Nadine served as Toastmaster to a “How to be more likable” theme. There were 8 Members and 1 Guest in attendance. We started 1 minute late and ended 20 minutes early.

Scott started the meeting by detailing the new room set up procedure to help with cleanliness and efficiancy:

  • Move pens, note card holders and candy dishes to the side bureau
  • Leave agendas and ballots in a stack next to the name tags – grab one as you enter the room.
  • Throw trash away and help put the room back together at the end

The Area International Speech and Table Topics Contest is going to be held at the Concord Fire Station on Friday, March 6th. We will hold our Club competition on March 2nd if we have more than one persons that want to compete. Notify Scott before 2/21 if you want to participate.

Scott’s speaking tip referenced comments by coaches and players about Kobe Bryant’s work ethic. They all said that Kobe was not only naturally talented, but he worked harder than anyone to take his talents to the “next level”. Scott encouraged the audience to contemplate how that can apply to skills they are working on.

The WOD was “Dejected”. It means sad, dispirited. 7 of the 9 attendees managed to use it. That has to be a record on a percentage basis (78%)!!!

Nadine shared some tips from Karen Freedman on how to be more likable:

  • Inject enthusiasm into conversation, avoid a banal attitude
  • Be Transparent and Authentic
  • Make others feel valued
  • Find similarities with others
  • Ask questions
  • Use People’s Names
  • Smile
  • Avoid talking about yourself too much
  • Get the other person to expand on emotional topics instead of hijacking a conversation

Robert returned to the stage to deliver his 3rd speech about why Tennis is the greatest sport. He came dressed in tennis gear and highlighted these virtues of the game:

  • Age – you can play your whole life
  • Integrity – your competitor calls the ball out
  • Surface – multiple types of courts or hit against a wall
  • Coed – only major sport where males and females play together

Traci highlighted Robert’s used of humor and “markers” in his introduction.

Praveen filled in as Table Topics Master:

  • Nicole presented an awesome sales presentation for the flip phone.
  • Tony was at a loss for words and would have to plan a special trip if he forgot his wife’s birthday.
  • Traci had to impress her potential employer on her strawberry picking skills.
  • Angela told us how she would handle a date with a guy who wouldn’t get off his phone.

Traci is Toastmaster next week to a Valentine’s Day Theme. Sign up for a role if you will be in attendance!

The Executive Meeting met afterwards and determined these action items:

  • Robert will take over as Sergeant At Arms for the remainder of this Officer Term (ends 6/30/2020)
  • Combine the Ah/Um & Grammarian roles – this will save time in intros
  • Implement Quizmaster role at end of meeting – the role will not be introduced in the beginning of the meeting.
  • Open House on 3/23 – agenda TBD
  • New Officers Elections Vote will be held on 5/4/2020