Hello Everyone!
Our meeting last night was a success, despite the light turnout. I was told that traffic on the Interstate was pretty heavy and that may have been a factor.
Mr Rock Dasher acted as the Toastmaster and kept us moving along. John Dunham gave a presentation entitled "You Determine the Cost" on immigration that was insightful if controversial. Darleen was our Topic Master for the Evening. And we had a guest, Mr Jonathan Twigg. We hope he had a good time and that he will choose to join our group.
"Only the prepared speaker deserves to be confident." Dale Carnegie.
David Letterman said, " The number one fear in America is public speaking. That means most people would rather be in the casket than giving the eulogy."
In the first grade teachers begin teaching children to "read." They have the students stand up and read out loud. And little Bobby or Cindy gets up and stammers and stutters and the other kids laugh and Bobby or Cindy can't wait to sit down. Instead of teaching reading we are teaching a fear of public speaking. A fear so great that it grows and grows until, for some, it becomes the greatest fear of all.
Fortunately we have Toastmasters to help get us past that fear. A friendly nurturing environment where you can make your mistakes without fear. A place where your peers will assist you in your quest to better your speaking skills. The only way to get better is practice, practice, practice. Or as Darren Lacroix says, "Stagetime, stagetime, stagetime."
Contact Rock (our new VP of Education) to schedule your next speech. You joined the group and paid your money to get better and that can't happen without your participation.
I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving and I look forward to seeing you all next Monday.
Rick
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
10/29/07
Hello Everybody,
What an exciting meeting we had last night. The turnout was fantastic and we saw some faces from the past. Ira Batt did an excellent job calling folks and we truly appreciate his efforts.
John Simonds, our District Governor was in attendance and Willie Trejo, ATMB gave us a rousing speech on the "State of America." It was a pleasure to hear such an excellent speaker. Willie also filled the role of General Evaluator. Alma Cardiel (Grammarian) and Carlos Medina (Timer) were back after being out for awhile. Welcome back and we look forward to seeing you more often.
Rock Dasher was our Table Topics Master and, as usual performed admirably. His topics were well thought out and challenging and after all was said and done, Patsy Olivas counted up the votes and Mariel Bustamante was our Table Topics winner for the evening. She received a standing ovation and a trophy that she was able to hold for several minutes before it had to be put away. Great job Mariel.
We discussed the possibility of changing our meetings to another day of the week, but at this point I have not received much feedback so for now we will continue to meet on Mondays. We are still looking for a couple of volunteers to step up and help out with the roles of VP Education and Secretary/Treasurer. If you are interested, please give me a call.
I look forward to seeing everyone next week, and don't forget to bring a friend.
Rick
What an exciting meeting we had last night. The turnout was fantastic and we saw some faces from the past. Ira Batt did an excellent job calling folks and we truly appreciate his efforts.
John Simonds, our District Governor was in attendance and Willie Trejo, ATMB gave us a rousing speech on the "State of America." It was a pleasure to hear such an excellent speaker. Willie also filled the role of General Evaluator. Alma Cardiel (Grammarian) and Carlos Medina (Timer) were back after being out for awhile. Welcome back and we look forward to seeing you more often.
Rock Dasher was our Table Topics Master and, as usual performed admirably. His topics were well thought out and challenging and after all was said and done, Patsy Olivas counted up the votes and Mariel Bustamante was our Table Topics winner for the evening. She received a standing ovation and a trophy that she was able to hold for several minutes before it had to be put away. Great job Mariel.
We discussed the possibility of changing our meetings to another day of the week, but at this point I have not received much feedback so for now we will continue to meet on Mondays. We are still looking for a couple of volunteers to step up and help out with the roles of VP Education and Secretary/Treasurer. If you are interested, please give me a call.
I look forward to seeing everyone next week, and don't forget to bring a friend.
Rick
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
10/15/07
Greetings fellow Toastmasters.
Thanks to those of you that attended this weeks meeting.
I have been on the road a considerable amount the last couple weeks and attending some classes so I haven't had a lot of time to get this email out.
I have a couple of announcements and questions for you all.
First: There is a speech contest this week on Thursday at 6:30pm at 251 Shadow Mt. It will be a humorous speech contest and an evaluation contest. I told them it might be tough to get participants with this short a notice but if you are interested in participating or just watching please do.
Next: A proposal has been made to move our meetings to Tuesday evenings instead of Mondays. Please respond with your input by clicking here.
And finally: Our dues are late. I mentioned last time that I am unable to submit dues for anyone unless I have at least 6. I am a couple short and really need to get this done if the club is to remain viable. If you have no intention of renewing please let me know. If you are going to renew please do so.
Thanks for your support and remember the District Conference is coming up soon in Albuquerque. Click here for more info.
See you next week.
Rick
Thanks to those of you that attended this weeks meeting.
I have been on the road a considerable amount the last couple weeks and attending some classes so I haven't had a lot of time to get this email out.
I have a couple of announcements and questions for you all.
First: There is a speech contest this week on Thursday at 6:30pm at 251 Shadow Mt. It will be a humorous speech contest and an evaluation contest. I told them it might be tough to get participants with this short a notice but if you are interested in participating or just watching please do.
Next: A proposal has been made to move our meetings to Tuesday evenings instead of Mondays. Please respond with your input by clicking here.
And finally: Our dues are late. I mentioned last time that I am unable to submit dues for anyone unless I have at least 6. I am a couple short and really need to get this done if the club is to remain viable. If you have no intention of renewing please let me know. If you are going to renew please do so.
Thanks for your support and remember the District Conference is coming up soon in Albuquerque. Click here for more info.
See you next week.
Rick
Monday, October 1, 2007
10/01/2007
A small turnout but a great meeting none the less.
Rock was our Toastmaster this evening and he did a fine job. We had an Amigo moment and discussed the goals of our new members and what they could expect to get out of their Toastmasters participation.
We added a bit of a twist to our Table Topics, but I think I'll save that one for when we have a larger turnout and use it again. Everyone made the time but unfortunately I neglected to use the word of the day. Shame on me.
The speech contest that was supposed to be held this past Saturday was cancelled due to lack of interest. Is this a trend throughout the El Paso Toastmasters and not just a problem with the Amigo Club? I hope not. The attendees tonight have made a commitment not to let this club fade away. Can we count on you to commit a little time and effort?
Would you be willing to participate in a speech contest at the club level? By participate I don't necessarily mean you have to speak, but would you come support those that did? Click on comment to put in your response.
Dues are late and I am unable to input dues for those that have paid because the computer requires a minimum of 6 renewals. Please let me know if you plan on renewing or not. You can call me at 329-5868 or send me an email at rick@ricksnow.com
I hope to see you next week. Tom will be presenting his second speech. Let's have a great turnout to support him.
El Presidente
Rock was our Toastmaster this evening and he did a fine job. We had an Amigo moment and discussed the goals of our new members and what they could expect to get out of their Toastmasters participation.
We added a bit of a twist to our Table Topics, but I think I'll save that one for when we have a larger turnout and use it again. Everyone made the time but unfortunately I neglected to use the word of the day. Shame on me.
The speech contest that was supposed to be held this past Saturday was cancelled due to lack of interest. Is this a trend throughout the El Paso Toastmasters and not just a problem with the Amigo Club? I hope not. The attendees tonight have made a commitment not to let this club fade away. Can we count on you to commit a little time and effort?
Would you be willing to participate in a speech contest at the club level? By participate I don't necessarily mean you have to speak, but would you come support those that did? Click on comment to put in your response.
Dues are late and I am unable to input dues for those that have paid because the computer requires a minimum of 6 renewals. Please let me know if you plan on renewing or not. You can call me at 329-5868 or send me an email at rick@ricksnow.com
I hope to see you next week. Tom will be presenting his second speech. Let's have a great turnout to support him.
El Presidente
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
8/25/07
Sorry for the lapse in posting. I did actually post last week but I forgot to send the email link out.
We had quite a turnout last night. I was unfortunately late getting in, but Patsy Olivas stepped up and handled things beautifully I am told. Dr Carlos was our Table Topics winner and posed for his photo with Mr Ira Batt, our General Evaluator.
John Simonds, our Division D Governor was in attendance as well and acted as our Table Topics Master for the evening. Thanks for your help John.
It is time again to pay your dues for the next 6 months. Dues are $36.00. That's $27 for Toastmasters and $9 for the Amigo club. You can pay in person or send a check (made out to Amigo Club) to the office.
601 Sunland Park Dr, Bldg 4
El Paso, TX 79912
Our Division Governor announced last night that there was going to be a speech contest this weekend at the EPCC center off of Viscount. It is at 1 pm and open to all interested.
Check the District 23 website for information http://district23.org/
I will send out the phone numbers for our callers by Friday.
Thanks...Rick
We had quite a turnout last night. I was unfortunately late getting in, but Patsy Olivas stepped up and handled things beautifully I am told. Dr Carlos was our Table Topics winner and posed for his photo with Mr Ira Batt, our General Evaluator.
John Simonds, our Division D Governor was in attendance as well and acted as our Table Topics Master for the evening. Thanks for your help John.
It is time again to pay your dues for the next 6 months. Dues are $36.00. That's $27 for Toastmasters and $9 for the Amigo club. You can pay in person or send a check (made out to Amigo Club) to the office.
601 Sunland Park Dr, Bldg 4
El Paso, TX 79912
Our Division Governor announced last night that there was going to be a speech contest this weekend at the EPCC center off of Viscount. It is at 1 pm and open to all interested.
Check the District 23 website for information http://district23.org/
I will send out the phone numbers for our callers by Friday.
Thanks...Rick
Sunday, September 16, 2007
9/10/07
Hello Everyone,
I have been a liitle overcome by events(translated:I got a little lazy) and failed to post the last couple meetings. My apologies.
This past week we were excited to see our good friend Dr.Carlos return. He, like many others had other commitments over the summer, but he's back and ready to rock. Welcome back.
Patsy Olivas was our Toastmaster and Mr Ira Batt was our Topic Master for the evening. To see what's been happening in Ira's world click here.
Darleen was voted our best Table Topics Speaker. I think this is the 3rd or 4th week in a row. She's on a roll and we challenge eveyone to come on out and see if you can capture the crown.
It is time for everyone to renew their dues. Please help us out and get them in soon.
I will be sure to get this posted in a more timely manner. See you all tomorrow.
I have been a liitle overcome by events(translated:I got a little lazy) and failed to post the last couple meetings. My apologies.
This past week we were excited to see our good friend Dr.Carlos return. He, like many others had other commitments over the summer, but he's back and ready to rock. Welcome back.
Patsy Olivas was our Toastmaster and Mr Ira Batt was our Topic Master for the evening. To see what's been happening in Ira's world click here.
Darleen was voted our best Table Topics Speaker. I think this is the 3rd or 4th week in a row. She's on a roll and we challenge eveyone to come on out and see if you can capture the crown.
It is time for everyone to renew their dues. Please help us out and get them in soon.
I will be sure to get this posted in a more timely manner. See you all tomorrow.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
8/20/07
Hello again,
Last night we welcomed back another wanderer. Carlos Medina wandered in to get out of the rain and hung around to perform the duties of Vote counter. He did an excellent job and it was good to have him back.
Darleen Picchioni gave her Icebreaker speech and we were able to get to know a little more about her and her life. Overall she did an excellent job and overcame the nervousness that everyone experiences during their speaking debut. Each member was able to give Darleen a little feedback and I think she received some good tips for next time. Congratulations Darleen for winning the best speaker award for the evening. (applause)
John Dunham was our Table Topics Master for the evening and Patsy Olivas chose "vociferous" as our word of the day. Almost everyone used the word during their 1- 2 minute table topic speech and everyone made the time requirements to be in the running for best table topic speaker. The best Table Topic Speaker of the evening was.....(insert drumroll here)
Lori Perales ! ! ! (more applause)
I am still working on the scheduling program, but I hope to have it up by next week. For next week, Tom is scheduled to give his Icebreaker and I will give my "Get to The Point" speech. Patsy Olivas will be our Toastmaster. I left my notes at the office and those are all the assignments I remember at the moment.
Remember our membership drive. Please bring a friend to the meeting. Promise them beer if you have to. Just kidding...promise them that we will provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every member has the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth.
Until next week.....Rick
Last night we welcomed back another wanderer. Carlos Medina wandered in to get out of the rain and hung around to perform the duties of Vote counter. He did an excellent job and it was good to have him back.
Darleen Picchioni gave her Icebreaker speech and we were able to get to know a little more about her and her life. Overall she did an excellent job and overcame the nervousness that everyone experiences during their speaking debut. Each member was able to give Darleen a little feedback and I think she received some good tips for next time. Congratulations Darleen for winning the best speaker award for the evening. (applause)
John Dunham was our Table Topics Master for the evening and Patsy Olivas chose "vociferous" as our word of the day. Almost everyone used the word during their 1- 2 minute table topic speech and everyone made the time requirements to be in the running for best table topic speaker. The best Table Topic Speaker of the evening was.....(insert drumroll here)
Lori Perales ! ! ! (more applause)
I am still working on the scheduling program, but I hope to have it up by next week. For next week, Tom is scheduled to give his Icebreaker and I will give my "Get to The Point" speech. Patsy Olivas will be our Toastmaster. I left my notes at the office and those are all the assignments I remember at the moment.
Remember our membership drive. Please bring a friend to the meeting. Promise them beer if you have to. Just kidding...promise them that we will provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every member has the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth.
Until next week.....Rick
Monday, August 13, 2007
Monday 8/13/07
Hello fellow Toastmasters of the Amigo Club.
Tonight we had the distinct pleasure of saying hello to a wayward Toastmaster that wandered in out of the cold, or rather, into the air conditioned comfort of our meeting. A warm welcome back to Mr. Rock Dasher.
If I am not mistaken, Mr. Dasher has been traveling the world in search of adventure, but finally realized that our border community offered many more exciting opportunities at less cost. Rock graciously stepped up and presided as our Toastmaster for this evenings meeting. Thank you Rock.
Our group was small this evening, but we had an entertaining meeting none the less. John Dunham filled the roles as Grammarian, Ah Counter, General Evaluator and all around good guy. Thank you John for your support.
Tom Christiansen was our timer and I provided some table topics and an Amigo moment. We discussed the various roles that can be performed at meetings to help earn your Competent Communicator or Competent Leader designations. We also talked a bit about a new scheduling program that we will have up and running soon that will allow members to go in and see the schedule for upcoming meetings and accept or decline assignments or request to present speeches, etc... It will be really cool and hopefully will help eliminate some of the confusion we have been experiencing of late.
Our word of the day was kenetic, but it was, unfortunately not used in most speeches. I believe our word for the next several meetings should be "commitment".
Let's look at this word. One of the meanings listed in the American Heritage Dictionary is:
Official consignment, as to a prison or mental health facility.
That's not the one we were looking for. How about this one:
A pledge to do.
That's closer, but I prefer:
The state of being bound emotionally or intellectually to a course of action or to another person or persons: a deep commitment to liberal policies; a profound commitment to the family.
When I accepted the role of President I made a commitment to you, the members of the Amigo Toastmasters Club to guide the club in the right direction, and I am attempting to do that, but I am in desperate need of some assistance in fulfilling a couple of roles that are not being managed. If anyone is willing to "step up" and accept the challenge I will assure you of all the support I can provide. Volunteers for leadership positions can count on my commitment to provide that support. If you are interested please give me a call at 329-5868. We owe it to our new members to provide the guidance and support that they need to progress in their search for self improvement.
I look forward to next week when Darleen will give her Icebreaker speech. I hope to see you all there and please bring a friend. Until next week....Rick
Tonight we had the distinct pleasure of saying hello to a wayward Toastmaster that wandered in out of the cold, or rather, into the air conditioned comfort of our meeting. A warm welcome back to Mr. Rock Dasher.
If I am not mistaken, Mr. Dasher has been traveling the world in search of adventure, but finally realized that our border community offered many more exciting opportunities at less cost. Rock graciously stepped up and presided as our Toastmaster for this evenings meeting. Thank you Rock.
Our group was small this evening, but we had an entertaining meeting none the less. John Dunham filled the roles as Grammarian, Ah Counter, General Evaluator and all around good guy. Thank you John for your support.
Tom Christiansen was our timer and I provided some table topics and an Amigo moment. We discussed the various roles that can be performed at meetings to help earn your Competent Communicator or Competent Leader designations. We also talked a bit about a new scheduling program that we will have up and running soon that will allow members to go in and see the schedule for upcoming meetings and accept or decline assignments or request to present speeches, etc... It will be really cool and hopefully will help eliminate some of the confusion we have been experiencing of late.
Our word of the day was kenetic, but it was, unfortunately not used in most speeches. I believe our word for the next several meetings should be "commitment".
Let's look at this word. One of the meanings listed in the American Heritage Dictionary is:
Official consignment, as to a prison or mental health facility.
That's not the one we were looking for. How about this one:
A pledge to do.
That's closer, but I prefer:
The state of being bound emotionally or intellectually to a course of action or to another person or persons: a deep commitment to liberal policies; a profound commitment to the family.
When I accepted the role of President I made a commitment to you, the members of the Amigo Toastmasters Club to guide the club in the right direction, and I am attempting to do that, but I am in desperate need of some assistance in fulfilling a couple of roles that are not being managed. If anyone is willing to "step up" and accept the challenge I will assure you of all the support I can provide. Volunteers for leadership positions can count on my commitment to provide that support. If you are interested please give me a call at 329-5868. We owe it to our new members to provide the guidance and support that they need to progress in their search for self improvement.
I look forward to next week when Darleen will give her Icebreaker speech. I hope to see you all there and please bring a friend. Until next week....Rick
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Monday 8/6/07
It's another great day to be a Toastmaster.
Last night's meeting was another rousing success. Tom, Janet and Darleen (our guests from last week) all returned and "brought their checkbooks" and filled out their membership applications. Congratulations and Welcome to the Amigo Toastmasters club.
Mr John Dunham was back after being out of town for work for a couple of weeks and he performed admirably as our Toastmaster.
Lori was our Table Topics Master for the evening and provided an interesting twist with her "Truth or Dare" version of Table Topics.
Renewal time is coming up soon and we would like to see everyone renew in a timely manner, so you can expect a call from Lori or I.
The district conference is coming up in November in Albuquerque. More info to come or visit the District 23 website.
Lori and I attended the TLI training last week and were able to come away with some good ideas to help out the club. In addition to her duties as Secretary/Traeasurer Lori has agreed to help out as the VP Public Relations. She is contacting the powers that be at UTEP and EPCC to get us some ad time on their closed circuit public service TV system.
We encourage everyone to bring a friend to the meeting. In order to acheive our goal of becoming a Distinguished Club, we must meet membership criteria of 20 members or a net gain of 5 members. Our current membership is 15 plus our 4 new members, so right now we need everyone to renew and we still need one new member.
There is a membership contest going on right now and we have accomplished 4 new members for the month of August, so we will receive a $25 gift certificate for use at the Toastmasters store. Excellent.
Here's a link to an interesting video. Shift Happens
Thank you to everyone for your help and support and we look forward to seeing you next week.
Rick
Last night's meeting was another rousing success. Tom, Janet and Darleen (our guests from last week) all returned and "brought their checkbooks" and filled out their membership applications. Congratulations and Welcome to the Amigo Toastmasters club.
Mr John Dunham was back after being out of town for work for a couple of weeks and he performed admirably as our Toastmaster.
Lori was our Table Topics Master for the evening and provided an interesting twist with her "Truth or Dare" version of Table Topics.
Renewal time is coming up soon and we would like to see everyone renew in a timely manner, so you can expect a call from Lori or I.
The district conference is coming up in November in Albuquerque. More info to come or visit the District 23 website.
Lori and I attended the TLI training last week and were able to come away with some good ideas to help out the club. In addition to her duties as Secretary/Traeasurer Lori has agreed to help out as the VP Public Relations. She is contacting the powers that be at UTEP and EPCC to get us some ad time on their closed circuit public service TV system.
We encourage everyone to bring a friend to the meeting. In order to acheive our goal of becoming a Distinguished Club, we must meet membership criteria of 20 members or a net gain of 5 members. Our current membership is 15 plus our 4 new members, so right now we need everyone to renew and we still need one new member.
There is a membership contest going on right now and we have accomplished 4 new members for the month of August, so we will receive a $25 gift certificate for use at the Toastmasters store. Excellent.
Here's a link to an interesting video. Shift Happens
Thank you to everyone for your help and support and we look forward to seeing you next week.
Rick
Monday, July 30, 2007
Monday 7/30/07
An excellent meeting this evening, in my humble opinion.
We had 4 visitors to the group this evening. Forgive me if I misspell anyone's name. Janet and Darleen (from Thomason Hospital), Tom (works in a maquilla in Juarez), and Greg (a professor at UTEP). Greg was kind enough to give us an amusing story for our opening and everyone participated in the Table Topics.
Congratulations to Tom and Darleen who tied for best table topics speaker. Outstanding for first timers. Despite a little nervousness, nobody bled or got sick, so all is well.
Patsy did an excellent job as our Table Topics Master and Vote Counter for the evening. Lorraine was our timer and General Evaluator. Mariel acted as our Grammarian and Carl was the Ah Counter.
It was really great to see the new faces and we all hope to see you back in the weeks to come.
We had 4 visitors to the group this evening. Forgive me if I misspell anyone's name. Janet and Darleen (from Thomason Hospital), Tom (works in a maquilla in Juarez), and Greg (a professor at UTEP). Greg was kind enough to give us an amusing story for our opening and everyone participated in the Table Topics.
Congratulations to Tom and Darleen who tied for best table topics speaker. Outstanding for first timers. Despite a little nervousness, nobody bled or got sick, so all is well.
Patsy did an excellent job as our Table Topics Master and Vote Counter for the evening. Lorraine was our timer and General Evaluator. Mariel acted as our Grammarian and Carl was the Ah Counter.
It was really great to see the new faces and we all hope to see you back in the weeks to come.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Conference and Training
For those interested in attending the International Convention click here.
District 23 training for club officers will be held on Aug 4th. Click here for details.
Please don't forget to attend our next meeting Monday at 6pm. and bring a friend. 601 Sunland Park Dr Bldg 4.
See you there.....Rick
District 23 training for club officers will be held on Aug 4th. Click here for details.
Please don't forget to attend our next meeting Monday at 6pm. and bring a friend. 601 Sunland Park Dr Bldg 4.
See you there.....Rick
Monday 7/23
Hello Everyone.
Just wanted to let you know what's going on with our club. It would be helpful if you would click the link below to subscribe to this blog, then you will receive an email with each new post and I won't have to send individual emails.
This week Maria Watts gave a persuasive speech entitled "ACME U". As always Maria's speaking was wonderful. Ms. Debbie Figueroa was our Table Topics Master, or Mistress if you prefer. We also welcomed a new member Mariel Bustamante.
In case you aren't aware the new officers for this year are:
Rick Snow...President
Lorraine Perales...Secretary/Treasurer
Maria watts...Vice President Education
I would like to encourage everyone to come on by any Monday at 6pm at 601 Sunland Park Dr Bldg 4 and bring a friend.
There is some training coming up and I'll get it posted here soon.
Just wanted to let you know what's going on with our club. It would be helpful if you would click the link below to subscribe to this blog, then you will receive an email with each new post and I won't have to send individual emails.
This week Maria Watts gave a persuasive speech entitled "ACME U". As always Maria's speaking was wonderful. Ms. Debbie Figueroa was our Table Topics Master, or Mistress if you prefer. We also welcomed a new member Mariel Bustamante.
In case you aren't aware the new officers for this year are:
Rick Snow...President
Lorraine Perales...Secretary/Treasurer
Maria watts...Vice President Education
I would like to encourage everyone to come on by any Monday at 6pm at 601 Sunland Park Dr Bldg 4 and bring a friend.
There is some training coming up and I'll get it posted here soon.
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