Smedley Saturday at La Mesa Community Center from 2PM -4PM.
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