In a Few Words
Warner Center Toast Masters’ (WCTM) regularly scheduled meeting of September 28th found twenty-six members and one guest gathered in the Marriott’s Calabasas Room for an evening of food, fun and elocution. “Words” was the theme of the night and Toastmaster John Graves’, CTM / CL, opening remarks wittily set the tone for the evening while reveling in the meanings and textures that words create.
Table Topics: The Word of the Day
Topics Master Dan Marzec, ATM-B then took control of the meeting for Table Topics, the extemporaneous portion of the evening’s program. Speaking of the evening’s theme, Dan said, “Words have beauty that dazzles and entertains. They are our friends and our tormentors whether they are written, spoken or electronic synapse.” With that the erudite Mr. Marzec queried twelve WCTM members about the words they would use in certain situations. These members were: Dennis Rowe, Lois Coburn, Marc Cohn, CTM, Arnold Arch, Norm Dornfest, CTM, Art Hugon, Eva Barry, Bill Anderson, Colin Giles, Vlada Dymentrenko, Tess Asiala, CTM, and Maise Lee. Taking the first place ribbon for Best Table Topics was Arnold Arch with his answer to the question, “What would you say to your son if he came home with a tattoo?”
Prepared Speeches: The Scheduled & Unscheduled
The Prepared
Speeches portion of the meeting program was comprised of three
offerings from the Communications & Leadership Manual (CLM)
and one “last minute” icebreaker. Sunit
Nangia led off with “Lights, Camera, Action”, speech #2 from
the
CLM. In it, Sunit described a typical “Bollywood” motion picture
– musicals with a least on dance sequence and a host of “filmy songs.”
The subject matter, however, is changing to reflect developments in
Indian society. “Films now deal with discos rather than arranged
marriages,” he said.
Stuart Juggler was up next with “The Power of Or”, speech #3 from the CLM. Detailing the many self-help books he had read, Stuart described how he often had failed to implement their advice. This changed with the tome, Choices which emphasized a focus on making correct decisions. Challenging all to focus on making choices, he observed, “It only takes a little more effort to be better than others in your field.”
A nine year relationship with her significant other, Steven, was the subject of Donna Stewart’s CLM speech #8, “Online Courses for Couples who Are Opposites.” Done in a comically, tongue-in-cheek, lecture style, the talk included an extensive slide show describing a series of ersatz courses that mismatched couples could take in order to resolve differences, for example: “Fundamental Differences Between a Laundry Hamper and the Floor.” In closing the ever poised Ms. Stewart told the group that all was not “sturm und drang” in her household, “We bring a sense of loving and caring to each other’s lives. You don’t need a course for that.”
Telling the audience that his last speech was given before most of the people in the room were WCTM members, Arnold Arch launched into an unscheduled, extemporaneous Icebreaker entitled, “Who Am I?” A paean to his elementary school experiences, WCTM’s Treasurer and resident raconteur, traced his life from his New Jersey birth to his emergence as a 4th grade spelling champion under the tutelage of his teacher, Mrs. Cornwall. Previously known as a “traveler” student, a familial move to Florida at age 10 exerted a benign influence, “The beauty of the placed calmed me down.”
In recognition of her comedic lecture skills, Donna Stewart was voted the evening’s Best Speaker.
Evaluations: Every Thing Went Well
The meeting’s final segment, Evaluations, was led by General Evaluator, Carolyn Goldman, CTM, who congratulated one and all on how “smoothly” the evening went, giving special recognition of Dan Marzec, ATM-B for his organization of Table Topics. Characterizing the Prepared Speeches as “excellent,” she went on to say, “It was nice getting to finally getting to know our Treasurer. However, I suggest that you schedule things ahead of time!” Individual evaluations were done by Don West (Sunit Nangia), Ken Slusser, CTM (Stuart Juggler), Rose Lane, DTM (Donna Stewart), Norm Dornfest, CTM (Arnold Arch). The “Best Evaluator” award went to Rose Lane, DTM.
Poll of Member Interest
John Graves, CTM / CL reported that the WCTM Board of Directors was considering the purchase of two pieces of equipment to be used to better serve the Membership. The first, a digital video camera, would be used to enhance the Toastmasters learning experience. Members so inclined, could have their Prepared Speeches recorded on DVD for later study. The cost would be just ten dollars ($10.00) which would be used to purchase blank DVDs and defray the cost of the camera. The second, a Power Point Projector, would be made available for Member use on club speeches at a cost of fifteen dollars ($15.00) per use. This money also would be used to defray the cost of the projector. Mr. Graves took a poll of those Members present to assess interest in each of these program enhancements. The results were as follows: Digital Video Camera – 19 “yes”; Power Point Projector – 9 “yes”.
More than One Way to Sign Up to Participate at Meetings
At each meeting, Vice President of Education, Erin O'Neill signs up Members for participation in the program for the next meeting. However, this is not the only way to get on the program. Members can call or e-mail Erin during the week with their participation requests. So, if you are not going to be at a meeting, don't forget to call or write e-mail Erin! WCTM wants everyone to have a chance to participate and grow in our wonderful club.
Letter from the President
An Affair to Remember
Last week I had the pleasure of attending an affair. Now, mind you, I have attended similar affairs. In fact, you may recall that I wrote a newsletter article about how I was so impressed with our last affair!
Okay! Have I piqued your curiosity? What affair could this be? Our Area Speech Contest, of course!
Held on Saturday, September 30, new Area Governor Soraya Deen put together an impressive affair. On the program was Warner Center Toastmaster’s own Sunit Nangia, Sergeant at Arms, who opened the meeting with his usual professionalism. We were then graced with our own John Graves, CTM / CL who served as the contest’s Toastmaster, entertaining us and smoothly moving the program along. I had the privilege of being one of the judges. I felt so honored.
Of course, by now you must be wondering, “Who were the winners? Did our Susan Mayberry steal the show as she always does?” Happily, your guess is right! Susan captured both wins – Most Humorous Speech as well as Best Table Topics! (How does she do it???)
In the Humorous Speech contest, Susan was up against two wonderful speakers including a seasoned Toastmasters veteran. Although, Susan had some stiff competition, her performance was far better. Thank you Susan for representing WCTM and making us so proud of you!
Susan will now go to the next level – the Division Contest to be held on Saturday, October 28.
I urge all members of WCTM to attend this and future speech contests. It’s a wonderful experience to see an effective and well organized contest in action and to support your club members. Plus, you will gain a greater appreciation of what it takes to give a great speech, evaluation or table topics answer.
I would also suggest that you volunteer to help with the process. All contests need not only speakers but Sergeants at Arms, Toastmasters, timers, ballot counters and judges. I can guarantee that you will grow as a speaker from the experience even if you are not a contestant.
But most of all, you will have an affair to remember!
Your President,
Carolyn
