Meeting:  Wednesday, February 13, 2013
In Attendance: Kathy, Burton, Chris, Elena, Claudette, David, Val
Guests:  Mark
Theme:  Evaluate to Motivate

Chris gave a presentation from the Successful Club Series - Evaluate to Motivate.  He discussed how evaluations are a very important part of Toastmasters as they provide immediate feedback to the speaker, offer methods of improvement, and help to build self-esteem.  They help to build the speakers character and capability.

There is an advanced group called the Circle of Gold where advanced toastmasters get together to evaluate each others speeches and help with writing, etc. 

He then continued with ideas on how to be a better evaluator by knowing the speakers objectives, even talking to the speaker to see if they have any previous areas of concern they are working on.  The evaluation can help to guide the speaker in a new direction if necessary.  During the speech be sure to show interest, take notes, and pick the most important things they are doing write, or need improvement on.  Choose your words carefully.  Put yourself in their shoes, what type of statements would you find the most supportive.  Evaluate the speech, not the person.  Don’t forget the closing - summarize you key points and encourage other listeners to apply what they have heard.  Practice makes it.  Great suggestions Chris!
During Table Topics Claudette asked us “what do you love about ....”  David talked about what he loves about chocolate - brings happiness to his kids; Burton discussed what he loves about pirates; Elena loves warm socks in the winter keeps you warm - she used to knit her own sock!!s;  and guest Mark loves boating in large bodies of water - talked about his vacation in Chili.  David was the days Table Topic Trophy Winner!  Congrats David!!