Latin Leaders - Toastmasters Club #583774

Date and Time: Monday, March 27, 2006 at 7:00 PM (you must be on time because you won’t be able to enter the room once video taping begins).

Expected time commitment: Program is one hour in length — allowing for delays or problems, I’d suggest you plan on a two-hour commitment and be happily surprised if it takes less time.
Place: Video Applications, Inc., 14791 Myford Road, Tustin, CA 92714 (See map)

Attire: Business Casual — similar to what you would wear to a corporate meeting offsite.

RSVP: to Max by email (max@maxlatham.com) or by telephone (949-305-3687)

Directions:

From the 405 freeway,

Exit Culver Drive - go north
Follow Culver to Irvine Center Drive
Left on Irvine Center Drive
Right on Harvard
Left on Walnut
Left on Myford
Video Applications is on the right side of the street.

Maria was the toastmaster for the March 14 meeting.    The word of the day was “giving”.  Patricia gave her fourth speech which was somewhat of a book report.  Since I love to read books I really enjoyed this speech.  The topic was about home remedies and what kinds of herbs or other methods are used to heal certain ailments.  This was very interesting but unfortunately she went way over her time limit of 5 to 7 minutes.  I know how difficult it is to keep your speech short and still try to provide enough information to support your topic.  I also gave a speech on an introduction to Blogs.  Most everyone has heard of the terminology but didn’t know what it really was.  I hope I have cleared up some of your questions.

Nahetzin was the table topic master asking some interesting questions like, “If you woke up and your house was burning down, what three things would you take with you on your way out?”.  Gabriel won the best table topic award.  We were all both cheerful and sorrowful as Gabriel announced afterwards that that would be his last meeting.  His busy work schedule is not allowing him to be able to attend regularly.  Gabriel has been an outstanding member and has contributed much to the club.  We will certainly miss you, Gabriel, so please try to keep in touch and pop in once in a while.  You are always welcome.

The theme of the March 7 meeting was “A World of Wonders”, a look at many of the truly wonderous things of this world.  From creation, to music, to humanity, to nature, and all things marvelous.   We had three visitors.  Harry who has visited several times before had decided to join, so welcome to Latin Leaders, Harry.

Enriqueta gave her ice breaker speech and was brilliant.  Nahetzin gave her fourth speech entitled “Lights, Camera, Action”.  The speeches were in Spanish so I cannot comment on them.  [anyone like to comment?].  Enriqueta received the Best Speaker award that night.

Last week we had the pleasure of welcoming some very special guests, Edgar and Amarian from AVANZA magazine.   Avanza is a designed to market/target many community members shedding light on the positive aspects of community involvement and resources.  Avanza has featured our club in their magazine and I would like you to join us in thanking them for their support.

Participation in our meetings has dwindled, life is busy and everyone has priorities in which to attend, however, last week our meeting was in full swing as our members are once again were out in full force.  Edgar and Amarian joined us for a round of fun table topics and showed their awesome courage and amazing speaking skills.  They also brought along two new guests. In the prior week we also had three new members and await their return and application for membership.

Two speeches were given in our last meeting with Pat Gary speaking on Small Claims basics (how to sue someone in small claims court without really trying!) and Sal Zamarripa speaking on his father-in-laws annoying habits at the airport.  Table topics were handled by Dan Cossack which provided everyone with an opportunity to speak.

Together we must continue to strive to become better speakers as our club is geared toward supporting our goals.  We must make it a point to arrive promptly and make it routine to attend our meetings, even if it means rescheduling other events.  Each of us brings our individual talent(s) to the club, whether it is your skill at table topic subjects, grammarian, evaluator, timer or ah counter.  Each of us must work hard to achieve our personal goals as well as club goals.

We are doing a fantastic job – we want to continue our Participation, Progress and Personal Growth – so join us when you can!

Maria was the toastmaster for this meeting and set the theme for “When it rains, it pours”.  Actually it was raining this week, but Maria has a knack for choosing themes with double entendres.  Life can sometimes seem cruel and stormy at times with its many hardships and difficulties.  We use our “umbrellas” to help protect us from these vicissitudes.  We each have our own way of dealing with problems.  I like to think problems are opportunities for learning.  Fear is a useful emotion if channeled correctly.  No endeavor is a failure unless you quit trying.

Carlos gave a speech, appropriately enough, about the pains of life and the particular experiences of his own life that has shaped him into who he is today.  Serena gave her ice breaker speech in which she talked about all of the different places she has lived and different things she has done and is planning to do.  She can talk fast but she is quite articulate.  Both speakers went over the time limit.

David provided the table topics and simply asked each person the same question, “What is your dream?”.  Everyone got a chance to talk and share their most intimate desires in life.  This was the most emotional toastmaster meeting I have ever seen.  Enriqueta won Best Table Topic for her outstanding performance.  Great job Enriqueta!  You will have even greater rewards to come.  Keep it up.