Toastmasters Thursday

First, my recap of the meeting: Seldom does our agenda take on a unconventional shape. One time that it does is when new officers are installed in their positions, and that's how it came to be that things looked a little different on Thursday. Before getting to the meeting, our thanks must go out to the heroes who stepped up to fill roles where there was need. My notes indicate that Julia Baumgartner, Daniel Ferguson and Vernita Perkins volunteered for Ah Counter, General Evaluator, and Evaluator, and are to be applauded for their service.

The official start of the meeting began with our new president introducing the guests, of whom there were four( auguring well for the continued vibrancy of the club). From there, the meeting was turned over to this week’s Toastmaster, Samuel Wong. Samuel spoke of the great burst of energy that accompanies attendance of a club meeting, and seemed confident that this meeting would be no different. Indeed, the day’s two speeches fully lived up to his expectations and ours.

Sho Oh spoke first, and his subject was that of his efforts to win accreditation on the PGA Tour. He spoke of the complicated, onerous path towards that goal, and passed on his hard-won knowledge and wisdom. Ann Griffith was second, and gave her speech on the American tradition of fireworks on Independence Day. We were won over by her account of the sights and sounds of that night, and it is likely that more than one attendee left the meeting desperately seeking out a hearty meal after being tantalized by description of the food.

It was at this point that the meeting began to distinguish itself from others. Due to the time required for the installation, Table Topics was dispensed with, and Samuel Wong turned the meeting over directly to the General Evaluator, Daniel Ferguson, who expertly and efficiently guided the middle part of the meeting. Evaluating Sho was Diana Offen, who imparted valuable insight, as did Vernita Perkins, who likewise offered discernment to Ann.

With the evaluations through, we got to the installation. Officiating was our own Jackie Sanders, who swore in each of the present incoming officers with the gavel and an oath. Taking photographs was Daniel Ferguson, and I presume that we may expect to see those before long.

With the installation done with, it was time to return to the ordinary business of the meeting. As ballot counter, I had the pleasure of announcing the meeting’s winners: Ann Griffith for Best Speaker and Vernita Perkins for Best Evaluator. With a little time left, we heard from our guests, who seemed favorable impressed with the meeting. Lastly, I would like to note that the word of the day, “grok”, seemed to strike a chord with club members, who incorporated it into their speaking roles with gusto.

Such was the extent of the meeting. The structure was unusual, but the fun and productivity was not. You can count on those things, so attend if you are able! Next week’s speakers will be Charmagne Saunders, Kenna Love, and myself, Calder Holbrook.

And the officer training:

After getting back from the meeting, I had a couple hours at home before the training. Then, I headed back to our meeting space, where the training was to take place. There I first encountered one of the prominent members of our club, who was registering people and collecting their payments. I had been told that our club members were covered, but she wasn't aware of that. Anyway, it was settled.

We heard a speech from a former international speech contest winner, and it was good. Then we broke up into groups for training in our individual offices. There was some good information. All in all, it was a worthwhile event. It's always nice to see the people I know from the club, and especially nice when it's not within the confines of a club meeting agenda. This was still Toastmasters, but relaxed somehow.

After the event, I helped out another of our clubmembers with some things, and she was kind enough to drive me home. I consider myself very lucky to know so many wonderful, generous people.

Next week: My next speech!