We together on November 20

Hello Bolton Banter members - Our most recent meeting was held on November 20th.  In keeping with the upcoming holiday season of peace and goodwill, chair Jillian Lucas chose as the theme of the meeting, "we" and for word of the meeting, "beneficent".  Jillian wanted us all to think of "we" together sharing and giving.  The word "beneficent" meaning "doing good or causing good to be done", was a perfect match for the meeting's theme.  In her parting incite, Laurie Stapleton closed the meeting fittingly by referring to the meeting's theme and word in her remarks. 

It's impossible these days to avoid thinking about the economic downturn.  In Table Topics, Bondy Nair asked us to imagine we each lost a good deal of money in the recession. What would we do?  How would we cope?  It seems we all have a survival plan and are prepared to live simply.  One Toastmaster was of the opinion that "the new economy will be based on alcohol".  That would be interesting!

Lorraine Van Wagner, following on Carol Dowell's November 6th presentation about building better speeches, shared some tips on how to effectively begin and then end a speech.  You want to begin your speech with impact so that your audience will be motivated to listen carefully. You want to end with a positive impression as people remember best the last thing they heard.  If you weren't at this meeting and would like information about beginning and ending speeches, see Lorraine or Carol. 

This evening featured three very different and highly enjoyable speeches.  Jim DeCarolis in "Sticking with the Winners" told us about the horse racing world.  Did you know that horse racing employs 40,000 people in Canada?  Jim warned us that betting on the horses looks easy but it is not.  What is easy is losing your hard earned money at the racetrack. 

Sheelagh Rennie, in her presentation entitled "Warpaint", told us a story of "painting virgins" attempting to correct decorating horrors in a newly purchased house.  Listening to Sheelagh's speech convinced many of us that it might be wiser to search out the name of a reliable house painter rather than take on formidable painting challenges ourselves. 

Minnie Grewal, in her speech "Something for You", posed as a shop owner and successfully sold her customer, played by Jillian, a suitable handbag for a voyage to Portugal.  Minnie was well prepared for her presentation and brought along an interesting collection of bags for Jillian's consideration.

Carol Dowell asked us to mark Saturday, January 31, 2009 on our calendars.  On that day, Towns of York Toastmasters will hold a dinner to mark its 40th anniversary as a Toastmasters club.  Please see Carol for tickets and additional details. 

The meeting ended, right on time, with the presentation of ribbons.  Brendan Dineen took the ribbon for best Table Topics, Eric Solowka for best evaluator and Sheelagh Rennie for best speaker.  Well done!  Congratulations also to Lesley Webb and Ben Alison for taking on roles at this meeting.  Both Lesley and Ben are new to Toastmasters. 

Our next meeting will be  held on December 4th and the last meeting of 2008 falls on December 18th.  As we did last year at the final meeting before Christmas, we held an abbreviated meeting and then gathered at the home of Sheelagh Rennie for Table Topics and some Christmas cheer.  Sheelagh has graciously offered her home again this year for holiday festivities.  All Bolton Banter members are welcome.  This is a "potluck" so please bring a dish to share with your fellow Toastmasters. 

See you all at our next meeting, December 4th.  Lorraine Van Wagner - Webmaster