Meeting recap for 7/12/14 - Summer Blockbusters

Top of Texas was its usually lively and inviting meeting on July 12th. Even with only eight members and one visitor we were able to keep up the energy of a full house meeting. The theme of the day was Summer Blockbuster Movies. As the Toastmaster for the day I threw in a few tidbits on interesting movies that were in the theater and how much money some of these popular movies grossed. 

Only two changes were made on the agenda and we jumped right into the meeting. Aparna guided the general evaluation team through the necessary roles. The word of the day, truculent (aggressive / savage) was chosen by Shannon. It was used 5X during the meeting. Interesting phrases that were noted were “freshly squeezed” and “shining my lights”. There were four table topic participants, Shannon, Aparna and new members Jonathan and Bobby. Aparna took home the best table topic ribbon for the day. 

Bobby, braved the waters of being the timer for the first time. He did a great job of juggling the timing jobs of the table topics, a speaker with a Q & A session, an evaluation and even handing over the duties so he could jump in to participate in table topics himself. Bobby says he was not nervous while being the timer and he asked a few clarifying questions to help him understand for the next time. 

The speaker of the day was Jeff Wright. Jeff spoke from the Speaking to Inform advanced manual and completed project #4, Fact Finding Report. This was a 5 to 7 minute speech with a 2 to 3 minute Q&A session. His speech title was “Raw Milk, It Does a Body Good”. Jeff gave information on the differences between pasteurized and raw milk and gave two sources to find raw milk available commercially. Jeff was quick on his feet when answering questions from the audience and he did a wonderful job speaking to inform. 

Regina gave Jeff’s evaluation. She found Jeff’s speech informative, well prepared and complemented his dialog with the audience over the Q & A session. The only suggestion was to use visual aids when speaking to inform in the future. Overall Regina said that the speech was timely and well delivered. 

I served as the listener and quizzed the audience on detailed questions of the meeting. Lina Choun, our presiding officer, asked visitor Lucia R. for her guest comments. Lucia said she liked the group and would like to be a part of it again. New member in TOT? I believe Lucia will be back for more. 

It was discussed that the TOT annual barbeque will take place on August 2. Brisket, black bean soup and veggie burgers will be served. All members are welcomed to bring a side dish. Invitations and a list of sides will go out soon. 

Submitted By
Judy Pérez, DTM