Travelers Noontime Toastmaster #2532
Meeting Minutes - June 12, 2008
Our Mission: The Travelers Noontime Toastmaster (TNT) Club is dedicated to helping individuals improve themselves by sharpening their speaking, listening and thinking skills, all of which are necessary for success at work and at home. We provide a supportive environment with opportunities for public speaking and leadership development.
Chairperson: Ed Foerster
Toastmaster: Lora Ashcraft
Timer: LaTasha Smith
Grammarian: Helen Talbott – Today’s word of the day was indolent (adj.) which means: Disinclined to exert oneself; habitually lazy.
Lora’s Toastmaster tip for the day was RSVP! It is important when asked to confirm your roles for an upcoming meeting that you RSVP – whether you can fulfill the role or not. This is extremely helpful for the Toastmaster when putting together the agenda for the week. Also, if you cannot fulfill the role, the sooner you let people know the more likely we are to find a replacement!
Speaker 1:
Steve DeBenedet, “Surprize Landing” (CC #2; 5-7 min.) [Actual Time = 6m 18s]
Today Steve spoke to the group about one of his favorite hobbies – eagle watching! He explained to us how he initially got into the hobby when he spotted a bald eagle flying overhead while shoveling one winter. He told us some interesting facts about eagles, including that they are no longer considered an endangered species and that there are currently over 11,000 male/female pairs of eagles in the country! Steve also talked about an annual Eagle Fest weekend that is held in Essex, and how while there this past year he took a cruise on the CT river and spotted 8 bald eagles in 1 day! Finally, he explained ways in which we could all get involved in this hobby; including looking into organized hikes sponsored local trails/park systems and talking with one of the 7 CT Audubon societies.
Evaluator: Prasanthi Lingamallu [Actual Time = 1m]
Speaker 2:
Greg Donovan, “Abraham Lincoln” (CC #2; 5-7 min.) [Actual time = 6m 04s]
Greg’s speech today was about Abraham Lincoln, and some interesting facts that people probably do not know about this great man. Greg started his speech by talking about some of the things that most people probably already do know, and then surprised the group by telling us that throughout his life Lincoln battled depression. He then went on to tell us how Lincoln was able to develop an internal strength to battle through this disease, which is why many people believe he went on to becoming one of the greatest President’s our nation has ever known. Finally, Greg reminded us all that we should take this lesson into the 21st century when evaluating our current presidential candidates and try to avoid all the one-liners that are being thrown about and focus on what truly makes someone a great leader!
Evaluator: Lisa Lew [Actual Time = 2m 19s]
Table Topics:
Chairperson – Joyce Grose
- Michael O’Brien: Ideas about Orange. [Actual Time = 1m 28s]
Michael shared with us a favorite childhood story about visiting a candy store to purchase orange juice gum. He also told us when he was young, an older gentleman told him that he could purchase all the candy on the shelves when he was older, but he wouldn’t want to…and he was right!
- Richard Acosta: How to take a green vacation. [Actual Time = 1m 05s]
Richard explained to everyone that if you wanted to take a green vacation – go on a cruise! While there – win some green at the casinos, play some mini-golf, and try not to get so sea sick you “go green” over the side of the boat!
- Greg Donovan: What does go green mean to you? [Actual Time = 1m 21s]
Going green to Greg means – just go for it! When someone means that have the green go-ahead, you can do whatever you want! He also told us that green bananas are more nutritious than yellow!
- Ed Foerster: Why orange is not my color. [Actual Time = 1m 17s]
When asked why orange was not his color, Ed explained that it clashes with his skin! He doesn’t like to wear anything orange and if he can’t eat it – he doesn’t want it! (He did clarify though and explain that orange colored mildew would not be something he’d ever want to eat!)
General Evaluator:
Sid Yudowitch
Overall today, Sid thought we had a great meeting! He was especially pleased with the help he received in setting up the room. He did however remind us to clap until a person reaches the lectern (or their seat if they are returning) and never to leave the lectern unattended.
Club Business:
- Mary Semeraro told the group that going forward meeting minutes (current and past) will be posted on the TNT website.
- Sid Yudowitch reminded everyone of the upcoming TLI training in Manchester on June 21st. He encouraged everyone to attend the training – and even threw in a free lunch for those we were interested!
Next Meeting: June 12, 2008
- Chairperson: Patrick McDermott
- Toastmaster: Dan Guinan
- Speaker 1: LaTasha Smith
- Speaker 2: Joyce Grose
- Speaker 3: Michael O’Brien
- Table Topics: Chris Rucci
- General Evaluator: Tim Bannon
- Evaluator 1: Roger Arnold
- Evaluator 2: Shawn Richard
- Evaluator 3: Sid Yudowitch
- Timer: Ismat Mahmood
- Grammarian: Garen Mirzoian
- Quiz Master: Richard Acosta
If you change your availability for your assigned roles, please e-mail VPE Michael O’Brien and let him know.
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