Holiday potluck

We are planning on having a Holiday Potluck at the December 3, 2008 Toastmasters meeting. The food and social event will be from 12:45 to1:15; with a regular meeting from 1:15 to 2:00.The meeting will be in Conference Room 5000.

So far the following people have volunteered to bring dishes:

Eva - Bean & Corn Salad

Eric - Salad Greenery

Betsy - Chicken Rice Casserole

Glenn - Turkey

Perry - Plates, plastic ware, cups, napkins

Perry - Fruit

But, where are the sweets???????????

If you are going to be in attendance and would like to contribute, just send us an email and let us know what you will be bringing. Sure hope someone brings something sweet. I'm getting worried.

Also, if you want to invite a workmate of friend - that's OK. Just let us know. Hope to see everyone on December 3.

Oh, did I mention I sure hope someone brings something sweet.

-- Glenn Lewis

November 5 meeting

President Glenn Lewis (pictured above right) opened the meeting at 1:04 p.m. He introduced invocation leader Perry Chang, who read excerpts from the speeches given by John McCain and Barack Obama following the previous day’s presidential election. Glenn led the Pledge of Allegiance. He welcomed club members to the meeting.

Glenn then opened the business part of the meeting. Betsy Blocker made a motion that the minutes for the October 15, 2008 meeting be approved without corrections. The motion passed. Glenn announced that 6–7 club members (about 50 percent of the club’s membership) had participated in the Community Hunger Walk October 19. He said the Peace Speakers executive committee agreed that the walk was a success and would like to participate in the hunger walk or something similar next year. He invited members to suggest other projects that would benefit the community. Susan EngPoole suggested that next time the Peace Speakers and Unity Church members walk together.

Betsy Blocker asked whether the dues checks had been sent to the national offices, since hers had not yet cleared the bank. Ada said she deposited the checks and then wrote a single check for all the dues. She said she would check on the status of Betsy’s check.

Glenn introduced Toastmaster Perry Chang to begin the educational program. He said he had chosen an “Americana” theme for the meeting, and pointed out the photo on the meeting program showing the crowd in Chicago celebrating the election results. He explained the format of the meeting, and introduced members of the Evaluation Team. Each person explained his/her responsibilities: Table Topics—Becki Moody; Speech Evaluator—Perry Chang; Ah Counter/Grammarian—Perry Chang; Timer/Vote Counter—Perry Chang.

Ada Middleton volunteered to help with the duties of Ah Counter/Grammarian. Perry introduced the word of the day: catharsis/cathartic.

Perry then introduced the speaker of the day, Eva Stimson, who gave her “Research Your Topic” Project #7 speech from the Competent Communication Program. Eva’s topic was “Breaking the Silence on Domestic Violence.”

Perry introduced Table Topics Master Becki Moody (pictured above left), who invited six people to speak on topics related to the theme of “America.” Those present were invited to vote for the best Table Topics speech.

Perry began the reports from the evaluation team by evaluating Eva Stimson’s speech. He said the speech was well-researched and well-delivered, with an effective introduction and ending. Eva used a good mix of numbers, quotes and anecdotes, and her use of notes was not intrusive. Her speaking volume was OK, but she could have used more body language and vocal variety.

As timer, Perry reported the following times:

Eva Stimson’s speech was 7 minutes.
Table Topics— Glenn Lewis (1:05); Patricia Longfellow (1:10); Ada Middleton (1:42); Betsy Blocker (1:03); Susan EngPoole (1:47); Perry Chang (2:18)

Ah Counter/Grammarian Ada Middleton reported that the word of the day was used 2 times during the meeting. She said she had noticed a number of “ahs” and space fillers.

Betsy Blocker, who stepped in as Vote Counter, announced that Ada Middleton (pictured aboe top) and Susan EngPoole (pictured below bottom) tied for best Table Topics speech. Becki gave them each a prize.

Following closing remarks, Toastmaster Perry Chang returned the meeting to President Glenn Lewis. Glenn closed the meeting by reading a quote on success from basketball coach John Wooden, printed in Toastmaster magazine. He reminded everyone that the next meeting was scheduled for November 19 in Conference Room B. He then adjourned the meeting at 2:00 p.m.

-- Eva Stimson

October 15 meeting

President Glenn Lewis opened the meeting at 1:05 p.m. and welcomed club members and guests. He introduced invocation leader Eric Darnell, who read parts of a letter from Thomas Jefferson on democracy and differences of opinion. Glenn led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Glenn then opened the business part of the meeting. He announced that the Peace Speakers officers would meet October 28 at 1 p.m. He also reminded everyone that the club would be participating in the Community Hunger Walk October 19, and encouraged members who haven’t paid dues for the next 6 months to send a check to treasurer Ada Middleton as soon as possible. Perry made a motion that the minutes for the October 1, 2008 meeting be approved without corrections. The motion passed.

Glenn introduced special guest Ashish Parekh, Area 37 Governor, Toastmasters International, and invited him to say a few words. Parekh explained the criteria for becoming a Distinguished Club. These include meeting goals in membership growth, timely submission of dues, completion of Toastmasters manuals, and attendance at officer training sessions. He encouraged club members to work toward becoming a Distinguished Club, and to participate in next year’s International Speech Contest. He announced that the next officer training session would be January 29. The Humana Speaks Up club is offering a mentoring session November 18 on how to help new members.

Glenn introduced Toastmaster Eva Stimson to begin the educational program. She introduced the speaker of the day, Becki Moody (pictured above and below), who gave her “Get to the Point” Project #3 speech from the Competent Communication Program. Becki’s topic was “The Month of Living Dangerously,” about her participation in National Novel Writing Month.

Eva introduced members of the Evaluation Team. Each person explained his/her responsibilities: Table Topics—Perry Chang; Speech Evaluator—Glenn Lewis; Ah Counter/Grammarian—Perry Chang; Timer/Vote Counter—Perry Chang.

Perry introduced the word of the day: sobriety.

Eva introduced Table Topics Master Perry Chang, who invited six people to speak on topics related to the theme of “Fall Holidays.” Those present were invited to vote for the best Table Topics speech.

Eva then called for reports from the evaluation team. Speech Evaluator Glenn Lewis said Becki did not seem to be nervous when delivering her speech. He gave her high marks for using humor, not depending on notes, good flow and transitions and a strong opening. He had no suggestions for improvement.

Timer Perry Chang reported the following times:

Becki Moody’s speech was 5 minutes, 53 seconds.
Glenn Lewis’s evaluation was 2 minutes, 40 seconds.
Table Topics— Eric Darnell (58 seconds); Betsy Blocker (1:00); Ashish Parekh (1:04); Christy Riggs (38 seconds); Gwen Clay (51 seconds); Glenn Lewis (52 seconds)

Ah Counter/Grammarian Perry Chang reported that the word of the day was used 1 time during the meeting. He noticed only a handful of “ahs” and grammatical errors.

Vote Counter Perry Chang announced that Gwen Clay received the most votes for best Table Topics speech.

Following closing remarks, Toastmaster Eva Stimson returned the meeting to President Glenn Lewis. Glenn said he had noticed more excitement and commitment among club members in recent weeks, and he hopes that will continue. He reminded everyone that the next meeting was scheduled for November 5 in Conference Room B. He then adjourned the meeting at 1:59 p.m.


-- Eva Stimson

Hunger Walk

On a Sunday afternoon in mid-October - as a service project - half a dozen of us walked in the Community Hunger Walk (a fund-raiser for Dare to Care and local international hunger relief), around the Waterfront and downtown (and around the building where we usually meet, the Presbyterian Center) across the 2nd street (or Clark Memorial) bridge to Indiana and back and back to Waterfront Park. Our treasurer, Ada Middleton; and president, Glenn Lewis (pictured below), spearheaded this activity (thanks, Ada and Glenn!).



Leading the way back across the bridge from Indiana were Glenn, spouse, our secretary, Eva Stimson, and her dog.



The air started out crisp and fall-ish, but it also turned out to be sunny and even warm day.

-- Perry Chang

October 1 meeting

In the absence of President Glenn Lewis, presiding officer Perry Chang opened the meeting at 1:01 p.m. He led the invocation, reading from the book Celestial Carousel, by Bill Joyner.

Perry welcomed club members and guests, and invited all of those present to introduce themselves around the table. He then led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Perry then opened the business part of the meeting. Betsy Blocker made a motion that the minutes for the September 17, 2008 meeting be approved without corrections. The motion passed.

Treasurer Ada Middleton reminded members that their six-month dues for Toastmasters were to be paid by October 1. She said she had received dues from four people so far. She encouraged members to pay before the due date next time so Peace Speakers can be recognized as a “distinguished club.”

Ada also reminded everyone that the Peace Speakers club will be participating in the Hunger Walk on Sunday, October 19. She said she has information about the walk for those who are interested. Participants must register online, and the registration fee is $25. She said two people from the club had registered so far.

Perry then began the educational program, noting that a number of club members are prepared to give speeches in the next few months. He introduced the speaker of the day, Eric Darnel (below), who gave his “Organize Your Speech” Project #2 speech from the Competent Communication Program. Eric’s topic was “Buyer Beware: The Nuances of Purchasing Electric Guitars.” He demonstrated two types of guitars, Fender and Gibson, and explained how to tell if a guitar is damaged.

Perry encouraged those present to use the index cards on the table to evaluate one of the participants in the meeting. He introduced members of the Evaluation Team. Each person explained his/her responsibilities: Table Topics—Ada Middleton; Speech Evaluator—Betsy Blocker; Ah Counter/Grammarian—Becki Moody; Timer/Vote Counter—Eva Stimson.

Becki Moody introduced the word of the day: caustic.

Perry introduced Table Topics Master Ada Middleton (pictured with her back to the camera - above top), who invited five people (including Eddie Sanders - pictured below) to speak on topics related to the theme of “Health.”

Perry then called for reports from the evaluation team. Speech Evaluator Betsy Blocker said Eric’s speech was well organized, interesting and informative. She gave two suggestions for improving the speech: speak louder and give it a stronger opening.

Ah Counter/Grammarian Becki Moody reported that space fillers were used 32 times during the meeting: 11 times during the introductory portion; 8 during Table Topics; 8 during Eric’s speech; 5 during Betsy’s evaluation. The word of the day was used 5 times.

Timer Eva Stimson reported the following times:

Eric Darnell’s speech was 5 minutes, 53 seconds.

Table Topics— Patricia Longfellow (43 seconds); Lisa Daly (1:30); Eddie Sanford (43 seconds); Betsy Blocker (41 seconds); Joelle Anderson (1:15)

Vote Counter Eva Stimson announced that Betsy Blocker and Joelle Anderson had tied for best Table Topics speech. Ada Middleton gave them each a bag of healthy treats.

Perry Chang invited the guests to share questions or comments about the meeting. He offered a closing wish for “new vision,” and reminded everyone that the next meeting was scheduled for October 15 in Conference Room 4000. He then adjourned the meeting at 1:50 p.m.

-- Eva Stimson

September 23 officers' meeting

President Glenn Lewis opened the meeting at 1:00 p.m. in conference room 1050. He said the main purpose of the meeting was to set goals for the next year.

Treasurer Ada Middleton reported that the club has a balance of $139.35. She will send reminders to club members to pay dues, which are due Oct. 1. Glenn has paid and Joan Richardson says she plans to pay. Carmelita Young is not renewing. Patricia Longfellow is joining, but needs an invoice.

Glenn said that in the officers’ training meeting he attended it was recommended that clubs send a check by the due date of Oct. 1 for whatever dues have been paid, then send the rest later. Ada will arrange to have the name on the bank account changed from Annette Wimsett to her. Next time dues are due, she will ask for them to be paid 2 weeks before due date.

The officers discussed 3 of the 7 goals listed on Glenn’s agenda:

1. Club Web page—Betsy Blocker volunteered to set up a Web site, hosted by Toastmasters International. The Web site will contain basic introductory information about Toastmasters and Peace Speakers, including meeting locations and times, and contact information for prospective members. Perry has already set up a blog, which can be used for communication among club members. He will send out instructions on posting to the blog and will link the blog to the Web site, once that is completed.

2. E-newsletter—Glenn said the purpose for having a newsletter would be to promote the club. It could be sent to anyone who has attended a meeting in the past 12 months. Betsy suggested waiting 3 months to see if we need a newsletter in addition to the Web site and blog. Everyone agreed. Eva will give Becki the e-mail addresses of guests who sign the attendance sheet at meetings, so she can e-mail them with meeting information and encourage them to join. Becki will also send meeting reminders to people who inquire about the club, even if they don’t attend a meeting.

3. Public relations—Becki said she had talked with James Thorton (Human Resources, PCUSA) about promoting Toastmasters at staff orientation. He is very interested in having fliers about the club to put in the orientation packets. Eva Stimson suggested ordering free brochures from Toastmasters, and adding a sticker with contact and meeting information for Peace Speakers. There may also be a possibility of having a club member speak at the orientation sessions, or having the person who conducts orientation say something about Toastmasters. Betsy is trying to find out who is in charge of orientation. Betsy will also issue a personal invitation to HR director Lisa Robbins to attend one of the October meetings of the club.

Glenn commented that we have many good ideas, but need to follow up on them. The discussion of goals will be continued at next month’s meeting of the Executive Committee, 1-2 p.m., Oct. 28. Glenn encouraged everyone to think about ideas for contests and special events (2 of the suggested goals). Betsy will try to get conference room 1050 again.

-- Eva Stimson

September 17 meeting

President Glenn Lewis opened the meeting at 1:10 p.m. and welcomed club members. Becki Moody led the invocation, reading a poem by e e cummings. Glenn led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Glenn then opened the business part of the meeting. Betsy Blocker made a motion that the minutes for the September 3, 2008 meeting be approved as written. The motion passed.

Glenn said Ada Middleton had suggested that the Peace Speakers participate in the Community Hunger Walk on October 19, and that six officers had indicated their willingness to walk. He gave four reasons for participating:

1. Every organization needs to give something back to the community.
2. It’s a form of selfless service.
3. It could bring us closer as a club.
4. It could be a means of outreach to prospective members.

He called attention to handouts about the walk and suggested that everyone register online and then let Ada know. Eva Stimson suggested that those participating meet in front of the Center for the Arts. A question was raised about the whereabouts of the club banner, which could be carried on the walk.

Treasurer Ada Middleton handed out invoices for the semi-annual membership dues, and announced that dues are to be paid by October 1.

Glenn introduced Vice President for Education Perry Chang, who encouraged members to use the index cards at their places to evaluate one of the meeting participants.

He then led the second part of a special educational program on “Selecting a Speech Topic.” He called attention to a handout listing strategies suggested by members at the previous meeting. Turning to the other side of the handout, he went over a list of strategies recommended by Toastmasters International.

Susan Abraham said it would be helpful to have a chart showing each member’s progress through the series of speeches required by Toastmasters.

Perry then showed a video of a speech by Republican Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin in Dayton, Ohio. Click here to see the video we watched: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gg0darQB7r4&feature=related

After watching the speech, members commented on Palin’s strong and clear speaking voice, effective body language, and good uses of pauses for emphasis.

Perry turned the meeting back over to Glenn Lewis, who expressed appreciation to the club for giving him the opportunity to serve as president for the next year. He said he would be on vacation on October 1, the date of the next meeting, and would need someone to act as presiding officer. The meeting was adjourned at 2:00 p.m.

-- Eva Stimson

Hunger Walk October 19

If you will be joining Terry Meiners at the 30th Annual Hunger Walk & Run, scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 19 at Waterfront Park's Festival Plaza at 2 p.m., please register on line at https://mail.pcusa.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=5c37e243805244eb91d55d92aede144c&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.thehungerwalk.org.

After registering please send an email to me at ada.middleton@pcusa.org. If you register before Oct. 14, the cost is $25. I hope our club members (and friends) will be able to participate in this worthy event.

-- Ada Middleton

October 1 dues deadline

Today I received the Dues Renewal Invoice for the period of Oct. l thru March 31, 2009. The dues are due by Oct. 1 so that gives existing club members about two weeks to get the payments to me and I can pay our dues in a more timely manner.

If by chance you paid your dues for the period prior to this one and have not been inactive, may I use this opportunity to invite you to use your money more wisely and become a better speaker in return for your investment and time. Pls. know that you are missed, and YES we want you back. We have a new slate of officers and are looking forward to a most productive year.

Your consideration is so appreciated. Questions pls. let me hear. Thanks.

-- Ada Middleton

September 3 meeting

President Susan Abraham opened the meeting at 1:00 p.m. and welcomed club members. Eva Stimson led the invocation, a litany called “Blessing of Hands.” Susan led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Susan then opened the business part of the meeting. Betsy Blocker made a motion that the minutes for the August 20, 2008 meeting be approved as read. The motion passed.

Susan invited Perry Chang to give a report from the Peace Speakers nominating committee. Perry presented a proposed slate of officers to serve through June 30, 2009.

On the slate as presented, Susan Abraham was listed as Sergeant at Arms as well as Immediate Past President. She withdrew her name as Sergeant at Arms and nominated Betsy Blocker, who agreed to serve if elected. There were no other nominations from the floor. Each officer on the following slate was approved unanimously:

President: Glenn Lewis
Vice President for Education: Perry Chang
Vice President for Membership: Becki Moody
Vice President for Public Relations: Eric Darnell
Secretary: Eva Stimson
Treasurer: Ada Middleton
Sergeant at Arms: Betsy Blocker
Immediate Past President: Susan Abraham

Susan introduced Vice President for Education Perry Chang, who led a special educational program on “Selecting a Speech Topic.” Using a workshop format, he asked participants to pair up and discuss questions on a handout about selection a speech topic. Then each participant shared with the whole group a possible topic and how/why he or she chose that topic. Perry listed on newsprint the strategies that were suggested. He said he would talk about strategies for selecting a speech topic suggested by Toastmasters at a future meeting.

Perry turned the meeting back over to Susan Abraham, who noted that this was her last meeting to serve as president. She thanked all those who have served as officers and kept the Peace Speakers club going over the past year. She closed with a quote from Dale Carnegie. The meeting was adjourned at 2:01 p.m.

-- Eva Stimson

Congratulations, officers!

Earlier this month the Peace Speakers Toastmasters Club elected as 2008-2009 officers:

Glenn Lewis - President
Perry Chang - Vice President for Education
Becki Moody - Vice President for Membership
Eric Darnell - Vice President for Public Relations
Eva Stimson - Secretary
Ada Middleton - Treasurer
Betsy Blocker - Sergeant at Arms

Susan Abraham will serve as Immediate Past President. (Pictured above is Glenn Lewis.)

Peace Speakers offers training and support for public speaking and leadership development. The club meets between 1 and 2 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday of each month. The next meeting will be next Wednesday, September 17, in Conference Room B., at the Presbyterian Center, at 100 Witherspoon Street, in downtown Louisville (near Waterfront Park). Everyone is welcome. For more information, contact Becki Moody at (502) 569-5139 or at BeckiMoody@gmail.com

-- Perry Chang

Talking about tragedy

Speaking with child abuse victims or with parents who have lost children as infants may sound tougher than giving a Table Topics speech about your favorite teacher in high school. But Dell deBerardinis, who speaks professionally about child abuse topics, says many of the same principles apply: connect with the audience and make them feel comfortable.

“I maintain eye contact, involve the audience when I can, and I honor and respect them,” deBerardinis told Toastmasters magazine in an article in the March 2008 issue titled “Speaking about the Unspeakable.”

DeBerardinis sometimes injects humor or her own personal stories to help establish a bond with the audience. Speakers approaching a challenging topic such as this, deBerardinis said, must always start out by educating themselves more about that topic and preparing themselves to talk about solutions.

To read the whole article, click here and go to page 7: http://www.toastmasters.org/ToastmastersMagazine/ToastmasterArchive/2008/March/March08ToastmasterPDF.aspx

-- Perry Chang

August 20 meeting

President Susan Abraham opened the meeting at 1:03 p.m. She welcomed club members and guests, and noted that one of the guests, Kevin Guerrero, is Vice President of Public Affairs for the Humana Speaks Up Toastmasters Club. Susan invited all of those present to introduce themselves around the table.

Susan introduced the invocation leader, Perry Chang, who shared a reading on the theme of partnership. Susan then led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Susan opened the business part of the meeting. The minutes for the July 16, 2008 meeting were approved without corrections.

Susan introduced Toastmaster Betsy Blocker to begin the educational program. Betsy introduced members of the Evaluation Team. Each person explained his/her responsibilities: Table Topics—Eva Stimson; Speech Evaluator—Glenn Lewis; Ah Counter/Grammarian—Eric Darnell; Timer/Vote Counter—Perry Chang.

Eric Darnell introduced the word of the day: ruminate.

Betsy introduced the speaker, Becki Moody, who gave her “Organize Your Speech” Project #3 speech from the Competent Communication Program. Becki’s topic was “In the Line of Fire: The Role of the Secret Service in the 2008 Presidential Campaign.”

Betsy introduced Table Topics Master Eva Stimson, who invited six people to speak on topics related to the theme “Back to School.”

Betsy then called for reports from the evaluation team. Speech Evaluator Glenn Lewis said he had read and enjoyed the speech ahead of time, but thought the spoken version was even better. He gave Becki Moody high marks for preparation, speech value, presentation, and use of transitions. He said the speech might have had more impact if it were more concise, focusing on only one of the three points included.

Ah Counter/Grammarian Eric Darnell reported that Becki used 2 space fillers in her speech; Glenn used 9 in his evaluation; there were 2 used during the first part of the meeting, and 8 used during Table Topics. The word of the day was used 4 times.

Timer Perry Chang reported the following times:

Becki Moody’s speech was 8 minutes, 16 seconds.
Table Topics— Eric Darnell (55 seconds); Susan Abraham (1:42); Betsy Blocker (1:22); Glenn Lewis (1:00); Kevin Guerrero (36 seconds); Perry Chang (2:14)

Vote Counter Perry Chang announced that he and Glenn Lewis had tied for best Table Topics speech. Eva Stimson gave them prizes. Glenn already had the trophy at home and will keep it until the next meeting.

Betsy Blocker turned the meeting back over to Susan Abraham. After a few closing remarks, including an inspirational quote from Helen Keller, Susan adjourned the meeting at 1:48 p.m.

-- Eva Stimson

2008 meeting schedule

Peace Speakers Toastmaster Club meetings take place on the first and third Wednesdays every month, between 1:00 pm. and 2:00 p.m. at the Presbyterian Center at 100 Witherspoon Street, in downtown Louisville.

The schedule for the rest of 2008 is as follows:

September 3: Conference Room B (2nd floor)
September 17: Conference Room B (2nd floor)
October 1: Conference Room B (2nd floor)
October 15: Conference Room 4000 (4th floor)
November 5: Conference Room B (2nd floor)
November 19: Conference Room B (2nd floor)
December 3: Conference Room B (2nd floor)
December 10: Conference Room B (2nd floor)


-- Perry Chang