08-25-05 Meeting Summary

Thursday, Aug. 25

Theme: State Fair
Toastmaster: Bill S

Bill S kicked off our meeting on time and noted
changes on the schedule. Laura G, our
wordmaster, described the many different uses and
meanings for the word stick (appropriate for the
theme, of course!). Jerry V was our timer and told
us that he’s never actually purchased any food on a
stick.

Lori G was our first speaker with her speech,
“Cruising.” She told us of a girl’s only cruise she
took with her sister-in-law and friends on the
northeast coast. Lori particularly liked Maine, and
she bought many items which displayed the word “Maine”
on them. She found great shopping in Peggy’s Cove
shipping village and also discovered the only
lighthouse that houses a post office. Lori had a great
time on this cruise and plans to take many more.

Eddie K was our second speaker. His speech
entitled, “Ringmaster at Toastmasters” compared
Toastmasters with the circus. Eddie noted several
common elements such as variations in theme for
meetings/circus performances and hard work by all
members. He noted the similarity to Toastmaster’s
speakers to the main attraction at the circus. He even
passed out circus animal crackers for us to enjoy as
the audience.

Stacia S was our Topcismaster. She asked three
questions that related to the state fair:

1. What would you invent for a new item on a stick at
the fair?
Our guest Violet answered that she may invent some
sort of ice cream treat that would really “stick to
your ribs.”
2. What is the history of putting food on a stick?
Marian J answered that she didn’t really know
the exact history, but guessed that vendors began
putting food on a stick so people could have their
hands free while eating. She also noted that in
Minnesota, eating is the number one priority.
3. What do you think the state fair will look like in
2050?
Laura G answered that she thought the fair
would look pretty much the same, except that instead
of walking all the people attending the fair would be
on segways.


Kim C evaluated Lori’s speech. She was impressed
that Lori didn’t use any notes and also pushed back
the main table. She noted that Lori used many
gestures, and suggested that she gesture bigger and
with purpose in the future.

Dave B evaluated Eddie’s speech. Dave
complimented Eddie on his good speaking style and
noted it has been fun to watch Eddie progress in
Toastmasters. He thought Eddie did a good job
summarizing the elements of Toastmasters and relating
them the circus. He commented on Eddie’s good use of
PowerPoint and applauded Eddie on his speech without
notes.
Marian J was our general evaluator and also
inspiration/humorist. She quickly told us of the
Dahlia exhibit at the fair and then gave her
evaluation of our meeting. She liked Bill’s humor and
also thought Laura picked a good word for the day. She
noted that Stacia asked good, open-ended questions and
thought the speech evaluations were outstanding.

Lori G was our spirit award winner today.