Post-Toastmaster Minutes
Recap of the April 27^th Meeting 

The Warner Center Toastmasters (WCTM) meeting of April 27^th was a study in the best that can be had from the Toastmasters experience. It was an evening of good speeches, good humor, and most of all good fellowship.  

“Sharing” was the theme for the night. New member Colin Giles started the meeting out with an inspirational talk whereby he shared his delight at being a member of Toastmasters.

The night’s Toastmaster, Bill Anderson, used his opening remarks to thank WCTM for saving him from the cynicism that 20 years in the film industry can engender, observing that “sharing” was at the heart of the Toastmaster experience.  

Topic Master Maisie Lee then took the lectern and proceeded to throw out a number of interesting topics. Those members called upon were challenged to “share” their thoughts and experiences on such topics as world travel, the best way to stay in shape (Anyone for a mini-trampoline?), and happiness. The later topic evoked a sly move by Carolyn Goldman who turned the tables on the Topic Master by sharing with the group the news of Maisie’s engagement and upcoming marriage! The winner of the evening’s “Best Table Topics” competition was Chad Celi (he likes trampolines). 

After Table Topics, five prepared speeches were given. Leading off was Stuart Cohen’s Icebreaker, “How ‘I’ Became We”. Erin O’Neill next gave a talk entitled, “It is What You Make It” which included a Power Point presentation, fulfilling the requirements of speech #8 from the Communication and Leadership Manual. The final three speakers all gave advanced speeches: Soraya Deen, CTM – “Run to Win”; John Graves, CTM, CL – “The Eyes Have It”; Dan Marzec, ATM-B – “Anybody Can Be a Hero”. John Graves won the night’s “Best Speaker” designation with a talk that included a variety of visual aids including a homemade teleprompter.   

Evaluations followed led by General Evaluator Maya Debus, CTM, whose review of the meeting provided insights that were accurate and sincere. Evaluations were done by Norm Dornfest, CTM, Lois Coburn, Loan Carrison, ATM-B, Susan Mayberry, ATM-B, CL, and Rose Lane, DTM, winner of the meeting’s “Best Evaluator” award.   

New Members 

Warner Center Toastmasters extends a warm welcome its two newest members, Felicia Martino and Glen Rankel. Felicia and Glen decided to take the plunge and join our happy family after our last meeting. This brings total membership to 50. We’re happy to have them both on board! 

Educational Achievements/Awards

Warner Center Toastmasters is proud to recognize the recent accomplishments of two its most active members:  Susan Mayberry and Dan Marzec. Susan placed 1^st in the Evaluations competition at the District 52, “Division A Evaluation and International Speech Contests” which took place on April 8^th.  Dan was notified on April 11^th of his promotion to the rank of Advanced Toastmaster – Bronze (ATM-B). Congratulations Susan and Dan!                                                              -- B A

Date

Description

Location

Thursday, May 11^th, 6:30 p.m. –  9 p.m.

Warner Center Toastmasters Regular Meeting

Warner Center Marriot    Woodland Hills

Saturday, May 20^th, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

District 52’s 2006 Spring Conference

Hilton Convention Center, Burbank

You may find the answers in a book, but how can you take action and put principles into practice? Toastmasters is dedicated to helping you overcome your fear of public speaking, so why fumble around in the dark with your self-image? We can help.

Toastmasters has nothing to do with drinking, there’s no secret handshake, nor do we pledge our lives and our sacred trust to the organization. We simply want to communicate better  –  the old-fashioned way, by speaking well, greeting, and introducing people better. Think of your Toastmasters club as a communications laboratory, a forum for experimentation, a place to work on your own, personal style. 

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.