Sunday, March 31, 2013

Simply Speaking Minutes
Colorado Community Church
March 21, 2013
Our meeting at Colorado Community Church began with Sergeant-at-Arms Joel Weissman leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance before introducing Darryle Brown as our Toastmaster for the evening.
Our theme was “Become the masters of change”.  The word of the day was “paradigm – a framework containing the basic assumptions, ways of thinking, and methodology”.
Inspirator  Will Osagiede inspired us to change, ending with a quote from President Obama, “ We are the ones we’ve been waiting for, we are the change”.
First speaker Ed Pens’ speech, “The Crusty Curmudgeon” implored us to examine ourselves before we judge others .  He used examples of the homeless, the American Indian, and Muslims.  Delivered very somberly, it was a very powerful and thought provoking speech.  Thanks for a great speech, Ed.
Second speaker, Kathy Fortune told us about her final visit with her late cousin Marie in a speech titled “Somebody”.  It was a time to say good bye filled with humor as only Kathy can tell it.  Kathy took on the grumpy head nurse and urged ‘intolerance of anyone who is rude to us, our families, or anyone else”.   She ended her speech with “Always believe you are somebody”.  Thank you, Kathy, for an inspiring speech.
Third speaker, Concetta Palmieri’s   speech, “Runaway” told the story of her being afraid of giving an oral book report in front of her class.  She had never done this before and her fear overcame he so she decided to run away and she wouldn’t have to give the report.  She hid in a window well all day as people searched for her
Table Topics with Will Osagiede provided opportunities for some great responses by the participants.  Participants were Deborah Frauenfelder, special guest Tom Hobbs, and Connie Akins.
General Evaluator Joy Davidson introduced and evaluated the evaluators.  She also evaluated the meeting, which started on time and had good energy.  We need to get the attendance up, though.
Pete Hazlet evaluated Ed Pens.  Ed had some terrific examples of the people who are judged or cast off by our society.  His examples included the homeless, American Indians, Muslims.  He also offered Ed some ideas for improvement.
Second evaluator Joel Weissman told Kathy that she made us feel like we were in Florida with Kathy and her family.  She also gave a mouth watering description of the food they enjoyed.  Joel also offered some ideas for Kathy’s speech.
Third evaluator, Sherry Thomas, complimented Concetta on her description of the events when she tried to run away instead of giving an oral book report.  She also offered suggestions to Concetta.   
Tom Marrs was the timekeeper for the evening.    He reported that Ed was over on time, but all of the other  speakers were in time.  Tom Hobbs was the onlyTable Topics participant to go over, but Deborah and Connie were in time, as well as the evaluators.
Kumu Kandaswamy was our “Ah” Counter for the evening.  
Grammarian Margaret Seyer reported on how many times the word of the day was used.  She also noted some great lines used by people.
Our Quizmaster tested our listening skills.
Awards went to
Best Evaluator: Sherry Thomas
Best Table Topics: Connie Akins
Best Speaker: Kathy Fortune
Present at the meeting: Darryle Brown, David Bounds, Joy Davidson, Margaret Seyer, Pete Hazlet, Will Osagiede, Deborah Frauenfelder, Connie Akins Kumu Kandaswamy, Concetta Palmieri, Ed Pens, Tom Marrs, Joel Weissman, Kathy Fortune, and Sherry Thomas.
Guests included Margaret Seyer Sr, Lt Governor of Education Tom Hobbs DTM, Jonna Castle, and Matt Bromley.
Orbiting Toastmasters holds meetings on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays 11:45 A.M. to 12:45 P.M.  They meet at Aurora Central library and everyone’s welcome!









Friday, March 29, 2013


Simply Speaking Minutes
Colorado Community Church
March 21, 2013

Our meeting at Colorado Community Church began with Sergeant-at-Arms Joel Weissman leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance before introducing Darryle Brown as our Toastmaster for the evening.
Our theme was “Become the masters of change”.  The word of the day was paradigm – a framework containing the basic assumptions, ways of thinking, and methodology.

Inspirator  Will Osagiede inspired us to change, ending with a quote from President Obama, “ We are the ones we've been waiting for, we are the change”.

First speaker Ed Pens’ speech, “The Crusty Curmudgeon” implored us to examine ourselves before we judge others .  He used examples of the homeless, the American Indian, and Muslims.  Delivered very somberly, it was a very powerful and thought provoking speech.  Thanks for a great speech, Ed.

Second speaker, Kathy Fortune told us about her final visit with her late cousin Marie in a speech titled “Somebody”.  It was a time to say good bye filled with humor as only Kathy can tell it.  Kathy took on the grumpy head nurse and urged "intolerance of anyone who is rude to us, our families, or anyone else”.   She ended her speech with “Always believe you are somebody”.  Thank you, Kathy, for an inspiring speech.

Third speaker, Concetta Palmieri’s   speech, “Runaway” told the story of her being afraid of giving an oral book report in front of her class.  She had never done this before and her fear overcame he so she decided to run away and she wouldn't have to give the report.  She hid in a window well all day as people searched for her.

Table Topics with Will Osagiede provided opportunities for some great responses by the participants.  Participants were Deborah Frauenfelder, special guest Tom Hobbs, and Connie Akins.

General Evaluator Joy Davidson introduced and evaluated the evaluators.  She also evaluated the meeting, which started on time and had good energy.  We need to get the attendance up, though.

Pete Hazlet evaluated Ed Pens.  Ed had some terrific examples of the people who are judged or cast off by our society.  His examples included the homeless, American Indians, Muslims.  He also offered Ed some ideas for improvement.

Second evaluator Joel Weissman told Kathy that she made us feel like we were in Florida with Kathy and her family.  She also gave a mouth watering description of the food they enjoyed.  Joel also offered some ideas for Kathy’s speech.

Third evaluator, Sherry Thomas, complemented Concetta on her description of the events when she tried to run away instead of giving an oral book report.  She also offered suggestions to Concetta.   

Tom Marrs was the timekeeper for the evening.    He reported that Ed was over on time, but all of the other  speakers were in time.  Tom Hobbs was the only Table Topics participant to go over, but Deborah and Connie were in time, as well as the evaluators.

Kumu Kandaswamy was our “Ah” Counter for the evening.  

Grammarian Margaret Seyer reported on how many times the word of the day was used.  She also noted some great lines used by people.

Our Quizmaster tested our listening skills.

Awards went to:
Best Evaluator: Sherry Thomas
Best Table Topics: Connie Akins
Best Speaker: Kathy Fortune


Present at the meeting:
Darryle Brown, David Bounds, Joy Davidson, Margaret Seyer, Pete Hazlet, Will Osagiede, Deborah Frauenfelder, Connie Akins Kumu Kandaswamy, Concetta Palmieri, Ed Pens, Tom Marrs, Joel Weissman, Kathy Fortune, and Sherry Thomas.

Guests: Margaret Seyer Sr, Lt Governor of Education Tom Hobbs DTM, Jonna Castle, and Matt Bromley.

Area Contest Tuesday April 9th



Tuesday, March 26, 2013

18 obsolete words

Looking to spice up your next speech with some great words?
How about a fun WOD?  Check out these 18 obsolete words, which never should have gone out of style

http://www.deathandtaxesmag.com/195348/18-obsolete-words-which-should-have-never-gone-out-of-style/

Friday, March 22, 2013

Craft of Speaking

Looking for a book on the craft of speaking?  Take a look at these...

http://astore.amazon.com/northchriswri-20?_encoding=UTF8&node=4&goback=%2Egde_98449_member_225112790

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Simply Speaking Minutes



Simply Speaking Minutes
Colorado Community Church
March 14, 2013

Our meeting at Colorado Community Church began with Sergeant-at-Arms Joel Weissman leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance.  He then introduced our Toastmaster for the evening, Will Osagiede.
The theme was “Reach New Heights” and the Word of the Day was “effectuate” (verb) – to put into force or operation.

Inspirator - All of us, we sang “Happy Birthday” to Will.  His birthday was the following day, March 15th.

First speaker Darryle Brown’s speech, “Are You Made to Lead or Are You Made of Lead” compared bad leadership to lead, dead weight.  It was a great and powerful speech extolling the virtues of good leadership.  He gave several examples of good leadership.  Look for more on this topic from Darryle.

Our second speaker, Maura Thompson, gave us a thorough explanation of our Simply Speaking blog in her speech “What is This Blog of Which You Speak?”  Maura took us through the blog to show us how to get to use it and the information in it to help us grow as Toastmasters.

Third speaker, Deborah Frauenfelder gave a speech, “What’s the Future Hold?”  She pointed out that our activities on create a lot of data for other companies.  Our social websites, as well as the sites we visit, offer opportunities for marketing purposes.  There is a lot of growth and change in technology and as that occurs new jobs are created while others fall to the wayside.  Thanks for a very informative speech, Deborah!

Table Topics Master Lee Johnson provided some great questions to the participants.  They included guest, and now a new member, Monica Alvidrez, Maura Thompson, and Felicia Arambula.

General Evaluator Connie Akins introduced the evaluators, then evaluated the meeting .  She pointed out that the meeting was running a little late and in an effort to make us all more time conscious, asked us why.

Pete Hazlet offered an evaluation for Maura.  He thanked her for explaining the meaning of “ blogger” , as well as giving us several examples.  She told us we have followers on the blog, as well as informing us of several links to take us to the D26 website.  We can also check out videos o help us sharpen our skills.  Using the sandwich approach, he also offered her suggestions for her speech, as well as complimenting her on a great speech.

Gigi De Gala was Darryle’s evaluator.  She said he had a clear purpose.  He used familiar concepts and words.  He also used precise questions of the audience.  She also offered suggestions and congratulated him on a great speech.

Third evaluator, Kathy Fortune, complimented Deborah on her speech, offering us a great overview of technology.  She mentioned that Deborah had put together a great visual, a circle with the points she wanted to cover, explaining to us that we are more global today than ever before.  She also offered her suggestions for improvement.

Timekeeper Concetta Palmieri reported that all speakers were in time.  Table Topics participants were also in time, as well as the evaluators.

Sherry Thomas was our “Ah” Counter for the evening.  She explained the purpose of the bell and told us she would ring the bell softly with the intention of making us better speakers.

Grammarian Diane Nuss reported some great lines people used.  She also said the word of the day was used a few times.

Quizmaster Joel Weissman tested our listening skills as he asked us questions about what people said in their speeches, table topics, and evaluations.

Awards went to
Best Evaluator: Gigi De Gala
Best Table Topics: Maura Thompson
Best Speaker: Deborah Frauenfelder

Members Present: Darryle Brown, Margaret Seyer, Pete Hazlet, Will Osagiede, Diane Nuss Alan Swartz, Maura Thompson, Deborah Frauenfelder, Connie Akins Gigi De Gala, Felicia Arambula, Concetta Palmieri, Joel Weissman, Kathy Fortune, Sherry Thomas, and Lee Johnson .

Guests: Margaret Seyer Sr, Sherry’s daughter Jayme Thomas, and Monica Alvidrez.  Monica also joined that night!
Welcome aboard, Monica!!!!


Announcements:
  • Orbiting Toastmasters holds meetings on the 2nd &; 4th Wednesdays 11:45 A.M. to 12:45 P.M.  They meet at Aurora Central library and everyone’s welcome!
  • David and Cybele are both on the mend from there respective surgeries.
  • D6 Area International Speech and Table Topics Contest  Tuesday, Apr 9, 2013  6:30 pm  Colorado Community Church 2220 S. Chambers Rd.,  Aurora, CO 80014  MAP
  • Simply Speaking will host an all  Table Topics meeting April 11th
  • Darryl is looking for volunteers to help with the Area contest, contact him if you can help. 
  • Reminder- We are a no walking/talking club. Please be respectful and refrain from walking/talking when someone else has the floor. 
  • Please visit the blog...wait if you are reading this, you already are!!  Thanks! 

PLEASE NOTE THE MARCH 28th MEETING WILL BE HELD AT:
Empire Beauty School 16800 E Mississippi Ave., Aurora CO


MEMBERS - Please bring a canned good to donate to Empire's Community Outreach. 
GUESTS - Please bring your smile.





Meeting Note


REMINDER: 
The March 28th meeting will be held at Empire Beauty School 
16800 E Mississippi Ave., Aurora CO MAP

Members - Please remember to bring a canned good to donate to Empire's Community Outreach. 

Guests - Please bring your smile. 

Friday, March 15, 2013

Special Guest Hilary Blair


Simply Speaking Minutes
Guest Speaker Hilary Blair
Colorado Community Church
March 7, 2013

Our meeting at Colorado Community Church began at 7:00 p.m., as always, but with a different format.  Instead of speakers we were treated to a workshop presented by Hilary Blair, a voice over, acting, voice coach.

Not only did we learn that men have a wider voice range than women, we learned the importance of exhaling.  The diaphragm drops and creates a vacuum , the lungs – the powerhouse- propels air across the vocal chords to create sound as we exhale.  Pretty elementary stuff, the next step is to use the musicality of our voices, known as prosodic choices.


Filled with humor, great information and useful speaking tips, time flew and we were left with the advice to get the speech into our bodies, not just in our heads.


Present at the meeting:Tom Marrs, Cybele Antonow,  Joel Weismann, Concetta Palmieri, Kreg Lyles, Pete Hazlet, Kelli Malcom, Will Osagiede, Alan Swartz, Maura Thompson, Deborah Frauenfelder, Felicia Arambula, Joy Davidson, Sherry Thomas, and Lee Johnson .

We also enjoyed the company of guests from Cherry Creek Toastmasters, Professional Presenters, including (but not limited to) Alan Ritter, Bea Garcia and Terri Lawson.  
Jeff Baker was also a guest at the meeting.

Announcements:
We also were told of the first LGBT club in Colorado, Proudly Speaking.  It meets 6:00 pm 1st & 3rd Mondays at The Center Colfax & Lafayette St and anybody can attend.  There are only 15 LGBT clubs in existence and Denver proud to have one of them.







Thursday, March 14, 2013

Dues are due!


Simply Speaking Members!


The time has come for all Toastmaster clubs to collect dues.  I would like to take this time to highlight the benefits of being a member of Simply Speaking Toastmasters.  
  • Improve your speaking skills in a safe and encouraging environment.
  • Develop leadership and organization skills.
  • Learn to speak in an impromptu manner.
  • Practice goal setting and achievement.
  • Individual benefits personal to each member. 
  • All benefits can be directly applied to any job position.
If you would like to continue to reap these benefits, please pay your dues by 3/31/13. 
Amount due: $48 - covers 6 months of membership - what a bargain!
How to pay - You have two options:
1) Bring a check in to the meeting on 3/14, 3/21 or 3/28 - I will collect all checks.
2) Mail a check to: 2265 Depew Street, Edgewater, CO 80214, Payable to Simply Speaking Toastmasters
The due date is coming up soon!  Check your budget and pay soon!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at fcarambula@gmail.com.

Felicia Arambula
Treasurer - Simply Speaking Toastmasters


The Ten Pillars of Effective Public Speaking and Presentation

Want to know The Ten Pillars of  Effective Public Speaking and Presentation?  Take a peek...


http://www.publicspeaking.co.ke/post/the-ten-pillars-of-public-speaking?goback=.gde_4389736_member_213665138



Saturday, March 9, 2013

Get inspired about speaking

Want to get inspired about speaking? 

Watch Nancy Duarte's video: The Secret Structure of Great Talks



http://www.ted.com/talks/nancy_duarte_the_secret_structure_of_great_talks.html?goback=%2Egde_98449_member_217684122


Tuesday, March 5, 2013

District 26 Dialog Newsletter March

The March District 26 Dialog Newsletter is out.  
Look for the article written by Simply Speaking's Maura Thompson. 

http://d26toastmasters.org/dialogue/mar-2013.pdf?utm_source=March+2013+Dialogue&utm_campaign=District+26+Dialogue&utm_medium=email

Job search

Just how can Toastmasters help you in that job search? 
Watch this news video and see what an expert says.

http://s3.amazonaws.com/TVEyesMediaCenter/UserContent/175345/1641188.3960/KDVR_02-11-2013_08.24.40.mp4


Monday, March 4, 2013

Speech & TT Contest 2013 Minutes



Simply Speaking International Speech and Table Topics Contest   Minutes
Colorado Community Church
February 28, 2013



The Simply Speaking Speech and Table Topics contest started at 7:00 pm with Sergeant-at-Arms Margaret Seyer leading us in the pledge of allegiance.

Toastmaster Darryle Brown explained what the progression of the Table Topics and Speech contests.  He also gave the order in which the contestants would speak in each portion of the contest.  The order of the speakers was chosen at random before the start of the meeting.

Chief Judge Diane Nuss verified the judges, explained the procedures of the contest and verified the timers and the timing equipment.

Sergeants-at-Arms Margaret Seyer and Joel Weismann escorted the Table Topics contestants from the room for the Table Topics contest.   Each speaker was asked the same question so their response could be voted on.  Margaret escorted the contestants back to the meeting room and Sergeant-at-Arms Joel Weismann gave them their cue to step forward.

Table Topics contestants included the following:
Contestant  1 - Connie Akins
Contestant  2 - Maura Thompson
Contestant  3 - Ed Pens
Contestant  4 - Kelli Malcom
Contestant  5- Cybele Antonow

After each contestant spoke the judges filled out their ballots and handed them to the ballot counters. 
A brief intermission was held while the ballots were counted.  

The International Speech Contests followed the Intermission and  procedures were again explained for the Speech Contest portion.

International Speech Contestants included:

Speaker 1 Connie Akins with “How to Get What You Really Want”
Speaker 2 Cybele Antonow with “Choose Your Outcome”

Awards went to the following people:
Table Topics:
1st Place: Ed Pens
2nd Place: Maura Thompson
3rd Place:  Cybele Antonow

Speech Contest
1st Place: Connie Akins
2nd Place: Cybele Antonow

First place winners will compete in the D6 Area contest April 9.  If for any reason they cannot compete, the second place winners will compete.

Members present:
Margaret Seyer, Pete Hazlet, Deborah Frauenfelder, Cybele Antonow, Gigi De Gala, Kelli Malcom, Billie Jo Roach, Tom Marrs, Ed Pens, Felicia Arambula, Alan Swartz, Connie Akins, Maura Thompson, Sherry Thomas, Joel Weismann, Darryle Brown, Kumu Kumdaswami, Will Osagiede,  Diane Nuss, Joy Davidson,  and Concetta Palmieri.

Guests: Mark Akins, Estelle Roseland, Jeff Baker, Xiao Laing and Stephanie Osagiede.

Our Distinguished Guest: Deborah Frauenfelder

Chairperson: Concetta Palmieri
Chief Judge: Diane Nuss
Timers: Tom Marrs and Gigi De Gala
Toastmaster: Darryle Brown
Sergeant-at-Arms: Margaret Seyer and Joel Weismann
Refreshments coordinator: Cybele Antonow
Ballot Counters: Pete Hazlet and Deborah Frauenfelder