anti-capitalist rhetoric??

1) table topics in this particular torture chamber are unique because EVERYONE at the meeting participates. this week we had to say what we were going to grow in our unusual backyard garden and why... first i thought of telling the truth, and splaining how my geraniums are still alive in my guelph grown first ever success of a garden, then i considered talking about growing spinach cuccumber and sweet potatoe corn since i'd just recently imagined the blends of my favourite good for me foods and do indeed want to grow magic like that, but in the end, i announced to the table that i would also, like the table topic victim before me, GROW SOME MONEY. why not?

2) i am proud that i spoke up with a question to the presenter who did her Atm #19! about why big box retailers are good for our community. since she was so convincing and since i too want to save on gas money while saving on prices and benefitting from larger selection (even if its in trade for service quality), i couldn't think of a question that would speak strongly to an opposing view. so, i asked her "WHAT are the opposing views?" i asked her to define the best points of the "anti-capitalist rhetoric" she had referred to in her presentation... mean eh? THAT'll teach a girl to grow poison ivy in HER unusual garden eh? intruder remedy indeed...

* * *

this club has some really great role model-speakers. are they teachers AT the school? and i like that they don't bother with a timer's report or ah counting. because they have so many student members come and go, they break their annual fees down into half years. TRANSFERABLE to other club fees i might add, so if i want to join the liberty village club at harbourfront community
centre in september i can...

yes, i plan to join.

i like a less formal environment where i am welcomed for who i am.

i.e. today i wore my harbourfront hat to class, even though i was general evaluator! i told them they won't even recognize me next meeting and that they are NOT allowed to kick me out for bad fashion...

As General Evaluator, you draw on your experience to date in Toastmasters. Tackle it from the position of how you "feel" about what role-players did rather than whether it was "right" or "wrong". Feel free to mention to us that will be your approach to your role. You will make a positive contribution to the meeting if you concentrate on your personal reactions and feelings toward what was said or done and how it affected you. Role-players want feedback. I'll bet you have been disappointed when you did not get any. Recognizing something done well is appreciated particularly by first-timers.

This week the "first-timers" are:Toast/Timer, Language Enricher

Observe and make notes as the meeting progresses. The Chair introduces you after the Evaluation portion of the meeting. You go to the lectern, smile, shake hands, then wait for the Chair to be seated. If the Chair has not said so already, tell us something like "Feed-back is an important part of Toastmasters. Our Evaluators have responded to the Speakers. I will comment on other parts of the Meeting, and see that you learn the results of your ballots."

introduce the trophy presenters.
Smile and introduce the Language Enricher (........................................) by name. Shake hands and move back and to one side while he/she presents the Trophy to the winner. Shake hands with the Language Enricher, smile and applaud while the role-player returns to be seated.

Smile and introduce the Table Topics person (............................................) by name. Shake hands and move back and to one side while he/she presents the Trophy to the winner. Shake hands with the Table Topics person, smile and applaud while the role-player returns to be seated.

Comment on the meeting, and keep an eye on the clock and try to finish by 8:10am.

When finished, smile, turn to the Chair and step back to indicate you are through. The Chair will come to the lecturn, shake hands and applaud while you return to your seat.

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General tone of the Meeting?
Did someone greet Members and Guests?
Sergeant-At-Arms had the meeting room set up (lectern, water, evaluation sheets, agenda) on time? (did members help)
Chair introduced Meeting Theme?
Agenda reviewed?
Roles assigned if role-players were not there?
Agenda adopted?
New Guests introduced by Members?
Introduced role-players in an interesting fashion?
Smooth transitions between sections of the meeting?
Toast/Timer -- Toast well executed and fits the Theme?
Timing explained?
Language Enricher -- Word readable, clearly defined, example provided?
Trophy presentation?
Table Topics smoothly introduced, fun, different?

* * *

If someone did a role for the first time, try to have a comment. Talk with role-players after the Meeting if you think it will help and will be well received.

perhaps what i thought was u of T magic is just a love of universities! i found the meeting room today soooooooooo beautiful it was worth getting up and out before 7 am in the pouring rain. with a huge old saddle in the corner??? i was so inspired i signed up to be general evaluator at the same ungodly time next week.

"With this for background -- I hope that you l like what you see and will join us. If you have time after Meetings, join the bunch that go across the street to Second Cup.

Your Table Topic today showed a knack -- and skill -- and sense of humour. We like that."

well, 7:15 comes pretty dang early.

and, i haven't been able to recruit any fellow cult-guests to meet me there for bonus points...

but, i got the warm yet professional welcome i have come to expect from a toastmasters club. i look forward to seeing what goes on at this one... its a good time of year to cough up $100 for a new club. i want to STOP being a quitter (ha ha) and actually finish a &^%$ program.

don't YOU want to be a toastmaster too? ? ?

uh, dear good cheer fairy,
i sure do know what you mean about the question sound at the end of every statement. (i've been listening to random i-talk memos washing into the shuffle)

i think its just the way i talk?
ACK.

there appears to be some good storytellers options in this town. two different groups i want to check out as well...