In the meeting’s opening remarks, Vice President of Education, Kerstin Hasse, shed light on the notable singer, songwriter, and activist Tracy Chapman, highlighting that Chapman’s music tackles significant social matters, including poverty, racism, and human rights.
In support and acknowledgment of the Black Lives Matter movement, a minute of silence was observed. VPE Kerstin also introduced the bias flag as a tool for personal growth in our ongoing journey of becoming better speakers. The meeting was then handed over to the Toastmaster of the day, Tina Joe, who introduced the word of the day (WOD), interpret, sharing that interpretations are shaped by our individual experiences, including our past, culture, education, and values, and mentioning that these unique perspectives influence how we understand and perceive the world around us.
Toastmaster Savannah Murphy introduced our first speaker, Toastmaster Summer Murphy. Summer delivered a Level 4 project speech from the Humorous Speaking Pathway, covering two topics: hosting an event for the NC Flight Attendants Association and winning an award for her camping innovation, “Just Stay Home.” Each topic was presented with humor in concise 2-3 minute speeches. The audience was entertained and engaged throughout. Savannah provided feedback and praised Summer’s choice of an impromptu project speech, highlighting the humor and laughter they brought to the audience.
Toastmaster Norris Bass introduced our second speaker, Toastmaster Dave Burr. Dave delivered a speech discussing the marketing strategies behind grocery products in the US, and highlighted the introduction of private label brands, like Trader Joe’s and Aldi, which offer identical products at significantly lower prices, ranging from 25% to 50% less. Norris provided feedback, commending Dave for delivering an informative speech on short notice and for his ability to provide valuable insights.
Toastmaster Hema Kellett led an engaging table topic session, incorporating an interactive element by using fortune cookie sayings as prompts for speakers to share personal stories and interpretations. The interactive segment aimed to sharpen participants’ ability to think on their feet, communicate effectively, and respond confidently in the moment. TT Hema
Toastmaster Anu Parvathaneni served as a General Evaluator, providing comprehensive overall feedback. Toastmaster Kerstin Haase served as Timer, while Toastmaster John Doggett, Grammarian, offering valuable language feedback.
Tina smoothly handed over the meeting to Kerstin, who wrapped the meeting up and adjourned it.
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The next Sunrise Toastmasters meeting will be at 7 a.m. on May 17, EST. If you would like to join our meeting as a guest, contact us for the meeting link.
The roles for the next meeting are as follows:
Toastmaster: Summer
Speaker 1: Hema
Speaker 2: Dave
Table Topics: Kerstin
General Evaluator: Savannah
Evaluator 1: Saraswathi
Evaluator 2: Tim
Timer: Norris
Grammarian: Anu
