by Michelle Bayes, DTM, Club Growth Director
Keller Communicators Toastmasters meets on Thursday evenings. In months with five Thursdays, the club hosts a special “5th Thursday” meeting – and its April 30 event, themed “The Sound of Music,” was one of the most unique and engaging meetings the club has held.
This meeting doubled as an Open House and featured a potluck, creating a welcoming atmosphere for the six guests in attendance, and Area Director Susan McLoud. The highlight of the evening was a dynamic prepared speech project focused on leading a panel discussion, featuring two local musicians who perform in popular local cover bands (80’s Gadgets and 90 Proof Country).
What made the meeting truly stand out was its creative format: the panel discussion was interwoven with live music, as the guest musicians performed four songs – two from each band – strategically placed to reinforce and energize the discussion points. This innovative approach brought the content to life in a way the club had not experienced before.
The theme carried throughout the meeting, with a Table Topics session featuring thoughtfully crafted, music-inspired questions that maintained high energy and encouraged guest participation. The speech evaluator provided insightful and impactful feedback, reinforcing the educational value of the meeting while complementing its upbeat tone.
The result was a lively and memorable event that left a strong impression on both members and guests. It showcased the versatility of the Toastmasters program while creating a fun and inviting experience for visitors.
