Preston Persuaders

We kicked off final meeting of the year with a warm welcome from Brian, reading from Dr. Seuss’s The Places You’ll Go.  Our Toastmaster for the evening, Mark, started off by introducing our theme for the day, "Where are you from?", telling us that he has in fact lived over 90% of his life within 5 miles of the Presbyterian Hospital where he was born, noting that more than 40% of people generally settle in the community they were raised.

Introducing his role as Ah Counter, Don had the entire room chanting his rendition of Queen’s “We will we will rock you”, noting that he will, he will click you if you say an “ah” or “um” during the meeting.   

We had a full slate of excellent speakers! First, in her Ice Breaker speech, And Then The Frenchmen Borrowed Our Flag, Danielle delivered a riveting and brave story about her journey in Spain that shaped the person she is today. 

Next, in her speech, The Initiation, Ann gave us an entertaining “day in the life” view of what it’s like to be a substitute teacher corralling a group of 5 year olds through an entire day of schooling for the first time. 

Then, in Lisa’s speech, First Family Vacation, we learn that it’s important to share our vacation plans with our children, as she tells us about what was supposed to be a magical family vacation to Disney World that turned out to be a disappointment for her 6-year old daughter.  Lisa still managed to make it an enjoyable experience for herself, having taken a picture with every one of the Disney Princesses!

Finally, Jyo delivered a heartfelt speech titled, Know You WHY, as she delivers Speech #10 in the CC manual for the sixth time.  Jyo encourages all to understand our WHY in life, and how it has helped others change the world, including the founder of MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving), and Nancy Brinker, founder of the Susan G. Komen foundation, which has helped save the lives of both Jyo and Lisa through breast cancer awareness and screening. 
 
We had a number of standing ovations during the meeting. Danielle, one of our newest members, for her Ice Breaker speech; Jyo Pai, one of most experienced members, for delivering a compelling tenth speech; and finally a heartfelt standing ovation from all of our members for our President Allison Blair, as she presided over her last meeting as President of Preston Persuaders Toastmasters.  Her leadership and energy over the past year have continued to reinforce the qualities of excellence that make Preston Persuaders a club our members and guests continue to value and enjoy coming to each week. 

We look forward to seeing YOU at our next meeting!