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
