December 13, 2007

December 13, 2007

Linguists of Listowel met at the St. Pauls Lutheran Church for their annual Christmas potluck dinner and Awards night.

Western Division Governor Al and Area 18 Governor Marge were welcomed to this meeting by President Jane.

Leo called the meeting to order. President Jane welcomed members and guests. Audrey said grace before everyone enjoyed a delicious supper. Jane presented awards to everyone. She said that all members had worked hard at accomplishing their goals during the past year. VP membership Keith presented certificates to new members Wayne and Brent. Jean was absent for this meeting.

Diane gave an after dinner humorous speech " It all depends on how you look at it."

She emphasized that every day you should try to find humour in the situations you find yourself in.

Brian gave his speech entitled "Culture Shock". He has travelled abroad and found himself in many humorous situations.

Marie McCutcheon was gift master. All members enjoyed swiping gifts from fellow toastmasters and explaining why they should be able to keep the gift of their choice.

December 6, 2007

Theme: Bring a Friend

Marie called the meeting to order and introduced chairperson Keith. All guests were introduced and welcomed to toastmasters, Leo gave the loyal toast to Canada. Diane was language enricher and presented two words amicable and amiable.

George presented literary corner with a Christmas reading.

Jean gave her speech # 4"Life is short so wear your party pants". She has a wonderful sense of humour. Jane evaluated.

Audrey challenged everyone to give a one minute table topic from a photograph.

Brent was quizmaster. Chairperson Keith closed this very enjoyable meeting.

December 3 2007

Western Division Officer Phase 11 training took place December 1, 2007 in Hanover. Event Coordinator was Diane O'Brien. Keith and Jane Stoltz and Diane Bender represented the Linguists of Listowel. Western Division Govervnor Al Seawright welcomed everyone, and Bill Bienna challenged everyone to get the most our of toastmasters and to spread the word about our excellent programs. Guest speaker Merri McCartney is a professional speaker, author and teacher. She is also a member of Kincardin To the Point Toastmasters club. She gave a motivational speech challenging everyone to make the most out of their life. Dare to step out and take a risk.

Keith led the treasurers officer training and Diane led the Public Relations officer training. This was followed by a delicious lunch. Workshops were enjoyed in the afternoon and everything was wrapped up by 3:15 pm. Many people won door prizes and everyone enjoyed their day.

November 29, 2007 Linguists of Listowel met at the St Pauls Lutheran church at 7:15 pm. The theme was "Shopping". Chairperson Marie McCutcheon enjoyed that theme! Wayne Stoltz gave the Loyal Toast to Canada. Diane Bender challenged everyone to use the word Propitious during the evening. It means friendly, amicable, favorable circumstances. It was used over a dozen times. For literary corner Keith Stoltz read a Country Guide christmas list of TECH toys. There was certainly something for everyone on his list. Leo Brisebois presented an excellent speech - "Handling Change". Jane Stoltz evaluated it with lots of glow points. Jean Vander Straeten challenged everyone to wear a hat explaining who you are and what you are. Wayne Stoltz won the Table topics award.

Jane Stoltz conducted a brief executive meeting.

Here's a few pictures of activities that Linguists of Listowel have been involved in during the fall of 2007

George and Marilyn Nichol and Ron and Diane Bender went to the fall conference in Deerhurst on Nov 9-11th. George proudly carried our banner in the Saturday Morning Parade of Banners.

Sept 13, 2007 Humorous and Table Topics Contestants

Al Mann, Diane Bender, George Nichol, Audrey Orth, Jane Stoltz, Gary Elg

Speechcraft: September 20, 2007

Press Release
For immediate Release
Contact person Diane Bender 519 343-2880 VP Public Relations Toastmasters


Public speaking is considered one of man’s greatest fears. The Linguists of Listowel Toastmasters club is presenting a six session SPEECHCRAFT workshop as a means of helping people improve their skills and to reduce their fears of public speaking.

Successful speakers convey confidence, credibility, and enthusiasm when they make presentations. Whether in training new employees, giving presentations or conducting interviews, enhanced communication skills are invaluable. Many people who were once shy and timid in front of a group have come away with confidence and strength they didn't know they had.

The Linguists of Listowel club provides a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which each individual has the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth.
Open to the general public, the program begins September 20, 2007. The fee is $30 per person. Class size is limited so interested people are encouraged to enroll as soon as possible.
For registration information please call Diane at 519-343-2880, Marie at 519-887-6419 or Keith at 519-291-1656.

August 23, 2007

Linguists of Listowel

Theme: Dog Days of Summer"

George welcomed all members and guests and called the meeting to order. He reviewed the agenda. In his opening comment he mentioned that the dog days of summer are the hot and sultry days between July 3 and August 11. Audrey presented the loyal toast to Canada. Diane read a humorous article about taking a road trip with your family in the heat of the summer.
Marie wrote play and Jane and Keith volunteered to act out the actions and sound effects. Everyone felt it was worthy of an academy performance nomination.
Keith led table topics, with everyone taking an article out of a basket and then having to comment on what their neighbour picked out. Jane was general evaluator and had lots of glow points for this summer meeting.
We had a fun night at George and Marilyn's beautiful house, a show stopper indeed and the dessert was out of this world.
Business meeting followed.
Linguists of Listowel Humorous and table topics competition Sept 13, 2007.
Speechcraft September 20, 2007.
Area 18 contest is October 2, 2007 in Clinton.
Division contest is October 19, 2007 in Listowel.
Murder mystery is November 17, 2007 if we have enough members available.

Linguists of Listowel
August 9, 2007



Tall Tales Contest:
From left- Marie McCutcheon First; George Nichol Second; Diane Bender and Audrey Orth.
August 9, 2007- the Tales were tall and very funny. We heard about a Big Foot sighting from George, Bumper Boating from Diane Bender, Magical Doors from Marie and a Marketing plan to sell weeds by Audrey Orth. Dorothy Reid, Mount Forest Motivators presented her prize winning speech where she was knighted by the Queen! Marge and Al Seawright were counters and Marge presented the award certificates to the winners.
The Humorous Speech Contest will be held September 13, 2007 where Linguists of Listowel will also be celebrating their 15th anniversary.


Toastmasters are offering a six week Speechcraft course beginning Thursday, September 20, 2007 to October 25, 2007.
This will be followed by a youth leadership class for grades 7-8 from November 1, 2007 to Dec 6, 2007.
Speechcraft is designed to help people become better speakers in the workplace as well as in the public sector. It offers participants the opportunity to gain confidence as a presenter, a speaker and to apply their leadership skills to their job and personal life.
If anyone has the need or desire to learn these skills, contact Diane 519 343-2880, Jane 519 291-1656, Marie 519 887-6419 or George 519 291-6806.
Effective communication depends on self- confidence, education, and practice. This is a life- long journey. Get started with Speechcraft today.

June 28,2007

Linguists of Listowel
Theme: Dinner Show
June 28, 2007

We wrapped up another year with a great Pot Luck meal and entertainment.
Members brought their families and friends along. Several members brought along amusing speeches and stories to share.
Marie started us off with her story about “How Not to Dismantle a Waterbed”.
Keith had everyone laughing with his “Cousin Amos” speech.
Jane followed with Dave Barry’s advice to his son: “Don’t lose your Passport”
Sheryl played a medley of piano pieces.
Diane shared an Ojibway Indian legend: “The First Butterflies”.
Audrey presented attendance awards in order of being present at the most meetings.
Marie: Blue Mountain flower vase.
George: Spanish Rooster and serviettes.
Keith: Book of North America to use when he is traveling the roads on his Motorcycle.

Diane: A beautiful coffee cup inscribed with the word Gramma.

Jane: A beautiful plate with music notes representing her singing with sweet Adeline’s.
Sheryl: Received a lovely flower vase and Gary Elg was regifted with a plush toy pet dog.
Leo would have received a clip board since he has been promoted to a higher management job since he started toastmasters.
Alan Mann: milk can pencil holder.
Brian: pocket Dream book. Wendy: candles and Ezra: Shoe laces and a beautiful wood carving.
Diane O’Brien did an advanced manual storytelling speech: The Flopsy bunny”
Gary entertained with a 4 Wheeler weekend story and George concluded with several jokes and a humorous story. Marge and Allan Seawright conducted an Installation of Officers and Diane O’Brien promoted the Fall Conference with an eye catching display board.

Next meeting will be July 12th at Jane’s at 7:15 pm
July 26, to be determined.
August 9: Tall Tales Contest at church. Diane will be chairperson.
August 23: George’s.
September 13, 2007 Humorous and Table topics Contest Chairperson: Keith
Sept 20, 2007 Youth craft: Marie

Linguists of Listowel
June 21, 2007
Theme ‘Awards”

Chair person Marie called the meeting to order at 7:15 pm. Keith gave the loyal Toast
Members gave 3 minute speeches by presenting an award. The recipient gave a one minute acceptance.
Audrey presented George with a sportsmanship award.
Jane gave Sheryl the “Chef of the Day” award for all of her work as VP Sergeant at Arms.
Keith gave the Broken Barbeque Brush award to Leo.
George gave Diane the award for being the “North Perth Grandmother of the year”.
Leo gave Marie an award for her gardening achievements.
Sheryl gave the “Great Character” award to Gary
Gary gave the “Feline Betterment” (FBA) award to Keith.
Diane gave our new president Jane the “Fearless Leader” award.
Some members were absent but forwarded an award so it could be read at the meeting.
Ezra gave Allan the “Family Man (Mann)” award.
Wendy gave Ezra the “Quiet Toastmaster” award.
Allan gave Audrey the “Most Flirtatious” award.
Marie gave the most expressive “Facial Expression” award to Wendy.
After all of the fun accepting our awards members were invited to give an off the cuff speech on a topic of their choosing.
Marie: “Dogs”
George: “Quitters never Win and Winners never quit”.
Jane: “Drop Zone”.
Gary: “Sheba”


Executive meeting June 21, 2007
Allan, George, Keith, Sheryl, Jane, Audrey, Diane and Marie attended.

Seven members attended Executive Training Sat. June 16, 2007 at St Paul’s Anglican Church, 310 James Street, Palmerston, Ontario
Keith Chairperson
Marie Trainer for Membership
Diane Trainer for public Relations
Audrey- attended Secretary Workshop
Sheryl attended Membership workshop
George attended Sergeant at Arms Workshop.
Jane attended President Workshop and purchased snacks.

June 14, 2007

Linguists of Listowel Toastmasters
June 14, 2007
Theme: “B Q Season”

Members present were Keith, Jane, Marie, Diane, Sheryl, Leo and George.
Marie called the meeting to order at 7:15. The theme was B Q season and Marie likes to cook over an open fire. Diane gave the loyal toast. Sheryl was language enricher and described the verb Fire Up. It was used 17 times during the meeting. George read an article entitled Southerners don’t Barbeque. Keith presented his first speech from the advanced manual Communicating on Television. He was required to give a 3 minute editorial or opinion. He proposed that consumers should buy locally. Diane evaluated.
Leo was in charge of table topics. He passed around an envelope of situations concerning barbequing. George won the table topics award.
Several members presented off the cuff speeches.
Marie: What would you do with 20 million dollars?
Keith: Hamilton Predators – Get your seasons tickets.
Jane: Run for Cancer
Leo: My Barbeque Purchase
Jane read a story about a sick guinea pig and one called My Dads Okay.
Marie closed the meeting and refreshments were enjoyed.
June 16- Officer training in Palmerston
June 21 Awards night
June 28 Pot luck Dinner show.

June 7, 2007

Linguists of Listowel

Club 9016
June 7, 2007
Theme “Dreams”

Members present were Keith, Leo, George, Marie. Audrey, Gary, Diane, Sheryl, Jane. Diane handed out the June newsletter. She will also put it in the blog and send it out in an email to members and speechcrafters.
Keith called the meeting to order at 7:15. He spoke about being a dreamer all of his life. He writes his dreams down and is amazed at how many of his dreams have come true. He welcomed everyone to dream big for this meeting. As he introduced members in their roles for the evening he gave everyone a dream to think about.
Audrey gave the loyal toast and mentioned her dream of moving to a new apartment. She was also timer for the evening. George introduced the word rapscallion which means a good for nothing person. It was used 4 times during the meeting.
Leo’s dream is to retire early, in good health and live next door to a golf course. He presented literary corner “I will sleep on it and have an answer for you in the morning.”
Sheryl presented her # 6 speech Say what you mean. Diane evaluated it with lots of glow points. It was well prepared and well presented.
Marie challenged everyone during table topics. It was the men against the women describing a continuous dream. Leo won the table topics award.
Jane was quizmaster. Upcoming events are June 14: BQ season, June 16: officers training, June 21: awards night, June 28: pot luck dinner show.
The meeting closed with refreshments.

May 24 2007

Linguists of Listowel
Club 9016
May 24, 2007
Theme “Summer Jobs”

Chairperson Marie called the meeting to order at 7:15. She read a short story from Dr Phil McGraw’s book about his first summer job. There were high expectations followed by many disastrous complications – but it was a learning experience!
Diane gave the loyal toast and mentioned the many surprises that can happen at a Canadian Auction sale.
Marie gave members one minute to write all of the summer jobs they could think of. Some of the top ones were food service, painting, lawn mowing, factory work and picking stones.
Keith conducted summer job interviews. He posed several questions so that he could determine who would be best suited to look after his cats for the summer. Jane won the interview process.
Jane presented a 10 minute speech – “Please close the door and …” She described her experiences with Sweet Adeline’s. Over the past year she has learned a lot about singing and came home with several prizes from her competition in Grand Rapids Michigan.
Sheryl evaluated her speech.
George had everyone describing a summer job for table topics. Leo and Marie were the table topic winners.
Marie closed the meeting

May 10, 2007

Linguists of Listowel
May 10, 2007
Theme “Campaigns”

Chairperson Marie called the meeting to order at 7:15. She asked for introductions to include who you are and who you’d like to be. Ezra gave the loyal toast and served as timer for the meeting. Wendy introduced Amy who presented her fourth speech on Show what you mean. She spoke about ways to save the environment. She encouraged members to change to the new energy efficient light bulbs, unplug appliances that are not being used and to bring your own bags to the grocery store. Sheryl evaluated Amy’s speech.
Election of Officers was next on the agenda. Each member gave a campaign speech before being elected to office.
Here is your beautiful, wonderful, amazing 2007-2008 Officers for the Linguists of Listowel.
President Jane Stoltz
VP Education Marie McCutcheon
VP Public Relations Diane Bender
VP Membership Sheryl Orth
Treasurer Allan Mann
Secretary Diane Bender
Sergeant at Arms George Nichol

Amy introduced Wendy who shared her very descriptive love story. She is an awesome speaker and introduced us to R.A.F. and his Beaumont automobile. Jane evaluated her speech.
Diane was in charge of table topics. She challenged everyone to take one gift from the basket and then to make a one minute thank you speech for the gift and tell how you would use it in the future. Wendy won the table topics award.
Next weeks theme is “Long weekends”
After the regular meeting Marie called an executive meeting to plan for the summer and fall.

May 3, 2007

Linguists of Listowel
May 3, 2007
Theme: "Spring and Springs”
Chairperson Marie called the meeting to order at 7:15 pm. She called on everyone to introduce themselves with a comment about spring.
Leo gave a bilingual toast to Canada. Excellent job Leo- we all learned something. For Literary Corner Diane read an article from a book Fighting for Home and Country. It was written by Women’s Institute members who were involved in World War 11. Audrey asked everyone to describe a picture for Table Topics. Diane was the winner.
Three members presented Off the Cuff speeches. Keith’s’ topic was communication around the world. He is impressed that his children can use their cell phones to text message each other- even as far away as New Zealand. With web cams and high speed internet you can even see each other. You can also use the telephone for as low as 2 cents a minute. Darlene spoke about the environment. She is concerned that fishing trawlers scoop up all the fish without conscience. Sandra spoke about Reflexology and the benefits that you can enjoy. You can rub your toes and clear your sinuses.
Written evaluations were completed.
Keith presented a certificate of completion of speechcraft to Darlene.
Next week will be election of officers. Everyone is welcome to come out and let the campaign speeches sway your vote.





Theme: “News Letters”
Linguists of Listowel met at the St Paul’s Lutheran Church on April 26, 2007. Chair person Keith called the meeting to order at 7:20 pm as the theme for the meeting was newsletters he mentioned some experiences he had had. Letters to the Editor are always interesting. He asked everyone to mention if they had written a newsletter or a letter to the editor in their introductions. George Nichol presented the loyal toast to Canada. He mentioned the valuable work the Canadian soldiers are doing in Afghanistan. It was a sad day in Listowel with the funeral of a local soldier serving his country in Afghanistan.
Language enricher Diane chose the word “Gregarious” It is an adjective meaning sociable and fond of the company of others. It can also mean living in flocks of birds or herds of animals. Keith Audrey Amy and Darlene used the word correctly during the meeting.
Wendy led table topics by asking everyone to describe an epiphany experience that they had had. I could be a time when they came to a crossroad in their life and had to make a difficult choice. The winners were Audrey, Darlene, and George.
Amy presented her speech on Speak with Sincerity. She spoke with conviction about her love for farming.
Darlene focused on Vocal Variety in her speech “The Baby Rattlesnake”. She is an excellent story teller as she created suspense with this Indian tale.
There was a roundtable evaluation for both speeches.
Marie was quizmaster and challenged out memory skills.

March 29, 2007

Linguists of Listowel
March 29, 2007
Theme: Smooth Sailing

Chairperson Marie called the meeting to order and welcomed speechcrafters and toastmasters. Everyone introduced themselves with an item of information that they hadn’t shared before. Gary led table topics. He invited members to pull a picture out of an envelope and describe an event associated with it. Carolyn won table topics. Toastmaster Diane shared a joke and announced the order of speakers and evaluators for the evening. Rita introduced Carolyn who was presenting her third speech “The problem in the Arctic”. Polar bears are being threatened by the environment and humans. Sheryl evaluated.
Gary introduced Riek with her speech on “How to organize your speech”. Audrey evaluated. George introduced Leo who was presenting his speech on Vocal Variety. He talked about how workplace systems must change to free us from division. Marie evaluated. She congratulated him on presenting his final speech for his speechcrafters certificate.
Diane introduced George. He was presenting his #10 speech in his CC manual. His object was to understand the mood and feeling of your audience and to put those feelings into words and inspire the audience. The title of his speech was The Sky is the Limit. He talked about his desire to become a better public speaker and how Toastmasters had improved his abilities. He encouraged speechcrafters to step out and join toastmasters. They would be glad they did.
Marie evaluated. Everyone congratulated George on an excellent inspirational speech and on his completion of speech #10!
Gary gave the timers report and the Table Topics Winner was Carolyn.
Toastmaster Diane reminded everyone that next weeks meeting would be at the home of Keith and Jane. The meeting closed with refreshments.

March 23, 2007
Toastmasters International
District 60
Western Division
Evaluation and International Speech Contests

Area 18 had two contestants in this competition that was held at the Kin Station in Listowel.
Keith placed third in International Contest.
Carolyn competed in the Evaluation Contest.
Members from the Linguists of Listowel who attended were: George, Keith, Ezra, Jane, Wendy, Audrey, Diane, Sheryl: sergeant at arms, Marie: Sergeant at arms and she was in charge of refreshments.

March 29, 2007

Open House
March 27, 2007 Mount Forest Motivators
Theme: Find Your Voice

Marie and Diane attended from the Linguists of Listowel. We are twin clubs for the year. The purpose of a twin club is to help each other achieve their membership and education goals.
Guest Speaker was Tony Nelson. He spoke about his Toastmasters journey over the past 35 years. He is dedicated and explained that he will remain in toastmasters mainly because he enjoys seeing new people improve their communication and speaking skills. Marie did an awesome evaluation and everyone could learn from her technique.
Debbie presented her #10 speech from the CC manual. She also spoke without notes and with enthusiasm. Diane took pictures and Debbie hopes to send out a press report.

March 22, 2007

Linguists of Listowel
March 22, 2007
Theme “Surfs Up”

We welcomed Marge and Caroline from the Mount Forest motivators.
Keith called the meeting to order at 7:20 pm. and welcomed 17 toastmasters and speechcrafters. He praised everyone for their hard work with their speeches and their quest to get the “butterflies to fly in order”. Next week will be our 6th Speechcraft meeting, but due to bad weather and other commitments not everyone has completed their speeches. We will be incorporating speechcraft into the next meetings but they will take on a different persona. We hope everyone will enjoy them and continue on to become better thinkers, speakers and listeners.
It’s dues time again- The amount is $60 to cover you for a whole six months! What a deal.
Everyone is becoming more confident with their introductions. It is very important to relax, take a deep breath and smile. Wendy Logan led table topics with a new idea. Speechcrafters could open a dictionary, point to a word and read the definition. That would be the word that they would use in their one minute Off the Cuff mini speech!
Amy won the Table topics award.
Timer Audrey explained her role at timing everything during the meeting. Toastmasters believe it is very important to be aware of time limits and stick to them.
Melissa presented her ice breaker speech “Melissa in a nutshell”. She mentioned some of her most memorable moments. Diane evaluated her speech with lots of glowing compliments for her first speech. Darlene talked about “My biggest pet Peeve” and George evaluated. Riek presented her “Be in earnest” speech and Marie evaluated. Leo talked about management in a large company for his “Show what you mean” speech and Caroline evaluated. All speeches were excellent and showed a great deal of preparation.
Diane presented an educational module on Vocal Variety. Jane impressed everyone with her vocal variety in her speech “Anaconda 3”. Audrey gave the timers report.
Next meeting is March 29, 2007 with the theme “Riding the Waves.”

Linguists of Listowel
Paddyfest Variety night
March 15, 2007
St Pauls Lutheran Church.

Jane entertained everyone with some Irish songs on the piano before the meeting started.
Marie was chairperson for the evening. She welcomed members, speechcrafters and several guests at 7 p.m.
She welcomed back Audrey who gave an Irish reading. Sheryl entertained with an Irish story and some good Irish Jokes. Diane got everyone laughing with Speech #3 in the Humorously Speaking advanced manual. Her speech title was “Why Kiss the Blarney Stone?” For Table topics members had to pull an object out of a hatbox and give an Irish explanation of how they invented it. Jan chaired the second half of the evening and Marie acted out an Irish folk tale. Everyone was enthralled because the lights were off and there was only a candle for light.
Keith was timer for the evening and Patrick Raftis from the Listowel Banner attended and took some pictures.
Food and fellowship were enjoyed after the meeting.

March 8, 2007

Linguists of Listowel
Theme: “Leaving Footprints in the Sand”

Coordinator Keith Stoltz welcomed all members and Speechcrafters. Because of the recent stormy weather and the cancellation of the last two meetings everyone is at a different stage with their speeches. All members introduced themselves and then Leo led table topics. Members drew a slip of paper out of an envelope and spoke for one minute about what the topic said they did last Thursday when toastmasters was cancelled.

Diane introduced Riek. Her icebreaker speech title was Patience and Bacon. She is a farrow to finish pork producer and enjoys looking after the new born pigs in her barn. She enjoys fresh air, snow and driving the tractors.

Diane introduced Wendy with her icebreaker speech entitled “Passionate engagement”. Wendy enjoys writing and shared some humorous anecdotes about researching a novel. Diane evaluated both speeches and looks forward to hearing their next speech.

Leo, Carolyn and Sandra did their speeches "Speaking in Earnest." Their objectives were to speak with conviction and to confront and control any nervousness they might have. Leo talked about quality in the workplace, Carolyn shared her experiences as the oldest child and Sandra speech title was “Things Women Do.” She described how many women had shaped her life. George evaluated these speeches with lots of glow points and a couple of grow points.

Marie gave the educational presentation “Gestures in Speaking”. A gesture is a specific body movement that reinforces a verbal message or conveys a particular thought or emotion. Although gestures may be made with the head, shoulders or even the legs or feet, most gestures are made with the hands and arms.

Sheryl presented her speech with the topic “Show what you Mean”. She talked about drug abuse and especially Crystal Meth. Her objectives were to learn the value of body movements and to explore the different ways of using body language... To develop a sense of timing and natural smooth body movement. Sheryl spoke passionately, without notes. She displayed conviction and confidence and body language that enriched the message of her speech. Jane gave the timers report.

Wendy was the table topics winner.

Marge and Al brought greetings from the district and invited everyone to an open house for the Mount Forest Motivators March 27, 2007.

Wednesday March 7, 2007
Area 18 contest- Bruce County Museum
South Hampton, Ontario
International Speech and Evaluation Contest
Host Club –Saugeen Speakers
Keith placed first in the International contest and Marie placed second in the evaluation contest. Congratulations to them both. There were seven excellent contestants in both categories. Jane was Chief Judge for the evening and Diane was a judge for both contests.

International Speech and Evaluation Contest
Mount Forest Motivators- 4th Anniversary
February 20, 2007
Keith, Diane, Marie and Allan traveled to Mount Forest.
Keith was chairperson for the contest. His opening remarks were encouraging and motivating for all present. Diane was chief judge and explained all of the rules and presented the contest winners. Marie worked as a timer and Alan was the Target Speaker for the Evaluation contest. Caroline placed first in both contests and will compete in the area 18 contest.

On March 15, 2007 we will be celebrating Paddyfest with an Irish Variety night. Everyone is welcome to come out and join in the Blarney.

Feb 8, 2007

Linguists of Listowel toastmasters met at St Paul’s Lutheran church.
Theme: Getting your feet wet

Speechcraft Coordinator Keith welcomed 8 members and 4 speechcrafters. Everyone gathered as a group and enjoyed a mental telepathy mind game.

The object is to improve concentration, focus and group thinking.

A) The group starts walking around. As soon as one person stops walking then the whole group must stop. Keep trying until the group stops as one.
B) The group stands still, closes eyes and starts talking. As soon as one person stops talking then everyone stops.
C) The group walks and talks with their eyes open. As soon as one person stops talking then everyone must stop talking and walking.
D) The group walks and talks with their eyes open. As soon as one person stops walking then everyone must stop talking and walking.

Introductions were practiced and then George presented Table Topics. He asked people to talk for one minute about the first time they experienced the event that they pulled out of the envelope. Elizabeth won the trophy and prize.

Sheryl explained her role as timer. She mastered the stop watch very well.
Brian led the educational module on “Introducing a Speaker”
Darlene, Elizabeth, Sandra and Leo all presented their Ice breaker speeches. The members who weren’t there will be able to present theirs next week.

Keith explained the objectives of next weeks assignment “Speaking with Sincerity”.
Diane gave a sample speech “Are You at Risk?” She shared some interesting facts about type 2 diabetes and stressed the importance of a healthy lifestyle, healthy weight and the importance of regular exercise.

Advisors and speechcrafters had a chance to discuss any questions or concerns.
Keith adjourned the meeting and everyone enjoyed some refreshments.

February 1, 2007

Linguists of Listowel met at the St. Pauls Lutheran Church at 7:15 pm.
Theme: “Catching the Wave”

Allan called the meeting to order and introduced chairperson Keith. He welcomed 10 speechcrafters to the meeting and 9 toastmasters.

We began some improv games where everyone greeted each other as a long lost friend and then as someone who had bad breath and finally as if we were all teenagers. This got the meeting off to a lively start and everyone relaxed as we got to know each other.

Keith reviewed the skills needed for good public speaking. Each participant joined up with someone they did not know and then introduced each other. This was very interesting and it was good experience to talk in front of the group.

Jane presented an educational module on “Selecting a speech topic”. Some ideas would be to speak from personal experience, history, professional experiences, pets, magazines and newspaper articles that you are interested in.

Gary presented an ice breaker speech. The title was “Roots and Wings”. Brian evaluated it. He gave lots of glow points and a couple of grow points.

Marie had everyone participate in Table topics. Everyone had the opportunity to speak for 1 minute about a picture they pulled out of an envelope.

Keith encouraged all the speechcrafters to write an ice breaker speech for their homework assignment. Coffee and snacks were available.

There was an executive meeting following the regular meeting.

January 25, 2007

The Linguists of Listowel met at St Paul’s Lutheran Church on Thursday, January 25, 2007 for their International and Evaluation Contest. Jane Stoltz chaired the international contest. She welcomed all members, guests and visitors. Linda Piper was chief judge and explained the rules and purpose of the contests. Marie was first with her speech “Food for Thought” by mentioning some of the challenges she has faced in her kitchen. Brian Camacho shared his experience as Santa Claus this year. He was very impressed with the insights of little children. Allan Mann’s speech was “Satisfy Yourself”. He always has a to do list and explained how it is very satisfying to complete a project such as his play house creation for his daughter. Diane Bender encouraged people to remember to give positive phrases to their children and grandchildren with her speech “Yes, You Can”. Keith Stoltz won the competition with his speech “Life is Simple”.
Elaine Beckhold was the target speaker for the evaluation contest. Her philosophy is “You want it go for it. If you’re lucky enough to get it hold onto it”. There were three contestants Keith and Jane Stoltz and Marie McCutcheon.
Keith Stoltz and Marie McCutcheon will be representing the club at the area contest March 7 in Southhampton. The Division Contest will be back in Listowel at the Kin Station on Friday March 23rd. Members of the public are welcome to attend and hear the best of the best that evening.
Linguists of Listowel will be hosting a Paddyfest Variety Night on Thursday March 15th at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church at 7:15 pm

January 18, 2007

Theme "Snowballs"
President Brian called the meeting to order with a very funny snowball fight story. Jane presented the toast to Canada and was timer for the evening. George challenged everyone to use the word "plutoed" during the meeting. It is the 2006 word of the year meaning to demote or devalue someone or something. It was used at least seven times. For Literary Corner Sheryl entertained us with several snow ball jokes and stories. Gary was the speaker for the evening. He shared some experiences he has had with his family while on vacation. Sheryl evaluated his speech.
Diane challenged everyone to remember their first experiences at assorted times in their lives. Brian remembered his first ticket, and Al his first car. Jane remembered her blue impalla and Marie remembered ice fishing. There were lots of memories but Gary won for the best table topics.
Allan was quizmaster. He sharpened our listening skills as the members tried to remember who said what. Marie did an excellent job as general Evaluator. She spoke without notes and gave us many good points on the evening and encouraged everyone to invite guests as often as possible. Next week is the International and Evaluation contest. Following that there will be Speechcraft starting Feb 1, 2007.



January 11, 2007
Theme was "Celebrations"
Chairperson Brian opened the meeting at 7:15 pm. Allan presented the toast and kept track of the timing for the meeting. Jane presented the word Celebrate and challenged everyone to use synnonyms during the meeting. She gave prizes to Diane and George who used the most words that meant the same as celebrate. Keith read an article for literary corner. Diane shared a personal but true story about her experience learning how to ball room dance. Gary presented a "believe it or not" story about global warming. Marie's speech was entitled "House for Sale". She described how she was fixing up her house recently. Gary got everyone laughing during table topics and Keith was the winner.
George evaluated Marie's speech and Sheryl evaluated the whole meeting. Brian closed the meeting at 8:45 pm.


January 4, 2007
Linguists of Listowel

Theme: "To a Happy New Year"
Chairperson Jane called the meeting to order at 7:15 pm. Marie proposed a toast to Canada. For language enricher George challenged us with the word voluble.
Sandra read an interesting poem about 6 blind mens interpretation of the elephant.
Allan spoke about traditional energy sources and offered some solutions to reduce energy consumption in the future. Diane evaluated his speech.
Brian led a workshop on thinking outside the box. He challenged everyone to put a tangram four piece puzzle together and then he challenged us to do it faster and faster. Then he added a piece for more of a challenge. He explained how businesses improve production times. It was a very educational session.
Keith was quizmaster for the evening. Jane closed the meeting at 9 pm.