On Monday 15th, we had such a branding meeting on Brands! Likewise relationships, brands are everywhere! —take a look at yourself and count the brands on your attire.
During the Invocation and Pledge, Larry Savell (DTM) addressed a few words about the tragic events that occurred in Boston on that same day. Larry emphasized the courage and the humanity of the persons who assisted victims and wounded.
The board:
- Reminded us that dues are due and membership fee should be paid without further delay.
- Reported on the Division D Contest, where Larry Savell (DTM) was a contestant.
- Informed that the District Spring Conference will take place on April 27th at the Hyatt Regency in Long Beach from 7:00am to 5:00pm.
- Announced that the Open House meeting will take place on May 13th with a guest speaker.
- Confirmed that, in observance of Memorial Day, no meeting will be held on May 27th.
- Evoked that new officers will be elected in June and encouraged members to serve on the board.
Brands and branding was our topic. Our Toastmaster, Julia Burge (DTM), showed us the amazing underlying need for which branding originated: in farming to identify ownership, to differentiate, as a form of identification. Interestingly, people value brands for many of the same reasons today.
Julia also brought us quizzes. First, guessing the five brands on her attire –for which Kathy Branconier (CC, CL) guessed rightly. Second, two grids with thirty-six logos each to guess the brand names –for which Emily Wratschko and Jamel Wong obtained the highest results. Congratulations branding masters!
Julia –who demonstrated her professional leadership and group management skills—successfully conducted the meeting and was voted Best Program Manager. Congratulations, Julia!
Shelly Lipanovich (CC), the grammarian, introduced the Word of the Day: extant—an adjective meaning in existence. Although still existing, extant seemed inexistent for most of us—as only two members made use of this word during the meeting. Let’s do it better next time!
“Is there any particular brand related to the food you are loyal to?” “Tell me about your favorite brand.” “Ford vs. Chevy, your thoughts?” With these questions and many others the Table Topics Master, Austin Burge (CC, ALB), tackled the topic of brands with the audience. Austin excelled on the research and the presentation of the questions. The Best Table Topics Speaker ribbon went to Larry Savell (DTM). Congratulations, Larry!
You –as a professional woman participating on a panel —how would you feel if you were introduced as a lovely lady? Innocent words while introducing a professional could be inappropriate in the corporate world and offensive for the person introduced. During Mentor’s Moment, Maryam Solhjou stressed the importance of an accurate introduction. “If you are asked to introduce someone, make sure you are provided with his/her introduction and double check the content with a third person or the introduced person him/herself”—Maryam concluded. Greatest considerations always coming from Maryam! Thank you!
We had the pleasure to hear three dynamic speeches:
Jamel Wong presented his speech entitled “Getting To The Point”—an organized speech achieving general and specific purposes. Based on the book “Mastery”, Jamel explained how the process of mastery could help us attain a higher level of excellence and a deeper sense of satisfaction. Jamel won the Most Improved Speaker ribbon.
Donald Longmire shared “The Valedictorian Candidate”—an Icebreaker speech based on Donald’s first experience as public speaker. With his delivery, Donald reminded us of the importance of the positive emotional support to be able to face challenges. Donald won the Best Speaker ribbon.
Betty Nebelsky (DTM) presented “Stop Monkeying Around”—the emotional bittersweet story of her uncle Billy and his monkey Silly Billy. Assisting herself with brilliant descriptions, Betty made us visualize the sad story of a great relationship.
After the speeches, the General Evaluator –Bill Bau (ACB, CL)—introduced the evaluators Caragh O’Brien, Anne Marie Knudsen and Kathy Branconier (CC, CL). Bill emphasized:
- The appropriateness of the game presented by the Toastmaster to keep the EXTANT audience engaged with the topic and the gathering.
- The importance to call the speaker after the question on Table Topics section.
- The convenience to describe the type of word selected for the Word of the Day.
- The significance of staying at the lectern after finishing a speech until the Program Manager arrives.
Caragh highlighted the suitability of starting the speech with a question to catch the audience’s attention, the reference to a book and the passion on Jamel’s speech. The evaluator stressed the importance of eye contact, voice projection, and leaned towards using visual aids.
Anne Marie complimented the speaker for not using notes, his good pronunciation, and excellent use of emotions on such a sensitive topic. The evaluator suggested working on the better use of the space available for the speaker, avoiding the lectern and voice projection.
Kathy pointed out Betty’s exceptional skill to turn a simple subject into a great story. She emphasized the good use of description for better visualize the story and catch the audience’s attention. Likewise Anne Marie, Kathy remarked the importance of using the space available for the speaker to gesticulate and using body language. Kathy was voted Best Evaluator. Congratulations!
Next Monday, April 22th, we shall talk about Going Green. The meeting will be at the regular venue: at Coco’s Restaurant from 7:00 to 9:00pm. Come on in and join us! It’s always fun!