Middlesex County Toastmasters Meeting Notes January 23, 2014

Middlesex Toastmasters Meeting Notes January 23, 2014

Middlesex Community College, Middletown, CT

Presiding Officer Jennifer C began the meeting with club business.  2/27 will be a club contest, the categories are International and Tall Tales, and we will be hosting an area contest in March.

 

Meeting attendees (11):  John Bell, Jennifer Cimilluca, Maria Johnson, John Keppler, Michael O’Brien, Ramesh Padavala, Rob Schaff, Judy Thompson, there were two guests.  Mark returned from our last meeting, Ann, and our guest speaker, Ute Brinkman

Invocator- Judy Thompson

Toastmaster- Judy Thompson

Word of the Day- XX

Humorist-John B (Acorn growing up to be a tree)

General Evaluator- Rob S

Timer- Jennifer C

Ah-Counter- Ramesh

Grammarian- Ramesh

Table Topics- John Keppler, John presented members with a variety of topics.  Work ethic, e-mail etiquette, the economy, investments, how to make a better world, memories from high school, what is good about the cold?

 

Speakers:

Maria Johnson              CC Manual speech #7, Research your Topic, Title:  “Plagiarism: You Can’t Make This Up”

Maria told us about the challenges she faces as a teacher with Plagiarism.  Actual stories about her students, their misconceptions about “stealing” the work of others, and what we can do to avoid the offense.  Ann evaluated Maria’s speech.

Ute Brinkman                Specialty Speeches speech #1, Speak off the Cuff, Title:  “My Two Sons” 

Ute shared her inspiring story about personal commitment.  She has reached out to help 2 boys with shelter and education, and has a vision to grow her two boys to thirty boys.  Michael O evaluated Ute’s speech.

 

Jen asked our guests what they thought of the meeting.  All three enjoyed the welcoming aspects of the club.  Ute encouraged the club to fill ALL the speaking slots at every meeting.  Perhaps reach out to other clubs who may be short on speaking slots and invite them to our club for the opportunity.   Ute, our guest speaker, won Table Topics!

 

The meeting started on time and ended at 8:30

Middlesex County Toastmasters Meeting Notes January 9, 2014

Middlesex Toastmasters Meeting Notes January 9, 2014

Russell Library, Middletown, CT

Presiding Officer After wishing everyone a Happy New Year, Jennifer C began the meeting with club business.  Jen congratulated Rob Schaff with a 7 year anniversary gift.  Our next meeting will feature a guest speaker.  1/25 is the next opportunity for officer training, 1/23 will be an officer meeting.  1/27 will be a club contest, the categories are International and Tall Tales

 

Meeting attendees (11):  John Bell, Jay Broderick, Jennifer Cimilluca, Siva Digavalli, Maria Johnson, Michael O’Brien, Ramesh Padavala, Judy Thompson, there were three guests, Emily, Mark, and Karen

Invocator- XX

Toastmaster- Siva D

Word of the Day- Jay B (Kegalater)

Humorist-John B (Mother in law Christmas present)

General Evaluator- Jennifer C

Timer-Emily O

Ah-Counter- John B

Grammarian- Judy T

Table Topics- Michael O, Michael asked members to talk about several topics.  What we would do at our local warming centers.  What would you tackle first, losing weight, exercising or quitting smoking?  What are your New Year’s resolutions?  What is your relationship with your library?

 

Speakers:

Ramesh Padavala         Entertaining Speaker speech #1, The Entertaining Speech, Title:  “My First Cruise Experience”

Ramesh took us on his first cruise to the Bahamas.  He went from his wife’s shopping preparations to the layout of the ship.  Promising to tell us more in a future speech, our appetites are whet.  John K I evaluated Ramesh’s speech.

Rob Schaff                   Specialty Speeches speech #2, Uplift the Spirit, Title:  “The Beginners Mind” 

Rob talked to us about seeing our world the way we do when we are new to a task, challenging us to be open to all possibilities and be engaged in the process.   Go ahead and embrace your discomfort while being gentle with yourself.  Jay B evaluated Rob’s speech.

Jen asked all two guest what they thought of the meeting and would they return.  Both said they would.   Mark, one of our guests, won Table Topics!

The meeting started on time and ended at 8:15