Tony served as Toastmaster to a National Parks Theme. There were 15 members and 6 guests in attendance. We started on time and ended 2 minutes over. Since it’s Halloween week, about 1/3 of the group showed up in costume. Tony was appropriately dressed as a Park Ranger!

Bruce and Nicole shared some of their takeaways from the Area Speaking Competition. They both praised the experience as a valuable learning opportunity and encouraged everyone to attend the next event.

The group applauded Nadine for sewing four new ribbons on to the club banner. Thanks Nadine for all you do!

Scott used a quote from Abraham Lincoln as his speaking tip for the week. Consider the following quote and contemplate how it applies to your work at Toastmasters:

I will study and prepare and my chance will come. – Abraham Lincoln

The word of the day was macabre.

Tony recently visited some National Parks and shared these interesting facts:

  • USA has 61 protected areas known as National Parks
  • There are 407 sites covering 84 million acres of land
  • 330 million visitors a year to National Parks
  • The President nominates a Director of the US Dept of the Interior which oversees the National Park Service.
  • Yellowstone National Nark is the oldest US National Park founded in 1872
  • Congaree National Park is the closest park to the Charlotte area

Bruce gave an updated version of his “Just Jump” humorous speech. He hit the stage smiling… try it next time too!

Sunny returned to the stage to give a speech on a former mentor. She highlighted how an older, more experienced Toastmaster first helped her cultivate her Toastmaster’s experience.

Sarah gave a rehersal speech for her ribbon cutting ceremony. She will be giving it tomorrow as part of her TastyTown USA business launch event with the Chamber of Commerce.

Jerome served as Table Topics Master with these questions:

Praveen – If happiness was a currency what career would you pursue?

Mike – What is the most terrifying thing that happened to you in childhood?

Neil – What year of life was your most memorable that you would like to go back to?

Tom – What three questions would you like to know the answer to?

Enyonam – What has someone said to you that has had the most impact?

Maria – What is the smallest most valuable act of kindness you remember?

Scott served as General Evaluator and reminded the group that it’s more productive to call for votes after each section of the meeting.

Praveen will serve as Toastmaster next week to a Blood Donation theme.