Rose Lane, DTM began the evening with a unique style of Table Topics.  Instead of asking a question, Rose provided the respondent with a single word to speak about.  True to form, Rose demonstrated her knowledge of the WCTM Members by picking words that were very relevant to the respondent's lives.  For example, the horseman of the group, Alan Reveles, was given the word "horses," which he used to discuss the myriad of horses he has had, as well as some of the accidents he has been involved in while riding.  Arnold Arch, WCTM Treasurer, responded humorously as he related the trouble he has with email.  Marc Cohn, CTM was given the word "math," which he used as a springboard to discuss the early arrival of Rosh Hashanah and some of the subsequent Jewish holidays.  WCTM President, John Graves, CTM-CL, discussed his career in the film industry, which included working on such blockbuster films as "Hook."  Susan Mayberry, ATM-B, CL, took home the ribbon for Best Table Topics when she used the word "manager" to discuss the challenges many (wo)managers face in the workplace today. 

The speech section of the evening included three speakers who all spoke on various life lessons, such as accepting yourself and others, saving a life, and winning.  In typical Warner Center Toastmaster's style, each speech was telling of both the speaker and society at large.  Additionally, most speakers were able to inject humor into their message, enabling the audience to laugh and learn at the same time. 

The first speak of the evening was an Ice Breaker given by Chitra Narayan.   Her speech,  entitled, "Accept me as I am," was a wise tale of transformation and overcoming interpersonal differences. Woven throughout biographical information were stories of how Chitra had to learn the importance of acceptance.  "My husband was very different from me," she said and related how the differences between the she and her husband caused her great conflict in the early days of their marriage.  But instead of dissolving the marriage, Chitra took the advice of her father to accept her husband as he was.  In doing so, Chitra related how she grew as a person and was able to accept herself.  "Every problem opens a door to new opportunity," she said, "accept everything as it is."  By overcoming the couple's differences, Chitra was able to not only flourish in her home life but also in her career, which eventually took her from her Southern Indian roots to the United States.  Finally, through the transformation of her husband, Chitra taught the crowd that acceptance is not a one time event but an ongoing process. 

"If you could save a life, would you?" opened Lois Coburn to a room full of suddenly raised hands. Not losing any momentum from such a gripping introduction, Lois encouraged the members of Warner Center Toastmasters to "reach out" and "take action."  In addition, she provided the three most important tools for saving a life: (1) education, (2) donate, and (3) volunteer.  Through her own story of training for a marathon in support of stroke victims, Lois showed the audience how easy it could be to apply the three life saving ideals.  Additionally, she reminded us that "drama is not a prerequisite for success."  In other words, saving a life does not need to wait for a catastrophe.  Instead, she taught, life saving both could and should become a part of our everyday lives. 

Bill Anderson, the final speaker of the evening, spoke on the "win at all cost" attitude that is far too prevalent in sports today.  Bill's use of vocal variety kept the audience's attention as he explained that this "win it all" attitude is both detrimental and unnecessary within sports.  Instead, he said, "sports is a chance to learn about life."  He revealed that three of the most important things children learn from sports are commitment, competition, and confidence.  However, he related, children are withdrawing from sports in large numbers; in fact, "70% drop out of sports by the 7th grade."  The top three were: (1) the parents, (2) the coach, and (3) that it just wasn't fun anymore.  Bill's speech reminded us that "winning is just one thing amongst many" and that "other things are more important."  While Bill's speech focused primarily on winning in youth sports, the ideals that he expressed are easily applied to everyone. 

Two other noteworthy events took place at the meeting.  The first was the induction of two newer Warner Center Toastmasters Members: Norm Dornfest and Vlada Dmytenko.  The second was the short speech given by our very own "Pink Lady," Jackie Goldberg, in which she discussed whether "to age or not to age." 

Awards for September 22, 2005 Trophy Master: Donna Stewart
Susan Mayberry Best Table Topic	Chitra Narayan Icebreaker	Lois Coburn Best Speech	Dennis Rowe, ATM Best Evaluator

READ OUR SPEECHES                                     MEETING ARCHIVES

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: