Fellow Toastmasters,
Thanksgiving was the theme of our last meeting. Connie Pshigoda presented cornucopia as the word of the day.
We heard two well-delivered speeches – Jeanne’s Icebreaker and Don’s 9th manual speech. Jeanne related her interest in books and their influence on her life. Don presented us with a moral dilemma – selfishness vs. altruism. He made a good case for not feeling guilty if you end up on the selfish side regularly. I don’t think his position was quite as extreme as Gordon Gekko’s in Wall Street, but Ayn Rand may have influenced him a little. Don was voted best speaker.
Evaluations by Linda Holm and Connie followed, with Connie winning the “good ear” prize.
The theme of Thanksgiving was extended through table topics, presented by Krystyna. Over the river and through the woods, we heard various vignettes on how our members spend the holiday. Dave Trzupek took top honors, describing how for the first time he was invited to two different feasts and loved every minute of it.
Have a great Thanksgiving, everyone. As always, feel free to visit http://3skelion.info to sign up for December 3rd roles, or e-mail Don Lyman or me.
Best regards,
Dan Pratt
Monday, November 23, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Triskelion Toastmasters - Meeting Notes Nov. 12, 2009
Hi Everyone,
Connie Pshigoda delivered an excellent speech on the history of Betty Crocker, who, it turns out is a composite of many different women since the 1920’s used to represent General Mills as an expert chef. The speech was a milestone in Connie’s progress, as it completes her advanced storytelling manual. Krystyna Noworytta evaluated her speech.
We had a visitor – Varsha Agarwal – who is originally from India and is a housewife who is seeking employment and looking to improve interview/speaking skills.
Regards,
Dan Pratt
Triskelion Toastmaster
Connie Pshigoda delivered an excellent speech on the history of Betty Crocker, who, it turns out is a composite of many different women since the 1920’s used to represent General Mills as an expert chef. The speech was a milestone in Connie’s progress, as it completes her advanced storytelling manual. Krystyna Noworytta evaluated her speech.
We had a visitor – Varsha Agarwal – who is originally from India and is a housewife who is seeking employment and looking to improve interview/speaking skills.
Regards,
Dan Pratt
Triskelion Toastmaster
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Triskelion Toastmasters Backwards Meeting Notes for November 5, 2009
Farewell, gentle toastmasters,
Our meeting ran from about 12:30 to 11:45.
As Bera, Yogi would say - it was déjà vu all over again.
In conclusion, we learned that we're all a little mixed up sometimes.
The best table topic speech award was presented to Doris Steffe for telling us about her reunion.
We then voted for best table topic speech.
Connie Pshigoda gave her general evaluation of how the meeting went (or was to go). She noted that proper prior planning is particularly perpetually preferred. (Where was Peter Piper during all this?)
Reports from Linda Holm on how we did (or were going to do) regarding grammar and ahs. She recommends that we all need to slow down and use pauses more effectively. Overall, we still tend to use too many ahs.
Doris gave the timer's report. Most speakers will be within their time limits. However, the only speech (mine) was going to run three minutes beyond the limit of seven minutes. Thus, I was disqualified.
Linda presented table topics, which incidentally matched all of the speakers chosen topics. As confirmed by the grammarian report, most speakers incorporated the word of the day.
Krystyna evaluated my speech, noting that she was amazed that I was able to correlate the medical marijuana issue with the poetry of Lewis Carroll. (Does anyone recall the hooka-smoking caterpillar from "Through the Looking Glass?")
Next, Connie introduced her evaluation team.
I gave my speech on Jabberwocky, which must be delivered in a proper British accent. The first and last stanzas are exactly the same, so 'tis perfect for a backwards meeting - or any whacky occasion. I concluded with my tribute poem - Jabbertobacky, read in the character of one of the new dispensary dudes. Uhh.. What was I saying just then ...? Oh, yeah! I changed it from what I read at the meeting. I think the Carroll dude would have totally been cool with the word "motor-votes", but "voter folks" rhymes better, man.
'Twas Breckige, and the smoky tokes
Did mare and wanna misbehave;
All medi were the voter folks,
And the Mom's wrath outgave.
"Beware the Wackybacky, my son!
The seeds that bite, the coughs of hash!
Beware the Pot-head plant, and shun
The fumious Bong-o-flash!"
He took his zigzag joint in hand;
Long time the reefer fume he sought -
So rested he by the Hooka tree,
And rolled awhile in thought.
And as in puffish thought he vegged,
The Wackybacky, with cannibus aflame,
Came wafting through Norwegian wood,
And blurbled as it came!
One, two! One, two! and through and through
The zigzag blade went flicker-flax!
He left it dead, and with its head
He went scroungcraving snacks.
"And hast thou smoked the Wackybacky?
Come to my farms, my deadhead Dude!
O Maui Wowwie brownie day!
Just don't inhale your food."
'Twas Breckige, and the smoky tokes
Did mare and wanna misbehave;
All medi were the voter folks,
And the Mom's wrath outgave.
The Toastmaster introduced himself to give his speech on word play and nonsense.
Gary Fuller presented the word of the day - benighted, which is synonymous with backward.
The meeting opened with an impression of three characters that were a little slow of thought - Tim, Buck, and Tim Buck, too.
Thanks, in advance, to all who will attended. As Yoda (not related to Yogi) might have said – “Had by all, a fun time was.”
Pratt, Dan
Our meeting ran from about 12:30 to 11:45.
As Bera, Yogi would say - it was déjà vu all over again.
In conclusion, we learned that we're all a little mixed up sometimes.
The best table topic speech award was presented to Doris Steffe for telling us about her reunion.
We then voted for best table topic speech.
Connie Pshigoda gave her general evaluation of how the meeting went (or was to go). She noted that proper prior planning is particularly perpetually preferred. (Where was Peter Piper during all this?)
Reports from Linda Holm on how we did (or were going to do) regarding grammar and ahs. She recommends that we all need to slow down and use pauses more effectively. Overall, we still tend to use too many ahs.
Doris gave the timer's report. Most speakers will be within their time limits. However, the only speech (mine) was going to run three minutes beyond the limit of seven minutes. Thus, I was disqualified.
Linda presented table topics, which incidentally matched all of the speakers chosen topics. As confirmed by the grammarian report, most speakers incorporated the word of the day.
Krystyna evaluated my speech, noting that she was amazed that I was able to correlate the medical marijuana issue with the poetry of Lewis Carroll. (Does anyone recall the hooka-smoking caterpillar from "Through the Looking Glass?")
Next, Connie introduced her evaluation team.
I gave my speech on Jabberwocky, which must be delivered in a proper British accent. The first and last stanzas are exactly the same, so 'tis perfect for a backwards meeting - or any whacky occasion. I concluded with my tribute poem - Jabbertobacky, read in the character of one of the new dispensary dudes. Uhh.. What was I saying just then ...? Oh, yeah! I changed it from what I read at the meeting. I think the Carroll dude would have totally been cool with the word "motor-votes", but "voter folks" rhymes better, man.
'Twas Breckige, and the smoky tokes
Did mare and wanna misbehave;
All medi were the voter folks,
And the Mom's wrath outgave.
"Beware the Wackybacky, my son!
The seeds that bite, the coughs of hash!
Beware the Pot-head plant, and shun
The fumious Bong-o-flash!"
He took his zigzag joint in hand;
Long time the reefer fume he sought -
So rested he by the Hooka tree,
And rolled awhile in thought.
And as in puffish thought he vegged,
The Wackybacky, with cannibus aflame,
Came wafting through Norwegian wood,
And blurbled as it came!
One, two! One, two! and through and through
The zigzag blade went flicker-flax!
He left it dead, and with its head
He went scroungcraving snacks.
"And hast thou smoked the Wackybacky?
Come to my farms, my deadhead Dude!
O Maui Wowwie brownie day!
Just don't inhale your food."
'Twas Breckige, and the smoky tokes
Did mare and wanna misbehave;
All medi were the voter folks,
And the Mom's wrath outgave.
The Toastmaster introduced himself to give his speech on word play and nonsense.
Gary Fuller presented the word of the day - benighted, which is synonymous with backward.
The meeting opened with an impression of three characters that were a little slow of thought - Tim, Buck, and Tim Buck, too.
Thanks, in advance, to all who will attended. As Yoda (not related to Yogi) might have said – “Had by all, a fun time was.”
Pratt, Dan
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Triskelion Meeting Notes - October 22, 2009
Thursday's Meeting of the Triskelion Toastmasters brought a "gregarious"* group! Toastmaster Connie Pshigoda opened the meeting with trivial "palaver"* on the numerous celebrations, observances and holidays in October.
Krystyna Noworytta gave her 5th CC speech titled: Coco Chanel: Her Character as Fashion Designer. Gary Fuller evaluated her presentation. We now know that the name of Coco's perfume, Chanel #5 comes from a winning race horse!
Dan Pratt challenged us with Table Topics following the October theme. We gained wisdom from Jeanne's grandmother's life tips; learned that "elk are where you find them" according to Don's father's wisdom; and Dan's retirement account is full of holes . . . donut holes, that is.
We always have a great time and learn from each other as we build our speaking skills. Please join us next week as Dan Pratt leads the hour as Toastmaster. Roles may be filled on the website: www.3skelion.info Have a great October!
*denotes Word of the Day
Connie Pshigoda
Krystyna Noworytta gave her 5th CC speech titled: Coco Chanel: Her Character as Fashion Designer. Gary Fuller evaluated her presentation. We now know that the name of Coco's perfume, Chanel #5 comes from a winning race horse!
Dan Pratt challenged us with Table Topics following the October theme. We gained wisdom from Jeanne's grandmother's life tips; learned that "elk are where you find them" according to Don's father's wisdom; and Dan's retirement account is full of holes . . . donut holes, that is.
We always have a great time and learn from each other as we build our speaking skills. Please join us next week as Dan Pratt leads the hour as Toastmaster. Roles may be filled on the website: www.3skelion.info Have a great October!
*denotes Word of the Day
Connie Pshigoda
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Triskelion Meeting Notes - October 15, 2009
We had another great Triskelion Toastmaster's meeting this fine October Thursday. In true Triskelion fashion we accomplished this by hitting the trifecta with our superstars, our utility players, and our rookie participation.
Our super stars this week included Connie, Dave, and Nathan who came through at crunch time. Our utility players Krystyna, Dan, and Don kept the game close though reliable play. Our promising rookies Brendon and Jeanne sealed the game by stepping up in the roles of Timer, WOD, and topics master.
Connie was first at bat with an emotional story of a trip to the Grand Canyon with her daughters. She set the mood with a vivid description of her broken down rental car and a mob of crows eyeing their lunch. Its hard to push a car when the driver has a foot on the break.
Batting second was Krystyna with a talk about an English writer who decided, after 15 years, to leave Madison Avenue and move to southern France with his wife and two dogs to write books. Discovering a different life style, he began the second chapter in his life. Krystyna's Polish accent adds a lot of color to her story telling. She is really developing into an excellent speaker.
Third on the score card was Dan evaluating Connie's speech. He appreciated Connie's story of a mother and daughter adventure at the crux of a major transition in their lives.
Batting clean up was Dave with an evaluation of Krystyna's speech. I agree with Dave, Krystyna has great eye contact and real emotion in her delivery. Her passion for her subject is evident.
Brendan gets the win by pitching a perfect game as Topic Master. He was a penciled in as last minute starter and really delivered by challenging each of us with baseball related topics.
Here's the change-ups, curves, and fast balls he threw us. Don answered, "What’s in a Dodger dog?" by relating his first trip to Dodger Stadium. Dan's ex-wife would be the most likely reason he would crack a bat over his knee... (I can relate). Jeanne thinks baseball players chew tobacco to keep the throngs of female groupies at bay. Connie figures that baseball players scratch because of harsh detergent. Krystyna delighted us with a story of her trip to Cooperstown.
Dave was our MVP winning both best evaluator and best table topic speaker. He shared funny and interesting anecdotes on booing by fans. He concluded there is never a good reason to "boo"; nevertheless, the Philedelphia fans have perfected it to a fine art.
Our fellow Toastmaster Nathan is a superstar this week because he gave an important speech today before a House committee in Washington, DC. He delivered a 5-minute testimony on underinsurance. We hope to hear from him soon on his experience.
Let's extend this win streak by making next week another success. We still need a Toastmaster and speakers. Get off the bench and into the game!
Our super stars this week included Connie, Dave, and Nathan who came through at crunch time. Our utility players Krystyna, Dan, and Don kept the game close though reliable play. Our promising rookies Brendon and Jeanne sealed the game by stepping up in the roles of Timer, WOD, and topics master.
Connie was first at bat with an emotional story of a trip to the Grand Canyon with her daughters. She set the mood with a vivid description of her broken down rental car and a mob of crows eyeing their lunch. Its hard to push a car when the driver has a foot on the break.
Batting second was Krystyna with a talk about an English writer who decided, after 15 years, to leave Madison Avenue and move to southern France with his wife and two dogs to write books. Discovering a different life style, he began the second chapter in his life. Krystyna's Polish accent adds a lot of color to her story telling. She is really developing into an excellent speaker.
Third on the score card was Dan evaluating Connie's speech. He appreciated Connie's story of a mother and daughter adventure at the crux of a major transition in their lives.
Batting clean up was Dave with an evaluation of Krystyna's speech. I agree with Dave, Krystyna has great eye contact and real emotion in her delivery. Her passion for her subject is evident.
Brendan gets the win by pitching a perfect game as Topic Master. He was a penciled in as last minute starter and really delivered by challenging each of us with baseball related topics.
Here's the change-ups, curves, and fast balls he threw us. Don answered, "What’s in a Dodger dog?" by relating his first trip to Dodger Stadium. Dan's ex-wife would be the most likely reason he would crack a bat over his knee... (I can relate). Jeanne thinks baseball players chew tobacco to keep the throngs of female groupies at bay. Connie figures that baseball players scratch because of harsh detergent. Krystyna delighted us with a story of her trip to Cooperstown.
Dave was our MVP winning both best evaluator and best table topic speaker. He shared funny and interesting anecdotes on booing by fans. He concluded there is never a good reason to "boo"; nevertheless, the Philedelphia fans have perfected it to a fine art.
Our fellow Toastmaster Nathan is a superstar this week because he gave an important speech today before a House committee in Washington, DC. He delivered a 5-minute testimony on underinsurance. We hope to hear from him soon on his experience.
Let's extend this win streak by making next week another success. We still need a Toastmaster and speakers. Get off the bench and into the game!
Friday, October 9, 2009
Triskelion Toastmasters Meeting Notes - Oct 8, 2009
Hello Toastmasters,
Yesterday's meeting was lively and warm in spite of the cold weather. Toastmaster Connie Pshigoda opened the meeting with introductions of 2 new members: Paulette Malone and Jeanne Rutgers. They jumped right in with enthusiastic participation.
Don Lyman stepped up as the speaker giving his audience a descriptive journey to the mountain top and back in "He Said, She Heard." Definitely contest material!
Dan Pratt provided two Words of the Day:
Firebrand (noun)
1. An argumentative troublemaker or revolutionary; one who agitates against the current situation.
"The member of the college's Communist League was a firebrand who would launch a sit-in or protest march at a moment's notice."
2. A torch or other burning stick with a flame at one end.
"The crowd cheered as a firebrand was tossed on the huge pile of wood to start the traditional homecoming bonfire."
Logomachy (noun) plural logomachies
1. Dispute over the meaning of words
2. A conflict waged only as a battle of words
Table Topics ranged from a variety of questions including most outrageous fashion statement to most unusual pet. The winning speaker was new member Jeanne Rutgers. The meeting closed at 12.45-pm followed by an Officer's Meeting.
Roles for next week can be accessed on the website: www.3skelion.info so please, join us next week for another great meeting.
Connie Pshigoda
Speaker/Teacher and Wellness Guide at the Garden Gatherings
Author, The Wise Woman's Almanac: A Seasonal Guide to Your
Physical-Emotional-Spiritual Health
Website - www.WellnessForAllSeasons.com
Blog - www.GardenGatherings.net
Twitter - www.twitter.com/gardengathering
Phone: 303-584-1612
Speaker/Teacher and Wellness Guide at the Garden Gatherings
Author, The Wise Woman's Almanac: A Seasonal Guide to Your
Physical-Emotional-Spiritual Health
Website - www.WellnessForAllSeasons.com
Blog - www.GardenGatherings.net
Twitter - www.twitter.com/
Phone: 303-584-1612
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Triskelion Toastmasters - Meeting Notes Oct. 1, 2009
Toastmaster Krystyna Noworytta opened the meeting by introducing Peter Mayle, an English writer’s life style in Province France.
Then Ed Johnson gave his fifth speech from the Advance Manual on Speaking to Inform. As an avid student of history, Ed informed us about the battle of Long Island during the American Revolution.
Nathan Wilkes made an impromptu speech on how he introduced President Obama in Grand Junction.
Dan Pratt evaluated Ed’s speech; and Dave Trzupek evaluated Nathan’s speech. Connie Pshigoda gave the Word of the Day, and prepared the Table Topics, which required the Interpretation of Freedom.
Don Lyman served as Grammarian and Ah Counter. Gary Fuller served as Timer and GE. Ed Johnson won as best speaker. Dave Trzupek as best evaluator and Don Lyman as best Table Topic Award.
Please commit the roles in the roster for next weeks meeting before Wednesday.
Then Ed Johnson gave his fifth speech from the Advance Manual on Speaking to Inform. As an avid student of history, Ed informed us about the battle of Long Island during the American Revolution.
Nathan Wilkes made an impromptu speech on how he introduced President Obama in Grand Junction.
Dan Pratt evaluated Ed’s speech; and Dave Trzupek evaluated Nathan’s speech. Connie Pshigoda gave the Word of the Day, and prepared the Table Topics, which required the Interpretation of Freedom.
Don Lyman served as Grammarian and Ah Counter. Gary Fuller served as Timer and GE. Ed Johnson won as best speaker. Dave Trzupek as best evaluator and Don Lyman as best Table Topic Award.
Please commit the roles in the roster for next weeks meeting before Wednesday.
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