Table Topics: Memories

by Anna Shumeko

(Anna was the Table Topics Master for the first time on December 8, 2011. This is what she prepared.)

Word Of The Day

The word of the day is “impressions”. Members who don't use this word when talking about the topic are fined 50 cents. Guests are exempt.

Timing

This meeting had 29 attendees including 5 guests. To speed up Table Topics, each participant got between 20-40 seconds to speak instead of the usual 30-60 seconds.

The Topics

Attendees randomly draw a slip from an envelope. Here are the topics:

1. Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose.
2. A memory is what is left when something happens and does not completely unhappen.
3. Every man's memory is his private literature.
4. Actors are good liars; writers are good liars with good memories.
5. Both expectations and memories are more than mere images founded on previous experience.
6. Creditors have better memories than debtors.
7. Everybody needs his memories. They keep the wolf of insignificance from the door.
8. I have a lot of great memories, but I can't imagine anything more exciting than the life I have now.
9. Memory is the treasury and guardian of all things.
10. It may be no more than a memory, but if it is a worthy one I shall not regret the price.
11. There’s no disappointment in memory, and one’s exaggerations are always on the good side.
12. If you are speaking the truth you don’t have to remember anything.
13. Memory is a way of holding on to the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose.
14. We don’t remember days; we remember moments.
15. Memory feeds imagination.
16. A lot of people mistake a short memory for a clear conscience.
17. Things that were hard to bear are sweet to remember.
18. Don’t count the years-count the memories.
19. The advantage of a bad memory is that one enjoys several times the same good things for the first time.
20. Nothing improves the memory more than trying to forget.
21. Nothing is more responsible for the good old days than a bad memory.
22. Happiness is nothing more than good health and a bad memory.
23. We all have our time machines. Some take us back, they're called memories. Some take us forward, they're called dreams.
24. Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose
25. The best things in life come in threes, like friends, dreams, and memories
26. Life gives us brief moments with another...but sometimes in those brief moment we get memories that last a life time...
27. Memory is what tells a man that his wife's birthday was yesterday.
28. Things that were hard to bear are sweet to remember.
29. The first Christmas in a new home always brings back memories.
30. We always remember the first car we ever owned, and the independence of being able to drive.
31. We always remember to make a shopping list, but not always to bring the list to the store.
32. There is usually one high school teacher we remember by name, and the influence the teacher had on the students.
33. When we hear our favourite song played, it brings memories to mind.
34. When we meet a famous person, we remember the moment.

Winner

Attendees vote for who spoke best. Dave got the ribbon.

Anna joined Goodyear Toastmasters in April 2011 and was Table Topics Master for the first time.

The 2011 President’s Holiday Address

by Promod Sharma, President 2011-2012


The recording of my Holiday Address at tonight’s Holiday Party wasn’t good enough to post but here’s a transcript. Supply your own applause!

George Harrison said that for a tree to be green, each leaf must be green. He must not have known about our evergreens.

Still, we understand what he meant. The world outside may look like it's in turmoil once again. We're concerned but worrying about what we can't do much about makes us feel powerless. As Toastmasters, we know the value of focusing on where we can make a difference. We know the value of focusing on ourselves and the people around us. We do that in every meeting and elsewhere too.

Tonight we enjoyed a tasty meal and wonderful company. This year we experienced another great year at Goodyear Toastmasters. We've seen fellow members grow. I joined just over a year ago and marveled at how Trevor delivered the 2010 President’s Address. I didn’t think I could. Yet here I am.

How did you like our Secret Santa gift exchange. It was more complicated than Table Topics! But enjoyable. If we had a prize most colourful attire, Lyle would have won with his illuminated vest.

Let's thanks the volunteers who made tonight's celebration possible. Anita for finding this wonderful restaurant. Trevor for organizing. The Rudy Award is our highest recognition and you select the winner. Thanks to Jada for running the campaign and Jennifer Moon's mom for explaining the history. Congratulations to Jonathan for winning. You had my vote. Now we can get you to volunteer for more club activities ...

Once again, Gulzar took photos. Have you noticed how he takes lots of shots but we never get to see them. To prove that his camera really works, Gulzar has promised to post photos from tonight and previous events online by January 15, 2012 or pay the club a fine of $5. Since he's retired, I asked why he can't post the pix tomorrow. He explained that digital film takes a long time to develop. And he thinks no one laughs at his jokes!

Finally, thanks to Jada for making sure everyone paid and for organizing the gift exchange. That'll teach her a lesson for winning the 2010 Rudy Award!

What makes an evergreen change from green? Snow. Let's hope we have some. That's part of the holiday joy. On behalf of your club executive, best wishes to you and yours during the holidays and in the New Year.

Enjoy the rest of your evening. Remember to ask Santa for time to write your next speech!

Links

• Revisiting New Year’s resolutions
• Lessons from one year in Toastmasters
• Goodyear Toastmasters Holiday Party 2011 (Meetup)

Revisiting New Year's Resolutions

by Jennifer Moon, DTM

If my recollection of Roman history is correct, we have Janus to thank (or to curse) for the practice of setting New Year’s resolutions. Janus, the mythical king of Rome, had a unique perspective on life. He also had two faces. One face looked back on past events while the other looked toward the future, making him the perfect symbol for reflection and promise.


History tells us that we’ve been making resolutions since about 150 BCE, so I guess you could say people have been making, and breaking, New Year’s resolutions for over two thousand years. Fortunately for Toastmasters, we’ve still got six months left in our year and January is the perfect time to reinvigorate ourselves and our clubs.

As we transition into a new year, have you thought about your Toastmaster resolutions? Have you taken a look at your goals and realized you’re in great shape? If so, can you spare some time and expertise to help a struggling club or to coach a member in need? January is a great time to volunteer in these capacities.

What if you realize that you’re a little behind schedule? Not to worry! Unlike the traditional resolutions that have a “best before date” of December 31^st, Toastmasters have until the end of June to realize our yearly ambitions. Do you need a little help from a mentor? Would you benefit from scheduling your projects well in advance, leaving you little choice but to stay on track?

Let’s adopt a little bit of Janus’ wisdom as we work toward our Toastmasters goals. Take time to look back over the past months of success and realize just how far we’ve come. What roles have been mastered? What fears have been overcome? Use some of that inspiration as we look toward the future, and all the challenges that lie ahead. As we transition into the new calendar year, take time to celebrate successes – yours and the club’s – and enjoy accomplishing your Toastmasters resolutions.

Jennifer is a long time member of Goodyear Toastmasters and served as our Area Governor for 2010-2011. She recently joined the Board of Governors of the Ontario College of Trades. You’ll find more about Jennifer on LinkedIn.

Lessons From One Year In Toastmasters

by Promod Sharma, President 2011-2012

Happy anniversary! I joined Goodyear Toastmasters exactly one year ago. The benefits exceeded my expectations.

I wasn't very interested in giving speeches but have finished the first seven in the Competent Communicator manual. I wasn’t interested in leadership, which (I think) I already know. I certainly had no intentions of becoming a club officer.

Why Join?

My main interest was in pre-testing important new presentations. That’s what I did for

1. Building Trust With Social Media for CALU in May
2. Building Trust With Blogging for Word11 in August and
3. How To Turbocharge Your Club With Social Media last month (co-presented with Jonathan Holowka at the District 60 Toastmasters Conference; his post)

This approach worked well.

Q&A

I wanted to experiment with answering audience questions. This involves having a topic that engages the attendees and thinking quickly (like impromptu speaking but about a subject you know).

I was comfortable with Q&A with my former audiences of accountants, lawyers, investment advisors and insurance advisors. I wanted to experiment with general audiences.

360 Degree Feedback

Feedback makes us better. Since we each react differently, I wanted group feedback as often as possible. I don't know of a better place than Toastmasters for this (results will vary by club). The comments are very helpful and sometimes contradictory. For one speech, someone said I was relying on notes too much and someone else thought I was speaking from memory.

Scariest

The scariest role for me was being the Timer. That involves keeping track of the key sections of the meeting. I found there were "too many moving parts". That was distracting. After my second time, I felt comfortable.

As timer, you become more attuned to the value of every second. It's surprising how long and how short 60 seconds is.

Free Prize

Are there things you'd like to do but never thought you could? Impromptu speaking is on my list. Or was. Thanks to Table Topics, I feel comfortable speaking without preparation. That's a wonderful feeling.

In the past, I would need to jot down notes, which takes away from the spontaneity. Now I can talk with ease. That practice helped when I was interviewed by the Toronto Star in March and The Globe and Mail a few weeks ago.

You

What you get out of Toastmasters depends on your goals, what you put in, and your club environment. You could easily come out with more than you ever imagined. And help others feel that too.

You’ll find more than you want to know about Promod with a Google search.

7 Tips to Live a Motivated Life

by Barbara Berezowski

Life is wonderful. Life is great. How blessed we are to have a new opportunity every 24 hours! There are no bad days if you keep everything in the proper perspective. Here are seven tips to live a motivated life.

1. Begin each day with a good nutritional breakfast.

Protein is the key. Watch the carbs. Have 2 eggs since they're packed with a high level of protein. If you're going to have carbs, go for a whole grain slice of bread, throw in a bowl of fruit and you're good to go. A good healthy breakfast is so good for you. It's like putting gas in the tank so that you can drive a long way.  Your body and mind need fuel to function and operate well. You'll have the energy to take on all that the new day has for you.

2. Make a plan for the day.

Write down what you would like to accomplish and get to it. Make a list and prioritize it according to importance. Start with the most difficult task and work on it until it is completed. Then go on to the next. Do this daily and it will become a good habit. There is a good feeling that comes over you as you reach your daily goals. This good feeling is what will motivate you to do the same thing again tomorrow and the next day and the day after that.

3. Listen to motivational messages.

As you drive in your car, pop in a motivational CD. Whether it be words of wisdom from a motivational speaker or some great music on a CD you just bought, you will feel inspired and it will make you a more positive person. Your day will play out much better because you have put yourself into a better frame of mind.

4. Appreciate life and show gratitude.

Remember that life is a gift and we need to appreciate it. Be grateful for all that it has to offer and take every chance to spread the good message to all that you meet. Be positive and problems will transform into opportunities to get better. By that I mean that no matter what challenges you face, you will find a solution and you will grow from the experience.

5. Take care of your heart, mind and body.

Your heart is your engine. Keep it working smoothly by maintaining good health. You don't have to go to the gym and work out for five to six hours. One will do. Keep things in perspective. If working out is a chore, just go out for a walk. Enjoy the scenery and know that you are doing your body good. Put on the motivational messages in your iPod and feed your inspiration by listening while you walk. Whatever you do, just move! You owe that much to yourself, don't you?

6. Laugh and enjoy.

When you hear something funny, laugh. Too many times people hold back because they feel they must hide their feelings. Laugh and enjoy yourself, always. Life is short ... have a good time.

7. Love with all you've got.

Love your family, love your friends, love your pets, love your life but most importantly, love yourself! If you don't love everything in your life, make some changes so you can. If you hate your job, look for ways to make it more enjoyable or look for something else. It does no good to feel miserable about something and just let it be. Be motivated to take some positive action to make things better. When you love yourself, you will see and experience everything in a more positive light. Be inspired to motivate yourself to live a better and more positive life.

You'll find more about Barbara at www.bberezowski.com.

Revitalizing This Blog

by Promod Sharma, President 2011-2012

There hasn't been a post here in four months. What happened? Other priorities took precedence. Now that other aspects of the Goodyear Toastmasters web strategy are well in place, this blog can get more attention.

In Place

Our Meetup is used regularly now. Thirty events have taken place and there are 47 members (many from outside the club).

Twitter is functioning too. We changed from @goodyeartoast to @gytm81. Why? Because shorter is better (and because I "misplaced" the password for the original account).

The website is stable too. The content could be improved and expanded but what's there is reasonable.

There isn't much on our YouTube channel. That should also change. A new member, Barbara, donated a nice video camera. That will help with quality. Viewers are picky these days! Creating the videos is a challenge. The source files are in HD, which makes them large. The rendering is time consuming. The finished video can take a long time to get uploaded to YouTube. We'll get better with practice. As the content improves, more club members may start participating.

Why Blog?
Toastmaster clubs focuse on speaking and leading. What's the point of blogging? To create an archive of the magic that happens within the club walls and then vanishes forever. What a waste! When you blog regularly, you can get considerable benefits as this brief video from Seth Godin and Tom Peters explains.


This Blog
Time passes fast. It's time to revitalize this blog starting today. If there are only two new posts per week, we'll have over fifty by June 30, 2012. That's when my term as President ends. By then, this blog should have enough momentum to survive. If not, it will still be here as a sign of a failed experiment.

Let's see what happens ...

PS If you're a club member, you're invited to donate content. This is an opportunity, not an obligation. Ideally make posts 300 words or more. Maybe you'll like blogging enough to start your own

You’ll find more than you want to know about Promod with a Google search.

A Toastmasters Journey – Yours!

By Jennifer Moon, DTM

Road trips, camping by the lake, a weekend at the cottage or an international adventure, vacations come in all shapes and sizes. Travelling is all about visiting people and places and leaving with a sense that we've been changed forever.

Through travel, we become more aware of others and the diversity around us. We learn to embrace different cultures and we share our experiences, leaving our hosts with the best we have to offer.

Travel, no matter how you define it, can open our eyes to the world. Fortunately, we have everything we need to become globetrotters too: our Toastmasters membership. Not only does it help us to achieve our personal development goals, this passport of sorts allows us to travel around the Toastmasters world.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

The idea of travelling to other clubs can awaken some anxiety within the most seasoned adventurer. While we can be fairly sure you won't encounter giant venomous spiders, erupting volcanoes or perilous ocean voyages along the way, you may still be asking yourself why you would bother leaving the cocoon of your home club to venture abroad. After all, you know your club, its membership and how it operates. Why rock the boat – or for some, the cruise ship?

Being very comfortable with your club membership might be the perfect reason to embrace the adventures of that exotic Toastmaster trip. After all, you can become a well-travelled Toastmaster without the hassles of airport security, the complications of connecting flights or the challenges of jet lag. Pack your bag!

Boarding Pass and a Ticket to Ride
Looking at the Toastmasters travel brochure (the Toastmasters.org website) it's easy to select a destination that suits any schedule. What would you prefer? A breakfast club in central Toronto, no problem. A Saturday morning advanced club, also available. Searching for clubs by geographical region is also easy (especially on Meetup). Most clubs provide a link to their website (example). There, you can find contact and meeting information and, in most cases, a map for the club location. Maps are very helpful to us as travellers!

Sightseeing
The benefits of visiting other Toastmaster clubs are numerous. Some of my favourite reasons to be seen outside the club include:

• Seeing how other clubs operate – What fantastic ideas you might be able to bring back to your "home" club?
• Experiencing the broader Toastmasters organization – What volunteer opportunities exist in Toastmasters and beyond?
• Engaging with others who share a common purpose and understanding – How do new "first impressions" help you become a better leader or speaker?
• Networking – Who and what exist beyond the club to help you achieve your goals (conferences, training opportunities etc.)?

Visiting a new club also gives you the opportunity to give back. Imagine how interesting it is for the members whom you are visiting to get your feedback on their club. New ideas and a fresh perspective are part of the sharing that strengthens the Toastmasters experience.

Preparations Prior to Travelling
There are, of course, a few points of etiquette that I would suggest in order to make your visit to another club even better.

• Make a reservation – ensure that the club contact knows you're coming and confirm the meeting details in case of a last-minute change.
• Exchange your currency and be ready for change – while all clubs share a common purpose, not all meetings unfold in the same order or make use of the same participants. Enjoy the familiar but be ready for an adventure.
• When in Rome – be a good guest. Volunteer for a role if needed, participate in Table Topics if appropriate and offer your feedback after the meeting. You might even consider sending your host a thank-you note the following day.

The World Awaits
Travelling is more than a hobby; it's an opportunity to broaden our horizons and to give back to the world around us. Is it time for you to experience the world beyond your Toastmasters club?

My challenge to you: start planning your next trip to a Toastmasters club. Clubs around the corner and across the globe are waiting for your visit. My final piece of advice before you go is simple: leave room in your luggage for fresh ideas, rediscovered inspiration and a growing circle of colleagues. I'm sure you'll be amazed by your fellow Toastmasters, wherever you happen to be!

Table Topics: What Do You Want To Be When (If) You Grow Up?

Table Topic Master: Jennifer Moon
Date: July 21, 2011
Theme: What do you want to be when (if) you grow up?

Introduction

What do you do for a living? What would you do if you could pick another career? Today is your opportunity to step into a pair of ballet slippers, work boots or diving fins. You get to be something or somebody you're not — and have fun doing it. The purpose of Table Topics is to deliver a mini-speech without much time to prepare. Our theme today is occupations.

Do you know what a bed rubber does? How about a flatcar whacker? Well, the first operates machines which smooth stone blocks and the whackers? Well, they maintain and repair logging rail cars. Not exact job titles I remember from my childhood. What do you want to be when you grow up? How about a carroter? They condition fur for use in hat manufacturing. Not to your tastes? What about becoming a worm picker? Yes, even the local bait and tackle store needs only the best in hermaphroditic lures.

Today is all about dream jobs and unusual occupations, so I've selected some topics and a word of the day to help us have some fun as we contemplate our career choices. On each of the slips you’ll find a position title and it’s your job to concoct a crazy, funny or intriguing story for us in about one minute. You can tell us about your first day on the job, pretend that you're hiring for the position or maybe you are at your retirement party, thankful to be leaving the profession. No matter what, you are asked to use the word of the day.

• Today’s word is: Diligent (adjective)
• Meaning: hard-working, showing care or effort
• Example: The diligent researcher checked the measurements multiple times.

All members are required to use the word or they will be fined 50 cents. Guests are encouraged to participate and to use the word, but both are optional. After the Table Topics session, we will be voting to pick our favourite speaker. To be eligible for the vote, speakers must stay within the time limits. Timer, please show the green light at 30 seconds, the amber light at 45 seconds and the red at 60 seconds. Those speaking for less than 30 seconds or more than 1 minute, 15 seconds will be disqualified from the vote.

Table Topics Slips

1. Forest Fire Lookout
2. Zoo Keeper
3. Dinosaur Hunter
4. Bomb Expert
5. Mad Scientist
6. Opera Singer
7. Cowboy or Cowgirl
8. Treasure Hunter
9. Wine Tester
10. Taste Tester
11. Crocodile Farmer
12. Fortune Teller
13. Detective
14. Professional Whistler
15. Rodeo Clown
16. Furniture Tester
17. Exterminator
18. Pilot
19. Pirate
20. Astronaut (winner)
21. Professional Athlete
22. Rock Star
23. Talk Show Host
24. Actor on a Soap Opera

Table Topics Winner
The ribbon for best Table Topic went to Trevor Kelly who spoke about becoming an astronaut.

Table Topics: Interpreting Quotes

Table Topics Master: Salpy Kevrekian
Date: July 7, 2011

Time Limit: 30-62 seconds (green at 30, amber at 60 and red at 62)

Instructions:
Table Topics give attendees the opportunity to improve their impromptu speaking skills. An envelope contained the following quotes on separate slips of paper. In turn, each attendee randomly drew a quote and spoke about the meaning.

The Quotes

When you dream alone, with your eyes shut, asleep, that dream is an illusion. But when we dream together, sharing the same dream, awake and with our eyes wide open, then that dream becomes reality!

And it's my opinion, and that's only my opinion, you are a lunatic. Just because there are a few hundred other people sharing your lunacy with you does not make you any saner. Doomed, eh?

Family means too much, Friends are too valuable, And life is too short, To put-off sharing with people, How much they really mean to you, And pursuing whatever it is that makes you happy.

Happiness is not so much in having or sharing. We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.

Friendship marks a life even more deeply than love. Love risks degenerating into obsession, friendship is never anything but sharing.

Great leadership does not mean running away from reality. Sometimes the hard truths might just demoralize the company, but at other times sharing difficulties can inspire people to take action that will make the situation better.

Talent is always conscious of its own abundance, and does not object to sharing.

Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery. — Winston Churchill

The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings; the inherent virtue of socialism is the equal sharing of miseries. — Winston Churchill

People say New Yorkers can't get along. Not true. I saw two New Yorkers, complete strangers,sharing a cab. One guy took the tires and the radio; the other guy took the engine.  — David Letterman

The greatest ignorance is to reject something you know nothing about.

Hollywood and the recording industry argue that current law permits the copying of songs and movies, and sharing them on the Internet. This enables young people to grow up learning how to steal. — Suzanne Fields

Those who have much are often greedy, those who have little always share.

There is nothing we like to see so much as the gleam of pleasure in a person's eye when he feels that we have sympathized with him, understood him. At these moments something fine and spiritual passes between two friends. These are the moments worth living.

Suggest Revision: Wisdom alone is true ambition's aim, wisdom is the source of virtue and of fame; obtained with labour, for mankind employed, and then, when most you share it, best enjoyed.

You can't get rid of poverty by giving people money.

A book is not only a friend, it makes friends for you. When you have possessed a book with mind and spirit, you are enriched. But when you pass it on you are enriched threefold.

If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.

If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other. — Mother Teresa

A bone to the dog is not charity. Charity is the bone shared with the dog, when you are just as hungry as the dog. — Jack London

Educate a boy, and you educate an individual. Educate a girl, and you educate a community. — African proverb

It takes a lot of courage to show your dreams to someone else. — Erma Bombeck

Even though friends say they are interested in your life, they never really want to talk about you as much as you want them to.

Keep your fears to yourself, but share your inspiration with others

A speech should not just be a sharing of information, but a sharing of yourself. — Ralph Archbold

Table Topics Winner

Attendees were to speak for a maximum of 62 seconds (instead of the usual limit of 75 seconds). Since many were disqualified for speaking too long, Salpy decided that no ribbon would be awarded for the best speaker.

Table Topics: Speaking and Translating a Nonexistent Language

Table Topics Master: Leila B.

Date: June 30, 2011

Table Topics:

This Table Topics session involved two members at a time. Normally, each attendee works independently.

Objectives:

• Explore how speaking and being heard is more that than what you say.
• Manage and cultivate all the physical factors associated with communication to effectively enhance your message.

 Procedure:

An envelope was passed to each member in turn. He/she pulled out a piece of paper. Each member got a different description to vocalize and act out within a time span of 30-75 seconds.

Examples:  

1. This summer, I'm going to scuba dive. 
2. This summer, I'm going to plant trees.
3. This summer, I'm going to work at the drive in movie theatre.

Word of the day:

Each member had to include the word of the day into their impromptu translation or pay a fine to the club. Guests were exempt from the penalty.

Subjects performed in tandem. All the members were seated around a circular boardroom table. We initiated the session counter-clockwise. 

Member 1 vocalized and acted out an improvised subject in a non-existent, made up language, while member 2 extemporaneously translated, into English.

Next, member 2, seated on the right, got a chance to take on the role of the speaker. Now the member on the right was the translator. And so on, until the circle was closed. This process gave every member a chance to experience both roles.

Translations were based on deciphering the following factors:

• Gesticulations
• Eye contact
• Voice inflection
• Body movement and body language

 Outcome:  This Table Topics session was extremely challenging. We realized how dependent we are on everyday spoken language to be descriptive and to communicate our ideas & thoughts.

On the bright side, this challenge stirred up a lot of laughs and self awareness.

Viewpoint: The Living Legacy of Goodyear Toastmasters

A Viewpoint has three sections

1. the speaker expresses an opinion
2. the Chair leads a group discussion
3. the speaker returns to summarize

In May 2011, Goodyear Toastmasters celebrated its 30th anniversary but there few artifacts from the past years. The magic that happens in the meetings quickly fades away. In this Viewpoint, the incoming President, Promod Sharma, proposes ways the club can help the community and create a legacy using social media. 



The group discussion was edited out to preserve the privacy of members.

This live recording was made with a Zoom Q3HD on June 2, 2011 in the Council Chambers of the Etobicoke Civic Centre.

Have Your Say

What's your point of view? Feel free to leave your comments below and contribute to the legacy.

You’ll find more than you want to know about Promod with a Google search.

How To Organize A Potluck Picnic

A successful potluck picnic requires planning. This evening barbeque took place at a private yacht club but the same process applies for events at other places too.

The organizer started sending out reminders weeks in advance. The annotated aerial map gives an example of the attention to detail.

Menu
Good times require good food (and a tent in case of rain). To ensure variety, the menu was pre-decided. Attendees where asked to choose what they wanted to bring.

Appetizers

• Potato chips
• Pretzels

Salads

• Potato Salad
• Garden Salad
• Caesar Salad
• Eggplant Salad with Noodles (vegetarian)

Main Course

• Hamburgers (16 + buns)
• Chicken/Turkey Burgers (8 + buns)
• Sausages (12 + buns) 
• Veggie Burgers (8 + buns)

Desserts

• Summer Dessert
• English Trifle
• Cookies
• Ice Cream

Drinks

• Pop
• Water
• Juice 
• Beer
• Wine

Miscellaneous

• Condiments (Ketchup, Relish , Mustard, Pickles)
• BBQ Utensils, Lighter
• Plates/Napkins/Forks/Cups

Speeches
No one's in the mood for long speeches at a picnic (or many other places). This was the final event for the current club executive (and a Toastmasters event).

Organizer
Introductions. Thank the host for arranging use of the private facilities. Invite the current President up to wrap-up the year.

Current President
Thank everyone for the year. Invite the incoming President to welcome everyone to their new role.

Incoming President
Finishes up. Thank the previous executive. Looking forward to a great year. Welcome the new executive.

Fun
After the short speeches, the festivities continued. To preserve memories, photos were taken but no video.

Links

• photos from the actual event (Meetup)
• Sheltering your potluck picnic from a storm (new)

PS What would you add or do differently? There's plenty of room for your comments below

Table Topics: Summer Foods

During Table Topics, everyone gets a chance to talk about a randomly-selected topic for 30-75 seconds.

Word Of The Day: Anthropomorphic or Delicious (members who don't use the word pay a fine)

Today's topic was Summer Food. Table Topics Master Yvonne Grieg had a novel idea. She brought full page magazine photos of tantalizing food. We played the role of food critics and described a randomly selected dish. Foodies had an advantage.

Best Table Topic: The coveted ribbon for best table topic went to Kevin McGlashan. He had us laughing as he mimicked a southern accent and described the food by colour. His dish had yellow and green but not enough red.

Links

• image courtesy of Alexander Kalina (Ukraine)

Speech 9: News Worth Knowing (Jonathan Holowka)

(posted on behalf of Jonathan Holowka)

This was my 9th speech from Goodyear Toastmasters entitled "News Worth Knowing".



Here are the links to the articles and websites I referred to.

News articles I referred to:

• Large Asteroid almost hits us June 4
• Teleportation within 30 years or less
• Invisibility a reality?
• China shuts down airport over a UFO
• FBI: Air force investigator recovered "UFO's"

Citizen Journalism websites:

• The Examiner (I incorrectly referred to this as "The Explorer" during my speech)
• Helium
• Associated Content

Collection of online speeches:

• TED - Ideas Worth Spreading

Welcome

This is the official blog for Goodyear Toastmasters. Members will share content to help you and give you a sample of what we do.

This blog will also serve as an archive of our member and club accomplishments. All members are invited to contribute content or comments. You choose the format you prefer: text, audio, video or a combination.

There won't be much to see in the beginning. Stick around ...