Lucy told us that true Self Confidence is recognition that we are all human beings and committing to thinking independently.

Michelle congratulates Denise for her efforts in building a new Toastmasters club at her work. Her efforts filled a room with standing room only.  Her efforts may lead to the formation of not one but two clubs. Denise’s mentee Ya-Han was a speaker at this meeting. Michelle congratulates them on their efforts and the growth of their self-confidence.

What is the Doomsday Clock?  Rich tells us that it is a symbol of the destruction of the human race. The closer the clock is set to midnight the closer the human race is its destruction.  It’s currently set at 5 minutes to midnight.  It is based on security and climate issues.

Lance tells us about his father and how he looked up to him. He described the pets that have lived in his parents’ home throughout the years, and the difficulty of losing pets and the loss of
all of the current pets.  As his parents have now taken on a new pet, life is once again grand because a dog is back in the picture.

Notes/Comments:

• Meeting Called to Order at 5:30 pm.
• Lisa is Co-chairing Chamber’s club contest. She is looking for folks to help judge. The contest is 2/21 at Razzi’s in Greenwood.
• Reminder to all when filling timer roles to announce the times for the prepared
  speakers only.
• Division B Toastmasters Leadership Institute on Feb. 16th 6pm.  Offering training about club officer  roles as well as sessions to leadership development.  Melissa is presenting session on  interviewing, parliamentary procedure and delegation.  Free.
• Our club contest is on 2/15.
• Officer meeting 2/22.
• Meeting Adjourned at 6:58 pm.

Melissa, Club Secretary

Rich opened the meeting by giving us wonderful descriptions of views of Seattle and Lake Washington at the beginning of the day.

Alan gave his Icebreaker speech tonight. He told us about growing up in North Dakota giving us colorful descriptions of the landscapes.  He tells us he’s quite the do it yourselfer and will spend too much time in Home Depot. He works with the International Film Festival bringing over 10 Italian films that would never otherwise be seen in the United States.

Our final speech was from the Better Speaker Series about Beginning Your Speech.  We were provided criteria for what makes a good opening and some techniques for doing so.

• Notes/Comments:
• Meeting  Called to Order at 5:30 pm.
• Officer meeting tonight after the meeting.
• Spring Contest on 2/15.  Still looking for contestants.
• Last  year’s Evaluation District Champion is Scott Champion
• Spring  Conference in May 2012
• Division B Officer Training coordinating by Scott. Sessions on aspiring leaders, like sessions on interviewing and delegating.  Fairview Church 79^th & Roosevelt on Feb. 16th
• Meeting Adjourned at 6:50 pm.

Melissa A., Club Secretary

The Notable Northgaters are gearing up for the Spring Contest. Join us to hear our best speakers and evaluators battle for the trophy and the bragging rights.

We are also seeking valuable volunteers to pitch in at the contest: judges, ballot counters and guests! The doors open at 5 pm and the contest commences at 5:30 pm.

Contact Lance if you want to participate.

Chris gave us some additional information about herself.  She told us about her job working for a large apartment community, telling us different aspects of her job and how they related to other aspects of her life.  She left us with the recommendation that when we feel down about our jobs that we take some time to remember why we do it.

Jenee told us a story about her trip to Kenya as a student.  How she experience violence directed
at her because of her race and the fear she felt because she was identified as an American.  Her story was poignant and powerful.  Even all these years later she was still impacted by these events.

Continuing our presentations from the Better Speaker Series, Julie spoke about Preparation and Practice.  She gave us helpful and relevant advice on preparing for presentations.  The importance of  knowing the environment where the presentation will be, the equipment necessary and available, and even the audience.

Michelle as Table Topics Master had us remembering this day in history.

Notes/Comments:

• Meeting  Called to Order at 5:30 pm.
• Lance  and John are celebrating their birthdays today!
  James  celebrated his birthday yesterday!
• Contest on Feb. 15^th.  Anyone  interested in competing please speak with Lance.
• Officer  meeting next week on 1/18/12.
  Thanks  to Denise and  Ya-Han for their help  at the TLI
  Meeting  Adjourned at 7:07 pm.

Melissa A., Club Secretary

Scott opened the meeting telling us about stilted corporate events and uncomfortable family parties. Take it with spirit!  Liquid spirits that is.

Our first speaker, Gary told us about the 520 Bridge and why it needs to be replaced. The new toll pricing and methods for collecting the tolls; the options for using the Good To Go pass and how to obtain and maintain it.

Pete did an interpretive reading, taking on the character of a father driving his son to prison where the son is about do a seven year sentence.  He conveyed the sadness and desperation of the father.  He gave us a moving performance.  I don’t think that I was the only moved to tears.

From the Storytelling manual, Lance told us about the ultimate con. Selling the Eiffel Tower, not just once, but twice!

Notes/Comments:

• Meeting  Called to Order at 5:31 pm.
• TLI  on January 7, 2012
• Spring  contest on Feb. 15^th.
• Festivas  Party tonight Chiangs on Lake City Way.
• Last  until Jan 4^th.
• Not  all officers have registered for the TLI and were reminded to do so.

Melissa A., Club Secretary

You may choose to attend ONE of TWO sessions:

Morning Session from 9 am – 12 pm
The morning session will include:
Training for all 7 club officer roles
How to Plan a Club Contest
Beyond the Competent Communicator
The Distinguished Club Program
Effective Evaluations
Area Governor Panel
Free Toast Host 2.0
This session is geared more for members who are newer to Toastmasters or new to their officer role

Afternoon Session from 1 pm – 5 pm
The afternoon session will include:
Training for all 7 club officer roles
Free Toast Host 2.0
How to be a Contest Toastmaster
Youth Programs
Membership Building
Officer Networking

There will be lunch between the sessions featuring a panel of Award-Winning Inspirational Toastmasters!

The cost of lunch will be $10 and space is limited.