June 14, 2017 Minutes

The June 14th meeting of T-Toasters of Vinings was expertly led by first-time Toastmaster Tiffini Bell.  Tiffini chose an interactive “Firsts” theme, and encouraged members to participate in discussing some famous firsts including: the first President to be impeached (Andrew Johnson), first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution (Delaware) and the first Toastmaster meeting (October 22, 1924).

The meeting started promptly at 6:00 and was brought to order by newly-minted Sergeant-at-Arms Josue Cruz.  In attendance were 15 members and 6 guests.  Matt served as General Evaluator and led a team including Ah-Counter Greg, Grammarian George, Timer Theresa, and Ballot Counter Suzanne.
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The first speaker of the evening was Josue with his 4th CC speech entitled “Become a Better Driver”.  Josue gave concrete tips about how to control their vehicles including learning about weight distribution and  how to polish up your knowledge of your vehicle’s length.  Jim served as Josue’s Evaluator.  He enjoyed Josue’s topic choice and commented on his knowledge and passion for the subject of cars, as well as the fact that he did not need notes.

The evening’s second speaker and Best Speaker winner was Liana with her Icebreaker speech entitled “Risky Business”.  Liana didn’t leave her home state of California until she left for college in Arizona, the first of many risks she would take in her life.  She left Arizona State to study Atmospheric Science at U.C. Davis.  As 1 of only 6 students in her program, she overcame academic challenges and eventually went on to work for the National Weather Service and then a local TV station before landing her current position at The Weather Channel.  Liana’s Evaluator was Scott, who won Best Evaluator.  He complimented her confidence and poise as well as her transparency and storytelling ability.

Third up at the lectern was Chad with “Candidate Experience”, a speech about how those who hire can improve the often stressful ordeal of interviewing.  Chad gave several concrete suggestions and discussing some of the selling points of his current employer.  Lori evaluated Chad and enjoyed his organized approach, confidence and passion for hiring as well as his inclusion of further resources that interested audience members could tap into.

The Table Topics Master of the evening was Kristina.  Kristina asked participants about some of their firsts.  First up was Keeley who spoke about her first date.  Hank talked about his first trip out of the country.  Guest Jasmine discussed her first major purchase, and Ms. Bell, Tiffini’s mother and the evening’s winner, discussed her first week of college.

Guests Jasmine, Christian, Theresa, Lakeisha, Keely, and Tiffani shared their impressions of the meeting.  They enjoyed the specific, positive feedback speakers received to further improve their performances, discussed how T-Toasters has already ameliorated their vocabulary and speech in regular life and their general enjoyment of the club experience.