Florida Hospital Toastmasters Club

I'LL HAVE MY MEETING... TO GO! - LIVE VIDEOCONFERENCE EXCITEMENT!
	Sometimes you've just got to shake things up a bit in order to stay on the cutting edge of communication. Merrie Cunningham, an instructor of the Medical Administrative Specialist program at Winter Park Tech (a vocational training school in Winter Park, Florida) asked Florida Hospital Toastmasters if they would like to participate in an experiment with Video-Teleconferencing. Ms. Cunningham was a past visitor to our club and was impressed with the benefits that Toastmasters can offer her students and fellow faculty members. The project was two-fold. First, to demonstrate advancements in technology which allow simultaneous communication from two locations. Secondly, to experience a live Toastmasters meeting without leaving the classroom!
Here, Jocelyn Abernathy is giving an impromptu speech as students and faculty at Winter Park Tech look on via the remote camera. The students could then interact with the Toastmasters, providing their thoughts. The technology setup itself is very simple: At each location have (1) computer, (1) video camera (1) speakerphone, (1) projector, and an Internet connection using Yahoo Messenger. It's really that easy. Future plans may include having Toastmasters performing "mock interviews" with the students to help them prepare for the work world. It also gives Toastmasters experience by completing projects in their Advanced Toastmasters Manuals.
	As an additional surprise, we had a guest speaker from the Orlando Conqueror's Club (#1066). Brian Fuller, who also works for Florida Hospital, gave a wonderful speech regarding choices in life. Brian, although a fairly new member to Toastmasters, has given several presentations outside of his Club, showing once again the variety of venues that Toastmasters offers. We were thrilled to have Brian speak to our Club and the Winter Park Tech audience.
Sandi Van Horn, a long time member of Florida Hospital Toastmasters, gave a 2 to 3 minute impromptu talk, as she was challenged with "Table Topics". Members can be asked to speak on any subject that the Table Topics Master comes up with. Exercises like these help members to be on their toes, when a supervisor, co-worker, family member or friend ask them their opinions on any subject. Come join the FH Toastmasters Club every Wednesday morning from 7:30 to 8:45 in the Engineering Building Conference Room. It's the most fun you'll have at ANY meeting!
	Trying something new? Well that's definitely NOT new for OUR club! Club Founder and Vice President of Education, Sara Alsup along with Club President, Paula Summa are constantly coming up with ideas to enhance meetings. Their openness to new ideas and challenges are part of what makes Florida Hospital Toastmasters a President's Distinguished Club several years in a row. Click here for the Club's Video for more examples of how much fun this club really IS!