If I could substitute one word in the idiomatic expression, “All’s well that ends well,” it would then read, “All’s well that starts well!”
The January 19th meeting started well as our Sgt.-at-Arms, Louise J, shared her dream of her speeches being clear, competent, concise, and crisp! This is the high note on which the ever enthusiastic President Mel Bayo announced that our Club recently achieved Toastmaster's Distinguished award and could achieve an additional distinction that very evening (Select Distinguished).
As if announcing another award, TMOE, Eldon Ralph’s posted the word of the day, “erudite.” This was a proud moment, as we learned that so many of the male members (…and ladies too) were characterized by erudition.
One of the intriguing responses to Robin Bradshaw’s Table Topics theme, “New Beginnings” was that of one of our visitors. If he could change one thing, he would inspire the art of listening—“a willingness to listen to each other, person to person, and country to country!”
With much thanks to Maxine Blanks and Fiona Morrissey for providing refreshments, all 20 attendees, including two visitors engaged in the 15-minute social time.
Just a nugget from each of the four speeches:
- Kim Crews explained that her theme of the year was the “Daffodil Principle” –learning to achieve our goals one step at a time.
- Desiree Payne’s persuasive punch was that we could enhance our leadership qualities by serving others in the community.
- Mel Bayo challenged us to make time to develop a speech. He said that, “Getting up to speak is more than half the battle—get up!”
- Mary Olowofoyeku engaged us from start to finish as she employed all the storytelling elements to entertain while delivering the moral that “In life there are certain things we are required to do.”
Master Evaluator, Mike Nolan with his wealth of Toastmasters knowledge and experience moderated the evaluation process. Kerron Kalloo, Joan Phillips, Pauline Brown and a fourth Evaluator provided well deserved and useful feedback to each speaker.
Andy Jacobs, one of our newest members provided the timers report in true “techy” style. Can you imagine delivering a speech in six hundred thousand milliseconds?
Our Grammarian/Ah Counter was Merlyn Kettering, and Listener, Fiona Morrissey.
Another great meeting ended well!
And the winners are........
