President David Williams kicked of the meeting with Marvin Petsel providing the invocation and leading the pledge. We voted in Matt Scott as a new member, welcome aboard Matt.

David introduced our toastmaster Matt Johnson with the theme “Music”, no surprise, and Gene Deluke stepped up to be our third speaker. Matt introduced each helper with Stephen James as grammarian, Kendall Helfenbein as the Ah Counter, Patricia Brown as Timer and Chuck Ferguson as the vote counter. The word of the day was Convivial and was up on display behind the lectern.

Matt then introduced the prepared speeches and evaluators.

• Tina Drucker was speaker number one with her speech “The Four Agreements” about false beliefs and false promises that we make to ourselves and four promises (agreements) we can make to ourselves to make our lives more fulfilling.
• Jerry Bunk presented his speech about “Prosperity on the Prarie”. Telling about the strong economy of North Dakota and all about the Bank of North Dakota.
• Gene Deluke stepped up with his hip pocket speech “Whatever Happened to the Middle”. Asking the question where have all the moderates gone in politics. Calling on everyone to do their research with most of Washington up for reelection.

The timer’s report was requested with all speakers qualifying.

Stephen Burgess took over as Table Topics Master:

• Mike Amis was given a question about what is the next media for music storage, Matt Scott told us about his favorite kind of music and Jerry Aris gave us his view on the importance of music in education.  

The timer’s and grammarian’s reports were requested with all speakers qualifying.

Jerry Bessette led off the evaluation portion as the General Evaluator:

• John  Wakeman commended Tina on a compelling speech.
• Allen Krom noted Jerry Bunk’s improvement, especially in the elimination of ahs and ums.
• Barbara Petsel noted how well Gene Deluke uses non verbals to enhance his speech.

The timer’s report was requested with all speakers qualifying.

Jerry turned the meeting back over to Matt.

Matt called for the Ah Counter’s and grammarians report’s.

Awards were presented by Matt; Best Table Topics: Jerry Aris, Best Evaluator:Barb Petsel, and Best Speaker: Gene Deluke.

David Williams closed out the meeting with announcements on next week’s schedule and the upcoming contests.

Be there next week our three newest members  will be speaking!

We had two returning guests  Matt Scott and Maggie Swisulski (I think I wrote this down wrong – I seem to recall a z in her name).

President David Williams kicked of the meeting and Mike Amis provided the invocation and led the pledge.

David introduced our toastmaster Jerry Aris with the theme “Bucket Item” and each helper was to present his/her bucket item for the year. Jerry’s bucket item was to jump out of an airplane. He introduced his helpers: Phil Craddock  as Ah Counter with his bucket item of not jumping out of an airplane, and Gene Deluke as Vote Counter with his bucket item of writing a book which will come out this summer, Rey Flores as Grammarian with the word of the day “vessel” and his bucket of item fixing up the kitchen for his wife, and Rose Custodio as Timer with her bucket item of traveling, she’s heading to the Philippines next month.

Jerry then introduced the prepared speeches and evaluators.

• Matt Johnson kept us laughing while showing us how to use visual aids with his speech “Ah Counter Myth vs. Reality”. He had slides, hammers, graphs and even a pitchfork. He also incorporated the ah counter in his speech which was excellent.
• Charles Johnson presented his monodrama from the Interpretive Reading manual about “Speed Dating with a Divorce Lawyer”. A great job of presenting a dialog with only one person. Also kudos to Charles for hanging in there with Jerry B. working to get the room cooler.
• Chuck Ferguson (not Johnson) talked about the new Club website. Chuck showed his prowess by presenting a speech about an online website without being online because the wireless LAN in the restaurant was gone.

The timer’s report was requested with all speakers qualifying.

Stephen took over as Table Topics Master:

• Jerry Bessette talked about travelling to Tyler in the new year. John Wakeman told us how he stays fit, maybe not injury free, mountain biking. And finally Allen Krom told us about his plans for education for the new year, which oddly enough included running aground on a cruise ship.

The timer’s and grammarian’s reports were requested with all speakers qualifying.

Brian Steed led off the evaluation portion as the General Evaluator:

• Patrica Brown evaluated Matt Johnson’s speech lauding him for his humor and use of props. Her bucket item is to learn to ride horses.
• Carol Kepner praised Charles Johnson for his poise and expertise in presenting a mondrama. Her bucket item is extensive traveling in southeast Asia.
• Margaret Johnson praised Chuck on providing good information on the website and rising above the problem of not having on line access as he had planned. Her bucket item is to travel by boat around the world.

The timer’s report was requested with only Patricia qualifying on time.

Brian Steed finished with his evaluation of the meeting, commenting on how much one can learn and laugh at a Plano Talkers meeting.

Jerry called for the Ah Counter’s and grammarians report’s.

Chad Allison presented his joke about a driver donating to “save” some kidnapped congress members.

Awards were presented by Jerry; Best Table Topics: John Wakeman, Best Evaluator: Patricia Brown, and Best Speaker: Matt Johnson (welcome back Matt).

David Williams closed out the meeting with announcements on next week’s schedule and the upcoming contests.

Please, remember to not text or post during meetings and that the $3 is mandatory for members each week to pay for the meeting space, even if you don’t have refreshments.

PS> Maggie S. and Matt S. both filled out applications!

Our Club President David Williams started the meeting off on time with Jerry Bessette providing the invocation and pledge. We had 2 guests attending, our area governor Karen Bragg Matthews and Matt Scott. Yes Harry Kepner was there, but hard to consider him as a guest, more as Carol’s roadie. Our first order of business was to vote in our latest members Phillip Craddock and Marta Soncodi.

Then it was onto the meeting with “The Professor” Gene Deluke as presenting the theme “Hope Spring Enternal” a positive and motivating theme for a cold January Tuesday morning. He introduced her helpers; Kendall Helfenbein as Grammarian with the word of the day “sanguine”, Marta Soncodi as Ah Counter, Mike Amis as Timer and Stephen James as Vote Counter.

Gene then introduced the prepared speeches and evaluators.

• Allen Krom showed us how to use visual aids with his speech “What Keeps You Up at Night?” about employee training. With some nifty animated graphics in his slide show.
• John Wakeman gave us a personally animated speech about Dexter his new dog and tips on getting a dog of our own, with his speech “Help”. Providing three pieces of advice 1) go to a shelter for a dog, 2) how to be a responsible dog owner and 3) do your homework and research on the best breeds for your situation.
• Carol Kepner influenced us with her speech “A Woman of Influence” reading a selection from one of her favorite authors (no, I didn’t write down her name, stupid me). The she amazed us with a selection of her own authorship.

The timer’s report was requested with all speakers qualifying.

Patricia Brown took over as Table Topics Master:

• Phillip Craddock and Chad Allison provided cogent and well thought out answers to Patricia’s tough questions relating to handling tough times.

The timer’s and grammarian’s reports were requested with both speakers qualifying.

Jerry Bunk led off the evaluation portion as the General Evaluator:

• Steve Burgess evaluated Allen Krom’s speech crediting Allen for his smooth delivery and avoidance of over wordy slides.
• Rose Custodio evaluated John Wakeman’s speech commending him on this excellent use of gestures and good organization.
• Tina Drucker evaluated Carol Kepner’s reading remarking how her selection and presentation was very moving and Tina was heading straight to Amazon for a copy of the Carol’s book.

The timer’s report was requested with all speakers qualifying.

Jerry Bunk finished with his evaluation of the meeting.

Gene called for the Ah Counter’s and grammarians report’s.

Margaret present her joke about a genie who would rather build a road to Hawaii than try to teach a man to understand women.

Awards were presented by Gene to Better Table Topics: Chad Allison, Best Evaluator: Stephen Burgess, and Best Speaker: John Wakeman.

Our Area Governor, Karen Bragg Matthews, presided over the release of the outgoing officers and the induction of the new officers.

David Williams closed out the meeting with next week’s schedule.

PS> Looked like Matt Scott was filling out an application as I was headed out to work.

Attended by: David Williams, Barb Petsel, Rey Flores, Allen Krom, Rose Custodio, Tina Drucker, Bill Slease, Stephen James, Charles Johnson, Jerry Bessette, and Chuck Ferguson.

The following topics were discussed at this meeting.

1. TLI Training, Training is January 14th at UTD school of managemet, the club has paid the fee.
2. Contests in February, with members that are to be recruited for Contest Chair:
   • Feb 7, Table Topics; Chad Allison, Jerry Bessette
   • Feb 21, Internation Speech; Chuck Ferguson; Stephen James volunteers for Contest Master
3. Officer’s Personal Insights, 2012. The new officers are requested to supply their personal insights for the web site this week. Send these to Chuck.
4. New member inductions: Needed for Phil Craddock? and Marta S.
   • Matt Johnson will be rejoining.
5. Induction of Officers – to be done on January 10. Assuming Area Governor will attend.
6. President: David Williams to get to bank to get his signature on bank account, in case that is needed.
7. VP of Education
   • Will be looking to put the new members into Ice Breaker roles as soon as feasible.
   • Current number of DCP points is 5, we are well situated to get to President’s distinguished.
8. VP of Membership
   • Some discussion on the ideal club size, but no conclusion on how to control or whether possible to control
9. VP of Public Relations
10. Treasurer
    • Bank account balance was communicated
    • A budget should be created, this should be possible from last years records
    • Discussion on When and Who should order badges for educational accomplishments, it was decided that the VP of Education will communcate to the Treasurer ahead of time when these are needed.
11. Secretary – no new or old business
12. Sergeant at Arms
    • Jerry asked if anyone could help with sewing velcro on the new banner.
    • Jerry will check to see if we need more ballots
13. Mentor Chairperson
    • Stephen will continue in this role
    • Need to get a mentor for Marta, likely for the other new members
14. Web Master: New website – 4015.toastmastersclubs.org
    • Chuck requested that officers take a look at the new site and send him comments.
15. Misc.
    • It was decided that getting the money to the restaurant management will be the presiding officer’s resposibility if the treasurer is absent.
    • Jerry requested that the Presiding officer stress to members to communicate as early as possible in the week whether one is going to fulfill a duty for the next week.
    • David Williams is going to talk to the Restaurant manager to stress the need to get the bagels/coffee out by 6:45.

Our new Club President David Williams started the meeting off on time with Rose Custodio providing the invocation and pledge. We had 5 guests attending; what a great way to start the year. I only recorded the first names of some of the guests: Rosalie Custodio (Rose’s daughter), Doug Johnson (Margaret’s husband), Martin, Rick and Maggie.

Margaret Johnson as first time Toastmaster, presented the theme, “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” She introduced her helpers; Marta Soncodi as Grammarian with the word of the day “elusive”, Jerry Bessette as Ah Counter, Stephen James as Timer and Marvin Petsel as Vote Counter.

Margaret then introduced the prepared speeches and evaluators.

• Jeff Butcher told us about breaking down impossible barriers with a story about  Roger Bannister breaking the 4 minute mile in 1954 and how we should look at breaking down our own barriers. He did refrain from singing “Impossible Dream” at the end of his speech.
• Brian Steed regaled us with another of his hunting stories about hunting deer and hogs and a mysterious visitor to his hog blind in the middle of the night.
• Barb Petsel used visual aids to great affect relating to us how pipe cleaners and conversation can help a child or anyone through the loss of a loved one.

The timer’s report was requested with all speakers qualifying.

Charles Johnson took over as Table Topics Master:

• David Williams providing his views on improvements to Plano Talkers as VP of creativity
• Carol Kepner relating why she had written a poem as to why she was the best toastmaster in the club.

The timer’s and grammarian’s reports were requested with both speakers qualifying.

Allen Krom led off the evaluation portion as the General Evaluator:

• Chuck Ferguson evaluated Jeff Butcher’s speech commenting on Jeff’s ability to recall so many facts without notes.
• Rey Flores evaluated Brian Steed’s speech remarking on the many expressive gestures he used in his speech.
• Chad Allison evaluated Barb Petsel’s speech admiring her ability to speak to visual aids as they were automatically advance on the screen.

The timer’s report was requested with all speakers qualifying.

Allen Krom finished with his evaluation calling, again, for someone to present a speech on the Ah Counter’s role.

Margaret called for the Ah Counter’s and grammarians report’s.

Carol amused us with a genie that knew it was easier to build a highway to Hawaii than to give a man the ability to understand women.

Awards were presented by Margaret to Best Evaluator: Rey Flores, Better Table Topics: David Williams and for best speaker: Barb Petsel.

David Williams closed out the meeting with guest comments, next week’s schedule and the schedule for the Club contests coming up in February.

A great way to start 2012.

Toastmaster called for timekeepers report on speakers, and then asked everyone please submit their votes to the vote counter.   The next portion of the meeting was handled by our Table Topics Master, Rose Custodio.  Rose called on Chuck Ferguson, Mike Amis, and Charles Johnson with Table Topic questions and followed by asking for timers report, Word of the Day usage, then called for the vote.  Meeting was returned to Toastmaster.

Our Evaluation portion of the meeting resumed with Allen Krom as General Evaluator.  Allen Krom called on his evaluators:  Jerry Aris began the evaluation portion by sharing his comments to Margaret Johnson on her speech, Stephen James evaluated Tina Drucker; and evaluating Steve Burgess was Jerry Bessette.  Great evaluations everyone.  General Evaluator called for timers report, and for vote.  Allen shared his thoughts on the meeting and returned control of the meeting to the Toastmaster.  Toastmaster called for grammarian and ah counters report.  The meeting concluded with Vote Counter announcing winners for Table Topics: Chuck Ferguson; Best Evaluator: Stephen James and Best Speaker was Steve Burgess.  Toastmaster turned control of meeting back to Barb Petsel, the President of the club.

The meeting concluded with guest comments from the four guests who came to visit our club, a call for announcements from VP. of Education, and VP of Membership.  A final word on next week’s Toastmaster and Speakers was confirmed., and that the next officers meeting is scheduled for January 5th 2012 at Corner Bakery at 7:00.  Club President shared certificates of appreciation to this years officers, and club provided gift to manager of restaurant.  Great job all….what a great year!  Meeting was concluded and everyone was dismissed.  See ya 2011.  P.S.  Thanks to Carol Kepner for providing the club a great “giveaway” competition….the “oracle of planotalkers.”

Charles Johnson, CC CL

Plano Talkers Secretary

Charles Johnson, CC CL

Prepared Speeches:  Mike Amis was our first speaker and he was working from an advanced manual ‘Speaking To Inform’ with a speech entitled, “It Really Bugs Me.”  Speaker #2 was Gene DeLuke with the speech “The Only Thing Necessary” project #9 from the Competent Communicator Manual, our third speech, “Mistakes That Sink Your Visuals” came from Marvin Petsel.  Great insights and preparation from our speakers!  A call for timers report and vote were called from the Toastmaster.

The Table Topics portion of our meeting was overseen by Carol Kepner this week’s Table Topics Master who gave our lucky participants an opportunity to answer impromptu questions-  Stephen James, Margaret Johnson, and Steven Burgess were all more than happy to display their speaking prowess for Plano Talkers this morning.  Great job by all for using the word of the day.  The Table Topics Master called for timers report and Word of the Day usage, and called for vote.  The meeting was returned to the Toastmaster.

Evaluations of the speakers began, first with the introduction of the General Evaluator, Chad Allison.  Brian Steed was called up to evaluate Mike Amis, Charles Johnson was next introduced and evaluated Gene DeLuke, and Allen Krom concluded the evaluations with his insights on Marvin Petsel’s speech.  A vote was called for best evaluator, and reports for ah counter and grammarians report were also requested.  Chad Allison concluded with an overall evaluation of the meeting.

The meeting was turned over to the Toastmaster, who called on our Joke Master Rey Flores to share a bit of wisdom and humor.

A call for best speaker, best evaluator, and best table topics was requested:  Gene DeLuke with “The Only Thing Necessary” (best speaker); Charles Johnson (best evaluator); and Margaret Johnson (best Table Topics).  Toastmaster turned control of the meeting over to the President.  Barb asked for final comments from our guests, and called for any announcements from V.P. of Education, and V.P. Membership.  Next was the officer elections: 2012 officers are: David Williams (President), Allen Krom (Vice President of Education),  Rose Custodio (Vice President of Membership), Margaret Johnson (Vice President of Publicity), Tina Drucker (Treasurer), Stephen James (Secretary), and Jerry Bessette (Sgt. At Arms).   Reminder:  Plano Talkers Table Topics Contest is February 7, 2012, and Plano Talkers Inspirational Speech contest is February 21, 2012.  Area contest is February 24, 2012, and Division Contest is April 13, 2012.  Conference Contests for Table Topics and Inspirational speech will be May 18th and 19th respectively.  Meeting was adjourned and everyone was dismissed.

Charles Johnson, CC CL

Plano Talkers Secretary

Barb Petsel, Club President welcomed everyone and passed out agenda.   The Plano Talkers reviewed the results of recent survey sent out to club members (good observations, and suggestions)  VP of Education, David Williams updated the group on our current Distinguished Club Points thus far, followed by discussion about scheduling issues.    Treasurer Bill Slease shared the recent financial numbers with the officers and discussed order on banner, and return of recent ordered timer light (not adequate for our purposes).  Secretary Charles Johnson updated the group on blog, and notes.  Sgt. At Arms Jerry Bessette discussed supplies and need for ribbons (will verify with Bill Slease on recent supplies placed in locker).   Mentor Chairperson Stephen James updated group on mentors for our newest members.  Chuck Ferguson, reported on webpage.  VP of Membership Rose Custodio gave a status update on membership and new member packets.

Club President Barb Petsel covered previous business and congratulated Stephen James on recent 2d place win in Tall Tales at District.  A discussion followed regarding upcoming officer elections:  nominations so far:  President – David Williams, VP of Education – Allen Krom, VP of Public Relations – Margaret Johnson, Sgt At Arms – Jerry Bessette, Treasurer – Tina Drucker, Secretary – Stephen James, VP of Membership – Rey Flores, Rose Custodio.  Reminder… elections are on December 6, 2011.  Anyone interested throw your name in the nominations pool! Reminder of upcoming significant dates:  Induction of officers – January 10, 2012; International and Table Topics Area contest – February 24, 2012; and Division Contest April 13, 2012 (plano talkers contests perhaps Feb 7th and 21st (split contest).  Plano Talkers Officers concluded by briefly discussing value of membership fees, etc.  Meeting was adjourned at 8:00 A.M.  A special “thank you” to Rey Flores for joining in the discussion and sharing insight.  Great job.

Next Officers meeting January 5, 2012 at 7:00.

Charles Johnson, CC CL

Plano Talkers Secretary

Now for speakers:   Our first speaker Susan Ho gave her 2d speech from the Competent Communicator manual entitled, “Meridian and Chi versus Highways and Traffic”; Rose Custodio followed Susan’s speech with “Coming To America” her 5th speech from the Competent Communicator Manual; and third speaker, Jerry Aris shared from an advanced manual ‘Persuade And Inform’ with a speech entitled “What’s In Your Bag?”   Toastmaster called for timekeepers report, and a vote was called for best speaker.  Excellent job to all.

The Table Topics Master Tina Drucker was introduced and took control of the Table Topics portion of the meeting, and questions of technology was introduced.  Called upon to answers the questions:  Allen Krom, Mike Amis, and Charles Johnson shared their knowledge and wit on these questions.   Following the table topics session, the Table Topics Master called for Timers report and Word Of The Day usage..2 speakers qualified.  Meeting was returned to the Toastmaster.

The evaluation portion of our meeting took place with Steve Burgess taking control of the meeting as General Evaluator.  Steve called on David Williams, Patricia Brown and Daniel O’Donovan to share their thoughts on their respective speakers and provide feedback for each speaker.  The evaluators each gave insights into the speeches and provided guidance on strengths and areas for improvement.  Good job folks!  Steve shared his final thoughts on the meeting and gave valuable feedback to the group as a whole.  The General Evaluator called for a timers report and vote, and returned the meeting to the Toastmaster.

Toastmaster, called for a Grammarians report and Ah Counters report.  Awards were announced next: best speaker Jerry Aris, best evaluator David Williams, and best table topics was Mike Amis.  The Joke Master: Margaret Johnson shared a funny joke (good job).  Toastmaster turned control of the meeting back to the club president, Barb Petsel.

Barb asked for our guest to share their thoughts on the meeting, followed by a call for announcements from our Vice President of Education and Vice President of Membership.  Next week’s Toastmaster and speakers were also confirmed.  Also, this Thursday, December 1st is Plano Talkers Officer Meeting at Corner Bakery at 7:00 A.M. (75th/Collin Creek Mall) all are welcome to attend.   Reminder:  next week is officer elections.  Throw your name in the hat! Think LEADERSHIP!!  Meeting was adjourned and the group was dismissed.  Go forth you techies!!

Charles Johnson, CC CL

Plano Talkers Secretary