--visitors can get an idea of what happens at a Toastmasters Meeting from the notes below.

The meeting was called to order at 10:30 am.

Functionaries

---Word of the day=Optimal

---Inspiration=Fresh start at any time

Prepared Speech

Titile:  The Journey to Find my Voice, by Flaka

She describes her 3 year journey to Toastmasters.  Flaka grew up in Notinghill England.

Her travels took her to Bahrain then, Edmonds WA.  Then she had a change in careers.  Then she moved to the Bay Area and connected with Toastmasters.

Table Topics--this is where we speak without preparation.  These mini speeches are 1 to 2 minutes long.

First topic=What have you tried that you never would have tried again.

----Joel said she would never do the "garage sale" rapids, and explained her rafting journeys.

Second topic=What tips would you give to someone making a career change.

----Babette said, do your research on the business, make sure it is something you really want to do. She explained why.  She gave the example of her additional careeer as a martial arts teacher.

Third topic=If you had a chance to go to the Northpole, would you take it.

----Herman said, he would not want to go.  He remembered the TV show lost and how they lost power and how they had to huddle together to keep warm.  It was not something he was looking forward to doing.

Fourth topic=What is your hidden talent.

----Flaka said her hidden talent is painting and the free expression of self.  She hopes to get back into it in the future

Fifth topic=If you could switch places with anyone alive today, who would it be and why.

----Bryon said that he would not want to switch.  He has worked hard to be where he is today, and is content and happy.

Sixth topic=If you could get 3 wishes from a genie, what would they be.

----Lena said she would ask to be a billionaire.  First off, she'd pay off any school loans and told how valuable training was.

Seventh topic=What 3 items would you take on a desserted island.

----Daniel said he'd take the 3-P's (plan, play, perserverence)

Eighth topic=What painting do you admire.

----Mary said she enjoyed the painting, "Sunday at the Park".  She told the story of seeing it with her kids and told us it reminded her of her daughters wedding that was held in the park.

Evaluation Portion of the Meeting

The general evaluator called on Lena to give a 2-3 minute speech evaluation of Flaka's speech.

Then the general evaluator called on the timing report and word of the day report.

The meeting ended with a joke from Herman

Announcement=TLI training upcoming for officer.   The club's open house will be on Sat, Jan 18 with snacks.  Daniel is trying to get an outside speaker.  Meeting roles were discussed for the meeting.

Other from the district=The person who won Toastmasters World Championship of Public speaking in August 2024, will be at the district online on January 18.  See the districts website at d57tm.org.