Humorous and Table Topics Contests highlighted the NW Ohio Toastmasters meeting August 4 at Northwest State.
Brent Sines of Ney talked about, “Over protection is just as bad”. He related how parents used to be happy to get kids to go outside and play. But nowadays safety is more important, especially in wearing bike helmets. He also talked about kids playing with matches and the need for a Boy Scout first aid kit.
“Rejection of Authority” was the point of the talk by Rebecca Loveless of Fayette who is also the club president. She related how the universe provides us with all kinds of experiences of what to do and not do. Somehow she developed a negative response to authority. This got her into some situations with the police a couple times. But she got out of one situation by telling an officer that she loved him.
New member Alex Gruenhagen of Ridgeville presented his ice breaker first speech. He talked about three words that reflect his life. First, he is optimistic and loves living. Second, he is a learner and loves to read all kinds of topics. Currently he is in the process of reading 17 books. Third, he likes to mentor others especially as youth director at his church.
Jane Hibbard of Stryker, led the table topics contest. Each person was to speak briefly on the same question: If you could wake up with one new skill or ability, what would it be? Larry Zuvers of Bryan said it is to be on time.
Karen Lyke of Whitehouse would like to be clairvoyant. Her husband Andy said he would like to be more compassionate. Andy also served as toastmaster. Loretta Torres of Fayette said that she would like to have wisdom so that all her other needs would fall into place.
Robert Conboy of the Perrysburg Toastmasters was a special guest who serves as the Toastmasters Area Governor. He counted the ballots for the contests and announced that Brent Sines had the best humorous speech and Loretta Torres won for the best table topics presentation. Brent also served as joke master.
Darlene Sheperd of Bryan was the general evaluator for the evening and counted Ah’s and Um’s. Speech evaluations were provided by Karen, Robert, and Loretta. Larry reported on the length of each speech and table topic.
It was noted that Barb Steckly of Bryan has been a member since 1978. For the meeting she served as the grammarian indicating the word to use during the evening was Ardent. The definition is to be passionate or intense.
Barb also provided an inspirational close about J.R. Martinez who is a military burn victim from the Iraq War. Although many people said what he could not do again; through faith and prayer all things are possible.
The next meeting is August 18th. There will not be a meeting on September 1 due to the Labor Day holiday. Guests are always welcome to attend Northwest Ohio Toastmasters’ meetings on the first and third Monday of each month at 6:30 pm in the Allied Health Building Conference Room H104 at Northwest State Community College south of Archbold. For more information contact Larry Zuvers at 419-636-2329 or lzuvers@gmail.com.