In a moving inspiration, Paul Kretkowski reminded us that "Self-discovery is a part of every day life."  Shortly after this moving message, Paul and Scott Blough were induced as Warner Center Toastmaster's newest members.  Welcome Paul and Scott!

Rita Van Dyke led a Table Topics session which required considerable introspection among the respondents.  During the session Erin O'Neill related that she wasted her college years waiting for the "real world."  David DeFore believed that wine and exercise were the two things that kept him young, Stewart Juggler wished that everyone could just lighten up, and Marsha Hunt said that spending too much money was her biggest weakness. 

Donna Stewart's Icebreaker covered a topic that most of us are familiar with: not fitting in.  She related how she "knew very early on that [she] was just a little different."  What set Donna apart from the crowd was her height.  She recalled being asked various questions about her height, including "how's the weather up there?"  Although she stands 6'0" in heels, it's been "25 years since [she] felt self-conscious about her height."  And we're sure that if you asked her today how the weather is "up there," she would answer, "Just fine, thank you." 

For his second speech, Mohnish Sharma, spoke about the power of hypnosis.  "You can ask yourself questions that you may normally be hesitant to answer," he explained.  He also enlightened us to the various ways in which a person could be hypnotized: with the assistance of a medical professional, by listening to audio tapes, or by self-hypnosis.  It was evident that he got the entire audience's attention when he informed us that hypnosis "will bypass any preconceived notions" that an individual has and was first used in the field of medicine.  

In a speech entitled, "How to Weather the Storm," Rose Lane, DTM spoke about controlling our reactions to stressful stimuli.  Her speech was filled with valuable tips such as how to disagree lovingly and how "we blossom when we focus on others first."  She gently reminded us that it was more important to get along with others than it was to be right all the time and that we are responsible for our own reactions even when faced with the most bitter of opponents. 

In addition to the usual meeting, the members of Warner Center Toastmasters also gathered on a Saturday for our annual summer party.  Hosted by the Pink Lady, the evening was truly a delight.  The entertainment included Carol DeFore's rendition of All That Jazz from the Broadway musical Chicago and Dan Marzec performed two songs: YMCA by the Village People and one of his own original works.   

Later in the evening was the very successful white elephant auction.  Members brought in items they no longer wanted and auctioned them off the highest bidder.  But the most important part of the night was the presentation of awards.  Soraya Deen, CTM won Best Speaker for the year; Susan Mayberry, ATMB won Best Evaluator for the year; and Maya DeBus, CTM won Best Table Topics for the year.  In addition to the speech awards, several member awards were also given out.  Don West captured Rookie of the Year, Carolyn Goldman was voted Most Improved, Dennise Rowe, ATM was the Most Humorous, and David DeFore won Most Inspirational for the second year straight!  Congratulations to all the award winners! 

Awards for July 28, 2005 Trophy Master: Arnold Arch
Erin O'Neill Best Table Topic	Donna Stewart Icebreaker	Rose Lane, DTM Best Speech	Maya DeBus Best Evaluator

My Fellow Toastmasters

In his book “The Tools of Screenwriting”, David Howard states that underlying every great film is the premise that “Someone want something very badly and is willing to do anything to get it.” It might make a great premise for your next speech, too.

It’s also a great premise for your career, and for every competitive sport. Cyclist Lance Armstrong prevailed over the competition in the Tour De France for seven straight years only by having a uncompromising desire to be the best.

Speechmaking is also a competitive sport, and you’d be surprised at the lengths to which some of our best motivational speakers will go to be on top of their game. This week, in addition to a full slate of speeches and icebreakers, we’re also going to hear from another Lance who recently captured first place at the Region 2 International Speech Contest on June 18, and will be competing at the International Speech Contest in Toronto for our district 52.

Lance Miller wants to bring his award-winning speech to our club this Thursday, and all of you are going to be invited to help Lance find ways to improve his opus, and save yourself a trip to Toronto. Don’t hold back! A competitive speaker needs to give his speech over and over again in unfamiliar settings, and practice, refine, tighten, and perfect every word, every phrase. I have a feeling it’s going to be a whale of an evening! We look forward to seeing you on the 11th!

-John Graves, CTM

Are you thinking of visiting Warner Center Toastmasters?
  
The purpose of Toastmasters is to help you develop your public (and private) speaking skills, improve your self-confidence in business and personal situations, and to help you define yourself to your world more clearly. Why fumble around in the dark with your self-image? You can communicate more effectively than you ever dreamed possible!

If this sounds good to you, then come join us for a light buffet and some great speakers at the Warner Marriott Hotel in Woodland Hills. Among the most prestigious and popular Toastmasters meeting locations in greater Los Angeles, the Marriott provides a wide variety of superb meeting rooms for one of Los Angeles' finest Toastmasters organizations.  

Warner Center Toastmasters has been enhancing careers and enriching interpersonal communications for our members for more than two decades. Why leave great speaking skills to politicians and CEO's? You too can speak like a pro, and we'll show you how. 

It all comes together in a clearly defined and well-supported program of speeches and exercises that help you to sharpen your verbal skills, organize your words and gestures, and make you fast on your feet. Lose your fear of speaking in front of a large group, and you'll feel more relaxed speaking to anyone!

The Warner Marriott is located at 21850 Oxnard Street at the corner of Topanga. From Granada Hills to Calabasas, Santa Monica to Chatsworth, we have active members from all over the area.

We DO meet every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month without fail. Meeting begins at 630pm, gavel at 7pm. Meeting concludes approximately 9pm. Guest fee: five dollars.  This site is updated twice a month with forthcoming meeting details, so check back often.  For more information, please contact: