2007-08-12: Native Americans    

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.