Aug 6 2026

 

Tribute to Ana Illsen - July 30

 A.I. Meeting Summary from Zoom

Meeting Introduction and Format Changes

The meeting began with introductions and welcoming attendees, including Marie's daughter Valentina. Pam led the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, followed by Gail sharing a joke. Randolph announced that the format would be different, including a word of the day ("courage") and self-introductions, starting with Marie Rock.

Anna Tribute and Celebration Meeting

The meeting was a tribute to Anna, with Toastmasters and guests sharing memories and expressing admiration for her courage and contributions. Many speakers highlighted Anna's strength, authenticity, and the wisdom she shared about Cuban history and personal experiences. The gathering served as a celebration of Anna's life and the impact she had on those around her, with participants expressing gratitude for her friendship and leadership. The conversation ended with plans to start the formal agenda, including a video presentation.

Anna's Speech Compilation Presentation

Marie Rock presented a 13-minute video compilation of Anna's speeches, which Chris Gould and Jim Gould had created by collecting recorded speeches since April 2020. The video showcased Anna's legendary recaps and humorous moments from Early Bird Toastmasters meetings, including her stories about wearing masks, the origin of Fort Lauderdale's nickname, and her journey to joining Toastmasters in 2009 after receiving encouragement from friend Peggy Gallagher.

Early Birds Toastmasters Club Meeting

The video shared Ana's journey with the Early Birds Toastmasters club, describing how she joined after being impressed by the meetings and eventually held multiple leadership roles. She then shared personal stories about her Cuban heritage and family traditions, including how her mother used food to express love and care, and how her health habits evolved over time. Randolph Bastien and Chris discussed the video presentation, with Chris suggesting they should have arranged to serve flan in honor of the occasion at their former Denny's meeting location. The meeting then continued with Veronica Wininger's eulogy for Anna, describing her as a wordsmith who wrote three books and shared her experiences from Cuba, Spain, and America.

Anna Ilson Memorial Tribute Meeting

The meeting was a tribute to Anna Ilson, a long-standing member of Early Bird Toastmasters who passed away recently. Several speakers, including David, Aleta, Marie, and Becky Jo, shared memories of Anna's dedication to the club, her role as Vice President of Education, and her legendary meeting recaps. The speakers highlighted Anna's values of connection, generosity, and authenticity, as well as her impact on welcoming new members and fostering a sense of community within the club. The conversation ended with reflections on Anna's legacy and a commitment to continuing her spirit through the club's activities.

Anna Ilson Toastmasters Tribute Meeting

The meeting was a tribute to Anna Ilson, a beloved member of the Toastmasters club who passed away recently. Distinguished Toastmasters Mary Helen Day and Pam shared personal memories of Anna, highlighting her dedication to the club, her meticulous speech preparation, and her unique humor. RandolphBastien, the meeting president, expressed gratitude for Anna's courage and leadership, especially during Kip Barkley's transition, and encouraged the club to continue shining in her memory. The conversation ended with a message of support to Anna's family and friends, emphasizing the importance of finding strength in the face of loss.

Anna Memorial Tribute Meeting

The meeting was a tribute to Anna, with participants sharing memories and expressing gratitude for her impact on their lives. Jose shared a story about Anna's love for birdwatching at Lake George, comparing it to how her presence and "beautiful call" would be missed. The group discussed plans for Anna's memorial service on Saturday, with Jose promising to share a link for those who cannot attend in person. The conversation ended with thanks to RandolphBastien for organizing the tribute and plans to reconvene for the next meeting agenda at a later time.

Re: Profound thoughts and Preparing a Good Meeting - a rollicking morning at EarlyBirds

💖

K reacted via Gmail

On Thu, Jul 16, 2026, 7:40 AM Ana Illsen <aillsen7550@gmail.com> wrote:

Dear Members, Guests and Friends,

TM Marie launched us with thoughts from Vietnamese peace activist Thich Nhat Hanh which reminded us to keep breathing in whatever we do - in case we forget!!

Flamingo emulator and Joke Master Kim is definitely putting her foot down...

And then TM Randolph gave us some picturesque thoughts to ponder....

* TM David concluded that perception is everything and leads to infinity, as parallel lines that never meet...

* TM Pam is practicing, practicing, practicing resting before she gets tired - it's a most non-productive habit, after all!  She Won Best Table Topics Award.

* Guest Kim has difficulties finding clothes, let alone camouflage shirts, even in a town swarming with military.  She rollicks from store to store.

* TM Ellen loves to make a grand entrance - she causes whiplash from her fake eyelashes and dresses like an old hooker with a cane.  She Won Most Hilarious Use of Grammar and Imagery Award.

* TM Marie mused that whiteboards are indeed remarkable because everything changes and adults nowadays have the attention span of a gnat.

* TM BeckyJo tries to subtly let youngsters know that "she may know something about that" (particular pickle they've gotten into) but they throw it back at her.

* TM Aleta would jump from a moving van and break her ankle even if the boss didn't tell her to.... she's always considered herself lucky, except lately.

* Guest Manohar ("Mano") acknowledges you can't trust an atom cause they're everywhere but we must trust each other, except wild untamed animals to avoid stranger danger.

We had one outstanding prepared speech today...

* TM Aleta gave us 6 points to make a great meeting:  1)be prepared; 2) start/end on time; 3) respect timing requirements; 4) welcome guests; 5)Give focused intros and meaningful evaluations (no criticism on dry toast); 6) Keep members informed.  She Won Most Improved Speaker Award.

We had one evaluation today..

* TM Pam praised TM Aleta for giving an otherwise tediously challenging speech with great animation, rollick and a great sense of humor.  She Won Best Evaluator Award.

The Word of the Day was

ROLLICK, noun

To behave in a jovial manner, uninhibited, lively.

Example:  Our EarlyBirds meetings are always full of rollick.  If it's not fun, it's not Toastmasters!

The link to the recording will be forthcoming at some point.

See you next week!

Ana

Recap Writer

Link to today’s meeting

Profound thoughts and Preparing a Good Meeting - a rollicking morning at EarlyBirds

Dear Members, Guests and Friends,

TM Marie launched us with thoughts from Vietnamese peace activist Thich Nhat Hanh which reminded us to keep breathing in whatever we do - in case we forget!!

Flamingo emulator and Joke Master Kim is definitely putting her foot down...

And then TM Randolph gave us some picturesque thoughts to ponder....

* TM David concluded that perception is everything and leads to infinity, as parallel lines that never meet...

* TM Pam is practicing, practicing, practicing resting before she gets tired - it's a most non-productive habit, after all!  She Won Best Table Topics Award.

* Guest Kim has difficulties finding clothes, let alone camouflage shirts, even in a town swarming with military.  She rollicks from store to store.

* TM Ellen loves to make a grand entrance - she causes whiplash from her fake eyelashes and dresses like an old hooker with a cane.  She Won Most Hilarious Use of Grammar and Imagery Award.

* TM Marie mused that whiteboards are indeed remarkable because everything changes and adults nowadays have the attention span of a gnat.

* TM BeckyJo tries to subtly let youngsters know that "she may know something about that" (particular pickle they've gotten into) but they throw it back at her.

* TM Aleta would jump from a moving van and break her ankle even if the boss didn't tell her to.... she's always considered herself lucky, except lately.

* Guest Manohar ("Mano") acknowledges you can't trust an atom cause they're everywhere but we must trust each other, except wild untamed animals to avoid stranger danger.

We had one outstanding prepared speech today...

* TM Aleta gave us 6 points to make a great meeting:  1)be prepared; 2) start/end on time; 3) respect timing requirements; 4) welcome guests; 5)Give focused intros and meaningful evaluations (no criticism on dry toast); 6) Keep members informed.  She Won Most Improved Speaker Award.

We had one evaluation today..

* TM Pam praised TM Aleta for giving an otherwise tediously challenging speech with great animation, rollick and a great sense of humor.  She Won Best Evaluator Award.

The Word of the Day was

ROLLICK, noun

To behave in a jovial manner, uninhibited, lively.

Example:  Our EarlyBirds meetings are always full of rollick.  If it's not fun, it's not Toastmasters!

The link to the recording will be forthcoming at some point.

See you next week!

Ana

Recap Writer

Re: Summer Days, Spirituality and Acceptance - an out yonder EarlyBirds meeting

Beckyjo will be in touch with you.

Best,

Ana

Sent from my iPhone

On Jul 16, 2026, at 7:09 AM, Monique Scott <m_scott_702@hotmail.com> wrote:



Good Morning,

Excuse the late notice. I will not be able to make today’s meeting. But, I do want to join the group. 

Are there any additional steps besides what is listed online?

Get Outlook for iOS

---

From: Ana Illsen <aillsen7550@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, 09 July 2026 09:09:42
To: members-3659@toastmastersclubs.org <members-3659@toastmastersclubs.org>; earlybird3659.talkwell@blogger.com <earlybird3659.talkwell@blogger.com>
Cc: manohar0815@gmail.com <manohar0815@gmail.com>; m_scott_702@hotmail.com <m_scott_702@hotmail.com>
Subject: Summer Days, Spirituality and Acceptance - an out yonder EarlyBirds meeting

 

Dear Members, Guests and Friends,

TM Aleta started us off with an inspiring Invocation about respectful communication.

TM Christina presented us with very enjoyable summery table topics.  We discovered that...

* TM Pam's perfect summer day is gardening till it gets too dang hot and then floating in the pool with an imaginary pool boy...

* TM Marie became enamored with the ocean her first time in Atlantic City and remains enamored today...

* TM Ellen would travel to Tibet if she had an unlimited summer budget because she's been everywhere except Antartica and... the penguins are waiting!  She Won Best Table Topics Award.

* I, Ana, would go back to French Polynesia, where the ocean is Listerine Blue and the bungalows on stilts are floating aquariums...

* Returning TM Kim's favorite summer vaca was time with family eating fish & chips and an awfully awful delicious dessert...

* TM Jorge's favorite summer food left him pondering about scrumptious foods and moveable feasts...

* Guest Monique's favorite summer drink is rosemary, pineapple and passion fruit-infused water, although she's considering adding pomegranate....

* TM BeckyJo's favorite summer tradition is to visit friends who live out yonder in the mountains to get away from South Florida's sweltering heat.

We had (2) excellent prepared speeches...

* TM Randolph shared about his upbringing where spirituality played a big part and had him living in Grace - and that was besides his Auntie Grace who forced him to eat his vegetables.  He Won Most Improved Speaker Award.

* TM Marie asks God to help her surrender so that she is a presence of peace and love with her family members who are who they are - and not as she would like them to be.  

Along came the evaluations...

* TM Jorge praised TM Randolph for revealing more of his upbringing in a speech sprinkled with humor and suggested he sit further back from the camera for freedom of movement.

* TM Jose commended TM Marie for her clear voice projection and good use of pauses, calm and comfortable presence and recommended she change her voice pitch when talking to herself in the third person.  He Won Best Evaluator Award.

The Word of the Day was

YONDER, adverb

Over there, in the distance

Example:  We thought yonder was a Southern and Appalachian Mountain word and it turns out Shakespeare used it in Romeo and Juliet!  Who knew????

Here's the link to the recording...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiBrqxx0rDo

See you next week!

Ana

Recap Writer

Re: Summer Days, Spirituality and Acceptance - an out yonder EarlyBirds meeting

Good Morning,

Excuse the late notice. I will not be able to make today’s meeting. But, I do want to join the group. 

Are there any additional steps besides what is listed online?

Get Outlook for iOS

---

From: Ana Illsen <aillsen7550@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, 09 July 2026 09:09:42
To: members-3659@toastmastersclubs.org <members-3659@toastmastersclubs.org>; earlybird3659.talkwell@blogger.com <earlybird3659.talkwell@blogger.com>
Cc: manohar0815@gmail.com <manohar0815@gmail.com>; m_scott_702@hotmail.com <m_scott_702@hotmail.com>
Subject: Summer Days, Spirituality and Acceptance - an out yonder EarlyBirds meeting

 

Dear Members, Guests and Friends,

TM Aleta started us off with an inspiring Invocation about respectful communication.

TM Christina presented us with very enjoyable summery table topics.  We discovered that...

* TM Pam's perfect summer day is gardening till it gets too dang hot and then floating in the pool with an imaginary pool boy...

* TM Marie became enamored with the ocean her first time in Atlantic City and remains enamored today...

* TM Ellen would travel to Tibet if she had an unlimited summer budget because she's been everywhere except Antartica and... the penguins are waiting!  She Won Best Table Topics Award.

* I, Ana, would go back to French Polynesia, where the ocean is Listerine Blue and the bungalows on stilts are floating aquariums...

* Returning TM Kim's favorite summer vaca was time with family eating fish & chips and an awfully awful delicious dessert...

* TM Jorge's favorite summer food left him pondering about scrumptious foods and moveable feasts...

* Guest Monique's favorite summer drink is rosemary, pineapple and passion fruit-infused water, although she's considering adding pomegranate....

* TM BeckyJo's favorite summer tradition is to visit friends who live out yonder in the mountains to get away from South Florida's sweltering heat.

We had (2) excellent prepared speeches...

* TM Randolph shared about his upbringing where spirituality played a big part and had him living in Grace - and that was besides his Auntie Grace who forced him to eat his vegetables.  He Won Most Improved Speaker Award.

* TM Marie asks God to help her surrender so that she is a presence of peace and love with her family members who are who they are - and not as she would like them to be.  

Along came the evaluations...

* TM Jorge praised TM Randolph for revealing more of his upbringing in a speech sprinkled with humor and suggested he sit further back from the camera for freedom of movement.

* TM Jose commended TM Marie for her clear voice projection and good use of pauses, calm and comfortable presence and recommended she change her voice pitch when talking to herself in the third person.  He Won Best Evaluator Award.

The Word of the Day was

YONDER, adverb

Over there, in the distance

Example:  We thought yonder was a Southern and Appalachian Mountain word and it turns out Shakespeare used it in Romeo and Juliet!  Who knew????

Here's the link to the recording...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiBrqxx0rDo

See you next week!

Ana

Recap Writer

Summer Days, Spirituality and Acceptance - an out yonder EarlyBirds meeting

Dear Members, Guests and Friends,

TM Aleta started us off with an inspiring Invocation about respectful communication.

TM Christina presented us with very enjoyable summery table topics.  We discovered that...

* TM Pam's perfect summer day is gardening till it gets too dang hot and then floating in the pool with an imaginary pool boy...

* TM Marie became enamored with the ocean her first time in Atlantic City and remains enamored today...

* TM Ellen would travel to Tibet if she had an unlimited summer budget because she's been everywhere except Antartica and... the penguins are waiting!  She Won Best Table Topics Award.

* I, Ana, would go back to French Polynesia, where the ocean is Listerine Blue and the bungalows on stilts are floating aquariums...

* Returning TM Kim's favorite summer vaca was time with family eating fish & chips and an awfully awful delicious dessert...

* TM Jorge's favorite summer food left him pondering about scrumptious foods and moveable feasts...

* Guest Monique's favorite summer drink is rosemary, pineapple and passion fruit-infused water, although she's considering adding pomegranate....

* TM BeckyJo's favorite summer tradition is to visit friends who live out yonder in the mountains to get away from South Florida's sweltering heat.

We had (2) excellent prepared speeches...

* TM Randolph shared about his upbringing where spirituality played a big part and had him living in Grace - and that was besides his Auntie Grace who forced him to eat his vegetables.  He Won Most Improved Speaker Award.

* TM Marie asks God to help her surrender so that she is a presence of peace and love with her family members who are who they are - and not as she would like them to be.  

Along came the evaluations...

* TM Jorge praised TM Randolph for revealing more of his upbringing in a speech sprinkled with humor and suggested he sit further back from the camera for freedom of movement.

* TM Jose commended TM Marie for her clear voice projection and good use of pauses, calm and comfortable presence and recommended she change her voice pitch when talking to herself in the third person.  He Won Best Evaluator Award.

The Word of the Day was

YONDER, adverb

Over there, in the distance

Example:  We thought yonder was a Southern and Appalachian Mountain word and it turns out Shakespeare used it in Romeo and Juliet!  Who knew????

Here's the link to the recording...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiBrqxx0rDo

See you next week!

Ana

Recap Writer

Phrase Variations, Interdependence (Day) and Resident Cruiser - a morning rife with news at Early Birds!

Dear Members, Returning Members, Friends and Guests,

All the new officers did great on this Inaugural Meeting...

TM BeckyJo presented us with variations of the phrase including Told and Love...

* TM Jim's many admirers wished to tell him that they loved him during the cheese & crackers degustation at last night's sail-away....

* Guest (former Toastmaster) Kim said love is no big deal, our hearts can be broken or they can be filled with joy as she made it to the green light!

* TM Gail pondered why she told only him that she loved him because she definitely had many...

* TM Chris would not tell him she's the only one who loved him - is he not loveable?  She must love someone who is loved by all.  Otherwise, not a happy situation...

* TM Pam said men are soooo gullible.  "You're the one"... ahem.  Her sister and brother-in-law will go to separate nursing homes so they can each tell their (truthful) side of every story....  She Won Best Table Topics Award.

Along came (2) fantabulous prepared speeches...

* TM Pam is a proud, independent, apple-pie baking all-American woman.  During The Virus, she lost the habit of being social - and is slowly recapturing the essence of what gets things done - interdependence because she is standing on the shoulders of giants - not 1 but 56! 56! Yes, 56!  

* TM Chris described her seafaring life where half the time she thinks she's dreaming - stunning views, fresh bouffets, acting in a play, karaoke, line dancing, and zip lining and hiking on port days.  It's not for everyone, but it certainly is for TM Jim and her!  She Won Best Speaker Award.

As far as evaluations go...

* TM Marie praised TM Pam for the structure of her speech and her clear-cut message that interdependence, not independence, is the name of the game!

* TM Aleta was still transported to halfway round the world -and the South China Sea- with TM Chris' adept use of slides and storytelling tales.  She Won Best Evalluator Award.

The Word of the Day was

RIFE, adj

Widespread, prevailing or happening frequently.

Example:  The world is rife with line dancers.

Here's the link to the recording:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEOurSoT1HE

Happy 250th Birthday to the best country on Planet Earth!🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲

See you next week,

Ana

Recap Writer

Presentations, Icebreaker and Speak Slowly - an uplifting morning at EarlyBirds

Dear Members, Guests and Friends,

Our seafaring TM Chris and Jim joined us today!  Welcome back!!  We have missed you!

TM Marie shared a few mishaps in last week's presentation before a large group and asked for our take on....

* Equipment failure - TM Jim informed us it's what happened to Janet Jackson at the Superbowl a number of years ago... Moral of the story: bring your own stuff...

* TM Chris has had echo echo echo in rooms with tiled floors and no curtains.  Make lemonades out of lemons.

* TM Gail praised TM Marie for preparing ahead of time and having the foresight to test ahead in order to achieve best audience connection.  She Won Best Table Topics Award.

* TM Pam indicated the goal is to have slides - both the good point and the bad point are the slides - enlarge the letters so those in the back can see, darn it!

* TM Christina used to dress for success, now is professional casual as an engineer must, but she will dress up for Australian zoom audiences to avoid criticism.   Jeez!!

* TM Veronica has always practiced, practiced, practiced but is now practicing how NOT to practice.  Improvise, improvise, improvise.

* TM BeckyJo is a pivoting pro.  Children's theater helped her learn to embellish and have humor - they can fact-check you later....

Along came the prepared speeches...

* I, Ana, reminisced about my traumatic exit from Cuba with several glitches which led me to join in the 250th Celebration of the Best Country on Earth.  I Won Most Improved Speaker Award.

* TM Aleta emphasized the importance of comic timing and pause before the punchline.  Dare to be quiet!  And "Take my wife..... PLEASE!"

As far as evaluations go...

* TM Christina praised my inspirational speech and encouraged me to dramatize the fact that the secret police took my father away from the line... momentarily.

* TM David stressed that this speech is very important to us as public speakers and slowing down is critical because it takes the audience twice as long to absorb the message as it does the speaker to present it.  He Won Best Evaluator Award.

The Word of the Day was

UPLIFTING, adj.

Something that makes you feel happier, more hopeful or spiritually and emotionally elevated.

Example:  The uplifting speech was very invigorating.

The link to the recording is here...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEkN1DVK0uM

Our new officers are officially starting next week, July 2.  Welcome aboard!

See you next week!

Ana

Recap Writer

Solstice, World Cup, Growth Mindset - a morning that resonates at EarlyBirds

Dear Members, Guests and Friends,

TM Pam inspired us with a Summer Solstice invocation...

TM David led us with very well-thought-out Table Topics about the current World Cup...

* TM Jose warned soccer teams to be humble and not rest on their laurels or they will tie with an unheard-of team from Cabo Verde as recently happened to Spain.

* TM Aleta took a 100 m sprint and had to deal with Charley Horses by drinking pickle juice with yellow mustard.  Yummmm, how appetizing!

* TM Pam broke a national swimming record and profusely and humbly thanked everyone and daydreamed about becoming a movie star. She Won Best Table Topics Award.

* TM Veronica was shocked to receive a Red Card at her soccer game and told the referee that red didn't match her uniform color scheme.

* TM Christina would wear moonboots to be taller and stand a better chance at the NBA playoffs.  Basketball was created in Canada, by the way....

* TM Jorge would artfully and craftily evade a basketball defense keen on stopping him - it's nothing but a slam dunk!

* TM Marie won a silver medal in gymnastics and enviously pondered why that other gymnast won gold.  She, TM Marie, was the one who deserved it!

* I, Ana, most of all love the birdies that fly around over golf courses and would definitely use golf carts to travel from one hole to the next, defeating the purpose of bodily exercise.

We had (1) prepared long speech today,,,

* TM Marie gave an outstanding speech about Fixed vs Growth Mindset, to which the whole audience could relate.  Vivid examples of both - (Growth Muhammad Ali, Christopher Reeve, Mia Hamm) (Fixed Lee Iacocca, John McEnroe).  She Won Most Improved Speaker.

As far as the evaluation goes...

* TM Aleta praised TM Marie for her inspirational speech and her extraordinary slides.  She encouraged her to put more passion into her vocal variety..  She Won Best Evaluator Award.

The Word of the Day was

RESONATE, noun

To connect with something or someone on a deep personal or emotional level.
Example:  I really resonate with the lyrics of many songs from the 60s and 70s.

Here's the link to the recording...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBAw_vIDiPI

See you next week!

Ana

Recap Writer

Re: Sports, Growing and Moving - a galvanizing morning at EarlyBirds

Dear Members, Guests and Friends,

TM Veronica led us in a very inspirational invocation.

We had our Club Elections.  Thank you to the Outgoing Officers for your labor of love.  Welcome to our New Officers (effective July 1)

Sargeant-at-Arms:  TM Christina Kurth

President:  TM Randolph Bastien (6 months)

VP Education:  TM Aleta Richmond

Secretary:  TM Pam Schrimsher

Treasurer  TM Marie Rock

VP Public Relations:  David Raleche

VP Membership:  TM BeckyJo Bean

Immediate Past President:  TM BeckyJo Bean

Assistant Sargeant-at-Arms: TM Veronica Winninger

Recap Writer:  TM Ana Illsen

CONGRATULATIONS, New Officers!

TM Pam introduced some galvanzing sports topics to our consciousness levels.  We soon learned that some of us are galvanized by sports, some of us have rusty sports pipes.

* TM Gail knows The Knicks are the original Knickerbokers which originated in the Dutch.  A galvanizing game last night indeed... She Won Best Table Topics Award.

* TM Aleta loves The Spurs because it's the cowboy boot accessory used to control horses and brings her back to her barrel racing days....

* I, Ana, am clueless about predictive markets and online gambling.  It's a mystery to me, although I wish I got a clue so I could make some money!

* TM Veronica's happiest college memories are from pre-game and game parties in the days of wine and roses, and beer and pretzels.

* TM Marie's weak ankles flared up while trying to skate in Western Pennsylvania - she's a swimmer, for heaven's sake, and prefers figure skating to ice hockey, anyway!

* TM Jorge pondered about hat-tricks and rat-tricks - the former being when 3 goals are served by one person and throwing the hats on the rink; the latter being when 3 goals are served by one rat.

Along came (2) galvanizing prepared speeches...

* TM David told us if we're perfectly comfortable in our day-to-day, we are perfectly unchallenged.  Research the power of WHY WHY WHY....

* TM Aleta told us WHY - moving on down on size, complications and discovering gardening without Ibuprofen.  Freedom, freedom, freedom rings!  She Won Most Improved Speaker Award.

As far as (galvanizing) evaluations are concerned...

* TM BeckyJo praised TM David for his perfect diction, deliberate messaging and chock-full of informatino speech.  Work on changing tempo and modulation - ask WHY WHY WHY?

* TM Marie clearly valued how TM Aleta brought us down and lifted us up with the help of extraordinary cartoon maps.  She Won Best Evaluator Award.

The Word of the Day was

GALVANIZE, verb

1) To shock, excite or stimulate someone into suddenly taking action.

2) Steel pipes covered with zinc.

Example:  The prepared speeches today were galvanizing and they covered our tracheal pipes with zinc lozenges while listening to Steely Dan.

The link to the recording is here...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HsTy3JJX_k

See you next week!

Ana I.

Recap Writer

Idioms, Monarchs and Officers - an intentional morning at EarlyBirds!

Dear Members, Guests and Friends,

TM BeckyJo inspired us with a grateful Invoication straight out of Facebook.

I, Ana, led with Idioms for topics...  We learned that...

* TM Christina is the quintessential eager beaver who lives her life with initiative and intention.

* TM Randolph made everyone's mouths water with his vivid description of banana pudding... yummm

* TM Aleta holds her horses by not letting her life get away from her, especially now that she's in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

* TM Gail pondered where all these idioms originated, and came to the conclusion that the devil is in the details.  She Won Best Table Topics Award.

* TM Jorge tries to get all his ducks in a row before life takes unexpected detours, once more.

* TM BeckyJo would like to stop eating carbs cold turkey, but is totally derailed by the aroma of freshly baked bread....

* TM David used to think that talk is cheap, but now with Toastmasters and his corporate environment, talk is persuasion, inference, communication, rhetoric... no longer cheap!

We heard (2) prepared speeches...

* TM Pam told us about the long migration of Monarch butterflies, those West of the Rockies fly to California to cast their vote in the current elections all while wearing fake eyelashes to float like Muhammad Ali.  She Won Most Improved Speaker Award.

* I, Ana, told my tale of EarlyBird arrival and the various officer roles I've served which have expanded my self-confidence and leadership skills.

As far as evaluations are concerned...

* TM Christina liked the humor in TM Pam's speech and found the glueing of the eyelashes to be particularly tricky.  She Won Best Evaluator Award.

* TM David encouraged me to change my background to something relevant to Toastmasters and put the speech text nearer the camera to avoid rapid eye movement (REM).

The Word of the Day was

INTENTIONAL, adjective

Done deliberately, on purpose, with a clear plan or goal.

Example:  There's not a single word in that speech that is not intentional.

Our recording is floating like a butterfly up in the Cloud somewhere.... if it can be retrieved, I'll send it out separately.  If not, use your imagination to remember the highlights.  Be intentional.  Use sunscreen.

See you next week!

Ana I.

Recap Writer