Tips for a First-Time Toastmaster

Tips for a First-Time Toastmaster

If you’ve signed up for the Toastmaster role and need some tips and pointers, this is the blog for you!

Today, you’ll read about 10 great tips!

Let’s get started shall we?

The Toastmaster‘s role is to serve as the meeting’s emcee, introducing the Functionaries, the Speakers, and the Table Topics Master. The Toastmaster is introduced by the President and gets the meeting underway by introducing the theme of the day and offering appropriate remarks about the theme. They make sure the meeting flows well, keep time, and most importantly, make the guests feel welcome.

A good Toastmaster will explain each step of the meeting so that all guests have as complete an understanding as possible so that they can participate, if they so desire, or simply follow the agenda without getting lost.

10 Tips to Help You Succeed Your First Time as Toastmaster

1. Relax and don’t let the role unnerve you.
2. Call a more veteran member to ask for advice or suggestions.
3. Choose a theme that is familiar or interesting to you.
4. Prepare some opening and closing comments about your theme that invite the audience to want to participate and learn more.
5. Keep your opening and closing comments brief — you are there to keep things moving, not to pontificate for long stretches of time.
6. Pay attention to the clock … you are largely responsible for keeping the meeting on time.
7. Make an effort to explain each step of the meeting for the benefit of guests who are first-time visitors to Toastmasters.
8. Smile and make eye contact with the audience. These are your friends and they’re all rooting for you!
9. Remember it’s your job to provide an enough copies of the Agenda for all members and guests in attendance.
10. Have fun!!!

The more relaxed you are and the more you enjoy yourself, the better meeting experience you will create for everyone.

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If you’re reading this as a potential guest of Airpark Toastmasters, we sure hope you’ll visit us next week! We’re friendly and supportive – and we do lunch after almost every meeting! Hope to see you soon. 

That’s all for now, but before I leave you, one last thing… I get asked this question all the time!

“Does Toastmasters Really Help?”

Personally, I’ve witnessed transformation after transformation of those joining the Airpark Toastmasters family terrified to speak in public – but then turn into public speaking rock stars! Of course, past history doesn’t guarantee you that same success – you’ll have to make your own intelligent judgements about whether or not we are a fit to help you reach your professional goals.

But I can say this: despite the countless public speaking successes our members have experienced (including 5 media appearances) there are people who race to join Toastmasters, have revealed to them a ‘blue-print’ for public speaking success and yet a few months down the road are still stuck or parked in the same spot!

You do get what you put into it.

I don’t think this will be your experience. After all, you found our blog and read this far so you must be interested in furthering your personal and professional goals through public speaking. Congratulations on completing the first step.

Now, the next step is to stop by as a guest, introduce yourself and watch and learn as we all move forward overcoming our fears, growing professionally through better public speaking and having a great time doing it!

Scottsdale based Airpark Toastmasters, meets at noon every Thursday at the JCC building at 12701 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260. That’s on the SE corner of Scottsdale and Sweetwater Rd. Please click here for directions and feel free to drop in anytime as a guest.

Happy Speaking,
Dana – President | Airpark Toastmasters

Google+

Public speaking … Butterflies … and You …

By now I hope you’ve come to the same realizations about Airpark Toastmasters as I have –

First, we’re an atypical and stellar club – “outside the box” as they say – versus other Scottsdale Toastmasters’ clubs. And that’s a good thing.

Second, we’re growing nicely with great members and always have guests that are excited to be a part of us. Even better – every member is excited and committed to becoming a better speaker and leader – and that’s powerful …

It’s powerful because when everyone is on the ‘same page’, amazing things happen! I once watched hundreds of monarch butterflies gather over a single plant. Slowly, one by one, they perched themselves atop it … then, one stiff breeze spooked them and they dispersed like a puff of smoke high in the sky. Somehow, miraculously though, every butterfly returned atop their perch as if nothing happened – it was a bonding energy that kept them together – as if they were all on the ‘same page.’

Yes, there is strength in numbers. But, true bonds aren’t created if those numbers can’t or won’t commit to the same goals. Today, I feel that everyone here is committed to the same goals: respect, confidence and personal growth through better public speaking. In other words, we are all on the ‘same page.’

I know, I know … we’re not butterflies but the point still holds: like the butterflies, committed groups of people can accomplish incredible things. And it appears “miraculous-like” to those outside the group. (I promise you – those around you have already noticed a difference in you.) Have confidence that your sense of belonging and commitment to your personal growth is creating miraculous things – right now! Be proud in everything that you’ve accomplished so far … but don’t stop here – this is just the beginning.

For Members: Continue your growth right now, and sign up for a functionary role for our next meeting – what few roles are left.

For Guests: Stop in this Thursday and watch first hand how Airpark Toastmasters is helping its members become better speakers, leaders and communicators. There’s no obligation and we’d love to meet you in person! Here is a link to our directions. We all look forward to meeting you on Thursday.

It’ll be another great meeting this week – and that’s squarely because of you – the members and guests of Airpark Toastmasters!

That’s all for now, but before I leave you, one last thing…

“Does Toastmasters Really Work?”

I’ve personally witnessed transformation after transformation of people joining our family terrified to speak in public – but then turn into public speaking rock stars! Of course, you’ll have to make your own intelligent judgements about whether or not we are a fit to help you reach your professional goals.

But I can say this: despite the countless public speaking successes our members have experienced (including 5 media appearances) there are people who race to join Toastmasters, have revealed to them a ‘blue-print’ for public speaking success and yet a few months down the road are still stuck or parked in the same spot!

You do get what you put into it.

I don’t think this will be your experience. After all, you found our blog and read this far so you must be interested in furthering your personal and professional goals through public speaking. Congratulations on completing the first step.

Now, the next step is to stop by as a guest, introduce yourself and watch and learn as we all move forward overcoming our fears, growing professionally through better public speaking and having a great time doing it!

Scottsdale based Airpark Toastmasters, meets at noon every Thursday at the JCC building at 12701 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260. That’s on the SE corner of Scottsdale and Sweetwater Rd. Please click here for directions and feel free to drop in anytime as a guest.

Happy Speaking,
Anthony – Current Past President | Airpark Toastmasters
Author: Anthony Contreras
Google+

Public Speaking Rant and Happy Valentine’s Day!

Oh Will You Be My Valentine

Hi, something’s really been bothering me lately – and you’re going to hear about it. But first…

Happy Valentine’s Day!

And just in time … the new Love Poem Generator Smartphone app. Create and text a custom poem from your phone straight to that of your Valentine’s.

Like this one:

“The moment I saw you

my heart was sold

and the two of us

will never be cold.”

Yikes! Can it get any worse?

(I guess) I see why this is needed. Guys really do have trouble with this kind of stuff. And plus, it avoids embarrassing face-to-face rejections. Like when he’s holding a dozen roses in hand asking, “Will you be my Valentine?”

Only to be told, “I already have one.”

Ouch.

He should have use the Love Poem Generator app instead…

Why Rejection Matters To You

The bigger point is this: More and more I see too many professionals in the workplace looking for safety nets – hiding behind a text, or an email – instead of actively engaging colleagues face-to-face; hiding behind a smart phone app – instead of picking up the phone seeking real communication.

But for public speakers like you and me, we don’t have that luxury.

We speak to groups all the time KNOWING that we MUST be heard. That takes a skill that is hard to teach. But, there IS an “app” for that…

It’s called Airpark Toastmasters.

And unlike the Love Poem Generator app, our job as public speakers is to connect with a real, live, bona-fide audience … to engage them …and get them to take action on our point of view.

That is what we strive to accomplish at each and every TM meeting. And it’s impossible to do with a text, email, or … an app. If it were that easy then everyone would do it. But that fact is …

More people would rather die than overcome their public speaking fears!

Jerry Seinfeld says, “More people ‘wanna’ be the guy in the casket than ‘wanna’ be the guy giving the eulogy to the guy in the casket.”

Overcoming our fears … that too is what we strive to accomplish at each and every meeting.

In fact, we’re one of the few place around that allows you to practice your speaking skills in a safe and supportive environment, – no one passes judgment on you. We are, after all, in the same boat together.

I commend you for being a part of our speaking family … attending regularly … taking on roles and making this club the best one in the area.

In the last 3 weeks EVERY guest told me that

ours was the most enjoyable club they’d visited

EVERY guest!

That’s squarely because of you. And I can’t thank you enough.

Happy Valentine’s Day to you!

Anthony

P.S. – Oh, and for the men out there in relationships of ANY significance, I wouldn’t recommend using the Love Poem Generator. That’s like sending her a 140-character ‘Happy Anniversary’ tweet. As my uncle would say:

“Son, that ain’t gonna get you nowhere…

Instead, be above average and treat her the way she deserves to be treated. (Ladies, do the same for your ‘him.’)

And, be above average in your circles too – break from the norm of colleagues that hide behind emails, tweets, and posts. Get above that and become the most dynamic public speaker your organization has ever heard.

This adds more value to your company while cultivating your marquee status over and above your colleagues. Believe me, your superiors WILL notice.

That does matter to you, doesn’t it?

That’s all for now, but before I leave you, one last thing…

“Is Toastmasters All A Bunch of Hype?”

I’ve personally witnessed transformation after transformation of people coming into our family terrified to speak in public – turn into public speaking rock stars! And, you’ll have to make your own intelligent judgements about whether or not we are a fit to help you reach your professional goals.

So what I can tell you is this: despite the countless public speaking successes our members have experienced (including 5 media appearances recently!) there are people who race to join Toastmasters, have revealed to them a ‘blue-print’ for public speaking success and yet 6 months down the road are still stuck or parked in the same spot!

You do get what you put into it.

I don’t think this will be your experience. After all, you found our blog and read this far so you must be interested in furthering your personal and professional goals through public speaking. Congratulations on completing the first step.

Now, the next step is to stop by as a guest, introduce yourself and watch and learn as we all move forward overcoming our fears, growing professionally through better public speaking and having a great time doing it!

Scottsdale based Airpark Toastmasters, meets at noon every Thursday at the JCC building at 12701 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260. That’s on the SE corner of Scottsdale and Sweetwater Rd. Please click here for directions and feel free to drop in anytime as a guest.

Happy Speaking,
Anthony – President | Airpark Toastmasters
Author: Anthony Contreras
Google+

“Don’t Be A Turkey” Happy Thanksgiving!

An Important Message From Tony the Turkey:

A Story Of One Turkey’s Remarkable
Public Speaking Journey That Saved His Life!

Dear Valley residents,

Tony the Turkey here and do I have a story to tell you!

I have seen death and laughed in its face!

I cheated death.

I’ll tell you how in a minute. But first there’s something that’s really been ruffling my feathers as of late.

It’s about you.

You’ve paid your dues – many, many, many times over.

You’ve earned the right to have a financially and professionally rewarding job and career.

You deserve the peace of mind and stability that should come with a great job and career.

If you’re frustrated because you don’t have said job or career – because your current position isn’t what you thought it would be – or maybe the opportunity for advancement doesn’t look promising…

If you don’t trust your company to recognize and reward you the way you deserve – heightening your worries about job security, financial freedom and your ability to provide a quality life for you and your loved ones…

If you’re fed up being looked over for promotions, raises, job recognition or you can’t seem to get your team motivated to take action on your ideas…

I Tony the Turkey, feel your pain and understand your concern.

You see, at a time when most of my friends aren’t having a good month, to say the least, I have been granted a full pardon. I am alive and well and the reason for it: my ability to persuade the right people to my message with ease, confidence, and passion.

Yes, that’s right, I’m talking about my ability to speak in public, get my message heard and to get my audience to take action!

Here I am being called to the podium. I was so persuasive with my speaking one journalist approached me afterward to say, “You had me at ‘gobble.'” Who knew a turkey could speak in public? I admit I was a little nervous. But once I got over those initial fears I was able to get my point across and get the audience to act on my idea – To save me being the next Thanksgiving Day meal! Even though I’m a turkey I spoke like a true public speaking professional!

Do you remember the last time you were called to speak in front of your colleagues or co-workers and how nervous you were? The sweaty palms, jittery knees, you couldn’t even swallow it was so bad. I know because I’ve been there. I was so bad at public speaking they used to say, “Hey, he looks and sounds like a Turkey!”

Take it from a turkey…

No one wants to be a turkey. Especially not in front of an audience of your peers, colleagues or superiors – that could be career ending! But when your neck’s on the line (pardon the pun) and you’re trying to express a crucial idea but you’re so nervous you barely feel your own two feet on the ground, it’s tough to impress anyone under those circumstances.

But it’s not your fault. Public speaking takes a lot of skill, dedication and hard work. But even then, if you’re working hard on learning the wrong things the problem will get much, much worse.

There’s only one way I know to permanently rid yourself of the fear of public speaking and master the art of getting your audiences to listen to and act on your ideas. It’s an easy to implement step-by-step approach using proven methods to manage your fears while persuading audiences, and having a great support group to cheer you on with encouragement and constructive feedback.

I’m talking about Toastmasters.

Toastmasters is the most complete system for individuals and professionals at all levels – employee, mid level, c-suite; business owners, MBA candidates, parents looking to communicate better with their children or anyone with personal and professional goals that includes learning to get their messages heard and acted on. Toastmasters is the only system that lets you practice multiple leadership and call to action situations without fear of embarrassment or waiting years to climb up the corporate ladder. It focuses on only the core skills necessary to get your message heard and acted on. After all, it’s better to spend less time on the haystack and more time on the needles you want to draw from it, right?

Ooh, and I may be a turkey but I’m no dummy. I know what you’re thinking. You’re probably asking yourself:

“Is Toastmasters All A Bunch of Hype?”

Honestly, how should I know? I’m a turkey. But what I can tell you is this: despite the countless public speaking successes our members have experienced (including 5 media appearances this year!) there are people who race to join Toastmasters, have revealed to them a ‘blue-print’ for public speaking success and yet 6 months down the road are still stuck or parked in the same spot!

You do get what you put into it.

I don’t think this will be your experience. After all, you found our blog and read this far so you must be interested in furthering your personal and professional goals through public speaking. Congratulations on completing the first step.

Now, the next step is to stop by as a guest, introduce yourself and watch and learn as we all move forward overcoming our fears, growing professionally through better public speaking and having a great time doing it!

Scottsdale based Airpark Toastmasters, meets at noon every Thursday at the Copperstate building at 7725 E Evans Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85260. That’s one block north of E. Redfield next door to the Scottsdale Airpark Airport. Please click here for directions and feel free to drop in anytime as a guest.

“Hey, he sounds like a turkey when he speaks in front of the board.
I’m giving him a promotion and a raise!”

Said no CEO ever.

Don’t be a turkey. Learn to speak in public.

Happy Thanksgiving,
Tony the Turkey
Author: Anthony Contreras

Airpark Toastmasters Shine at Area C2 Contest!

Airpark Toastmasters continued its’ strong tradition in competitive speaking as Michael Goldstein and Tom Otstot represented the club March 30 in the Area C2 Contest.

Michael brought the house down with his hilarious speech about his sugar addiction in the Tall Tales Contest. Michael evoked heavy laughter throughout his speech and after the contest many attendees approached to urge him to pursue a stand-up comedy career. Michael’s brand of subtle observational humor is unique and his connection with the audience is palpable. 

Tom brought home first place in the International Speech Contest for the third year in a row. Tom will advance to defend his two year reign as Cholla Division Champion April 4th in Scottsdale.

Airpark members Adele Blakey, Susie Goldstein, Anthony Contreras, Claudia Sawaf and Gwen McCaleb were in attendance to give Tom and Michael their fabulous support during this event.

Who Can Benefit from Toastmasters?

Who Can Benefit from Toastmasters?
by Laura Orsini, VP Marketing/PR

One of the first rules of marketing is that the whole world is not your market. I always teach my clients to dump “anybody who” and “everybody who” from their explanations about their ideal clients, because it’s never anybody or everybody that we want to market to. We want people who are coachable. People who can afford to pay. People who will become raving fans and tell others about our product or service. That’s not anybody or everybody.

With Toastmasters, it’s tempting to break that rule, because the organization has such a wide appeal to such a diverse collection of people.

Characteristics of Airpark Toastmasters:

• We have an international flavor, with one member who is orignally from Australia, one from India, and one of our newest members, who is from Britain.
• We have many entrepreneurs, with people in coaching, direct sales, financial services, health services, mortgage lenders, authors, and even a gal who designs her own handbags.
• Agewise, we run a little older, with the average age of the club probably hovering in the early 40s.

Airpark Toastmasters benefits:

• People who are new to the area and want to meet intelligent, like-minded people. We hear this from many new members.
• Job seekers. It helps them hone their interview skills and develop leadership qualities that make them better candidates.
• Entrepreneurs or solopreneurs. It gives them a ready-made team and support system, whic h is particularly useful if you’re alone in your office all day.
• Those who want to develop their speaking skills to give better presentations so they can attract more clients.
• Business professioanls interested in developing their leadership and team-building skills. So much of the success of Toastmasters comes from individuals working together for the success of the club and all its members. Lone Rangers have not tended to do very well in our club.
• People who want to develop deep and lasting friendships outside of the club.
• Individuals who want to learn to run crisp, clean, functional meetings.

Airpark Toastmasters will be hosting an Open House and Workshop Series entitled “Presentation Perfection” on Friday, April 30, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at our regular meeting place, Keller Graduate School. This is the same general time of day we hold our meetings, but on Friday, instead of Thursday. Join us for food, networking, and camaraderie. The seminars will be:

11:20 a.m.   Tips for Overcoming Your Public Speaking Anxiety

12:20 p.m.   Constructive Evaluations for Best Results

   1:20 p.m.   Secrets for Running Effective Meetings

Please join us – and tell your friends! The event is free and open to the public, but we are limited to the first 100 people who come through the doors. Please call 602.518.5376 or e-mail OpenHouse@WriteMarketDesign.com to RSVP. If you’ve been thinking about stopping by, now’s your chance.

Presentation Perfection: Open House and Seminars on April 30

Presentation Perfection: Open House and Seminars on April 30

Join Airpark Toastmasters from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, April 30 for seminars that will teach you how to improve your presentation skills by getting past your fear of public speaking, enhancing your evaluation skills, and learning to lead better meetings.

Free and open to the public!

Keller Graduate School
18500 Allied Way, Suite 150
Phoenix, AZ 85054
(Inside the Republic building, off Mayo Boulevard just west of Scottsdale Road)

 Limited to the first 100 participants who RSVP:

602.518.5376
airparktm@gmail.com

We look forward to meeting you!

Airpark Toastmasters’ Laura Orsini to Present at 2010 District Spring Conference

Airpark Toastmasters’ Laura Orsini to Present at 2010 District Spring Conference
by Mark Brezinsky, President  

Laura Orsini to head up session on Creating Legacy Clubs. 

Our very own VP of Marketing/PR, Laura Orsini, has been selected as a presenter at our 2010 District Spring Conference, being held at the the Arizona Golf Resort & Conference Center in Mesa.  The session, titled “Be a Part of the Legacy,” will run from 9:45-10:30 on Saturday morning, May 1.  

A valued member of our Airpark family since October 2004, Laura has dedicated herself to the club through her participation in leadership roles, from her current position as VP Marketing/Pr to past VP of Education.  She has also assisted in mentoring many new members, utilizing the superior skills she has developed during her time with Toastmasters.  

With Airpark’s Tom Otstot representing the Cholla Division in the International Speech Contest on at the conference on Saturday evening, every member of Airpark Toastmasters has even more reason to attend! I encourage everyone to show their support for Laura and Tom by doing Airpark Toastmasters proud and making a great showing. They will even have a place for us to display our banner!   

Laura‘s presentation will touch on: 

• Highlighting what’s already working in your club
• Brainstorming new ideas to build a club membership that lasts
• Ways to take what you’ve learned back to share with your club

Please make a special effort to participate in what is sure to be an informative and entertaining presentation. 

Conference Details

A Star Among Stars
Toastmasters District 3 Spring Conference
Friday-Sunday, April 30-May 2
Arizona Golf Resort & Conference Center
425 S. Power Road, Mesa 85206
800.528.8282 

Special Keynote Speaker
2009-11 International Director,
Pamela McCown, DTM 

Hall of Fame Luncheon Honoree
Jason Schechterle 

• Full Conference: $113
• Saturday Only: $75 (includes meals, contest, educational sessions)
• General Registration Without Meals: $40 (includes educational sessions, gallery seating)
• Contest Only: $15
• A la carte pricing also available

List of the Educational Sessions 

REGISTER HERE 

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If you’re reading this as a potential guest of Airpark Toastmasters, we sure hope you’ll visit us next week! We’re friendly and supportive – and we do lunch after almost every meeting! Hope to see you soon.   

Thoughts on Communication

Thoughts on Communication from Some Master Communicators

	Abraham Lincoln When I get ready to talk to people, I spend two thirds of the time thinking what they want to hear and one third thinking about what I want to say.
	Dan Quayle Verbosity leads to unclear, inarticulate things.
	Edward R. Murrow The newest computer can merely compound, at speed, the oldest problem in the relations between human beings, and in the end the communicator will be confronted with the old problem, of what to say and how to say it.
	Edwin H. Friedman The colossal misunderstanding of our time is the assumption that insight will work with people who are unmotivated to change. Communication does not depend on syntax, or eloquence, or rhetoric, or articulation but on the emotional context in which the message is being heard. People can only hear you when they are moving toward you, and they are not likely to when your words are pursuing them. Even the choicest words lose their power when they are used to overpower. Attitudes are the real figures of speech.
	Franklin D. Roosevelt Be sincere; be brief; be seated.
	Kin Hubbard Don’t knock the weather; nine-tenths of the people couldn’t start a conversation if it didn’t change once in a while.
	Michel de Montaigne I quote others only in order the better to express myself.
	Plato Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something.
	Rudyard Kipling Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.
	Winston Churchill Jaw jaw is better than war war.
	Woodrow Wilson If I am to speak ten minutes, I need a week for preparation; if fifteen minutes, three days; if half an hour, two days; if an hour, I am ready now.

	Ann Morrow Lindbergh Good communication is as stimulating as black coffee, and just as hard to sleep after.
	Clare Booth Luce They say that women talk too much. If you have worked in Congress, you know that the filibuster was invented by men.
	Maya Angelou I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
	Mother Teresa Kind words can be short and easy to speak but their echoes are truly endless.
	Dr. Joyce Brothers Listening, not imitation, may be the sincerest form of flattery.

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If you’re reading this as a potential guest of Airpark Toastmasters, we sure hope you’ll visit us next week! We’re friendly and supportive – and we do lunch after almost every meeting! Hope to see you soon. 

Preparing for Interviews the Toastmasters Way

Preparing for Interviews the Toastmasters Way

 by Brad Taft, CC, CMF, VP Membership 

 

If you are on the interview trail, it would serve you well to make Toastmasters your first stop in preparing an effective interview strategy.

 

Most companies use the Behavioral Interviewing  Process, which means that they ask applicants questions to solicit their past behavior in certain instances, instead of asking candidates how they would react in  hypothetical situations. This is beneficial to both the prospective employer and the job seeker because it allows the candidate to relate a real-life story that illustrates specific talents, including skills and knowledge bases which directly apply to the employer’s needs.

 

Toastmasters teaches us that storytelling is a powerful communications tool, and developing a prepared speech on the subject of your profession is an excellent opportunity to create content that can be used in job interviews.

In addition, Table Topics sessions [impromptu speaking] are the perfect practice vehicles for effectively answering questions put forth by interviewers. During Table Topics, you must:

• answer the question within a limited time
• have a beginning, middle, and end to your answer
• use good eye contact
• include personal stories

To stand out from other applicants in an interview scenario, be sure to add appropriate humor, which is another great tool that Toastmasters teaches us.

By using your Toastmasters tools, you can effectively communicate your talents and increase your job search success! 

 

Brad Taft has received Toastmasters’ Competent Communicator distinction and is Vice President of Membership for Airpark Toastmasters. He is Chief Career Strategist at Taft Resource Group, an outplacement and career transition consulting firm and he holds the highest certification in the career coaching field, Career Management Fellow. Contact him at brad@WorkingMyWay.com.

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If you’re reading this as a potential guest of Airpark Toastmasters, we sure hope you’ll visit us next week! We’re friendly and supportive – and we do lunch after almost every meeting! Hope to see you soon.