The evening's meeting starting with a moving inspiration by Soraya Deen, who said, "remember to be guided by truth and love."  Following the inspiration by Soraya, and introduction by President John Graves, was the Table Topics portion of the evening as led by Chick Saffell, ATM.  During the session David Wurth described how Capital One helped fund his European Vacation; Arnold Arch spoke about getting thrown out of summer camp for fighting with another boy; Vlada relayed her dream of living where her parents had never visited; and Jackie Goldberg won "Best Table Topics" with her story about how she entered and won Ms. Senior Lower California.  She also reminded us that she will be participating in the Ms. Senior California 2005 on September 17th.  Good luck Jackie! 

In his Ice Breaker, Paul Kretkowski, spoke about what it is like to be a free lance writer.  He explained that his assignments can take him any where in the world.  In addition, his career requires that he write on topics he may have no experience in.  "I feel like I'm learning lots of little degrees on subjects that interest me," he said.  Paul's speech taught us that sometimes writers learn as much from the articles they write as the readers who read them. 

In a speech titled "Four Letter Words," Rita Van Dyke discussed the prevalence of hate within society.  Her speech incorporated both the every day usage of the word as well as statistics on hate crimes and genocide.  Rita urged the members of Warner Center Toastmasters to evaluate hate within their own lives and to become instruments of change "in a revolution against hate."  Her passionate delivery garnered her "Best Speech" of the evening. 

Joe Austin provided the audience helpful tips on becoming our own PR Agents.  He offered several great tips designed to get publicity for ourselves or our product.  "The best way to be newsworthy," he said," is to be first."  He also offered suggestions for those who could not be first.  Being the biggest or being the most controversial were just two of the many ideas he offered during his speech.  Joe's characteristic friendly and calm demeanor kept the audience interested in his every word. 

"Do you validate?" was the ultimate question as posed by guest speaker, Lance Miller.  WCTM members and guests marveled at how Lance took a typically mundane question and transformed it into a question about interpersonal relationships.  The speech carried the double entendre from prehistoric to modern day man and had the audience laughing the entire journey.  While extremely humorous, Lance's speech also offered a deeper morale message.  "I could make a difference to one person," was one lesson that Lance had learned and offered to the audience.  His speech offered the gentle encouragement necessary to make that difference in the lives of friends, family, and even perfect strangers.  Lance gave the speech as a rehearsal for an upcoming contest in Toronto and all members of WCTM were able to offer constructive feedback.  Of course, with a speech so brilliantly crafted there were more accolades then advice. 

Awards for August 11, 2005 Trophy Master: Alan Reveles
Jackie Goldberg Best Table Topic	Paul Kretkowski Icebreaker	Rose Lane, DTM Best Evaluator

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: