Sunday, April 26, 2009

Meeting Notes: April 21, 2009

The meeting began at 7:06 pm.

Bob Jackson presented the invocation. Brian Allen lead the club in the Pledge of Allegiance.

President Tom Carlson remarked on stories of people who are constantly making improvements and urged all members not to lose their commitment.

Alvin Wire served as the meeting’s Toastmaster. As an introduction, members were asked to say their name and what they plan on doing just as soon as they get the time and the weather is nice.

General Evaluator Karl Herbst directed that voting would be by placement.

Michael Tunks spoke first. “Humility Trip” was his sixth speech.

The second speaker was Brian Allen with “Love, Compassion, and Honor.”

Nicole Hilbelink spoke third, presenting an award for Forensics MVP.

The final speech, a roast of Norm Aulabaugh, was given by Tom Carlson.

New member Irina Zelenskaya evaluated Michael; Phyllis Bickford evaluated Brian; Norm Aulabaugh evaluated Nicole; and Rick Brunton evaluated Tom.

Rick took the lectern as Education Master, teaching the club how to use notes and visual aids effectively.

Hien Tran served as Table Topics Master, asking questions related to perspectives of various professions. Tom Carlson, Nicole Hilbelink, and Alvin Wire were called upon to answer. Nicole’s response earned “Best Table Topics.”

Norm Aulabaugh was Joke Master, reminding members of the importance of using humor in creating a connection with the audience.

Karl returned to the lectern to evaluate the meeting. He acknowledged Noah Davisson as timer, Bonnie Smith as ‘Ah’ Counter, and Dan Bekta as Grammarian for their importance to the evaluation team. When choosing the Evaluation award, Karl recognized all the new members who took on roles: Irina, Noah, Bonnie, and Dan.

Toastmaster Wire presented the Best Speaker award to Tom Carlson.

President Carlson asked the evening’s guests to share his comments.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:31 pm.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Meeting Notes: April 7, 2009

Janesville Toastmasters

Meeting Notes from Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Norm Aulabaug filled in as Master Host and began the meeting promptly at 7:00 pm.

Tom Carlson led the club in the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.

Tom’s presidential remarks were a report summing up what has happened for the last couple of weeks. At the time of the remarks, we were a Select Club. After Nicole Hilbelink completed her final Competent Communication Manual speech, the club would officially be at Distinguished Club status. Tom mentioned that he would do his best to complete enough speeches to bring the club to President’s Distinguished Status. President Carlson also gave the sad news of non-renewing members.

Norm asked each person to introduce himself or herself by giving his/her name and how he/she learned of Janesville Toastmasters. Norm then went on to discuss what Toastmasters is all about-selling lectern time.

Alvin Wire served as General Evaluator and informed the club that speakers would be evaluated by betterment.

Michael Tunks was the first speaker, presenting his manual speech, “Summer Bliss,” which was focused on “How to Say It.”

Nicole Hilbelink delivered her final CC project, “The Perfect Gift,” the purpose of which was to persuade.

The third speaker was new member, Noah Davisson, who blew us all away with his powerful Icebreaker, “Snapshots.” His presentation earned “Best Speaker.”

Michael was evaluated by Karl Herbst, Nicole was evaluated by Ross Quinn, and Noah was evaluated by Dan Bekta. Ross Quinn walked away with the “Best Evaluator” award.

Ross Quinn also served as Education Master with an excellent presentation about connecting with the audience and becoming a great speaker rather than an average speaker.

Alvin Wire took the lectern as Reading Master, sharing an article from the Timber Producers Association Magazine titled, “Memories of the 1980 Forest Fire.”

As his Commentary, Karl Herbst encouraged all members to embrace the Toastmasters program.

General Evaluator Alvin Wire told the club that the meeting had a very professional feel, so his comments were very particular.

Norm moved to adjourn the meeting, and the motion was seconded by Alvin.

Meeting Notes: March 31, 2009

Janesville Toastmasters

Meeting Notes for Tuesday, March 31st-Speechathon!

The gavel sounded at 7:04 pm with Karl Herbst at the helm as Toastmaster for the evening.

Tom Carlson opening the meeting with a Toast to Janesville Toastmasters, club 1983.

Jim Moses presented his third manual speech, “Get to the Point,” reminding us that we can never overcommunicate new information.

Alvin Wire took the lectern with a speech of praise from the Special Occasion Manual. Alvin honored Rick Brunton.

Rick was next, and delivered a presentation about striving for excellence.

Tom Carlson once again spoke, this time from the Public Relations manual. This was project 3, focusing on the Persuasive Approach, and his speech was title, “If Mountains were Smooth.”

The sixth speaker for the evening was Phyllis Bickford, who presented project four from the Competent Communicator manual, “How to Say It.” Her speech was titled “The Three R’s.”

Finally, the club was honored by the triumphant and inspiring return of Robert Jackson, who delivered a presentation about his traumatic experience and overcoming his own mountain.

Following all the speeches were evaluations: Phyllis Bickford evaluated Tom Carlson’s toast; Nicole Hilbelink evaluated Jim Moses; Hien Tran evaluated Alvin Wire; Diane Young evaluated Rick Brunton; Michele Lindauer evaluated Tom Carlson’s persuasive speech; Rick Brunton evaluated Phyllis Bickford; and Tom Carlson evaluated Robert Jackson.

Jim Moses shared the timer report.

As Hien Tran tallied the votes for best speaker, long-time member Don Warnloff shared a few ice-breaking remarks.

Jim Moses won “Best Speaker” for the evening. Congratulations!

These are a few key ideas that stuck out to me throughout the evening.
“Man is only truly content when he challenges himself through competition.” ~Rick Brunton
“If mountains were smooth, we could not climb them.” ~Tom Carlson
“You can never overcommunicate new information.” ~Jim Moses

Meeting Notes: March 17th, 2009

Janesville Toastmasters

Meeting Notes from March 17, 2009

Masterhost Brian Allen began the meeting promptly at 7pm and welcomed the evening’s two guests.

Club President Tom Carlson was unable to attend, and Rick Brunton stepped in for the remarks, reminding us that dues are due at the end of the month. The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 31, a Fifth Tuesday Speechathon.

Rick Brunton served as Toastmaster for the evening.

The evening began with a manual speech by Jim Moses, called “Spring Yard Care.” He was evaluated on betterment and won the “Best Speaker” trophy.

Karl Herbst and Nicole Hilbelink both participated in the club contest, though Karl did plan on moving on to the next level. Because she stayed within the time limits, she will represent the club at the Are C-4 competition on Saturday, March 28.

Phyllis Bickford evaluated Jim Moses, and Michele Lindauer evaluated Karl Herbst. Nicole Hilbelink received Round Robin commentary for her contest speech.

Norm Aulabaugh presented an educational session about the function of General Evaluator.

Michael Tunks presented Table topics. Nicole Hilbelink, Brian Allen, and guest Noah Davisson answered questions, and Noah was presented “Best Table Topics” for his response.

Phyllis Bickford served as Reading Master, sharing an excerpt of Mark Twain’s “From Eve’s Diary.”

Rick Brunton took the lectern with a brief commentary urging members to compete in contests.

There was no formal verbal motion to adjourn the meeting. It was over because Rick said so.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Humorous Contest

Photos courtesy of Toastmaster Monica Wahlberg

Nicole, talking about hiding in a box

Areas C-2 & C-4 Contestants

Nicole, receiving award from Tom


Our friend Diane Young, kicking the event off.





Tom presenting a participant with his award.




Tom, serving as Contest Master.





Tom, interviewing a contestant.







Tom, learning how to hug








Lori, preparing to judge (in the back left)








Michele, signing people in at C-1 & C-3 event








Tom, presenting an award




Saturday, October 4, 2008

Tom Carlson in Business Week

Check out the following link to read what Mr. Carlson has to say about how small business owners are affected the by the current economic climate:

http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/content/oct2008/sb2008103_938929.htm?chan=smallbiz_smallbiz+index+page_top+small+business+stories

Press Release

JANESVILLE TOASTMASTERS CLUB HONORS EXCELLENCE IN LEADERSHIP AND SPEAKING

July 30, 2008

Janesville Toastmasters, Club of Champions, recently held “Toastmaster Tributes”, an event honoring the successes and achievements of the club in the past year as well as the overall history of the club.

The Past President Award was presented to Yuri Rashkin for his service as President for 2007-2008 by current President, Tom Carlson. The club received the honor of President’s Distinguished Club for 2007-2008. The following honors were also awarded:

Competent Communicator: Yuri Rashkin, Alvin Wire

Advanced Communicator Bronze: Norm Aulabaugh, Michele Lindauer, Alvin Wire

Old Competent Leader: Norm Aulabaugh, Rick Brunton, Tom Carlson, Yuri Rashkin,
Alvin Wire

High Performance Leader: Karl Herbst, Michele Lindauer

Competent Leader: Karl Herbst

Advanced Communicator Gold: Karl Herbst

Triple Crown Award: Karl Herbst

Distinguished Toastmaster: Karl Herbst

The Janesville Toastmasters club meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month in the public meeting room at Hedberg Public Library. The meetings begin at 7:00 pm sharp and last until 8:30 pm. Toastmasters gives people the opportunity to learn about effective leadership and communication skills. Guests are always welcome.