Change is Coming — Meeting of August 20, 2011

We had a fun and educational meeting at Kona Kitchen. Dave E. emceed our meeting on the theme of “Change is Coming.”

Dave E. speaks on meeting venue options.

• Dave E. spoke on an advanced topic. In a project from the Speaking to Inform advanced manual, Dave reported on the status of the club’s search for a new home, comparing the options. His speech was titled “Where Will Northgate Sunrise Toastmasters Find a New Home?” The project, A Fact-Finding Report, called on Dave to prepare a report on a situation, event or problem of interest to the audience; deliver sufficient factual information in your report so the audience can make valid conclusions or a sound decision; and answer questions from the audience.
• Ray R. explained the Distinguished Club Program (DCP), the annual program clubs follow to achieve success, in a talk called “DCP — Is That for Me?” Working from the eighth project of the Competent Communicator (basic) manual, Get Comfortable with Visual Aids, Ray used flip chart and handouts to explain the program and how it translates to helping the individual member. Project goals: to select visual aids that are appropriate for your message and use them correctly, with ease and confidence.
• David B. conducted the spontaneous speaking session, Table Topics, for the first time.  David challenged members and guests to try their hands at answering real questions sent in to Dear Abby. Scott C. won Best Table Topics with his suggestions for how a prudish attendee might cope with the unwelcome appearance of a stripper at a birthday party. . .

David B. leads Table Topics

Sherry T. drives home point!

• Evaluations followed. Guest Sherry T. from the West Seattle 832 club gave Dave E. concrete suggestions for improving his fact-finding speech and Scott C. pointed out how Ray could better use visual aids next go-round.

Scott C. on flip-chart technique.

• Nagisa joined the club! Welcome, Nagisa!
• VENUE: Members decided after discussion that the Kona Kitchen is our best venue choice for the foreseeable future. We plan to meet here on September 10th.
• Speech contest season is coming. This time, the contests for for humorous speech and table topics. Can you compete on behalf of the club? See VP Education Dave E. 
• Toastmasters Brand Refresh. Toastmasters International announced a new branding initiative on August 17th and is asking clubs to support the brand by using the new logo and tag line.We decided to upgrade our banner to reflect this change as soon as possible.