Simply Speaking Minutes

Colorado Community Church

May 23, 2013

Our meeting at Colorado Community Church began with Margaret Seyers leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance.  She then introduced our Toastmaster for the evening, Joel Weissman.

Our theme was “Inspiration”.    Our word of the day was “believe”, (n) to accept something as true, have faith.  

Inspirator Darryle Brown gave us some great words to show the power of one.  Some of these include “one vote can change a nation, one voice can spark wisdom…”.

First speaker, Diane Nuss presented a few not so fun facts about aging.  She discussed osteoporosis, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.  There are factors that increase our risk – lifestyle, family history, and diet.  While we face all these as we age the good news is that they can be controlled by diet and exercise, as well as a visit to the doctor.

Second speaker Cybele Antonow presented the results of her survey after the speech workshop presented by Hillary Blair.  As part of her High Performance Leadership project Cybele arranged a speech workshop with Hillary Blair.  Cybele covered a few highlights of the workshop, as well as presenting what some people wanted to work on to become better speakers.

Table Topics Master Deborah Frauenfelder, showing great skills in her roles, created questions on the fly.  She asked people questions about things they believed in and we heard great responses from participants Pete Hazlet, guest Katya Brown, and Connie Akins.

General Evaluator Maura Thompson introduced Monica Alvidrez as the evaluator for Diane Nuss.  This was Monica’s first time as evaluator.  She also evaluated Monica in her role and congratulated her in her first time.  She also evaluated the meeting, which started a few minutes late, and gave Joel a thumbs up as Toastmaster.

Monica Alvidrez, as evaluator,  told Diane that her speech was very well organized and had a good flow.  She also appreciated the advice from “mom”, eat your veggies and exercise.  The speech was well prepared and she answered questions at the end easily.

Time Keeper Tom Marrs reported that all Table Topics participants were in time, as well as speaker Diane Nuss.

Ah Counter David Jenkins, in his first time, did a great job reporting on the uhs, ahs.

Grammarian Vennita Jenkins, also her first time in this role, kept track of who used the word of the  day and some great phrases used by the speakers.

Quizmaster Matthew Dudzick checked to see if we had our listening ears on.

Awards went to

Best Table Topics: Katya Brown (guest)

Best Evaluator: Monica Alvidrez

Best Speaker: Diane Nuss

Present at the meeting: Monica Alvidrez, Darryle Brown, Pete Hazlet, Margaret Seyer, Diane Nuss, Connie Akins, Maura Thompson, Cybele Antonow, Deborah Frauenfelder, Joel Weismann, Tom Marrs, Matt Dudzick, David Jenkins, Vennita Jenkins,  and David Bounds.

Our guests for the evening were Margaret Seyer Sr, Dana Jenkins, and Katya Brown.

Simply Speaking Minutes

Colorado Community Church

May 16, 2013

Our meeting at Colorado Community Church began with Sergeant-at-Arms Joel Weissman leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance.  He then introduced Connie Akins as our Toastmaster for the first time.

Our theme was “Prepare for a new season” as we prepared to elect new officers for the 2013-2014 season.    Our word of the day was “Invigorate”, give strength or energy to.  

Inspirator Cybele Antonow told us we need an invigorating team of new officers.   She also brought along her yoga mat with some great advice to keep life simple and relaxing.

Connie then introduced Immediate Pas t President Tom Marrs for the election of new officers to lead the club to another exciting year.  Tom asked Secretary Pete Hazlet if we had enough members for a quorum.  A count of hands was taken to verify a quorum.

Our newly elected team of officers:

President: Will Osagiede

VP of Education: Darryle Brown

VP of Membership: Concetta Palmieri

Secretary: Joy Davidson

Treasurer: Kelli Malcom

Sergeant-at-Arms: Joel Weissman

Congratulations and good luck to all of them!

New officers will be sworn in at our end of the season celebration June 27.

Table Topics was the format of the evening to eliminate time constraints for the speakers.

First Table Topics Master Gigi De Gala called on people to accept imaginary awards.

Concetta Palmieri accepted the Foot in Mouth Award.  This allowed her to join the ranks of politicians, actors, and some of her neighbors who have also suffered from “foot in mouth disease:.

The Stinky Shoe Award was accepted by Maura Thompson.  She offered an apology for wearing flip flops.  She normally wears cowboy boots since they come up higher and keep the smell from escaping.

Sherry Thomas accepted the Stella Award.  This is an actual award that is given out for filing frivolous and outrageous lawsuits.  Sherry sued a nosy neighbor who stole her family’s recipe that had been in the family for 10 generations who then started a successful business.   Sherry also won the lawsuit.

The Ignobel Prize went to Jeff Baker, who invented the Snuggie.  This is also an actual award.

Kumu Kandaswamy received the Freedom Award.  She now has the freedom to vote, drive, work, seek and education, as well as all the other freedoms that go with being a U.S. citizen.  Congratulations, Kumu, for this great achievement!

Xiao Liang won the Darwin Award, awarded to people who died in the most ridiculous way.   Fortunately he survived by jumping out of the basket of his hot air balloon. This way he was able to explain that helium and fire don’t mix!

Second Table Topics Master Cybele Antonow asked questions regarding to the participant.  She read the question and then someone would volunteer with an answer.

Diane Nuss explained how she gets invigorated each day.  She depends on a shower and coffee to get her invigorated.

Monica Alvidrez told us that if she threw a party and money was no object she would throw a huge party to celebrate.  

Kelli Malcom shared with us what last made her really laugh.  He son bought a car and invited her to drive it.  He didn’t think she knew how to drive with a standard transmission, but she got the last laugh because  she does know how.

Zelimir Adamic shared with us his invigoration story.  He told us about a brand of vodka called Invigorate, and drinking it made him “invigorated”.

Darryle Brown answered the question “Which is better, certainty or uncertainty?”  If he has money coming in, certainty is better.  If he owes, then uncertainty is better.

Time Keeper Joy Davidson reported that all Table Topics participants were in time.

Ah Counter Monica Alvidrez reported on the uhs, ahs.

Grammarian Maura Thompson kept track of who used the word of the  day and some great phrases used by the speakers.

Quizmaster Tom Marrs checked to see if we had our listening ears on.

Awards went to

Best Table Topics 1st Session: Zelimir Adamic

Best Table Topics Session 2: Kumu Kandaswamy

Present at the meeting: Monica Alvidrez, Darryle Brown, Joy Davidson, Lee Johnson, Pete Hazlet, Will Osagiede, Allan Swartz, Diane Nuss, Kelli Malcom, Felicia Arambula, Connie Akins, Kumu Kamdaswamy, Maura Thompson, Cybele Antonow, Joel Weismann, Jeff Baker, Kathy Fortune, Tom Marrs, Xiao Liang, David Bounds and Gigi De Gala.

Our guests for the evening were Sruti Pradhan, Concetta’s dad & stepmom – Frank and Elizabeth Palmieri, Zelimir Adamic, and Davorka Lipovscak.

Simply Speaking Minutes

Colorado Community Church

May 9, 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 Kelli Malcom, serving as Toastmaster for the first time.

Our theme was “To Begin”.   The word of the day was “Thwart” (verb)  - to block, to prevent from accomplishing a purpose; to frustrate or baffle (a plan or a purpose).

Inspirator Kelli Malcom gave us another view of the word impossible.  If you break up the word it says “I’m possible”.

First speaker Marcy Brack roasted Deborah Frauenfelder.  In a light-hearted manner Marcy told us about the great friendship she and Deborah shared and the support Marcy received as she began her journey with Toastmasters.  Marcy earned her Advanced Communicator Gold with this speech.  Congratulations, Marcy!

Second speaker Dana Morgan, in her speech “You….Have the Power” provided us with some great examples of random acts of kindness can brighten anyone’s day.  It could be as simple as a compliment or letting someone cut in line in front of you at the grocery store.  Thank you, Dana, and come back anytime!

Kathy Fortune was our third speaker.  In her speech, “The Journey” she shared with us the upbringing she received from her grandmother and the promise she made with her best friend, Roy.  With the great humor that is her trademark she revealed the pact she and Roy made to become doctors and the promise she made to her grandmother to help the poor and a “Doctors Who Care” program she is starting.  She also told us to be “intolerant of any medical professional who doesn’t care.

Table Topics master Joel Weismann called on guests Dana Morgan, Mike, Matt Dudzick, and David Jenkins.  They all provided some great responses when asked what they would say to any world leader of their choosing.

Margaret Seyer was our General Evaluator. She introduced the evaluators and provided an evaluation of the meeting.  We started on time and first timer Kelli Malcom kept the meeting moving smoothly.  

Pete Hazlet was our first evaluator.  He pointed out how humorous Marcy’s speech was, and a great tribute to Deborah for all that she has done for Marcy.

Second evaluator Darryle Brown told Dana that it was an honor to evaluate his mentor.  Her used humor very effectively and gave a very polished speech.

Third evaluator Jeff Baker told Kathy that her speech was very well organized, soulful, and vivid.  Her face was also very expressive as she told us about some very special people in her life.

Time Keeper Diane Nuss reported that all Table Topics participants were in time, as well as the evaluators.  Kathy was over, but Marcy and Dana were in time.

Ah Counter Felicia Arambula reported on the uhs, ahs,’as well as the “you know” and other filler words we hope no one hears..

Grammarian Sherry Thomas told us two people used the word of the day.  Great phrases were used by the speakers and table topics participants, too.

Quizmaster Matt Dudzick checked to see if we had our listening ears on.

Guest and founding member Dana Morgan left us with these words: We all make the club, it is our club.  The members of the club make it what it is”.

Awards went to

Best Speaker: Marcy Brack

Best Table Topic: David Jenkins

Best Evaluator: Jeff Baker

Present at the meeting:Monica Alvidrez, Darryle Brown, Margaret Seyer, Pete Hazlet, Deborah Frauenfelder, Kelli Malcom, Felicia Arambula, Matt Dudzick, Joel Weismann, Jeff Baker, Kathy Fortune, Diane Nuss, David Jenkins, and Veneeta Jenkins.

Our guests for the evening were Marcy Brack, Drew Peterson, Dana Morgan, Jim, Mike and Sandy.

May 25 Xiao Leong and Darryle Brown compete against each other in Table Topics at the District Conference.

Simply Speaking Minutes

Colorado Community Church

May 2, 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, Margaret Seyer.

Our theme was “Pressing Toward the Mark”.   The word of the day was “Determination” noun  - the act of coming to a decision or fixing or setting a purpose.

Inspirator Pete Hazlet inspired us with a quote from Duane Michaels asking us to trust that little voice in us that asks “What if” and then doing it.

First speaker Darryle Brown gave us tips on managing conflict in his speech “Mastering Conflict Management”.  Both sides need to feel like they won, but people can react in different ways.  Some might withdraw while others might have the attitude that they are always right.  Mastering conflict is a matter of becoming a better communicator or leader because it requires listening and paraphrasing what someone has said.  He also had a few minutes of role playing after his speech with Karen Hall.  Thanks Darryle & Karen for a great presentation.

Second speaker, Maura Thompson’s speech was “A Tale of Folk”.  She started by explaining that a folk tale is a tale that is passed verbally by common folk.  Maura mentioned gave some examples of folk tales, such as the tale of Paul Bunyan and “Stone Soup”.  She then revealed the background of “a poor mountaineer” who” barely kept his family fed”.  It seems he wasn’t much of a hunter or fisherman, but he liked his moonshine.  One day he was shootin’ at some food and up from the ground came a bubblin’ crude.  He was such an embarrassment to his family they told him he belongs in Beverly Hills, along with some other embarrassing family members.  Thanks, Maura, for revealing the truth!

Table Topics Master Cybele Antonow made it “New Members Night” by calling on some of our new members.  We had Jeff Baker, Xiao Leong, Dave, and Benita.  All were in time and gave some excellent responses.

Kelli Malcom was our General Evaluator. She introduced the evaluators and evaluated them and the meeting.  We started on time and Margaret kept the meeting moving smoothly.  There was a lot of participation from the new members also.

In her evaluation of Darryle, first evaluator Sherry Thomas told him he asked questions we can all relate to.  He had great examples an drew us in.  She also told Darryle that he has a large personality and gret stage presence.

Second evaluator Deborah Frauenfelder told Maura that she was expecting a fabulous speech and we got a fantastic one.  Maura put a great spin on things.  Deborah liked the history and the play on words with “Mauralization”.  

Time Keeper David Bounds reported that all Table Topics participants were in time.  Speakers and evaluators were also in time.

Ah Counter Monica Alvidrez reported on the  uh’s and ah’s.

Grammarian Jeff Baker told us two people used the word of the day, but there were a lot of great phrases and Maura has a great singing voice.

Joel Weismann was our Quizmaster and did a great job testing our listening skills.

Awards went to

Best Speaker: Maura Thompson

Best Table Topic: Xiao Leong

Best Evaluator: Deborah Frauenfelder

Present at the meeting:Monica Alvidrez, Darryle Brown, David Bounds, Margaret Seyer, Pete Hazlet, Deborah Frauenfelder, Xiao Lang, Kelli Malcom, Sherry Thomas, Matt Dudzick, Tom Marrs, Joel Weismann, Cybele Antonow, Maura Thompson, Jeff Baker, David, and Veneeta.

Our guests for the evening were Margaret Seyer Sr, Karen Halll, Mike and Sandy.

Simply Speaking is invited to the May 29 Aurorators meeting at Empire Beauty School.

Simply Speaking Minutes

Colorado Community Church

April 25, 2013

Our meeting at Colorado Community Church began with Margaret Seyers  leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance before introducing our Toastmaster for the evening, Pete Hazlet.

Our theme was “Celebrate”, very fitting with the all stars we have in our club.   The word of the day was “epitome”  - a person or thing that is a perfect example of a particular quality or type.

Inspirator Deborah Frauenfelder got us moving and singing with the final chorus of “Celebrate” by 3 Dog Night.  Again, very fitting with all the winners among us.

First speaker Concetta Palmieri gave a speech entitled “We are Family” talking about the differences between hers and her fiance's families.  Neither family has ever met.  His is quiet, soft spoken.  They don’t shout unless someone is in mortal danger.  Hers, on the other hand, is not quiet.  It’s quite normal to have a conversation with someone in a different room, sometimes even on different floors.  We need a follow up speech to see how things turn out.

Second speaker, Will Osagiede asked “ What is the Price of Beauty”  in his speech.  He told us that beauty is constantly being defined and that only 4% of the women worldwide consider themselves beautiful.  In the part of Nigeria where he is from a woman must put on a lot of weight to be considered pretty, where as in the U.S. a woman must be very thin to be considered pretty.  He ended by saying his view is that it’s what’s on the inside that makes a person beautiful.

Third speaker, Margaret Seyer earned her Advanced Leadership Bronze with her presentation from the Successful Club Series.  It was an educational speech covering the physical and the relational climates and how they create a welcome atmosphere for members and guests.  She also covered what makes a club move smoothly like volunteering, help with set up and resetting the room when we are done.  Congratulations, Margaret!

Table Topics master Gigi De Gala called on several people to participate.  Using an edition of The Aurora Sentinel as her inspiration, she called on Will Osagiede, Darryle Brown, guests (and now a new member) Matt Dudzick, and Xiao Lang.

Sherry Thomas was our General Evaluator. Sherry defined success as not being perfect, but facing one’s fears and she told Margaret she did that with her speech tonight. She has come a long way and should be proud of her self.  She reported that our meeting started on time.  Sherry congratulated Deborah on some good moves in her inspirational moment.  

In her evaluation of Concetta, first evaluator Connie Akins thanked her for being in the club.  Her topic was the perfect yin and yang of quiet and noisy in describing the two families.  Concetta’s use if voice and acting out scenarios were great.  Connie told Concetta this was a beautifully funny speech that would be great for a speech contest.  Connie also suggested Concetta use her evaluator to assist her if she decides to use this in a contest.

Second evaluator Darryle Brown told Will that his speech title was a great way to open the speech.  Pointing out the stark contrast between the Nigerian culture’s and the U.S culture’s idea of beauty was very poignant.

Time Keeper Kelli Malcom reported that all Table Topics participants were in time.  Will and Concetta were in time, as well as the evaluators.

Ah Counter Darryle Brown reported that there were few uh’s and ah’s.

Grammarian David Bounds said he was not the epitome of a grammarian, but he did hear the word of the day used.  He noted some great phrases, including “emotional stuffers” used by Concetta.

Our Quizmaster Monica Alvidrez did a great job testing our listening skills.

Awards went to

Best Speaker: Will Osagiede

Best Table Topic: Matt Dudzick

Best Evaluator: Darryle Brown

Present at the meeting:Monica Alvidrez, Darryle Brown, David Bounds, Margaret Seyer, Pete Hazlet, Will Osagiede, Deborah Frauenfelder, Xiao Lang, Kelli Malcom, Gigi De Gala, Concetta Palmieri, Sherry Thomas, Connie Akins.

Our guests for the evening were Matt Dudzick and Margaret Seyer Sr.

Simply Speaking is invited to the May 29 Aurorators meeting at Empire Beauty School.

Toastmasters song

Enjoy this fun Toastmasters song written by George Peele (son of Alan Swartz)

(to the tune of "Riders in the Sky" as recorded by Johnny Cash & others)

Some people when they're asked to speak
in front of a big group
their throats go dry, their knees get weak
they don't know what to do
but there's somewhere that they can turn
where they can get some help 
my dad's a prominent member
by his license plate frame, you can tell

Public speaking's a ginormous fear
up there with death
but super friends are always near
don't turn to Coke or meth
don't be a yellow belly
just log onto Yellow Pages
and call them on the tele
you'll thank me for ages

Yippee Yi yea
Yippee Yi yo
Toastmasters slay stage fright

You'll overcome your nervous ticks
and master gestures too
and then there is Table Topics
talking off the cuff's cool
your sweaty palms will dry up
you will surely fidget less
and it won't even cost that much
much less than you might guess

music: Stan Lee, lyrics: George Peele

CustomSingingTelegrams.com
(303) 931.8466

Simply Speaking Minutes

Colorado Community Church

April 4, 2013

Our meeting at Colorado Community Church began with Margaret Seyer  leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance before introducing our Toastmaster for the evening Will Osagiede.

Our theme was “Finish the Race”.  The word of the day was the very fitting “perseverance” (n) steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.

Inspirator  Sherry Thomas gave us some inspiration by reading from a poem about a boy who had fallen for the third time in a race.  He was about to give up, but he thought of his dad.  The boy finished the race and even though he came in last he received the biggest cheer for his perseverance and finishing the race.

Due to time constraints we had two speakers for the evening.

First speaker Alan Swartz presented a speech concerning sexual assault in the military.  Titled “The Invisible War”, told in the format of a press conference, he told of a film that documented the sexual assaults and what was needed to be done to deal with the aftermath of the assaults.  He then had a question and answer period with some very poignant questions from the audience.

Second speaker, Darryle Brown presented “Rock the Interview Win the Job/Promotion Part 8”.  With a recap of the first seven speeches, Darryle brought us up to date and reminded us of what we need to do to win the job or promotion.  He also told us that several people have been successful with the techniques he has outlined so far.

Table Topics Master Maura Thompson called for volunteers.  If we didn’t, she was going to volunteerr us.  Participants included Lee Johnson, Alan Swartz, Elinora Reynolds, Joy Davidson, and Kathy Fortune.

Margaret Seyer was our General Evaluator.  She reported that our meeting started on time.  The meeting and agenda were great, as well as the speeches.  She thanked Maura for some great table topics and welcomed Alan back.  It was also great to see Elinora, Lee, and Tom again.

In her evaluation of Alan, first evaluator Joy Davidson congratulated Alan on a very professional speech.  He was on point and offered a strong presentation of actions being taken.   He also interacted well with questions concerning the problems of sexual assault in the military.

Second evaluator Tom Marrs told Darryle he did an overall great job in bringing us up to date.  He was professional, glib, and very smooth in his presentation.

Time Keeper Deborah Frauenfelder reported that all speakers, evaluators, and Table Topics participants were in time.

Ah Counter Diane Nuss caught a few double clutches.  She also noted that there was some restarting of sentences and some fillers words.

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

Our Quizmaster Kelli Malcom tested our listening skills.

Awards went to:

Best Evaluator: Joy Davidson

Best Table Topics: Kathy Fortune

Best Speaker: Alan Swartz

Present at the meeting: Cybele Antonow, Monica Alvidrez, Darryle Brown, David Bounds, Joy Davidson, Margaret Seyer, Pete Hazlet, Will Osagiede, Deborah Frauenfelder, Diane Nuss, Maura Thompson, Xiao Leong, Alan Swartz , Lee Johnson Kelli Malcolm, Tom Marrs, Kathy Fortune, and Sherry Thomas.

Guests:  Elinora Reynolds and Margaret Seyer Sr.

Overcome your fear of Speaking

11 easy ways to help...

https://www.openforum.com/articles/easiest-ways-to-manage-your-public-speaking-fear-2/?goback=%2Egde_98449_member_211994805

Table Topics

Nine Public Speaking Tips that Will Make Your Gestures World-Class

http://magicofpublicspeaking.com/2013/01/9-public-speaking-tips-that-will-make-your-gestures-world-class/?goback=%2Egde_98449_member_209517931