“Bursting,” a sudden issuing forth, was the Word of the Day at the Van Alstyne Voices Toastmasters Club on Monday May 8.

Stuart Presley, Toastmaster for the meeting, followed a theme of “Out with a Bang,” as VAV Toastmasters finishes up its second year.  James Massey was first speaker with “Hoses in Noses,” describing a nursing process.

Guest Speaker Tracey Lynn Ditter followed with a stirring speech on “Your Credit Report,” and Guest Speaker Tim Ditter completed the formal speeches with “Closing the Sale.” 

Dorothy Bishop, as Table Topics Master, called on MJ Presley, Tim Ditter, Merrill Hazelton, and guest Catherine Carsten to speak extemporaneously for 1-2 minutes on topics of her choosing.  Tim Ditter served as General Evaluator, introducing Juanita Hazelton who evaluated James Massey’s speech and Carol Smith who evaluated Tracey Lynn Ditter’s speech.  Helpers were Steve Smith as Timer, Jeff Hall as Ah Counter/Grammarian, and Joke Master Merrill Hazelton. 

During a short business meeting, District Governor Stuart Presley reminded everyone that the club will elect new officers at the next meeting. June 30 is the deadline to send new officer rosters to Toastmasters International. Everyone is to bring a snack and a table topic.  He also announced the Toastmasters Leadership Institutes for officer training will begin in July. 

Toastmasters International is a not-for-profit educational organization whose mission is to help people develop their communication skills.  Toastmasters can help people build their self-confidence and develop speaking skills in a friendly, positive environment.

Van Alstyne Voices Toastmasters meets each Monday evening at 7:00 in Room 112 at the South Campus Grayson County Community College in Van Alstyne.  Visitors are welcome. 

Call Interim Public Relations Officer Juanita Hazelton at 903-482-5991 for more information.