Smack Dab in the Middle of Derby Week...Our May 2nd Meeting

I was unable to blog in a timely manner after this Derby week meeting.  Hosting 6 fun-loving Canadians in my home and then picking up a nasty bug after they left town kept me physically down and out for a while.

My plan was to just skip this blog, but I decided against that when I looked back at the pictures and activities.  So, this blog is a tribute to the die-hard members who attended our Peace Speakers meeting in the throes of Derby week.  

JOKE MASTER SPINS A TALE

Robin shared a joke about a troubled moth who sought help from a doctor.  The moth showed up in a podiatrist's office and explained woefully that he had been experiencing "burning problems" that kept reoccurring.  The confused podiatrist asked, "Why aren't you seeing a psychiatrist to address these problems?"  The moth replied, "Because your light was on!!!!!"

TODAY'S  SPEECH USES POWERPOINT

Geoff gave a speech called "What's the Big Idea," encouraging us to utilize "invention tools" in business.  He gave strategies for defining the problem at hand, seeking relevance, considering what and who are involved, and getting a proper perspective on the situation.

To capture ideas, Geoff suggested "brainstorming" all thoughts on the subject and writing them down without stopping.  Afterwards, organize those ideas  into 3 categories.   A "flow chart" helps with process analysis and includes checks to weed out problems.  With an "idea tree", one visualizes the structure.  And using the "journalist's formula" with the 5 W's works well with all genres. 

Finally, an evaluation of your material looks at its credibility and completeness.  Geoff reminded us that using these invention tools undoubtedly creates something better than just writing off the top of your head.  It takes more discipline to do this, but the rewards are greater!

TABLE TOPICS FUN

Our Table Topics master, Becki, created questions that used the horses' names of past Derby winners. The following 5 members of Peace Speakers participated in the spontaneous verbal play of Table Topics.  Listed below each of their pictures is the name of a Derby horse, a corresponding question, and a snippet of their reply.

Animal Kingdom

Name your favorite critter in the animal kingdom.

Robin admitted that she loves the sea otter because of it's ability to play and swim so easily.  She envies their free-spirited nature as they swim, do somersaults, and relax in the sun.  (Sounds like a much needed vacation you're describing, Rhonda.  Go for it!)

Northern Dancer

Thinking back to a high school dance, where are you and what are you doing?

Probably in the middle of the dance floor dancing.  Perry admitted that in middle school, he became a huge fan of disco.  He partied every weekend dancing to hits like "Roller Coaster" and "The Hustle".  Dancing with friends got so out of control one time that a sofa was broken in his home.  (Whenever I hear those old tunes, I'm movin' and groovin' as well!)

Grindstone

When your nose is to the grindstone, which tasks do you find tedious and which ones do you enjoy?

Geoff admitted that he finds checking the numbers for his projects a bit tedious, but he particularly enjoys researching topics.  That's far more interesting and satisfying. (I'd say that the latter preference is one that marks a good professor!)

Spend A Buck

How do you manage or make decisions about money?

Joelle admitted that her husband, Ben, has more wants than she does fiscally.  But that may not deter her from spending some bucks to go blond someday...just for the fun of it.  (I donned a long blond wig once and looked like an albino sea hag.  Joelle, however, will look stunning!)

Funnyside

What is your favorite kind of humor?

Surprise!  Eric confessed that he is drawn to "potty humor" as evidenced by his appreciation for late night ingenious programs like  Southpark and the Colbert Report.   (I concur!  Both are remarkable productions that use striking and often jaded humor to make their point.)

Perry's 2-minute impromptu speech chronicling his teen fanaticism with disco earned him the Table Topics trophy and a Derby glass from Becki.  (I'm betting that Perry's disco dancing days aren't behind him.  Neither are mine.)

While we're on the topic of Perry, he evaluated Geoff's speech, "The Big Idea".  He liked getting help with organizing his thoughts and communicating effectively.   He noted that many great ideas were shared in the "invention tools" tips.

Perry admitted a PowerPoint pet-peeve of his:  too much text in each frame.  Better to expand on one's ideas verbally than to overwhelm listeners with too much to read during a speech.

WORD OF THE DAY

These past weeks have been quite an odyssey for me...fraught with a pounding headache, sore throat, laryngitis, and coughing.  So much for "I never get sick!"   Maybe I'll keep that in mind when I think, "I could never be such an esteemed speaker as that person!"  Never say never!

Has your experience with public speaking been an oddyessy of sorts?  If you're tired of just hoping for the best and want to refine or develop your communication and leadership skills, come to one of our upcoming meetings on June 6 or June 20. 

Peace Speakers Toastmasters Club

Presbyterian Center

1st and 3rd Wednesdays

1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

100 Witherspoon Street

Downtown Louisville, KY

Respectfully submitted,

Kay Chambers

VP of Public Relations for Peace Speakers