Lara was the Toastmaster on this first fall meeting. The word of the day was “ Mercurial”, meaning volatile.

Paula L. and Justin K. were the Grammarian and Timer respectively.

Speaker #1 , Tom B. presenting Project #5 from the Speaking to Inform Project. Tom’s objective was to present an abstract concept. His speech titled “ A new framework for tolerance” used an interactive introduction where the audience was asked to listen to a list of feelings with their eyes closed and raise their hands if they identified with these feelings. Surprisingly, this reenactment of a past experiment seems to yield the same results. We are perceive ourselves as flawed even though we may project otherwise to others, we are all in the search of success, happiness and security. This reaffirmation that we all share a common humanity is at the root of tolerance.

Speaker #2, Zhou B., presented CC Project #7 titled “ Do more with less”.

“ In design less is more, but in the field of aeronautics, you had to do more with less.”  Zhou described the  early beginnings of flight and and how, even though the aeroplanes were rudimentary, each successive version was  designed to surpass the performance of the previous version.

Speaker #3,Dilip G. presented project #4 from the CC manual. In his speech titled “Venezuela- Bolivar of Broken Dreams”,Dilip explained the reasons behind the decline of the Venezuelan economy.  In spite of their large oil reserves, lack of diversification and the falling prices of oil are causing  current catastrophic levels of hyperinflation, poverty and increasing homicide rates. Venezuelans who are no longer able to afford the basic necessities are increasingly  seeking asylum overseas. Dilip concluded with a deeper appreciation for the stability of the country we all live in.

Landing your dream job

Speaker #4, Isabella Z. presented CC Project #3. Her speech titled “ How to land your dream job” was chock a block full of practical and helpful advice on how to apply for, follow up and persist in finding your dream job.

Table topics were led by Neva C. Jasmine, a guest, was voted Best Table Topics with her solid pitch on how to invest for your early retirement.

Best Table Topics

Scott C. was voted Best Evaluator.

Two new members, Steve and Justin, were inducted.

Welcome to Seattle Sunrise!

Our next meeting is September 30th.

Toastmaster Zhou B. introduced the meeting with thoughtful reflections about leadership: to build a ship, a leader does not ask his/her team to fetch wood, rather he/she will evoke the appeal of the ocean. With those inspiring words, Zhou introduced his helpers: Cara S. , Grammarian and Saher A., Timer.

The Word of The Day was ” Ostentatious”, meaning ” overly elaborate or conspicuous.”

Julie S. presented “Diet and Exercise: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” She asked the group to stand up and do some quick exercises as part of her introduction  to illustrate that exercise is good for you. She then reminded us of the importance of eating and exercising right to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Exercise will increase your vascular and muscular health, improve your sleep, increase your energy levels and help fight depression. Eating right means balancing your diet and controlling your portion size. To sum, do the right thing, it’s  good for you.

Neva C. presented “Think of your ears.”, an informative speech about hearing loss. Did you know that hearing loss is irreversible and that permanent hearing loss occurs if you are exposed to  85 decibels for 8 consecutive hours?  Using exact language and expressive hand gestures, Neva gave a very effective description of the anatomy of the ear and made a very convincing case for taking simple steps to prevent hearing loss.

Bill S. presented “ Feeding the Hungry Ghosts- A Compassion Building Practice.” in which he shared how during his annual meditation retreats, all participants had to offer a share of their meals to the Hungry Ghosts before they could eat. In Zen literature, Hungry Ghosts are described as having d quite visually, with necks as thin as needles, so very little food can pass through and  great distended bellies, so they are ravenous. They are described as being in continual torment because they have this great hunger that can not be satisfied. In the process of learning about Hungry Ghosts, Bill learnt about his own feelings about food. He also developed an acceptance and compassion for people who are afflicted with addictions , which are manifestations of Hungry Ghosts.

Kiki N, presenting project #2 of the Story telling manual “ Streaking and in no hurry to grow up.” In this coming of age story, Kiki took us back to one of her teen- age summer adventures where with her friends Jessica, Katie and the dog Sackett, she  decided to undertake a rite of passage to adulthood: streaking in the neighborhood! The excitement soon devolved into sheer terror when the girls got split up and were followed by a mysterious car. Thankfully they all made it back home without getting in trouble with their parents. Kiki’s conclusion was that being a child was not such a bad thing after all.

Lidia S., Table Topics Master asked members of the audience to relate what lessons of leadership they might have learnt in their various roles as a Toastmaster. Neva C. was voted best table topic for her thoughts about gaining in confidence as a result of the support received from her fellow club members.

Paula L. was voted Best Evaluator.

Our next meeting is September 16.

Yanyan Z., Toastmaster of the day reflected of instances where a moment is caught in art, books, stand up comedy or even in front of an Toastmaster audience.

Kiki N. and Bill S. officiated as Grammarian and Timer respectively.

The word of the day was, fittingly, ” Ephemeral”, which means ” fleeting, for a short time.”

Zhou B. , in his speech titled” Don’t wait to be ready.” expounded on the main attribute of successful CEOs. Surprisingly, the ability to make quick decisions ranked higher than caution and accuracy. He used Jeff Bezos, the CEO of Amazon, as an example of a decisive and successful leader who is able to make decisions and take action to commit to these decisions.  Zhou presented Project #5 – ” Your body speaks” from the CC manual.

Lara G. presented ” Do you need a brand?”, a speech about personal branding. In the age of social media, if you are active on social media, you should be aware anything you post on social media will live on forever and may be used against you, especially by job recruiters. That’s why you should be aware of your brand online and be very deliberate in your profile and postings.

Aswini H. presented project #5-“Your body speaks”  from the CC manual. In her speech titled “Time Management skills- a five minute overview.“, she shared the main concepts of Steve Davidson’s book on time management. To improve your time management skills, try the following  :1. organize your tasks each day in order of high to low value activity.  2. Eliminate distractions- close your email, applications, cell phone and 3. Increase your productivity by exercising at least 30 minutes a day and  taking a break every two hours. Switching activity will help you pull back and refocus on the bigger picture. The goal is always to work less to become more efficient.

Marti M. presented project #3 from the Speaking to Inform Manual: The Demonstration Talk. The title of her speech was : “It’s all in your energy.” Did you know that when we stand in a circle and hold hands, we conduct enough electricity to make a doll talk?  If the circle is broken, the doll loses her voice. What an an eye opening demonstration that  we are sources of energy!   Using some pre-selected volunteers, Marti went on to demonstrate how intention channels our energy into action and also how different actions can support or disrupt our energy flows.

Folks, the machines were right: we are but mere batteries!

Our table topics master, Rodrigo R. posed a series of questions pertaining to moments and people we wished we could recapture. Kiki was voted  Best Table Topic with her recollection of two generations of women life smoking on the porch on  a languid summer evening.

Scott C. was voted  Best Evaluator.

Yanyan B. stepped down as the VP of Education and Zhou B. was approved as the new VP of Education.

Seattle Sunrise Toastmasters  Humorous and Table Topics competition will be held on August 26,2017.