Mark D was toastmaster tonight and chose as the theme "Hand-jive".
Chris F, as grammarian, introduced the word-of-the day: "Gambit"
Chris H, spoke from the Better Speaker series and emphasized the need to get the subject of your speech out within the first 30 seconds for maximum impact. Chris' speech was evaluated by John P.
Stephanie B introduced an interesting project being pioneered in Israel today that centers on the curative effects of "clowning therapy" (e.g. http://www.dreamdoctors.org.il/eng/) in a medical context, so laughter may indeed be the best medicine. Stephanie's speech was evaluated by Paul S.
Elizabeth L provided a veritable mobile museum of doll-making and showed a particular favorite doll in support of a visual aids-focused speech. One interesting point was that the origin of doll-making in France was the need to explain to young ladies the complexities of various items of fashionable dress - so the doll itself was a visual aid to the fashion-conscious and only later did it become a favorite children's toy. Elizabeth's "Golden Age of Doll-Making" was evaluated by M Merriman.
Kevin M lead the table topics and Scott L provided a general evaluation of tonight's meeting.
