2010-04-11: Family
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Toastmaster of the day Richard Stewart presented us with a familial theme: "Family" with a program of humor and sentiment throughout the meeting that kept us interested and engaged. Grammarian Carol Worthey used the appropriate "kin" as the word-of-the-day.
Table Topics Master Mike O'Brien gave us interesting yet answerable questions.
The meeting's prepared speeches were delivered by: Willard Michlin, Ray Korns, Susan Boughton, Mike O'Brien, Lance Miller and Bill Moon.
Let the Renaissance continue...
2010-04-04: Make It Go Right!
[Photos In Preparation]
Lance Miller was scheduled to be Toastmaster today but at the last minute was asked to go to Aspen, Colorado skiing. Would you miss this trip? Well Lance didn't want to either...hence his theme "Make It Go Right" which he did with a phone call and George Alger became Toastmaster of the day. It was a great pleasure to see George, a Past President, as he does not often get to attend meetings. We didn't miss Lance a bit. Always appropriate Grammarian Sue Zenger presented us with an "intrepid" word-of-the-day.
Table Topics Master Ray Korns was hard pressed to come up with questions reflecting the theme. You see, if you ask questions like "...tell us a time you made things go right." Everyone immediately thinks of all the times thay didn't do so — a loss. So Ray asked wild questions of-of-the-blue which forced the participants to "Make It Go Right" which I'm happy to say they really did and had fun as well.
The meeting's prepared speeches were delivered by: Glenn Broadus, Paula Michel, Yana Yatkovskaya, Lee Cambigue, Val Rodionov and Mick Coventry.
Let the Renaissance continue...
2010-03-28: SPRING!
Ray Korns was Toastmaster of the day.
[In Preparation]
2010-03-21: Happiness - How to get it
Mick Coventry was Toastmaster of the day.
[In Preparation]
2010-03-14: Kiss the Blarney Stone!
Annette McCullough was Toastmaster of the day.
[In Preparation]
2010-03-07: Practical Jokes
Val Rodionov was Toastmaster of the day.
[In Preparation]
2010-02-28: International Speech and Evaluation Contest
Jeff Harman was Toastmaster of the day.
[In Preparation]
2010-02-21: To Dream the Impossible Dream
Willard Michlin was Toastmaster of the day.
[In Preparation]
2010-02-14: Affairs of the Heart
Sue Zenger was Toastmaster of the day.
[In Preparation]
2010-02-07: COOL THINGS IN LIFE
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Toastmaster of the day Yana Yatkovskaya presented us with a beautiful theme: "COOL THINGS IN LIFE" with a program agenda full of wild as well as useful items. Yana talked about these throughout the meeting to keep us interested and facinated. Grammarian Richard Stewart gave us a weird word-of-the-day "hoo dat" that fit his Texas humor... as in "...hoo dat comin down the street?".
Table Topics Master Paula Michel challenged us with interesting questions.
The meeting's prepared speeches were delivered by: Luke Muehlhauser, Mike O'Brien, Cliff Noble, Mick Coventry, Roberta Perry and Ray Korns.
Let the Renaissance continue...
2010-01-31: DREAMS!
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Toastmaster of the day Mike O'Brien presented us with a beautiful theme: "DREAMS!" with an equally beautiful program agenda as well, complete with a picture of a dream-castle in the clouds. Mike used quotations from famous authors on Dreams throughout the meeting keeping it interesting despite a packed schedule! Grammarian Luke Muehlhauser gave us a word-of-the-day that fit our "zeitgeist". The most ironic we've ever had.
Table Topics Master Sue Zenger asked us both a question and to choose our audience to suit our answer. Challenging and a lot of fun, getting us to dream on the spot.
The meeting's prepared speeches were delivered by: Rachel Ladd-Delgado, Paula Michel, Christina Warren, Annette McCullough, Yana Yatkovskaya and Cliff Noble.
Paula Michel's speech was her #10 "Inspire Your Audience" and it really did as well completing her Basic Manual. She also took the "Best Speaker" and "Most Improved Speaker" ribbon awards. Congratulations Paula!
Let the Renaissance continue...
2010-01-17: Where Were YOU in '72?
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Toastmaster of the day Naomi Conners theme: "Where Were YOU in '72?" brought us back to the days of Peace, Love and Disco with Cliff Noble supplying the appropriate music. What fun! Grammarian Carol Worthey gave us a "groovy" word-of-the-day befitting the theme...far out!
Table Topics Master Sioux Hart's questions recalling the news event of '72 brought back sometimes scary sometimes pleasant memories.
The meeting's prepared speeches were delivered by: Luke Muehlhauser, Yana Yatkovskaya, Bruce Delfeld, Val Rodionov, Roberta Perry and Mike O'Brien.
Let the Renaissance continue...
2010-01-17: Michael O'Brien receives CC Award
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After completing his ten speeches in the Basic Manual, Renaissance Speaker Michael O'Brien is presented with his Competent Communicator (CC) award from Toastmasters International by VP Education, Jeff Harman.
Congratulations Mike! We are all looking forward to your Advanced Manual speeches.
2010-01-10: Elvis - Happy 75th Birthday
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Toastmaster of the day Roberta Perry hosted a celebration: "Elvis - Happy 75th Birthday" remembering The King with stories about her visit to Nashville and Graceland. Grammarian Sue Zenger talked of the "ubiquitous" presence of rock-and-roll with her word-of-the-day.
Table Topics Master Yana Yatkovskaya joined right in the theme with her fun questions.
The meeting's prepared speeches were delivered by: Marie Warren, Willard Michlin, Annette McCullough, Susan Boughton, Bill Moon and Barbara Lewis.
Let the Renaissance continue...
2010-01-10: Annette McCullough receives CC Award
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After completing her ten speeches in the Basic Manual, Renaissance Speaker Annette McCullough is presented with her Competent Communicator (CC) award from Toastmasters International by VP Education, Jeff Harman.
Congratulations Annette!
2010-01-03: Celebrity
Ingrid Smith as Toastmaster of the day dramatically entered in dark glasses surrounded by paparazzi and rumor. Must have been her theme: "Celebrity" that brought them out. Grammarian Mike O'Brien had to "assuage" our fears for Ingrid with his word-of-the-day.
Table Topics Master Susan Boughton questioned every aspect of celebrity asking for our solutions.
The meeting's prepared speeches were delivered by: Paula Michel, Luke Muehlhauser, Cliff Noble, Lee Cambique, Jeff Harman and Ray Korns.
Let the Renaissance continue...
2009-12-27: Holiday Fun!
Ray Korns was Toastmaster for our annual holiday party, hosted by Barbara Lewis at her beautiful hilltop home. Ray's theme: "Holiday Fun!" was right in line with what we were having, complete with lots of food, drink and good cheer! Grammarian Carol Worthey gave us a "palmy" word-of-the-day.
Table Topics Master Naomi Conners asked questions of our holiday memories and included all the guests in the fun.
The meeting's prepared speeches were delivered by: Christina Warren, Susan Boughton, Mick Coventry, Ingrid Smith and Mike O'Brien.
Eat your sandwich, drink your punch and let the Renaissance continue...
2009-12-20: The Joy of Giving
Toastmaster of the day Roberta Perry with her theme: "The Joy of Giving" talked about our relations with others and the fun it is to give gifts to others! Grammarian Bruce Delfeld would "bestow" upon us a word-of-the-day as his gift.
Table Topics Master Mick Coventry asked (of course) unique questions and challenged us to answer up.
The meeting's prepared speeches were delivered by: Christina Warren, Marie Warren, Paula Michel, Annette McCullough, Cliff Noble and Bill Moon.
Let the Renaissance continue...
2009-12-13: What is Your Story?
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Toastmaster of the day Lance Miller challenged us with his theme: "What is Your Story?" encouraging us (as he always does) to find and relate our own personal stories to connect with our audience. Lance gave numerous examples throughout the meeting keeping the meeting both on-time and interesting despite a packed schedule! Grammarian Val Rodionov gave us a "palmary" word-of-the-day perhaps the most important we've ever had.
Table Topics Master Lee Cambique's probing questions challenged us to tell our personal story as well, nicely fitting the day's theme.
The meeting's prepared speeches were delivered by: Sioux Hart, Yana Yatkovskaya, Susan Boughton, Ray Korns, Bruce Delfeld and Mike O'Brien.
Let the Renaissance continue...
2009-12-06: Joys Of Life
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Second-time Toastmaster of the day Yana Yatkovskaya with her beautiful theme: "Joys Of Life" and a beautiful "pink" program did a very professional job of running the meeting! One would have thought she had been doing this her whole life it was so smoothly done with great style. Grammarian Ingrid Smith had a "precious" word-of-the-day.
Roberta Perry's Table Topic questions reinforced the theme and we had some very good and interesting answers.
The day's speakers were: Marie Warren, Luke Muehlhauser and Annie Brown as our Pre-CC speakers, and Cliff Noble, Val Rodionov and Mick Coventry in the advanced speaker category.
Let the Renaissance continue...
2009-11-29: Indigestion
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Toastmaster sprite of the day Mick Coventry with his typically unorthodox theme: "Indigestion" had us laughing (of course) about a (burp!) little discussed subject, especially after Thanksgiving feasting. Grammarian Annette McCullough had a "honey" of a word-of-the-day sweetening the day.
Naomi Conners's intriguing Table Topics oddly reflected Mick's theme and we had fun with the answers.
The day's speakers were: very animated Annie Brown who showed us her Christmas "Toys" with enthusiasm and relish, Luke Muehlhauser wise and philosophical as usual, Mike O'Brien feeding us food for thought about artistic creation, Bill Moon who took responsibility for receiving the Best-Speaker ribbon for the day, Lee Cambique (who enlisted Cliff Noble to help) in an informative speech entitled "Let's Dance", and co-founder Roberta Perry who received her speech title only as she was called to the stage as part of an impromptu speaking project.
Let the Renaissance continue...
2009-11-22: The Mayflower Conspiracy
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Toastmaster of the day Susan Boughton with her theme: "The Mayflower Conspiracy" told us everything we wanted to know about Thanksgiving. Grammarian Roberta Perry had "cornicopia" as the word-of-the-day which simply overflowed in a plethora of usage.
Richard Stewart's Table Topics enjoyably reflected Susan's theme.
The day's speakers were: newest member Marie Warren who delivered her "Icebreaker" speech, Luke Muehlhauser Best Pre-CC Speaker, Annette McCullough, Val Rodionov who took the Best-Speaker ribbon for the day, Ray Korns Most-Improved Speaker, and Lance Miller.
Let the Renaissance continue...
2009-11-15: Imagination & Invention
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Toastmaster of the day Bill Moon with his theme: "Imagination & Invention" ran a meeting with lots and lots of inventiveness. Grammarian Susan Boughton had us "excogitate" on the word-of-the-day which we decided to utilize.
Annette McCullough's did a great job as first-time Table Topics Master.
The day's speakers were: newest member Annie Brown delivered her "Icebreaker" speech, Paula Michel, Cliff Noble, Lee Cambique, Bruce Delfeld, and Richard Stewart who took the Best-Speaker ribbon for the day.
Let the Renaissance continue...
2009-11-08: Superstitions and Urban Legends
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Another first time Toastmaster of the day Val Rodionov with his theme: "Superstitions and Urban Legends" ran a great meeting with lots of strange superstitions to tell us about with, of course, some bizzare Russian ones most had never heard of. Congratulations on a very creative meeting Val! Grammarian Cliff Noble gave us an "awesome" word-of-the-day but Sue Zenger complained of badly done overuse, but he meant it in the awe inspiring sense I'm sure.
Richard Stewart's was responsible for Table Topics derived on the theme subject.
The day's speakers were: Mike O'Brien who created depth to the concepts on data evaluation, Mick Coventry who humorously had an eye on God, Roberta Perry brought up space-wars weaponry as part of a "Top Gun" project she is working on, Yan Yatkovskaya tackled the history of World War II—complete with a question and answer period, Ingrid Smith told the tale of what happened to Cinderella (Part 2) and took Best Speaker award, and Bill Moon who followed all this with a bell-curve and the theory of Life. The speeches were so awesome, I'm sure glad I wasn't competing in today's lineup!
Another awesome meeting! (dang!) Let the Renaissance continue...
2009-11-01: Take Responsibility!
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First time Toastmaster of the day Annette McCullough with her theme: "Take Responsibility!" did what she said and ran a great on-time meeting as though she had been doing it for years. Congratulations Annette! Grammarian Sue Zenger gave us her "obligatory" word-of-the-day.
Val Rodionov's was responsible for Table Topics evolved from the theme.
The day's speakers were: Susan Boughton, Michael O'Brien, Barbara Lewis, Ray Korns, Paula Michel, and Carol Worthey.
Another wonderful meeting! Let the Renaissance continue...
2009-10-25: Erie Canal
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Our perpetual Sargent-at-arms, Bruce Delfeld was Toastmaster of the day with his theme: "Erie Canal" on the anniversary of its opening in 1825. Bruce had a wonderful powerpoint presentation that failed, nevertheless, he painted great word-pictures that actually were a fun underscore to the meeting. First time Grammarian Paula Michel must have spooked Bruce for halloween with an "eerie" word-of-the-day.
Jeff Harman's Table Topics also sprung from the day's theme.
The day's speakers were: New Renaissance Speaker Luke Muehlhauser's "Icebreaker" speech which not only let us know about his life but inspired a Best pre-CC ribbon, Annette McCullough, Yana Yatkovskaya, Lee Cambique, Cliff Noble, and Bill Moon.
A terrific, memorable and, of course, fun meeting. It will brighten my week! Let the Renaissance continue...
2009-10-18: The Bright Side
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The astute and brilliant Mike O'Brien was Toastmaster of the day with his theme: "The Bright Side". Mike correctly pointed out that the brightness of life depends upon ones viewpoint and backed it up with incredable quotes from those who know. Grammarian Yana Yatkovskaya brightened our lives with a "glamorous" word-of-the-day.
Phil Deland's Table Topics, kept everyone bright and entertained as well.
The day's speakers were: Annette McCullough who won the Best pre-CC ribbon, Susan Boughton, Mick Coventry who exhibited some of the charming technique he utilizes in his anti-drug message to high-school kids, Clare Anahu who humorously handled our unemployment dilema, Richard Stewart, and Jeff Harman.
A bright, fun meeting. It sure has brightened my day! And the Renaissance continues...
2009-10-11: Guilty Pleasures
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Always witty Ingrid Smith was Toastmaster of the day with her theme: "Guilty Pleasures". Chocolate rated very high amongst the very diverse guilt that was consulted during the course of the meeting. Grammarian Jeff Harman correctly picked "ambrosial" as the word-of-the-day.
For Table Topics, Carol Worthey had everyone sweating with her piercing, often tongue-in-cheek questions.
The day's speakers were: Paula Michel who won both Best and Most Improved ribbon, Val Rodionov whose Russion folk tale had us in the palm of his hand, Bruce Delfeld, Mike O'Brien, Lance Miller, and Roberta Perry.
A shameless, guilt-ridden and fun meeting. The Renaissance continues...
2009-10-04: Prairie Home Renaissance
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Club co-founder Richard Stewart was Toastmaster of the day with his theme: "Prairie Home Renaissance". Starting as detective 'Guy Noir' he helped Ingrid Smith find the meeting, thank goodness! We weren't sure he knew where it was at first, but it turned out he did (you know how men are about directions). Double-hatted Grammarian Cliff Noble was delicious and "expeditious" as the word-of-the-day.
For Table Topics, Ray Korns had us extend the question into a story. Mick Coventry won Best and reticent Sue Zenger Most Improved.
The day's speakers were: Guy Martin, Annette McCullough with her invited friend Harvey the pooka, Susan Boughton, Debbie Ellish newly returned from Florida, Mike O'Brien, and Val Rodionov who totally "had" us with his exaggerated humorous tale thereby winning both Best and Most Improved Speaker ribbons.
A great fun meeting. The Renaissance continues...
2009-09-27: Baseball and the Meaning of Life!
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Our guest, Accredited Speaker, Wayne Choate prefaced the meeting with a short introduction to Toastmasters Accredited Speaker Program which captured our interest.
Jeff Harman was Toastmaster of the day with his theme: "BASEBALL and the Meaning of Life!". We all know how he loves the game. Jeff's quotes and anecdotes kept the meeting moving on track. Grammarian Ingrid Smith had "game" on her mind as an appropriate word-of-the-day.
Bill Moon's Table Topics had us all participating as we each had our turn at bat and swung away at our chance to hit one out of the park using our topic, but it was Mike O'Brien who hit a home-run when the dust settled.
The day's speakers were: Sioux Hart, founder of our sister club in Clearwater, Florida, Cliff Noble, Sue Zenger, Mick Coventry who startled us with his impish opening: "foranoccasion", Lee Cambique who won Most-Improved, and Carol Worthey who led us through the life of Johann Sebastian Bach, with musical accompaniment.
A great meeting that masterly finished a little early (always a sign of a great Toastmaster). The Renaissance continues...
2009-09-20: A Fresh New Start
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Toastmaster Cliff Noble drew us all in with his theme: "A Fresh New Start" with the first meeting following our club's 20th Anniversary. Most topics and comments were suitable for Grammarian Annette McCullough's "insouciance" word-of-the-day.
Table Topics Master Val Rodionov managed to pause so long between asking a question and selecting his "victim" to answer he had all hearts beating fast and beads of sweat forming on brows.
Speakers for the day were: Ray Korns, Paula Michel, Clare Anahu, Bruce Delfeld, Mike O'Brien and Mick Coventry. Bruce especially wants us to believe that he believes we "...really landed on the moon in July 1969."
2009-09-13: 20 Years Young!
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Club President, Club Co-Founder and Toastmaster of the day Roberta Perry hosted our 20th Anniversary meeting "20 Years Young!" with hoopla, cheers and lot's of guests. Grammarian Val Rodionov supplied us with a "stupendous" word-of-the-day used throughout the meeting.
Table Topics Master Saffouh Dabboussi provided stupendously applicable questions to enliven the crowd, and we all ate cake during the break!
Our speakers for the day were: Guy Martin who told us about himself in his Icebreaker speech while revealing his comic sense of humor, Paula Michel who "...got to the point", Annette McCullough, then birthday boy Ray Korns, Ingrid Smith, who may have been taken advantage of and lastly Lance Miller.
The Coaching was, as usual, brilliant, insightful and fun. The guest comments showed all had a good time! Here's to twenty more years!
2009-09-06: A 3 Hour Tour
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Club Seargent At Arms and Toastmaster of the day Bruce Delfeld ran the meeting with his theme: "A 3 Hour Tour". Hearing the theme, we thought we might meet Gilligan, but instead Grammarian Naomi Conners met us with a "timely" word-of-the-day.
Table Topics Master Cliff Noble gave an excellent set of answerable questions.
Our speakers for the day were: Val Rodionov, Yana Yatkovskaya who enlightened us on Russian/American cultural differences, Sioux Hart our guest speaker from Renaissance Speakers Clearwater, Susan Boughton who completed her ACB with this speech, Ray Korns, named the Moon and finally Roberta Perry who persuaded us to "Spread the Word!" about Renaissance Speakers.
The Coaching was, as usual, excellent. The Renaissance continues...
2009-08-30: Animal Stories!
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Yana Yatkovskaya ran her very first meeting as Toastmaster of the day with her theme: "Animal Stories!". She included a lot of humor with the theme and we heard Russian jokes and thought they were cute. This is lucky, as Grammarian Saffouh Dabboussi had a "cute" word-of-the-day.
Table Topics Master Mick Coventry led festivities with lots of cute animal questions.
Our speakers for the day were: Annette McCullough, Cliff Noble, Bill Moon, Roberta Perry, Mike O'Brien and Lance Miller.
Overall a fun meeting and a "very well done" to Yana. The Renaissance continues...
2009-08-23: Table Topics and Tall Tales Speech Contest
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With Jeff Harman as Toastmaster and Naomi Conners as Chief Judge, Renaissance Speakers held the annual "Table Topics" and "Tall Tales" speech contests.
There were five contestants in each contest. For the Table Topics contest, entries were: Annette McCullough, Mick Coventry, Clare Anahu, Yana Yatkovskaya and Ingrid Smith. The impromptu answers to the contest question were very interesting to the club members in the audience, who were judges.
For the Tall Tales contest, entries were: Annette McCullough, Mick Coventry, Clare Anahu, Cliff Noble and Val Rodionov. We all cheered Mick Coventry sweeping the top awards with his Topic answer and with his winning speech: "Winkle: Snail of Destiny".
A fun contest, thanks and kudos to all who participated! The Renaissance continues...
2009-08-16: Growing Old!!!
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Bill Moon was Toastmaster of the day with his theme: "Growing Old!!!". He had a lot of "old jokes" that (unfortunately) most of us understood. Grammarian Ray Korns had a "genuine" word-of-the-day for us to use.
Table Topics Master Katie Sabbella delivered wonderful questions that really made each participant think.
Our speakers for the day were: Annette McCullough, Jeff Harman, Mike O'Brien, Val Rodionov, Bruce Delfeld and Mick Coventry.
An excellent meeting. The Renaissance continues...
2009-08-09: Story Day
Cliff Noble was Toastmaster of the day with his theme: "Story Day". Grammarian Clare Anahu had "account" as the word-of-the-day.
[ In - Preparation ]
2009-08-02: Music Sweet Music
Ray Korns was Toastmaster of the day with his theme: "Music Sweet Music". Grammarian Roberta Perry had "various" as the word-of-the-day.
[ In - Preparation ]
2009-07-26: The Magical, Mystical Solar Eclipse
Susan Boughton was Toastmaster of the day with her theme: "The Magical, Mystical Solar Eclipse". Grammarian Barbara Lewis had "annular" as the word-of-the-day.
[ In - Preparation ]
2009-07-19: Renaissance Officer Installation & Awards Meeting & Party
Lance Miller was Toastmaster of the day. This was a special "Installation of Officers" and "Awards Meeting" held at Barbara Lewis's home. It included Guest Speaker Don Ensch the "Voice of Toastmasters" and friend of the club.
[ In - Preparation ]
2009-07-12: History of the Christmas Tree
Phil Deland was Toastmaster of the day with his theme: "History of the Christmas Tree". Grammarian Yana Yatkovskaya had "addict" as the word-of-the-day.
[ In - Preparation ]
2009-07-05: Freedom
Jeff Harman was Toastmaster of the day with his theme: "Freedom". Grammarian Katie Sabella had "patriot" as the word-of-the-day.
[ In - Preparation ]
2009-06-28: Mass and Significance
Mick Coventry was Toastmaster of the day with his theme: "Mass and Significance". Grammarian Bruce Delfeld had "mickle" as the word-of-the-day.
[ In - Preparation ]
2009-06-21: Beauty
Michael O'Brien was Toastmaster of the day with his theme: "Beauty". Grammarian Cliff Noble had "fillibuster" as the word-of-the-day.
[ In - Preparation ]
2009-06-14: Love Songs!
Ray Korns was Toastmaster of the day with his theme: "Love Songs!". Grammarian Debbie Ellish had "moonstruck" as the word-of-the-day.
[ In - Preparation ]
2009-06-07: This Is Your Life!
Katie Sabella was Toastmaster of the day with her theme: "This Is Your Life!". Grammarian Mike O'Brien had "destiny" as the word-of-the-day.
[ In - Preparation ]
2009-05-24: Memorial Day - A Rememberence
Bruce Delfeld was Toastmaster of the day with his theme: "Memorial Day - A Rememberence". Grammarian Jeff Harman had "intrepid" as the word-of-the-day.
[ In - Preparation ]
2009-05-17: Summer Vacations
Phil Deland was Toastmaster of the day with his theme: "Summer Vacations". Grammarian Yana Yatkovskaya had "trivia" as the word-of-the-day.
[ In - Preparation ]
2009-05-10: Themes!
Ray Korns was Toastmaster of the day with his theme: "Themes!". Grammarian Debbie Ellish had "flummery" as the word-of-the-day.
[ In - Preparation ]
2009-05-03: Cowboy Poetry
Debbie Ellish was Toastmaster of the day with his theme: "Cowboy Poetry". Grammarian Susan Boughton had "mustang" as the word-of-the-day.
[ In - Preparation ]
2009-04-26: Outside The Comfort Zone!
Lance Miller was Toastmaster of the day with his theme: "Outside The Comfort Zone!". Grammarian Ziba Ebrahimian had "stretch" as the word-of-the-day.
[ In - Preparation ]
2009-04-19: A Salute to Failure!
Sue Zenger was Toastmaster of the day with her theme: "A Salute to Failure!". Grammarian Lance Miller had "fiasco" as the word-of-the-day.
[ In - Preparation ]
2009-04-12: Problems and Solutions
Richard Stewart was Toastmaster of the day with his theme: "Problems and Solutions". Grammarian Saffouh Dabboussi had "utopian" as the word-of-the-day.
[ In - Preparation ]
2009-04-05: Positive Postulates
Susan Boughton was Toastmaster of the day with her theme: "Positive Postulates". Grammarian Carol Worthey had "serindipity" as the word-of-the-day.
[ In - Preparation ]
2009-03-29: A Story Behind Every Word!
Roberta Perry was Toastmaster of the day with her theme: "A Story Behind Every Word!". Grammarian Val Rodionov had "imbibe" as the word-of-the-day.
[ In - Preparation ]
2009-03-22: The Need for Speed
Bruce Delfeld was Toastmaster of the day with his theme: "The Need for Speed". Grammarian Jules Boyele had "up-tempo" as the word-of-the-day.
[ In - Preparation ]
2009-03-15: Spring Training
Jeff Harman was Toastmaster of the day with his theme: "Spring Training". Grammarian Don Lawrence had "rely" as the word-of-the-day.
[ In - Preparation ]
2009-03-08: Pet Peeves
Lance Miller was Toastmaster of the day with his theme: "Pet Peeves". Grammarian Susan Boughton had "grouse" as the word-of-the-day.
[ In - Preparation ]
2009-03-01: Harmony!!!
Bill Moon was Toastmaster of the day with his theme: "Harmony!!!". Grammarian Bruce Delfeld had "chord" as the word-of-the-day.
[ In - Preparation ]
2009-02-22: Evaluation and International Speech Contests
Jeff Harman was Contest Chair and Toastmaster of the day for the "Evaluation and International Speech Contests". Naomi Conners was Chief Judge.
[ In - Preparation ]
2009-02-15: Secret Tips for Life!
Richard Stewart was Toastmaster of the day with his theme: "Secret Tips for Life!". Grammarian Mick Coventry had "nympholepsy" as the word-of-the-day.
[ In - Preparation ]
2009-02-08: Changing the World With Art
Jeff Harman was Toastmaster of the day with his theme: "Changing the World With Art". Grammarian Carol Worthey had "???" as the word-of-the-day.
[ In - Preparation ]
2009-02-01: Happy 20th, Renaissance Speakers
Debbie Ellish was Toastmaster of the day with her theme: "Happy 20th, Renaissance Speakers". Grammarian Richard Stewart had "catalyst" as the word-of-the-day.
[ In - Preparation ]
2009-01-25: The Sunny Side of Life!
Lance Miller was Toastmaster of the day with his theme: "The Sunny Side of Life!". Grammarian Susan Boughton had "sanguine" as the word-of-the-day.
[ In - Preparation ]
2009-01-18: Elvis has left the Building
Mick Coventry was Toastmaster of the day with his theme: "Elvis has left the Building". Grammarian Kathy Coventry had "apex" as the word-of-the-day.
[ In - Preparation ]
2009-01-11: The Soundtrack of Your Life!
Katie Sabella was Toastmaster of the day with her theme: "The Soundtrack of Your Life!". Grammarian Bill Moon had "timbre" as the word-of-the-day.
[ In - Preparation ]
2009-01-04: New Beginnings!
Ray Korns was Toastmaster of the day with his theme: "New Beginnings!". Grammarian Sue Zenger had "nacent" as the word-of-the-day.
[ In - Preparation ]
2008-12-28: New Years Around the World
Naomi Conners was Toastmaster of the day with her theme: "New Years Around the World". Grammarian Jeff Harman had "resolute" as the word-of-the-day.
[ In - Preparation ]
2008-04-20: 15 Minutes of Fame
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Toastmaster Sue Zenger was somewhat mischievious with her theme: "15 Minutes of Fame" as is expected. Throughout the meeting she taxed our memories with the names of various "15-minute wonders" from years of past events. Most were notoriously forgettable and totally suitable for Grammarian Clare Anahu's "ephemeral" word-of-the-day.
Table Topics Master Mike Baron managed to throughly quiz us regarding our own personal fifteen minutes in the spotlight of attention, past, present and future.
Leading off the prepared speeches was experienced speaker Alberto Cabilan who is playing the "impromptu" game with a speech title given to him by the toastmaster at the break.
Next was Jeff Harman with a speech entitled: "The Future is in Your Hands" wherein he lead us to believe he was talking about the upcoming national elections, but then revealed himself to be talking about the upcoming election of Club officers--clever man!
Bruce Delfeld in his speech "Bruce Was Wrong" actually recanted and repented an earlier "conspiracy theory" speech about the 1969 moon landing. The speech was great, but Bruce the great whiteboard artist is not.
Doing what Jeff did not, Bill Moon, doing the "Persuade With Power" project, actually talked about electing political candidates. Elect the candidates who support "free market" solutions over "government mandated" solutions to environmental problems.
Once again Mick Coventry was "over the top" with his tenth Icebreaker speech "My Family and Other Animals" telling us of growing up with critters along the banks of the Thames with such vivid imagery he caused some of the ladies to cringe!
Lastly, Lance Miller inspired us with a #10 speech: "The First Step".
Toastmaster Sue Zenger topped off the meeting by mentioning that while most of the fifteen minutes of fame she quizzed us about were non-complimentary, her wish for us is to have fifteen minutes and more of fame and leave a postive legacy for ourselves and our society.
2008-04-13: Superhero You
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Toastmaster Alberto Cabilan was faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive and able to leap tall Meetings with a single theme: "Superhero You". In advance of the meeting Alberto sent all the members a survey to determine what superheros they were. I happy to say that Alberto is 70% Superman, 20% Spiderman and 10% Green Lantern--it figures.
Table Topics Master Debbie Ellish asked some "super" questions, but forgot to wear her superhero costume. Maybe it was in the cleaners?
Our speaking lineup was lead by Ray Korns in astronomical powerpoint style with his speech "Your Basic Galactic Locational" in which we toured from our location to the entire Visible Universe without leaving our seats. We ended up having the entire physical universe in the palms of our hands.
Next Wendy Moose told us of dealing with different emotional tones throughout her extensive flying experience.
Cowgirl, Naomi Conners confessed her hankerin' fer a real Texan in "How To Rope A Cowboy" addressed to the gals in the audience. Shore was entertainin'. How in heck Richard Stewart could miss this, shore beats me?
Mike Baron talked of the joys of having your very own pond right in your backyard in "Pond Myths Exposed."
And Lance Miller jumped in with a speech addressed toward handling being "controversial".
A great time was had by all and we learned some stuff too. Thanks Alberto and Club Coach Barbara Lewis for a great meeting!
2008-04-06: Spring!
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Toastmaster Ray Korns ushered in the theme of "Spring" with the help of Bruce Delfeld's tenor voice singing in the background, "The Flowers I Love". Who knew? [Editor note: it was actually "The flowers that bloom in the spring, tra la" from Gilbert and Sullivan's "Mikado" by the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company.]
Barbara Lewis (who LOVES Table Topics) engineered a round of impromptu speaking with lauded mercy by giving all of us the same question to answer: "What does Spring mean to you?"
Lance Miller spoke of hormonal "rushes" and Phil Deland praised the joy of a new air-conditioner he purchased for Clare Anahu. Sue Zenger found undergarments buried under the Apple Tree (don't ask). Carol Worthey spoke of her upcoming trip to Beijing and Human Rights! Mick Coventry broke THREE toes on Spring break, but not his spirit. Yankee Stadium is "Spring" to Kathy Coventry. Wendy Moose lost her blonde wig (twice) and Richard Stewart somehow stretched Spring to burning leaves in the Fall.
Most Improved Table Topics went to Debbie Ellish with her dissertation of her joy of Spring cleaning. We are disappointed in Debbie, though. Her Mom found her TV set warm, which obviously means she was not cleaning the house.
John Conley hit it out of the park and took the ribbon for Best Table Topics by sharing his win getting a new job. He definitely has a new Spring in his step.
Jeff Harman gave a wonderful tribute to the Broadway and Law & Order ("Lenny") star Jerry Orbach, who recently passed away. All in attendance requested that Jeff be the speaker at their Memorial Service.
Roberta Perry raised the bar with an impromptu speech. She shared her win motivating her college debate club to National Championship, overcoming (yes) a strip-search at an international airport!
Clare Anahu motivated all of us with her "A Renewal of Spirit" speech. Her message to us all which is definitely in the cards soon... "YouTube is calling!"
Ingrid Smith won Most Improved Speaker with an Advanced Manual speech. Her opening, "I Hate Selling!", brought instant audience response. (Mick Coventry also voted her winner of "Best Skirt".)
Oh my gosh, Bob Harrisen's speech was amazing! No one recognized him in his Chief Red Cloud costume. He won Best Pre-CC with an emotional (and realistic) speech, "The Causes of Wounded Knee". It was the actual speech given by Chief Red Cloud!
Best CC went to Lance Miller's speech, "It was an Accident!" A motivating talk which gave us all an easy test of how "on purpose" we are living our life: Every morning, ask yourself when you wake up -- "Would I rather stay in bed or get up?"
Bill Moon ran a spirited Coaching session. Alberto Cabilan won Most Improved Coach by validating Bob's talk and Sue Zenger won Best Coach using words like "cogent" and "akimbo" regarding Lance's speech.
And Bruce Delfeld ended the meeting singing "Tiptoe through the Tulips" in falsetto! [Editor note: actually "The sun whose rays are all ablaze" more "Mikado".]
Spring has Sprung for Renaissance Speakers!
2008-03-30: Onomatopoeia
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Hats off to Bill Moon for creating the new Renaissance Speakers The Way To Happiness Book with our picture on the cover!! If you haven't gotten your copy yet do so. It's very aesthetic and has the precept "Be Competent" on the front along with a group photo. I'm sure you’ll see it on the web site soon.
Speakers Outside the Club included Ingrid Smith who is now officially a TV Star! She gave her wins as a Scientology auditor on a cable TV show. This is exactly the kind of product we work for with Renaissance Speakers and I'm sure Ingrid will get a commendation for her win! Mike Baron shared his win speaking at his son's wedding. Bill Moon spoke at his Company and Bruce Delfeld at the Area Contest.
Toastmaster Jeff Harman introduced us to "The Wonderful World of Onomatopoeia". A theme that CRACKLED through the meeting! (Do you know the noise a frying pan makes when a woman smacks her husband? PWANG!!) Alberto Cabilan's word-of-the-day, "Omnipotent" fit in well and Naomi Conners slandered Texans with her Chuckle.
John Conley led a spirited Table Topics that included "Most Improved" winner Bob Harrisen who gave a Tarzan yodel as he leaped off a skyscraper. Lance Miller took first without saying a word! (Imagine the sounds and actions of Jonathan Winters). Our guest Keith Jarvis gallantly protected a bevy of babes, Cathy Bersier was NOT in her birthday suit and Carol Worthey did mention the Boom Boom room and pole dancing... 'nuf said on Table Topics! (You had to be there). Best Speaker of the Day went to Bill Moon for his creative speech titled "Size of Gain". A small dot on the poster became the whole physical universe at the end of his speech. You can imagine the effect it had on the audience! Most Improved speaker went to Kathy Coventry with her continuing tale of the 1001 Arabian Nights. "The adventure continues whether you are participating or not!"
Honorable mentions are Sue Zenger and her speech, "The Best Kept Secret in Scientology". Bruce Delfeld's Ice Breaker "Second Best". You simply HAVE to look closely at the photo of basketball giant Debbie Ellish! Her speech "I Am a 7-Foot Pygmy" had us all howling! Richard Stewart's speech "Rusty Knows Best" gave insight to his "Issues" being a slow-talking Texan.
Ingrid Smith's insight brought her the Most Improved Coach ribbon and Lance Miller took first place on coaching Bruce Delfeld by simply explaining his alternate universe.
Welcome to our FIVE guests: Carol Ayres, Janet Ayres, Andree Vigeaut, Lois P. Jones, and Keith Jarvis!
And finally, Congratulations to Bruce Delfeld and Bill Moon for bringing Area 2nd place gold trophies to the club! Bill for Coaching and Bruce for International! It was a SMACKDOWN MEETING!!
2008-03-23: Gossip and Rumors
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President Ray Korns kicked off the meeting on Easter Sunday with gusto and rebirth. Several members spoke outside the club including Bob Harrisen, Carol Worthey, Ray Korns and Jeff Harman.
Bruce Delfeld selected the Lurid (word-of-the-day) theme of "Gossip and Rumors". Lawsuits of slander will surely follow due to Bruce's handout of the lurid tales of our members.
Ray Quann brought the house down with nine thought provoking (and oh so original) Table Topic questions. Roberta Perry swore the club to secrecy on her answer. (Chocolate would probably make her talk).
Wendy Moose took us for an intriguing ride with her Ice Breaking speech.
John Conley shared an inspirational example regarding confront.
Bob Harrisen's speech on the Tech of Help made an analogy of helping a drowning person with assisting someone who needs help in life.
Carol Worthey told us about her upcoming trip to Beijing with a magnificent orchestration that she crafted.
As always coaching was suburb: Bill Moon, Clare Anahu, Phil Deland, Lance Miller and Naomi Conners were excellent coaches. Club Coach Ingrid Smith offered some insights on the meeting.
Winners! Table Topics: Best--Jeff Harman; Most Improved--Mick Coventry. Coaching: Best--Naomi Conners; Most Improved--Phil Deland. Speeches: Best CC or above--Alberto Cabilan; Best Pre-CC--Wendy Moose: Most Improved--Bob Harrisen.
Another unique and original Renaissance Speaker's meeting.
2008-03-16: Harmony
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Toastmaster Bill Moon attacked discord in our group this morning with his theme of "Harmony". He definitely prevailed!
Alberto Cabilan deftly got eleven people up for Table Topics and Jeff Harman took the ribbon for Best. Jeff shared his Harmonious purpose as a Highway patrolman. This makes two weeks in a row for Jeff as Table Topics Champ!! (Your editor erred last week).
New member Paul O'Malley won Best Pre-CC Speaker with his Ice Breaker, "I Am What I Am". He was promptly told to "get out of the club!" by several members. (Our highest compliment.)
Best CC Speaker went to Kathy Coventry for her speech, "Vacation's Over", a motivating talk with an impinging question: "Are you on a vacation from your own adventure?"
Our president Ray Korns took off the gloves and won "Most Improved Speaker" with a hilarious speech entitled "The Day from Hell". THIS is a keeper and watch out if he enters the Humorous Speech Contest with this one!
Our guest Jenny Weatherup won Most Improved Table Topics. Congratulations, Jenny!
Best coach Naomi Conners was happy Sue Zenger went over time. (There was an altercation and discord between the two that almost ruined the theme of the day.) Sue still got the ribbon for Most Improved Coach.
WELCOME BACK, Kathy Oliver!!! Kathy gave an emotional tribute to our club. We love you Kathy. But we don’t love Wayne Choate! (A little Texas humor for you, Wayne.) Wayne showed why he has the highest title in Toastmasters, "Accredited Speaker". The guy has an arsenal of quips, poems, quotes, and just darn good speaker acumen! Could he be the only speaker we kick out of the club before he even joins?
Well Done to new member Victoria Summers for already speaking outside the club to a group of thirty!
Ingrid Smith told us how a small kitten made a six-foot prison inmate cry with her very entertaining speech #5, and Lance Miller joined the rebel ranks of Craig Schager, Bruce Delfeld, Katie Sabella, Cliff Noble and Bob Harrisen with an intriguing speech on Conspiracy entitled: "The Unseen Hand".
A quintessential Renaissance Speakers meeting indeed!
2008-03-09: Believe It or Not!! Amazing Facts and Stories!!
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Congratulations to our own Clare Anahu for winning the Area contest as Best Coach!!
Today was an amazing day at Renaissance! Richard Stewart’s theme: "Believe it or Not!! Amazing facts" brought forth some amazing stories and speeches.
Wendy Moose won most improved Table Topics with her story of rubbing shoulders with Rev Martin Luther King, and Ike and Tina Turner! But hit it out of the park with her German flight attendant who said: "We go down now!"
Bob Harrisen took first place at Table Topics with his enthusiasm of the color blue and sex. (you had to be there)
Mick Coventry took the ribbon for most improved speaker. A unique #10 speech that truly inspired us all to "Change something" Do something different everyday and watch your life come alive!
Ray Quann took best Pre CC with a very polished speech inviting us a to Newfoundland. (He had several takers)
Lance Miller took the blue ribbon for best speaker with an Impromptu speech on the value and power of "purpose." Flight school, Sailing and breaking the rules at year end school finals made his message impinge.
Kathy Coventry got unanimous agreement that we bring Naomi Conners home and keep her here under key.
2007-11-11: Groovin' On A Sunday Before Noon...
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Toastmaster Kay Marie Baron presented an outa sight meeting that groved to a funky 60's trip. Like wow! She layed on me hip jive like me or my old lady haven't wigged out on for like decades. Far out! She got Cliff Noble to DJ and jam 60's music and win Most Improved Table Topics, dig? She had face jewels for the chicks and peace-symbol neclaces for the dudes so we could all get into it. Solid.
The functionaries were like mostly with it, but Grammarian Sue Zenger picked "omnium gatherum" as the word-of-the-day which freaked us all out. Table Topics Master Paulien Lombard tested our knowledge of "hippydom" in a topic challenge.
Ray Quann, our first speaker, told us all about the 60's in Canada in his speech "Out There". When Kathy Coventry speaks, the audience listens, but when Mick Coventry layed "Just Being There" on us he won both the Best and Most Improved ribbons. Now Bill Moon tried to convince us he was a Conservative Playboy in his speech "In Pursuit of Pleasure" but we weren't sure. Club co-founder, Roberta Perry revealed more about herself as the young, wild chick leaving Washington state for Europe and we definitely believed her.
Once again the inimitable Kay Marie gave us a well-prepared and fun meeting where the time spent was bitchin.
2007-11-04: The Twilight Zone
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Our Toastmaster today was club co-founder Richard Stewart, I think. I'm not sure because we were transported to another dimension, not only of sight and of sound, but of mind... The Grammarian, Paulien Lombard thought this was "eerie" (word-of-the-day) just after Halloween. Richard interspearsed the meeting with snippets of other Universe phenomena.
Speaker Bruce Delfeld lead off with "The Need for Speed Part II" and left with another cliffhanger for Part III. Eric Anderson gave us "Using Search Engines to Research PR Opportunities" very effectively from the Speaking To Inform Advanced Manual (I saw the audience actually taking notes!) Then Jeff Harman did another Advanced speech from the Communicating On Television Manual "The Press Conference" and really handled the lively Q&A period well with a very tough audience. "Can you Really own your own Home?" Well, Phil Deland showed us how while Getting Comfortable with Visual Aids. Lastly, Willard Michlin let us know "My Name is not Simon Bolivar" so we are now sure.
All is well. We had an excellent time. Richard pulled-off another great meeting!
2007-10-28: The Difference between Guys and Dolls
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Once again, Toastmaster Bruce Delfeld surprises everyone with another inventive theme. Given the differences and similarities between men and women Bruce managed an interesting and fun meeting managing to not alienate the sexes throughout. First time Grammarian, John Conley gave us an "extemporaneous" word-of-the-day which was used and practiced.
Table Topics Master, Carol Worthey asked men questions about women and vice-versa eliciting some predictable, unpredictable, unusual and interesting extemporaneous answers.
Club Secretary, Barbara Lewis lead off the speakers by rehearsing a Technical Presentation "Preparing for China" which she'll give to a group she is taking to mainland China in a week. Ingrid Smith prepared us for Halloween in a speech entitled aptly "Ghosts". Then, Debbie Ellish tried to convince us to ban dogs in her Advanced Manual Communicating on Television with "The Press Conference". Wordsmith Sue Zenger moved us with poetry in "Down the Perilous Path of Poetry". Finally, Mick Coventry delivered a delightful reminiscense of his mother and growing up in the UK in "Mummy".
Wonderful job Bruce, all left smiling!
2007-10-21: Insouciance!
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Toastmaster Bill Moon led an unusually irreverent meeting of toasties through our morning romp. "Insouciance - Lack of concern, lighthearted, carefree" was Bill's theme of the day and the club really backed him up all the way. At times the room was so light, we might have floated away... Grammarian Kathy Coventry aptly contributed "jocund" as the word-of-the-day.
Opening up the prepared speeches section, John Conley moved us with an understated eloquence in his speech "The Greatest Fear". Next, Paulien Lombard finished her Competent Communicator manual with a #10 speech "The Joys of Running Your Own Business" which inspired us to invest a bit more effort in making our goals reality. Bruce Delfeld left us with a cliffhanger by announcing "Part 1" at the end of his speech "The Need for Speed". Ray Korns volunteered speaker John Conley to assist him in a speech about taking advantage of "photo opportunities" when they present themselves "Take Your Shots". Mike Baron ended the lineup with a speech about coming back from the dead entitled "An October Surprise".
The comments from our guests indicated that they were as pleased with the meeting as the entire Club. Very well done Bill and everyone!
2007-10-14: Sustainability: Create the Future You Want!
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Toastmaster Cathy Bersier led us in an environmentally "green" meeting. In her wonderful theme, Cathy enlightened us about Permaculture, a system science of how to create sustainable cultures. Aptly, Grammarian Richard Stewart chose "cultivate" as the word-of-the-day.
Our speakers began by Mario Nabliba letting us know how to "Get All You Want By Negotiating". Ray Quann, in "The Missing Subject Continued", told of a rule not known to some and not understood by many. Then Barbara Lewis gave us a Technical Presentation which was a rehearsal for the same speech she will be presenting in Washington, D.C. in several weeks entitled: "Get a Black Belt in Marketing Optimization". From the Public Relations Manual, Eric Anderson presented more of his humanitarian work relieving earthquake victims in Peru. Finally, Bill Moon capped off the lineup by getting to the point with "The Games We Play".
The coaching the speakers received after their speeches was once again excellent and all the speakers have clearly improved from their previous endeavours. Barbara Lewis subsequently credited her coaching with greatly improving her power-point presentation for her D.C. audience.
Following the meeting we had worked up an enormous appetite and the Thai luncheon almost was a second meeting so one knew that all was well speakingland and that the Renaissance is continuing!
2007-10-07: Murder in Paradise
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Red-shirted Toastmaster Phil Deland took us on an Agatha Christie-like whodunit mystery with his theme "Murder in Paradise". Phil dropped clues throughout the meeting then spilled-the-beans at the wrapup giving some hard-earned mint awards to those who got it right (it's okay everybody else received chocholate chip cookies for playing).
John Conley Organized His Speech from the basic manual and introduced us to Ron Pitts in his excellent speech entitled: "Someone You Should Know". He took both the Best Pre-CC Ribbon and Most Improved Speaker Ribbon. Debbie Shapiro gave us a speech about her recent wins. Seargent at Arms Bruce Delfeld talked about the problem of having a lot to talk about with "What To Talk About". Immediate past-president Jeff Harman is working from the Communicating on TV Advanced Manual doing the Straight Talk speech. Jeff's message was to "Take Heart", America is not as bad as The News makes out. Secretary Barbara Lewis did a practice technical presentation from the advanced manual "Get A Black Belt In Marketing Optimization & Increase Your Web Budget" which she will deliver and a technical conference in Washington, D.C. next week.
Our last speaker of the day was guest Subbaiah Cherumandanda practicing for the Division Tale Tales contest. He was coached by Richard Stewart whom Subbaiah had beaten in the Area Contest. Richard should have been properly humbled, but instead won both the Best and Most Improved Coach Ribbons--who knew?
The consensus is that Toastmaster Phil Deland managed to contrive (the word-of-the-day) another excellent, fun meeting for all!
2007-09-30: Autumn
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With the passing of the equinox (word-of-the-day) our Toastmaster of the day Mick Coventry turned our thoughts toward Autumn. That certain strange crispness in the air and that for certain strangeness from that isle across the pond that our resident Brit brings with weird sounding names and customs. I'm not sure I'd like to experience a Druid or Pict Halloween. Somehow we never quite believe Mick about the adventures and customs of his youth--but they usually turn out to be 100% true!
Ray Quann amazed us all with his funny yet philosophical speech: "On First Thought" that was so good, we're going to show it to you on the club website! Next, Bernie Dumonceux talked about Toastmasters in "What exactly are we doing here". Eric Anderson gave a moving speech about his recent trip as a Volunteer Minister to aid the earthquake victims in Peru punctuated my a video he shot and edited showing what was accomplished and the many wins achieved. Sue Zenger working out of the advanced Storytelling manual brought tears to our eyes with The Touching Story: "The Arms of a Good Deed". "Global Warming: Who Cares" was Bill Moon's humorous yet informative speech. Lastly, club co-founder, Roberta Perry gave an energizing, well organized speech: "The Power of Color".
The Webmaster took some of the best photos of the toastmaster and speakers since the beginning of the year. He didn't have the heart to only use a few, so here are all the speakers (except Roberta) for you to see.
The meeting ended right on time bringing to a close yet another enjoyment filled meeting, just the right mix of humor, wit and insight to power us through the upcoming week, revitalized and alive!
2007-09-23: Attitude
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Our Toastmaster this morning, Paulien Lombard, really adjusted our attitude. Well, she didn't change it that much, but what she did do with her theme is re-emphasize how important the proper attitude is in accomplishing our goals. Grammarian Bruce Delfeld provided "mien" as the word-of-the-day which nicely fit the theme.
Ted Crissell started our prepared speeches with the advanced Salespresentation project entitled: "What can you not do...without?" Barbara Lewis then followed with another advanced project from Persuasive Speaking, Addressing the Opposition. Her speech "Analytics" talked about the advantages of using website analysis tools. Next, Cliff Noble waxed philosophic in a speech "Home Insurance 9-1-1". Debbie Ellish and Jeff Harman teamed up (both are working on projects from the Advanced Manual Communicating on Television so Debbie did When You're the Host and interviewed guest Jeff doing The Talk Show. Rounding out the program, Mike Baron presented facts and opinion in his speech: "Global Warming - Fact or Fiction?"
After some excellent coaching and awards we ajourned to lunch with another excellent meeting completed. Well done Paulien!
2007-09-02: The Joy of Work!
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Distinguished Toastmaster and club Co-Founder Roberta Perry was Toastmaster for the Labor Day version of Renaissance Speakers. Her theme: "The Joy of Work!" was easy on those who love what they do for employment and hard for those who feel otherwise.
Table Topics Master Lance Miller picked right up on Roberta's theme asking questions that gave us ample opportunity to expound pro and con about different jobs we have held and loved or despised. Mike Baron won the "best" ribbon for his slightly discreditable tale on after high-school employment.
Newest Renaissance member, John Conley won the "most improved" ribbon with his excellent speech: "Imagination". Keeping with the theme Carol Worthey, in a new impromptu "Icebreaker," demonstated her most recent creative work products. Mick Coventry in the funniest "non-funny" speech became astronomical in attempting a science lesson with "Space, the Final Frontier" (I seem to have heard that title before. Hummmm?) Mick's wife Kathy Coventry blew us all away with a non-funny speech that netted her the "best speaker" ribbon. Cathy Bersier gave us a version of a speech she is preparing for her work entitled: "The Problem is the Solution." Lastly, Barbara Lewis working from an Advanced Manual helped her (pretend) client Ray Korns to see the value of her software product with some role playing following a speech "Helping the Client." The whole club helped during her question and answer period immediately following the speech.
While we were cool in the Little Theatre, Mother Nature used Cliff Noble's word-of-the-day "Global Warming" to increase the outside air temperature to 99 degrees Farhenheit.
The whole meeting was topped off when Club Coach and wordsmith Sue Zenger used the word "Gleen" making our day!
2007-08-26: Baseball and the Meaning of Life
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Immediate past-president Jeff Harman was Toastmaster today and hit it out of the ballpark! Introducing his theme "Baseball and the Meaning of Life" he dramatically opened the meeting with the "people will come" speech from the movie "Field of Dreams".
Club Coach Ingrid Smith batted 1000 having all her functionaries ready and willing to step up to the plate to get the show on the road. Grammarian Carol Worthey had us get our red-hot handouts wherein she had listed four pages of baseball slang as the many words-of-the-day making it a whole new ballgame. Mike Baron won a box of cracker-jacks for using the most baseball slang during the meeting, although many tried during Sue Zenger's slang filled table topics.
Our prepared speeches were enlightening and entertaining. Ray Quann took us on a tongue-in-cheek tour through the culinary delights of his native Newfoundland and we all had a "mug up." Paulien Lombard displayed her complete ease on stage. Ted Crisell inspired us to create the magic missing from life. Inverting the day's theme, Mick Coventry, our resident Brit, insisted on talking about "cricket slang" and had us all stumped. Lastly, Bill Moon did his ump-teenth Icebreaker speech starting yet another time through the Competent Communicator manual.
John Conley was inducted officially into the club becoming the newest Renaissance speaker! A great meeting.
2007-08-19: Urban Legends
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Renaissance Speakers President, Ray Korns was the Toastmaster today with his theme: "Urban Legends". Ray explored the 'top 10' current legends circulating about the Internet.
Table Topics Master Jeff Harman picked up the theme giving out a probable myth and having our impromptu speakers choose whether it was true or false.
Regina Tercero started our prepared speeches with an "Icebreaker" beginning her second time through the Competent Communicator Manual. We really got to know her better as she revealed more about her life. Next, Ingrid Smith inspired us with her speech on why it is necessary to communicate entitled: "The Magic of Communication". Switching gears, Bruce Delfeld worked to persuade us to love our computers by feeding them good anti-virus and security. Barbara Lewis then enlisted Roberta Perry for some role playing in a speech from the Advanced Manual Persuasive Speaking showing us how to be an effective sales person. Carol Worthey tooks us to Florence in The Renaissance to talk about Leonardo Da Vinci and Lorenzo Di Mecici in her educational speech titled: "Two Individuals That Changed the World". Lastly, Mike Baron motivated us with his speech: "One Degree" wherein he delineated the difference between mediocre and excellent in any endeavour could be said to be "one degree" of extra persistance.
Paulien Lombard flawlessly handled the functionaries as Club Coach. Yet again a good time was had by all!
2007-08-12: Native Americans
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First time Renaissance Toastmaster-of-the-day Ted Crisell opened with a native american blessing for a successful meeting. Clearly Ted's dress wasn't as authentic as the native american's pictured in the wonderful illustrations he brought to more fully set up his theme, but his comments and enthusiasm throughout the meeting were appropriate and apt.
Barbara Lewis as Club Coach organized and handled functionaries for the meeting. Grammarian Ingrid Smith, not indigenous to our continent, offered "indigenous" as the well-used word-of-the-day.
Our speakers offered a great variety of topics as they worked through different aspects of their educational program manuals. Using advanced presentation skills, new member Mario Nabliba gave us a speech about business. Bernie Dumonceaux, entertained us with stories from his youth. Cathy Bersier used anecdotes from her life to entertain us with a humorous speech about the difficulties of live-in relatives. Looking great, our returning member Debbie Shapiro told us about what she's been accomplishing while away from the club. Lastly, co-founder, Distinguished Tostmaster, Roberta Perry worked on lecturn dynamics while showing us the native american "dreamcatcher" (see picture) and its legend and why she has kept it for many years.
Coaching of the speakers was very competitive, but in the final analysis Richard Stewart actually won the 'Best Coach' ribbon beating a stellar coaching lineup (including Bill Moon who we all concede probably has his bathroom at home wallpapered with red ribbons).
The timely meeting was appreciated by all and we look forward to next week's event.
2007-08-05: I'm So Old That...
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Distinguished Toastmaster, the Venerable Clare Anahu led the festivities as the Toastmaster of the day. Clare tried, not too convincingly, to tell us she was older than methuselah. However, she has known a lot of club members so long that there is nothing about us she does not know--given the tendency of speakers to speak about themselves alot!
Table Topics Master, Richard Stewart managed to incorporate the meeting theme into his questions in a delightful way as well as inviting all six guests to speak in addition to our members.
Prepared speeches for the day were all from speakers who had already completed their basic program and, for the most part, were working on Advanced Manuals. Club Secretary Barbara Lewis led off with a powerpoint presentation from the "Persuasive Speaking" manual. Seargent-at-arms Bruce Delfeld next took advantage of the computer projector setup to give us a touching and humorous look at his sister's wedding. (Did you know that Bruce actually has sisters? Hard to believe.) Returning long-time club member Eric Anderson spoke from the "Public Relations" manual and utilized a video presentation to supplement his fascinating speech on the human rights project he has been doing around the world for the last several years with humanitarian Mary Shuttleworth and "Youth For Human Rights". One of our brilliant, resident wordsmiths, Sue Zenger entranced us with her speech: "Little Island, Big Lake" from the "Storytelling" manual. The unexpected punch-line at the end had us laughing off our seats. Finally, our President, Ray Korns recounted, by special request, some of his days in Washington, D.C. in his eleventh "Icebreaker" speech entitled: "D.C. Or Not D.C.?"
The venerable (word-of-the-day) coaching was as usual superb and spot-on. All of the speakers agreed that the observations of our coaches and suggestions for improvements were excellent.
Yes, another fun, productive meeting!
2007-07-29: China: The Country (not the dishes)
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Once again in a lively Renaissance Speakers meeting our brilliant Toastmaster of the day, Barbara Lewis introduced a bunch of pale-skined Westerners to the world of the orient with her theme: "China: The Country (not the dishes)" The theme was well coordinated such that functionaries Table Topics Master Debbie Ellish, DTM and Grammarian Cathy Bersier dressed the role in beautiful Chinese silken attire. Barbara talked at length and enlightened us about her experience on the mainland while using the word-of-the-day "enlighten."
Our pre-CC speaker of the morning, Brazilian bombshell Rosamaria Dacosta had us rolling in the aisles with her vocal variety speech about becoming a licensed commercial bus driver, in spite of male objection and collecting money to boot from making them eat crow!
The five advanced speakers (CC and above) awed us with their sincerity, inspiration and improvement. Ingrid Smith gave us insight in overcoming the soapopera of life utilizing Scientology technology in her speech: "As the world turns..." in a speech intended for audiences new to the subject. Bill Moon completing his last speech project in the advanced Entertaining Speaker manual spoke of his abiding love of music, enlightening and entertaining us in the Afterdinner Speech entitled: "The Wandering Minstrel." Cliff Noble directed our attention to world happenings in "Truthseekers' Update".
Finally, two experienced speakers began their "umpteenth" time through the Basic Manual with new Icebreaker speeches. First, Mick Coventry did the soul baring with "I..Me..Myself", then DTM Mike Baron also revealed himself as a true family man.
Club Coach, Ted Crisell handled the functionaries and the coaching section of the meeting following the speeches, as another great meeting came together and ended on time!
2007-07-08: Aloha
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Toastmaster Ray Korns took us 3000 miles westward with his theme Hawai'i. A lot of the members heard the islands' call and dressed appropriately. Our native Hawaiian, DTM Clare Anahu had no need to dress up and had a few words to say about a bunch of hoali's parading about in flowered shirts.
Our steadfast Grammarian Jeff Harmon created a "steadfast" word-of-the-day, well utilized.
We had three pre-CC speakers. Mario Nabliba used powerpoint and crafted his icebreaker speech around Maui incorporating the day's theme--a club first! Fascinating Ray Quann revealed his practical sense with eloquence (and a twinkle in the eye) while breaking ice. Next Bernie Dumonceaux took us down memory lane, we weren't sure if we believe him.
Two of our CC and above speakers were preparing for engagements outside the club. Ingrid Smith asked the audience for comments on her speech designed to introduce Scientology to new people. Barbara Lewis was preparing for a speech to the incoming class at the UCLA Anderson School. Co-founder Roberta Perry finished the lineup with a speech on the challenges of Toastmasters.
Coaching of the speakers was, as usual, superb and appreciated by all of the speakers. We finally bid a fond aloha to our theme--until next time.
2007-07-01: Officer Installation
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Renaissance Speakers was delighted and proud to have Toastmasters International Director Ann Hastings conduct the installation of our new Club Officers for 2007-2008. Ann brought along her wit, zest and verve when she arrived creating a lively ceremony.
You can see this years' officers in the picture to the right. From left to right: Bruce Delfeld our perpetual Seargent-At-Arms, Ingrid Smith our new Treasurer who is learning to say "No!" to any requests for money, Barbara Lewis our very competent and able new Secretary, Paulien Lombard our eager VP Membership, Ted Crisell our dapper and saavy VP Public Relations, Terry Laster assuming the scheduling post of VP Production, Cathy Bersier our congenial and smart VP Education and Ray Korns the first ever returning President.
These new officers, along with Immediate Past President, Jeff Harman form the Executive Council to keep the club on track toward setting and meeting our goals for the upcoming year.
Having skipped Table Topics for the morning in order to accomplish the installation ceremony and yearly awards, we continued to have the usual six speakers and coaches then ajourned for a celebratory Thai lunch!
2007-06-24: Bluegrass - Renaissance Speakers Year End Meeting
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Naomi Conners was Toastmaster in today's lively meeting. With her theme: "Bluegrass" with music selected by Naomi and DJ'd by Cliff Noble set us all toe-tapping and singing along. A few of the functionaries dressed the backwoods part. Naturally, Richard Stewart took the opportunity to wear bluejeans and cowboy boots--what would you expect of a Texan?
The meeting was the last in the Toastmaster year and was, as usual, presided over by President Jeff Harman for the last time. All of the outgoing officers are once again thanked for contributing to another Distinguished Club year!
