A controversy of sorts arose in our midst at our November 11 meeting. As Topicmaster of the evening, Arnold Goldman took his theme of "Issues" and ran with it, posing a series of questions with a political bent. And the dilemma arose, are these sorts of questions appropriate for a Topicmaster session? Was Arnold "politically incorrect"? 

And some of them were, indeed, tough questions. Questions such as these: 

"Would you agree that world peace could be more easily obtained if all the leaders in the world would sit with each other completely in the nude, devoid of all medals, uniforms and hordes of advisors?"

"How do you think Yassar Arafat's death will affect Middle East politics and conflicts including peace between Israel and the Palestinians?"

While our Toastmaster Dave DeFore CTM, did not feel ours was a forum appropriate for such questions and voiced his opinion as such, other members of our audience differed in their views and some welcomed the challenge.

As for our extended speaking entourage directed by D4, four extremely talented ladies took center stage to deliver an evening of  exciting speeches concerned with the challenges of relationships, education, and finding one's way around the cities of the world. Maritza Baca's memorable and humorous #2 speech on how to cope with a romantic breakup of epic proportions touched our audience and captured best speech of the evening. 

For her #4, Maisie Lee took us on another fascinating cross-cultural tour, this time of the traffic customs of different countries she has lived in, from Europe to Asia. Carolyn Goldman's #3 again took to the issue of "fear of relationships" with a humorous and rather interactive speech about coping with your boss and your relatives. And Loann Carrison ATM, unleashed from the lectern, carried her story-telling assignments into new territory with a story about the value of education. (And big congratulations on your MBA, Loann!)

Extracurricular events: Arnold Goldman's guided tour of the US Naval Museum of Armaments and Technology was a success, with an entourage of 16 persons in attendance.

The Doo Dah parade takes place this Sunday, and all members are invited to represent our Toastmasters District 52. Call John Graves or Susan Mayberry if you are interested in participating in this outrageous and fun event!                                                          -jcg

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 — this coming Monday November 22 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 818, 805, and 310 areas.

We DO meet every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month except Christmas week, and this coming week we meet MONDAY, not on Thanksgiving day. 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. Our next meeting is scheduled for Monday November 22, 2004.  For more information, please contact:

    VP of Membership Carolyn Goldman     818-996-7483    

VP of Publicity John Graves                     818-882-3300

    Founder Rose Lane                                    805-371-8803