Capital City Toastmasters

Happy new years, everyone! 

Before we rang in the new year, we gathered for one last meeting of 2008.  Louis was back with us and toastmastered us through his last meeting as president of this club.  It was a good one.

Raj, as grammarian, encouraged us to speak “happy” throughout, which many of us did, though Raj confessed to forgetting to actually do the grammarian role during the meeting.  That’s okay, Raj.  We’re just happy you were with us.  We’ll be even happier if we see more of you in the new year!

Keith called on Brian, Rey, Corky and Maria for table topics.  Brian did his best sloshed Jenny impersonation in telling the story about the hermit crab enclosure white elephant gift.  Rey told us about her efforts to work her behind off by walking a half marathon.  Corky spoke of two memorable moments of 2008 – when Louis beat Keith for the spot as president and all the discussion of late about redistribution of wealth.  Maria gave her husband ideas of sweet and not so sweet notes that he could include in whatever gifts he gives her in the coming year.  Four table topic speakers.  Four fantastic table topics.  If there is a Table Topics contest next year, this club should have a huge pool of top notch competitors.

As for speeches, Taline tried to convince the club to adopt a resolution to have each and every member participate in a contest in 2009.  Carlos spoke of his time in Spain and showed us pictures of his friends and family from that journey.  For the record, although Carlos went way over time, he delivered a ribbon worthy speech complete with humor, sentiment, and perfectly selected visual aids.  Great job, Carlos.

Amy acted as general evaluator, and Susana and Jason evaluated the speeches.  Congratulations to Susana for delivering her first evaluation ever.  Both Susana and Jason should consider participating in the next evaluation contest.

Ribbons were awarded as follows:

• Best Table Topic:  Brian
• Best Speaker:  Taline
• Best Evaluator:  Jason
• Best Humor:  Carlos
• Most Enthusiasm:  Rey

We also announced that the club International Speech contest will be held on February 18, 2009.  Remember that you have to have completed six speeches in the CC manual to participate.  So look into your status if you’re interested in competing.  Remember that a contest at the club level isn’t terribly different from a regular meeting.  If you have even an inkling to give it a try, do it.

Thank you all for making 2008 a great year for this club.   See you in 2009.