The Speakers Forum is a civic service project of South County Toastmasters designed to provide civic, religious and other community organizations with information on a number of topics of general interest to the public.
To schedule a speaker, at no charge, call at least two weeks in advance. Due to the demand for speakers, please indicate at least three topics in order of preference and The Speakers Forum will try to accommodate your request.
Contact: Tom Terrific * 314-827-6114
Aug. 4, 2012 updated
Leadership: “Developing Leaders” by Carl Hendrickson
A look at leadership. What is a leader, and how does one develop that unique skill of “leadership?” Whether one runs a small business or heads a major corporation, it is important that leaders are developed who can provide the guidance necessary for present and future success.
Legal: “There Can Be A “U” In Sue” by Carl Hendrickson
The speaker gives an overview of certain legal remedies available to lay persons without the assistance of counsel, with emphasis on the Small Claims Court. Presented by an attorney, it provides the audience with an insight into “self-help” to redress a grievance.
Scared Speechless: “The Fear of Public Speaking” by Tom Terrific
The number one fear voiced by many. This presentation will aid the novice or the veteran speaker in overcoming nervousness and getting the butterflies in the stomach to fly in formation.
Health & Wellness
Alzheimer’s Disease: “Fading Away” by Steve Flick
The speaker, a volunteer speaker and advocate for the Alzheimer’s Association – St. Louis Chapter, will speak on the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease and other educational topics, with special emphasis on the difficulties caregivers face. The speaker will also relate his personal experiences as a caregiver.
Diabetes: “The Muffin People” by Stephanie Payne, RN
The speaker has many stories about our health and the impact it has on our lives. Learn how diabetes shortens our lives, and learn how to conquer the ravages of diabetes and other diseases with diet and exercise. Learn why your doctor may not want you to conquer your health issues. Sometimes funny, sometimes serious, these are real answers to health and wellness questions. Our ever expanding medical bills and Medicare expenditures are also of major concern. It’s never too late to make a difference in your health.
Organ Donation: “A Mother’s Gift” by Barb Sapienza
A mother tells her personal and heartfelt story about donating her kidney to her eight year old son. It is a first person account from a living organ donor. The speaker will discuss the advantages of a transplant over dialysis, tests necessary to determine a match and residual feelings about living with one kidney. Her inspirational story may help encourage more organ donations.
Pornography: “Destructive To Health” by Carl Hendrickson
Pornography is no longer found only in backrooms of bookstores in sleazy neighborhoods; it is in suburban shopping malls, slick magazines, on television, in videos and movies, on cell phones and the internet. Pornography debases women, desensitizes men and destroys marriages. It is not a “victimless” crime as the presenter will explain.
The Realities of Life by Stephanie Payne, RN
Learn about the facts of death and dying from an RN with 30 years of clinical experience in the field. The speaker is writing a new book on the subject of the issues related to family concerns and problems that arise from the dying parent. This rarely broached subject is presented in an informative and educational style. The true stories that she relates are real eye-openers: Relatives and friends rarely act like this when the parent is still alive. This less than admirable behavior of relatives has been a well-kept secret until now. How universal this problem is will astound the reader. There is a solution to the problem, as the speaker explains.
History
American and Regional History: “American & Regional History” by Max Kaiser, Jr.
Regional historian, Max Kaiser, Jr., offers a presentation on the following historical topics: St. Louis Regional History and Public Figures (Personalities); Historic area cemeteries, Missouri State History; American History (Civil War, WWI and WWII eras); Art and Architectural History (specify topic); Military History (specify era or military event); Jefferson Barracks (Military Post and/or National Cemetery); Veterans Issues Historical Topics; History of Noted St. Louis Area Landmarks.
Baseball: “Ole Diz” by Howard Brandt
Jay Hanna (“Dizzy”) Dean was one of the most colorful and talented players ever to put on a baseball uniform. He grew up dirt poor and was uneducated but gained fame as a major league pitcher and radio broadcaster. This presentation is his story.
Freedom: “The Road to Individual Freedom” by Carl Hendrickson
The speaker relates the history of the human rights documents that have served throughout history as the stepping stones to individual freedom – the Magna Carta, the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights and the Constitution.
Historical Preservation: “Good Heritage, Good Urban Planning, and Good Business” by Max Kaiser, Jr.
Area preservationist and historian, Max Kaiser, Jr., offers an analysis and overview of the economic, esthetic and urban design value of systematic historical preservation using three local models and two national models to show its value and success. “New Urbanism,” practical large-scale historic preservation and urban renewal programs are addressed. This is a fascinating topic for a luncheon or dinner meeting program and a great way to creatively imagine a developing future for urban renewal projects both great and small, in any size city or town.
Lafayette: “Hero to America” by Howard Brandt
The Marquis de Lafayette, a hero of the American Revolution, has been all but forgotten in current American history. This presentation is about his life, including his tremendous contribution to the American war for independence and his life after his return to France.
Public Art & Sculpture: “An Investment, A Springboard to Building & Attracting Community” by Max Kaiser, Jr.
Mr. Kaiser, with an extensive practical knowledge of sculptural, architectural and public art, shares an entertaining and informative glimpse of its importance in developing, sustaining and building community and enhancing quality-of-life and urban design concerns. It can be done with audio-visuals or verbally only at the request of the sponsoring organization. Public artworks used are primarily in the St. Louis area; photo examples from Kansas City and Chicago may be included by request.
St. Louis: “The History and Cultures of Greater St. Louis” by Max Kaiser, Jr.
The presenter, who has extensive knowledge of the greater St. Louis area, will provide an interesting and educational talk about the history and cultures that make St. Louis unique. To understand the present and prepare for the future, one must know the history of the area. See how we can cherish the past but move forward civically.
St. Patrick: “The Real Story of St. Patrick” by Carl Hendrickson
Who was St. Patrick? Did he chase the snakes out of Ireland? Why is green the color of the Irish? These and many other facts about St. Patrick and Ireland will be explored in this enlightening and entertaining presentation.
Uncle Tom: “Wimp or Saint?” by Howard Brandt
Uncle Tom’s Cabin was an important book written by Harriet Beecher Stowe before the Civil War. It is credited with changing many attitudes toward slavery. It was so inspirational that when Abraham Lincoln met the author, he was reported to have said, “So you are the little lady who started the ‘Big War’?”
Veterans Issues: “Why You Should Look Out for that Vet: Experience and Leadership Count” by Max Kaiser, Jr.
Today’s American Veterans offer business, education and industry a wealth of personal leadership skills, capabilities and professional knowledge. Find out more on why hiring, empowering and relying on today’s Veterans, both male and female, is good business and good citizenship. This informational and entertaining presentation is given by a U.S. Air Force Officer and Veteran. Any or all branches of the service, including Coast Guard and Merchant Marine, may be included in the presentation. Please specify your request.
Veterans: “More Than Just a Name” by Alan Kirby
The speaker chose one soldier who fought and died for his country in World War II. From his extensive research he brings an interesting and inspirational story to all students of history.
Humor
Growing Up Catholic and Crowded by Steve Flick
The speaker will relate his experiences growing up with eight brothers and sisters in a small ranch home in Crestwood and the effect this had – and is still having – on his adult life.
The Quiz Show by Steve Flick
The Quiz Show – A 30-45 minute audience participation trivia contest. Mainly multiple-choice questions. (And no blurting! You want everybody else to have all the answers?)
“Rip Van Winkle” by Rob Van Winkle
Having Van Winkle as a last name creates many opportunities for conversation. This Van Winkle wants to tell you not only the history of this classic Washington Irving tale, but a bit of the history of the Van Winkle name.
Inspirational/Motivational
Alzheimer’s Disease: “Fading Away” by Steve Flick
The speaker, a volunteer speaker and advocate for the Alzheimer’s Association – St. Louis Chapter, will speak on the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease and other educational topics, with special emphasis on the difficulties caregivers face. The speaker will also relate his personal experiences as a caregiver.
Civic Duty: “Civic Involvement: The Grassroots Way to Improve Your Community” by Max Kaiser, Jr.
Today’s civic leader is no “superman,” no “larger than life” figure. It is someone who has grown tired of simply complaining about the quality of education in the schools, the increase of lawlessness in the community or the deterioration of the neighborhood and has stepped forward to volunteer time, talent and energy. This presentation will stress how one can improve the community by becoming “involved.”
Leadership: “Developing Leaders” by Carl Hendrickson
A look at leadership – what is a leader and how does one develop that unique skill of “leadership.” Whether one runs a small business or heads a major corporation, it is important that leaders are developed who can provide the guidance necessary for present and future success.
“MRSA and Essential Oils” by Don Clair
A real look at the health risk from the most antibiotics resistant infection on the planet. What is my risk?
DSLR: “Selecting your first Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera (DSLR)” by Kathy Denton
DSLRs are cameras with a lens you can change. This presentation will discuss the differences between manufacturers and what advantages one has over the other. It will also delve into lens compatibility and how that element and your own photography style might influence your decision.
Photography: “Photography Adventures in and Around St. Louis” by Kathy Denton
An experienced photographer will discuss her recently released book that suggests places for great shots. Many of them are in the St. Louis area and some even include the opportunity for a fun road trip.
Politics: “Practical Politics” by Carl Hendrickson
This speech gives an overview of the American political system, throughout the various spectra of political activity – the precinct organization, candidate selection and political campaigning. The presenter, a former member of the Missouri General Assembly stresses the importance of active citizen participation.
“Public Speaking Help” By Jack Bettag
Nervous about giving that presentation? Maybe even terrified at the prospect? Toastmasters International can give you a proven, successful method to overcome the #1 fear of most people, the fear of public speaking.
“The Secret To Being Outstanding” by Don Clair
This speech celebrates reflective moments for the listeners to measure their lives and what it will take to get the best out of themselves.
“Secrets from Behind the Wall” by Don Clair
What drives teenage behavior and what a parent can do to survive the teenage years.
“The Unconscious and Politics” by Don Clair
How do we really go about selecting a person to represent us in Congress and the Presidency?
