Van Alstyne Voices Toastmasters met at Grayson County College on August 16 with Stuart Presley presiding as Toastmaster. 

Sally Hall introduced the word of the day “launch.”  The theme of the meeting was “Going to the Auction.”  Juanita Hazelton was the first speaker with an impromptu speech entitled “Always the Clown,” evaluated by Sally Hall.  Bob Bishop was second speaker with a speech entitled “100” evaluated by M.J. Presley. 

Merrill Hazelton as Table Topics Master used a theme of Extremes, calling on Stuart Presley, Sally Hall, Jeff Hall, and M.J. Presley to speak on extremes of weather they have experienced.  M.J. Presley served as timer.  Merrill Hazelton was Joke Master.  Ribbons were awarded to Juanita Hazelton for best speech, M.J. Presley for best table topic, and Sally Hall for best evaluator.

A short business meeting followed. President Jeff Hall set the agenda for the next meeting on August 23.  The Club Contest for Humorous Speeches and Table Topics will be August 30.  Winners will advance to the Area Speech Contest on September 18.    

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 Grayson County Community College South Campus in Van Alstyne.  Visitors are welcome.  Call Public Relations Officer Juanita Hazelton at 903-482-5991 for more information.