Our February 5th meeting was exciting for more than one reason. First, we were all delighted to have returning Toastmaster Kara D join us. It’s good to have you back! Secondly, Kara joined us in time for Voyagers’ entry into the 2015 Toastmasters International speech contests. In addition to this, John S acted as Master of Ceremony / Toastmaster and the newly retired Donna G was Chief Judge for this special contest meeting.

Everyone there was witness as some of our best speakers competed in Table Topics and Public Speaking. For Table Topics we heard Mike R, Natalie M, Mark I, and Mark S discuss favorite teachers from their life and lessons learned. We then entered the prepared speech contest where Diana B spoke on “Light from the Darkness”, Alan H spoke on “Manage Your Paradoxes to Better Manage your Life”, and Mark I spoke on “A Pilot’s Pilot”. There was too much good material presented and I spent much of my time writing down quotes from each of the speakers.

Continuing on at the next level, the combine Area 12 and Area 21 contest will be held the evening of Friday, 06 March, at the CalTrans building at 4050 Taylor Street, Building 2, San Diego, CA 92110 (just down the street from us). For Table Topics, Mark I and Mike R will represent Voyagers at the Area 12 contest. But the night won’t over for Mr. I as he continues on in the Toastmasters International World Championship of Public Speaking.

These contests have always been an excellent way for speakers to experience new ways to challenge themselves and the audience to see members strive to be their best. My thanks to all contestants and other participants for sharing with the other members of the club.

For the next meeting our returning member Kara D will be thrust into the limelight with the theme of “Shine”. Check your schedule to see if you have a role. As a warning to all members, the following week Joji P is considering having a “White Day” theme. If you are not familiar with it, you will have to look it up on Wikipedia.