February 9, 2012 Theme: Green

Theme: Green
Keith McCluskie called the meeting to order at 7:19 p.m. and introduced Chairperson Leo Brisebois. Leo gave the Chairperson's welcome and reviewed the theme of the night which was "Green". He spoke of things that remind him of green such as spring. He reviewed the Speechcrafter program and we were surprised to learn it is already in its fifth week! Agenda changes were made and then Ella Kieftenburg gave Joke of the Day which was about the Purina Pet Food Diet. Vern Noseworthy was Toast and Timer for the evening and led us in a patriotic toast to Canada and our green planet. Larry Appleby's word of the day was "perambulate" which means to walk, roam or stroll about.

The Speechcrafters each gave their "Show What You Mean" speeches. Tony Galvao went first with an amusing speech on gardening and described how each spring he clutches the new seed catalogue like a drowning man. John Van Meeteren shared his memories of the Netherlands and we got to learn about what it was like when he was growing up there. Ella's speech was called "Our Bodies" and Christine Aitchison was unable to attend the meeting.

Brent Jemmett provided an educational module on Vocal Variety. Val Hummel gave a sample speech using vocal variety that was about the animated Disney Pixar movie named "Up". It was her seventh speech in the Competent Communicator manual.

Tony led us in Table Topics. He passed around items that he had picked out of his recycling bin and asked each speaker to describe how they would re-purpose the item. Tony had to dodge a plastic jar that Larry decided would make a good football and Ella chastised Tony for his use of margarine since she lives on a dairy farm.

Marie McCutcheon stepped up as General Evaluator. Each of the Speechcrafters evaluated each other with Ella evaluating Tony, Tony evaluating John, and John evaluating Ella. Tony announced that Ella was the winner of Table Topics, and Vern gave his Timer's Report. Marie provided some tips for future meetings:
- Use last names when introducing speakers;
- Joke of the Day does not have to be given at the lectern (to save time);
- The Timer can just hit the major points or point out where people may have exceeded their time limit (to save time).

Anything for the Good of Toastmasters: Members were reminded of the upcoming International Speech and Evaluation contest on March 8th in Listowel.

Leo reviewed next week's assignment for the Speechcrafters. They'll be doing speeches using vocal variety.

Leo adjourned the meeting at 9:00 p.m.