• Apply the key steps in the preparation of a briefing and the organization of material
• Give a briefing according to a specific objective so the audience will have an understanding of the information
• Effectively handle a question-and-answer session following the briefing

• Select the right words and structure to communicate clearly, accurately and vividly
• Use rhetorical devices to enhance and emphasize ideas
• Eliminate jargon and unnecessary words

We had a fun meeting today with 9 members and 2 guests. Lance visited from the nearby evening club (Notable Northgaters) and Paul visited for the first time. Ray R opened the meeting and introduced the meeting’s Toastmaster Tammy, who led as emcee for the first time. She explained that although spring is the season of beginnings, it is also close to the end of the school year, which for her means completion of physical therapist training.
Speakers:

• Steve gave his second speech titled “Why am I Here,” telling us why he came to Toastmasters and what he hopes to gain (more effective presentation skills for his medical practice). (Project: Organize Your Speech)
• Ray F also gave speech #2 on  “How to Break Away from Fear,” relating how an inspirational book has helped him work on issues including procrastination and encouraging others to move toward change. (Project: Organize Your Speech).
• Andrew gave his third speech, titled “Vacation to Montana.” A native of Big Sky Country, Andrew gave us lots of reasons, from geysers to glaciers to huckleberries, for touring Montana this summer. (Project: Get to the Point)

Nagisa led table topics on the theme of beginnings and endings. Ray R was the winner of the best table topics ribbon for his answer on how every day must begin with coffee!
Lance, Dave and Sonja gave feedback to the speakers and Ray R gave suggestions the evaluation and the meeting as a whole as the general evaluator. First-time evaluator Sonja took the ribbon as best evaluator.
At meetings and, VP Membership Amara announced that the theme of our open house meeting on April 21 would be “Grow Success with Toastmasters” and encouraged members to invite guests.
Our next meeting is on March 24.

Despite the threat of snow, the members of the newly renamed Seattle Sunrise met at the Northwest Hospital on 2/25.  In total, 12 members attended plus 3 guests.

President Ray R gaveled the meeting to order and introduced Scott to lead the meeting.  Scott reflected on pets he had growing up, all of which were surprisingly traditional.

Sonja gave her second speech titled “Giving back to your community through leadership”.  She talked about how starved municipalities are of volunteers.  She mentioned 3 opportunities to consider:  1) serving on a board, 2) running for an elected office, 3) running for seat in legislature and called on all members to consider getting involved. (Project: Organize Your Speech)

Nicole spoke about her favorite cooking ingredient: butternut squash.  She talked about how versatile squash is to cook with and mentioned that it can serve as a good substitute to meat.  Nicole shared a few photos of dishes that can be made using butternut squash.  Finally, she gave all members a copy of her favorite favorite butternut squash recipe — Butternut squash lasagna. (Project: Get Comfortable with Visual Aids)

Nagisa gave her third speech titled “Lessons learned outside of the classroom”.  She spoke on the subject of a “gap year”.  Nagisa explained that a gap year is a purposeful year away from college where students go to volunteer in a foreign country, help out in classrooms, or even work.  She recounted the benefits she had begotten as a result of her experience with a gap year and called all members to be supportive of students considering a gap year. (Project: Get to the Point)

Ray F led table topics.  He asked members questions which required them to talk about their favorite animals as well as experiences with pets.  Scott was awarded the ribbon as the best table topics speaker.  In his response, he revealed that his favorite animal in high school was not his high school mascot.

Andrew, Tammy, and Ray R served as evaluators and guest Norma served as general evaluator.  Scott introduced the vote for best evaluator as a new club tradition.  Tammy received the inaugural award.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Ray R called on all members to challenge themselves by signing up for more complex meeting roles such as general evaluator and toastmaster.

Our next meeting is scheduled for March 10th.

The members of Northgate Sunrise reconvened for the first meeting after the Seattle snopocalypse.  A total of 11 people attended including one guest.  Ray led the meeting under the theme “Snow Stories”.  Here’s what happened:

The next meeting is scheduled for February 25th (barring another snowstorm).