August 23 Lamorinda Toastmasters Meeting Diary

The theme of the meeting was "neighbors" and the toast master was Iris W.

In keeping with the theme, Greg F reflected on a bad neighbor, Mrs Hoover-a-lot, and how justice was eventually delivered in the form of an even-nosier neighbor.

Word of the day was from Marrissa the "unflappable" Sargent at arms.

Josh R convinced everyone of the high costs involved in the use of golf in business entertaining, including a useful tip on how to handle the tricky situation of dumping a motorized golf-cart in the lake.  Now we know.

Elizabeth L delivered a powerful speech on the anniversary of the Kent State University shootings, recalling the build-up to the demonstrations, the event itself and its relevance today.  She concluded with memorable lines from the Crosby, Still, Nash and Young song "Ohio".

August 16 Lamorinda Toastmasters Meeting Diary

Those of you who attended got a great show. Thomas C reminded us all how to do
it as Toastmaster, with a full agenda, a unifying theme, a printed agenda, prepared
introductions, the works. Great job, Thomas!

Gita told us a funny story about eating the backs of all the chocolate bunnies her mother used to display in a breakfront in their home. Imagine everyone's embarrassment when Mom graciously presented a neighbor with a half-eaten chocolate bunny!

We enjoyed a wide variety of speeches last night, too.

• Marissa C gave us a comprehensive survival guide for attending Burning Man on Labor Day weekend. She'll see you there. 
• Iris W shared her experience with Fryʼs Electronics over a broken computer. She is truly a patient woman.
• Chris H read two poems, “Chicago” by Carl Sandburg and “If” by Rudyard Kipling. 
• Then Jennifer C told us how she found a brother she didnʼt know she had via Facebook.

Strong and accurate evaluations were provided for the speakers by Karen L,
Gordon Steele, Kevin M, and MIke M. We all learned from their insights.

August 9 Lamorinda Toastmasters Meeting Diary

August 9th Meeting Notes:

The Lamorinda Toastmasters meeting on August 9 was "August Light." The theme was vacation, which was very appropriate considering most of our regulars seem to be enjoying theirs.

Fortunately, several visitors to the club from the week before returned, check in hand, to fill out the ranks for the meeting. Welcome Paul, Jade, and Ana (who will be joining, she says, following a two week vacation of her own). We also had a distinguished visitor, Lewis Taylor, this year's Area Governor, who was kind enough to share his presence and participate in our Table Topics contest.

Prior to the meeting, we received the wonderful news that Fermin would have to delay his Icebreaker speech, as his wife was delivering a baby! I suppose that qualifies as an excused absence....