Dyehard Toastmasters

We had an awesome meeting tonight!  Ms. Gewreka Robertson who works for Mecklenburg County Government visited our club tonight as a guest. We look forward to her returning to visit us next week; it was a pleasure meeting you! Tonight we had the privilege to induct a new member. Emily Lorance was inducted into our club; Emily’s mentor is Chad Bordeaux. Emily also gave her “Icebreaker” tonight. Her title was: “Finding My Voice”. She did an excellent job! The purpose of an “Icebreaker” is to let your fellow Toastmasters learn a little bit about yourself. We learned you were shy when you were in elementary school, we learned you lived in Germany which seems like great subject matter for a future speech. We also found out that your profession is city planning and you are an UNC- Chapel Hill graduate. WELCOME!!

Our second speaker was Chad Bordeaux. His title: “The Hidden Treasures of Belmont”. The speech was about geocaching. . He discussed how using a GPS device, adults look for hidden booty like the pirates of yesteryear. The treasure is often of little value, but the thrill is finding the booty. Sounds like a Jimmy Buffet song in the making.

Ken Levra was our Toastmaster for the evening. We even had the honor of Mrs. Levra joining us tonight. Julie has been on sabbatical while attending school to learn how to be a masseuse, and Ken has been her guinea pig. He looked amazingly relaxed tonight. Great job Julie, we miss you! I had the pleasure of evaluating Emily’s Icebreaker. She did great! She used humor, clear, audible voice and was at ease in front of the club. Bert evaluated Chad, and stated something we all need to have. When using electronics it is good to have a plan “B” available. That ugly “Murphy’s Law” sometimes even appears at a Toastmaster meeting. Chad did have a plan “B” and did a great job.

Mike Keever was humorist and gave us the word of the day. “Gainsaying” whose definition is one who contradicts. He also told us about every August 1st, in Cherokee, NC a free event for kids under the age of 12. They get a free fishing rod, a chance to catch five trout and a great time! Lateefah was our General Evaluator and is growing more at ease every meeting. Jada was timer. Last and certainly not least Khaled did tabletopics.  He stated something most Toastmasters can totally agree with. The first step to personal and professional growth is to leave your comfort zone.

Final Action Items: Please e-mail Bert your educational goals for this year. Our Toastmaster year ends on June 30th, 2010. What educational goal will you achieve? I am currently a Competent Communicator Bronze; I hope I will be a Competent Communicator Silver and a Competent Leader Bronze or Silver. Please e-mail Bert before the August 18th meeting.

Upcoming Events:

1. Susan Stewart will visit us on August 11th, requesting volunteers for the fall conference committee.
2. There will a planning meeting for the “Upcoming Operation Bits on August 13th, at Alfred & Charlies from 6:00-7:00 PM.

3. Gigi Sampson our Area Governor will visit our club on August 18th.

4. Our Area Humor and Evaluation contest will be Oct. 3rd.