11-10-05 Meeting Summary

The theme for today was Pet Peeves.

The word of the day was Annoy. Annoy means to cause slight irritation by
troublesome, often repeated acts.

We had only one speaker at the meeting. Mark H gave part of a long speech
he is giving in January to the Minnesota State Auctioneer's Association.
He spoke about emcee excellence. Mark spoke about what auctioneers need to
focus on beyond bidding and went over techniques to make them more
effective auctioneers. His speech was broken down into two parts. One,
proper preparation. Two, Excellent Execution.

Some of the keys to preparation Mark spoke about were:

Prior to the event:

Be prepared.
Practice.
Familiarize oneself with program (know schedule and timing of events).
Know correct pronunciation of names.
Obtain written introductions, research information if not given
introduction information.
Dress appropriately (blend in with the crowd).
Have a watch to keep the program on schedule.

On the day of the event:

Arrive at least thirty minutes early.
Take checklist.
Learn about any program changes.
Check in with event coordinators.

Test sound system.
Know where on/off switch is.
Position microphone appropriately.
Know causes of feedback.

Familiarize self with stage.
Get comfortable.
Find noisy spots and avoid them.
Identify "hot" spots and "dead" spots.

Some of the keys to execution Mark spoke about were:

Provide an introduction that establishes creditability.
Set the tone with your opening statement.
Acknowledge dignitaries.
Explain any delays or changes.
Make sure microphone is off before adjusting.

Avoid telling jokes.
Use original humor.
Practice using humor if using it.

Use your voice to control the audience.
Keep volume up.
Maintain energy and enthusiasm.
Make good use of pauses and inflections.

Avoid passive language and cliches'
"Would like to"
"last, but not least"

Always address audience professionally.
Keep comments in good taste.
Shake hands with person called to the lectern.
Do not leave lectern, podium, or the front of the room unattended.

Be prepared for the unexpected.
Be forceful, but polite in keeping program on track.

Table Topics

Lori G asked Laura C, "If she was on a road trip, had to go to the
bathroom, had no toilet paper, what would she do?"

Laura responded by saying she had a couple of options. One, if she noticed
there was no toilet paper she could ask for more. Two, she could use paper
towels if it came down to it. Thirdly, she could use "Lumberjack" toilet
paper (the big soft green leaves in the woods) if it came down to it.

Inspiration/Humor

Bill S. told us how to avoid procrastination. First, admit you are
procrastinating. Secondly, make a short list and cross items off the list
once completed. Third, take a break and reward yourself. Finally,
re-prioritize your list once the first three steps are completed and
repeat.

Evaluation

Stacia S. evaluated Mark H.'s speech. She thought it was very informative
and thorough. She made note of his great uses of examples. She
appreciated how he presented the speech with no gender in mind. It was
gender neutral. She thought he kept up great energy throughout the whole
presentation. At times she felt intimidated and overwhelmed. She ended
her evaluation by telling Mark to keep practicing and she really enjoyed
his speech.

Reports

Timer's report

Mark: 24:25
Laura: 1:45
Stacia: 3:30
Bill: 2:30

Wordmaster/Grammarian
Thorough use of the word of the day.
Quite a bit of passive language was used throughout the meeting.
Dave B. really enjoyed the phrase "Lumberjack" toilet paper.

General Evaluator
The Spirit Award went to Mark H.
Kelly T. thought the meeting was great overall.