Robert served as Toastmaster for the first time to a theme of “All About Texas”. There were 13 Members in attendance (14 if you count Mandeep who I think was listening in the background). We started 2 minutes late and ended 11 minutes early.

Dues are due by 4/30.

George has put together a Pathways cheat sheet for newbies that Scott will look into putting on the blog for future references.

Scott forgot (again) to send out the Zoom meeting link. He will try to send it out every week but the prior link should always be good if you want to plug it into your calendar for future meetings.

Sarah said she spoke to some former fellow Members of a Tel Aviv Toastmasters club who are struggling with maintaining a virtual club presence. Scott encouraged her to invite them to a meeting and to do so by emailing vppr@lakenormantoastmasters.com for a link. The same goes for any other guests you would like to invite. Please make sure Scott knows what guests are planning on attending to help maintain order.

Scott speaking tip referenced Geoff’s Table Topics response at last week’s meeting. One of Geoff’s goals with Toastmasters is to become less monotone when speaking. Scott highlighted Geoff’s use of emotion when talking about “failing to let go” of some things. Speaking your truth and being vulnerable to talk about emotions can help with vocal variety and connecting to an audience. Bravo Geoff!

The Word of the Day was “efficacious” which means effective. The group used it several times but the official count remains a slight mystery!

Robert shared several interesting facts about his home state:

  • Corpus Christie means “Body of Christ” (Robert’s Birthplace!)
  • Six Flags Amusement Park Name has a Texas origin
  • Stephen F. Austin is the “Father of Texas”
  • Houston, TX is named after Sam Houston (Scott’s Birthplace!)
  • 90% of helium is produced in Amarillo, TX
  • If Texas were a country it would be 5th largest oil producing
  • Texas Rangers is the oldest law enforcement agency (Chuck Norris and John Wayne are honorary officers)

“I have had two difficult tasks to perform here. One, to manage the government and the other to manage the settlers. Of these, the latter was by far the most difficult. I do say that North Americans are some of the most obstinate and difficult people to manage that live on the face of the Earth. Judging by my own experience, I fear the predominate trait in North American character are ingratitude, selfishness, and avarice.” 

-Stephen F. Austin

Geoff gave a prepared speech where he was primarily tasked with implementing feedback he received in a prior speech evaluation. He spoke about his work history and why he joined Toastmasters. He managed to work in a quote from past president Jerome: “It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.”

Angela returned from a long absence to serve as Geoff’s evaluator. She highlighted his vocal variety improvement and reminded him to look at the camera more often. Side note – if you are going to use notes, try putting them near the camera or prop them against your computer screen – no one will know!

Rich served as Table Topics Master for his first time. He provided the participants with several thought provoking quotes to use as inspiration in their responses:

  • Tony: “We are all broken, that’s how the light gets in.” – Hemmingway
  • Rupali: “Life is a journey not a destination.” – Emerson
  • Praveen: “Life is trying things to see if they work.” -Bradley
  • Sarah: “Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.” – Thoreau
  • George: “Sooner or later even the fastest runners have to stand and fight.” – Stephen King
  • Angela: “And now that you don’t have to be perfect, you can be good.” – Steinbeck
  • Steve: “Don’t let your happiness depend on something you may lose.” – C.S.Lewis
  • Scott: “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” – Stevenson

Sarah won Table Topics (again)! I say we make her compete at the next area competition!

During his General Evaluation, George offered some great ideas for the next meeting:

  • If you are Toastmaster, mimic Robert’s efforts: speak your “love note” aloud to fill the one minute of silence after a prepared speech.
  • If you are Timer, hold the colored indicator for the entire duration in case the speaker wasn’t looking.
  • Speak your goals aloud to help resolve overcoming them!

Praveen will serve as Toastmaster next week. Sign up for a role if you plan on attending.