John Keeton appropriately warmed up the audience for the speaking portion of the meeting with a year-in-review speech, "Mastering the Toast." John recounted some notable events of the year including establishment of the website, club awards for Judy Safern, Therese Delongchamp, Fred Nathan, and John Keeton, advanced club awards for Terry Londergan and Joe Mewhiney, and the love story saga of Paul Goldstein. John closed with a call for everyone to continue to progress as better speakers in the new year.

Last minute substitutions delay the start of the meeting. If you cannot commit yourself, you are supposed to call the designated toastmaster. Everyone present should speak at least once per meeting; everyone should participate. Have a thick skin; evaluators are learning, too, and evaluations are meant to improve your delivery. Receive and release the lectern properly.