Speakers Under Pressure Toastmasters

**POT-LUCK***(noun)* The regular meal available to a guest for whom no special preparations have been made.
*(ex.)Tom brought his boss home to dinner and Mary served **pot-luck** because she wasn't told in advance.*.

**REGARDLESS***(adverb)* Without regard; inspite of everything.
*(ex.)**Regardless** of the thin ice warnings warnings, fishermen are still going out onto the frozen lakes.*.

**EPIPHANY***(noun)* (1)An observed church festival in commemoration of the coming of the Magi as the first manifestation of Christ.(2) A sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning of something
*(ex.)After he studied the chess board, John had an **epiphany** on how to beat his opponent.*.

**CORNUCOPIA***(noun)* A curved goat's horn, overflowing with fruits and grains, that is used as a symbol of abundance.
*(ex.)The was a **cornucopia** of ideas at the committee meeting to think about.*.

**COERCE***(verb)* To force or bring about by force or threat.
*(ex.)Tom will **coerce** everyone else into joining the union.*.

**TOADY***(noun)* One who flatters in the hope of gaining favors (a.k.a. "Apple-Polisher").
*(ex.)The CEO's **toady** young assistant learned that he was not liked by the rest of the office staff.*.

**ADORE***(verb)* To feel fondness or have feelings for.
*(ex.)The newlyweds showed how much they **adore** each other by kissing after the wedding ceremony.*.

**ANGUISH***(verb)* To suffer intense pain or sorrow.
*(ex.)The **anguish** of the families was relieved when the miners were all rescued.*.

**COMMENCEMENT***(noun)* The ceremonies or the day of conferring degrees or diplomas.
*(ex.)The University's **commencement** ceremonies were held at the town hall.*.

**MALAPROPISM***(noun)* Ludicrous misuse of a word.
*(ex.)An example of a **malapropism** is to say **blazed** donuts instead of **glazed** donuts.*.

**LIBERTY***(noun)* The quality or state of being free. The power to do as one pleases.
*(ex.)We Americans have the **liberty** to say and do as we please and to take responsibility for our actions.*.

**YEARN***(verb)* To be filled with longing or desire.
*(ex.)The child **yearned** for his lost dog.*.

**GRATITUDE***(noun)* The state of being grateful, thankful.
(ex.)My attitude is one of **gratitude**.

**APLOMB***(noun)* Complete and confident composure or self-assurance; POISE.
(ex.)Toastmasters learn to speak and present material with **aplomb**.

**EXHALE***(verb)* To give forth; to breath out.
*(ex.)When speaking, it is important to **exhale** often.*

**EXTANT***(adj)* Still existing; not destroyed, lost, or extinct.
*(ex.)The oldest living woman was still **extant** for her 115th birthday.*

**EPIPHANY***(noun)* The January 6th celebration of the coming of the Magi to the stable in Bethlehem. *(ex.)Some eastern religions celebrate the **epiphany** instead of Christmas.*

**CACOPHONY***(noun)* A harsh or discordant sound. *(ex.)The new band made a **cacophony** of music at their first rehersal.*

**HUCKSTER***(adj)* A person who sells wares in the street; peddler; to promote; to haggle over, bargin in; slang - a writer of advertising copy. *(ex.)The local vegtable **huckster** was seen on setting up on the corner by our house.*

**DRACONIAN***(adj)* strict codes or laws *(ex.)The **draconian** police force kept the protesters from their target.*

**FREEDOM***(noun)* liberation from the constraint of another; the quality of being frank, open or outspoken; a political right *(ex.)Our **freedom** from English tyranny is celebrated every July 4th.*

**FROB***(verb)* Aimless adjusting, tweaking or twiddling; just for fun. *(ex.)The engineer was **frobbing** the oscilloscope dials just to see what would happen.*

**PLETHORA***(adj)* A large group of items. (ex.)The bouquet of flowers was a **plethora** of colors.

**SPECIOUS***(adj)* Having the ring of truth or plauibility but actually fallacious. Deceptively attractive. *(ex.) The **speciousness** of the testimony by the Microsoft officers led one to believe they were innocent.*

**HIRSUTE***(adj)* To bristle, roughly hairy. (ex.) In the comic strip "User Friendly", the character Dust Puppy is an **hirsute** character that is always getting into interesting adventures

**SPECIOUS***(adj)* Having the ring of truth or plauibility but actually fallacious. Deceptively attractive. *(ex.) The **speciousness** of the testimony by the Microsoft officers led one to believe they were innocent.*

**MASSAGE***(adj)* Manipulation of data to make information more understandable. *(ex.) The manager **massaged** the data so that the employees could understand him.*

**BRILLIANT***(adj)* (1) A designating of color that has a combination of strong saturation and high lightness, shining, luminous, radiant, magnificent, glorious, ex. a diamond. (2) Extraordinary, intelligent, and genius. *(ex.) Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. May your life be filled with **brilliant** color and cherished memories.*

**SERENDIPITY***(noun)* From the fairy tale "The Three Princes of the Serendip". The faculty of finding valuable or agreeable things not sought for. Finding good in unexpected places or circumstances.

**ECSTASY***(noun)*A state of overwhelming emotion; esp: rapturous delight. *(ex.) Winning the big game put everyone in a state of **ecstasy**.*

**FLOWER***(noun)*A shoot of a higher plant. *(ex.) What flower does everyone have? Tulips (two-lips).*

**OBSEQUIOUS***(adj)*To follow; marked by or exhibiting a fawning attentiveness. *(ex.) He was treated with all obsequious ceremony.*

**CLOCK-WATCHER***(noun)*Someone who is constantly looking at a watch to check the time, since they are bored with what they are doing.
**VOCAL***(Adj)*(1)uttered by voice. (2)given to expressing oneself freely or insistently.(ex.)Through Toastmasters, we learn how to become vocal in our everyday living.
**CORRIGENDUM***(noun)*An error in a printed work discovered after printing and shown with its correction on a separate sheet.(ex.)The corrigendum to the report is available upon request.
**ADORE***(noun)* To feel fondness for, or tender feelings
**QUIESCENT***(noun)* (1)Marked by inactivity or repose - tranquility, at rest. (2) Causing no trouble or symptoms.
**POTLATCH***(noun)* Gifts given by host that require reciprcation.
**LARGESS(E)***(noun)* Money or gifts freely bestowed, esp., by a great person on an occasion of rejoicing, or generous or plentiful bestowal, copious.
**COMMODITY***(noun)* (1)an economic good; a product of agriculture or mining; an article of commerce, esp. when delivered for shipment. (2)something useful or valuable.
**AMBIENCE or AMBIANCE***(noun)*a surrounding or pervading atmosphere. (ex.)The dining room's food made up for its lack of ambiance.
**PLETHORA***(noun)*fullness, full or excess.(ex.)There was a plethora of food choices at the buffet table.
**REBEL***(noun)*To oppose or disobey one in authority or control.(ex.)The rebel would not return to work after the strike.REBEL(verb)One who rebels or participates in a rebellion.(ex.)The workers will rebel if their demands are not met.
**CONJECTURE***(noun)*A conclusion deduced by surmise or guesswork. *(ex.)His conjecture was based on his knowledge of the specker.*
**HACKER***(adj)*A person who is inexperienced or unskilled at a particular activity.(ex.)The computer programmer was a hacker because they could not use a mouse.
**SCANTILY***(adj)*Linited or less than sufficient in degree, quantity or extent.(ex.)The profit on the sale of trees was a scant $12.
**TELEGENIC***(adj)* Having an appearance and manner that are markedly attractive to television viewers.(ex.) Our governor-elect, Jesse Ventura, is a telegenic character.
**UNPREPARED***(adj)* Not ready.(ex.)Erik was unprepared to be the Grammarian for this week's Toastmaster meeting until he was driving there.
**AVOCATION***(noun)* A subordinate occupation pursued in addition to one's vocation, especially for enjoyment. *(ex.)Tom's avocation with investments has created an exciting new carreer possibility for him.*
**VACATION***(noun)* A period of exemption from work granted to an employee for rest and relaxation. *(ex.)Tom went on vacation after the project was completed.*
**MALCONFORMING** *(adj.)* non-conforming, disfigured.(ex.) The car's bumper was malconforming after the accident.
**FACETIOUS** *(adj.)* joking or jesting often inappropriately. *(ex.) When I get nervous, I tend to act a little facetious .*
**SKITTER** *(adj.)* To skip accross. *(ex.) This time of the year it is common to see a jet ski skitter across a lake.*
**FATHOM** *(adj.)*To understand thoroughly. *(ex.)It is hard to fathom why someone would like winter over summer.*
**ASPIRE** *(adj.)*To strive or work towards betterment. *(ex.) As Toastmasters, we all aspire to improve our communication skills.*
**SUPERFLUOUS** *(adj.)*Exceeding what is sufficient or necessary. *(ex.) Sometimes Oracle training reached a superfluous point.*
**GROW** *(adj.)*To expand, blossom, or enhance. *(ex.)*Spring is the time of the year where many natural vegitation begins to grow.

**TINKER** *(adj.)*To work on in an unexperienced, experimental manor. *(ex.)*I often tinker with my car's engine, but usually have little success in fixing anything myself.

**ECLECTIC** *(adj.)*To be one who differs from the norm. *(ex.)*An eclectic thinker finds solutions that are different.

**JIGGEDY** *(slang.)*Rapid body movement or to dance with delight. *(ex.)*One can get quite jiggedy in anticipation of a fun trip.

**AUDACIOUS** *(adj.)*Bold,daring. *(ex.)*On January 1, many people aspire with audacious goals that they will break three days later.

**PROPENSITY** *(n.)*An intense and often urgent natural inclination. *(ex.)*In late winter, many have the propensity to go outside without a jacket

**DOPPELGANGER** *(n.)*A double or counterpart of a person. *(ex.)*I play a teenager in a play. The character named Harry is my teenage doppleganger

**TRUDGE** *(adj.)*To walk, march, or move through slowly. *(ex.)*With all of the rain on the West Coast, people must trudge through the mud in many areas.

**FRANTIC** *(adj.)*Marked by fast and nervous, disordered, or anxiety-driven activity. *(ex.)*After I noticed I was late, I became frantic.

**SYCOPHANT** *(n.)*A servile, self seeking flatterer. *(ex.)*A sycophant like myself can easily explain this word.

**YULE LOG** *(n.)*A large log formerly put on the hearth on Christmas Eve as the foundation of the fire. *(ex.)*I sat around like a yule log yesterday.

**HOLIDAY** *(n.)*A day marked by a general suspention of work in commemoration of an event. *(ex.)*I think we should have a holiday to celebrate CTM day.

**GREGARIOUS** *(adj.)*Tending to interact in groups. *(ex.)*Outgoing people tend to be gregarious.

**SYNERGY** *(adj.)*The action of two or more individuals or organizations working together to achieve an effect of which each is individually incapable. *(ex.)*Teamwork provides synergy.

**GREGARIOUS** *(adj.)*Tending to interact in groups. *(ex.)*Outgoing people tend to be gregarious.

**ATROCIOUS** *(adj.)*Utterly revolting or of very poor quality. *(ex.)*Normally Minnesota winters are atrocious.

**ASPIRE** *(adj.)*To strive or work towards betterment. *(ex.)*As Toastmasters, we all aspire to improve our communication skills.

**PERNICIOUS** *(n.)*Highly injurious or destructive. *(ex.)*By definition, a pernicious relationship is not supportive.

**ARMAMENTARIUM** *(n.)*The aggregate of equipment, methods and techniques available to one for carrying out one's duties. *(ex.)*This web site is part of our Toastmasters armamentarium.

**PREVERICATE** *(adj.)*To be false or untruthful. *(ex.)*If I were to prevericate what actually happened that day, it could come back to haunt me.

**BEHOOVE** *(adj.)*To be necessary, proper or advantageous. *(ex.)*It would behoove me to sign up and give a speech.

**SERVICE** *(adj.)*The act of assistance or fulfilling a need. *(ex.)*Toastmasters is providing a great service to those who wish to improve their communication scales.

**VOCIFEROUS** *(adj.)*Marked by insistent outcry. *(ex.)*Many people take on a vociferous tone about taking a vacation during the long winter months.

**ORATOR** *(n.)*One distinguished for their skill and power as a public speaker. *(ex.)*Toastmasters prepares us all to take on the role as an orator.

**NIMBLE** *(adj.)*Marked by quick light movement. *(ex.)*Table Topics teaches one to be nimble minded.

**MELIORATE** *(adj.)*To make better or improve. *(ex.)*Toastmasters is intended to meliorate one's speaking abilities.

**MELLIFLUOUS** *(adj.)*Smooth and sweet. *(ex.)*After dinner we ordered a mellifluous desert.

**STUPENDOUS** *(adj.)*Such as to cause amazement; astounding; marvelous. *(ex.)*Janet and Asim did a stupendous job giving their CTM speeches.

**BALMY** *(adj.)*Soothing or relaxing. *(ex.)*It would be nice to experience a balmy evening of weather this spring.

**NOSTALGIC** *(adj.)*Of great remeberance or reminicant feel. *(ex.)*Old Comisky Park was a very nostalgic place to be when it was open.

**AMIABLE** *(n.)*Good natured, obliging, qualitues that make one liked. *(ex.)*Toastmasters is an amiable group of individuals.

**ASCERTAIN** *(n.)*To make certain, exact, precise. *(ex.)*Sometimes we try to ascertain our present situation when in a confusing situation.

**ENTOURAGE** *(n.)*Atmosphere or surroundings. *(ex.)*Many of us are looking forward to the entourage of summer.

**EXCRUCIATING** *(adj.)*Strong or severe. *(ex.)*Winter frostbite can cause excruciating pain.

**LACKADAISICAL** *(adj.)*Lacking spirit or liveliness. *(ex.)*Late winter weather can bring on a lackadaisical spirit.

**GRANDIOS** *(adj.)*Something of large scale proportions. *(ex.)*To be a complete expert in astro physics requires knowlwedge of a grandios nature.

**IRONY** *(adj.)*A complete twist of an expected outcome. *(ex.)*It is an irony how Oracle has currently made the work day more difficult.

**CHORTEL** *(adj.)* To laugh or giggle. *(ex.)*Whenever one thinks of something funny from the past, they may chortel at that thought.

**USHER** *(adj.)* To herald or bring in. *(ex.)*Many plan to fulfill new goals as they usher in a new year.

**DIMINUTIVE** *(adj.)* Very small, little. *(ex.)*Petty situations can be diminutive in every day life.

**EXTRANEOUS** *(adj.)* Coming from the outside; foreign. *(ex.)*Some people cannot make it home during the Holiday season due to extraneous circumstances.

**ESTOPPEL** *(n.)* A legal bar to alleging or denying a fact because of one's own previous actions or words to the contrary. *(ex.)*O.J Simpson can't deny he drove the white truck due to the estoppel placed on him from many witness and video accounts of him doing the act.

**JUXTAPOSITION** *(adj.)* The act of placing side by side for comparison or contrast. *(ex.)*The juxtaposition of work and play allows us to see the difference out attitude plays on our mind.

**ETHEREAL** *(adj.)* Relating to region beyond Earthly scope. *(ex.)*On Halloween, many celebrate ethereal beings.

**ANOMALY** *(n.)* Something that deviates from the general rule; an irregularity or consistency. *(ex.)*The Star Trek Next Generation experienced many spacial anomalies.

**PERQUISITE** *(n.)* Compensation givin in addition (Perk). *(ex.)*Toastmasters is a perquisite for those located in the Chanhassen building.

**ORACLE** *(n.)* Powerful giver of information. *(ex.)*Rosemount new database will be an oracle.

**BORBORYGMUS** *(n.)* Intestinal rumbling caused by moving gas. *(ex.)*Nervousness often causes poeple to experience borborygmus.

**VERBOSE** *(adj.)* Using too many words. *(ex.)*Some college professors were verbose.

**NOTICE** *(adj.)* To consciously realize. *(ex.)*I noticed the notice sign on the wall.

**FLUCTUATE** *(adj.)* A distinct variance. *(ex.)*The temperature will fluctuate greatly in the spring.

**QUADRUMVIRATE** *(n.)* A grouping of four. *(ex.)*The four corners exists due the quadrumvirate of surrounding states.

**APROPOS** *(adj.)* Being at once opportune and to the point. *(ex.)*Apropos our date for lunch, I can't go.

**BENEVOLENT***(adj.)* Marked by or disposed to doing good. Organized for the purpose of doing good.(ex.)The United Way is a benevolent organization.
**INSIPID** *(adj.)* Lacking in interest or liveliness. *(ex.)* Toastmasters learn to rise above insipid topics with alacrity.
**LOQUACIOUS** *(adj.)* Very Talkative. *(ex.)* Toastmasters is a Loquacious group.
**NEFARIOUS** *(adj.)* Extremely wicked or evil. *(ex.)* Mother Nature was in a nefarious mood this winter.
**MOOT** *(adj.)* Debatable, subject to discussion, disputed, made abstract. *(ex.)* The fact that spring is a moot point considering we may get 2-3 inches of snow tonight!
**ALACRITY** *(n.)* Promt and eager readiness. *(ex.)* People usually don't greet Mondays with alacrity.
**EXORBITANT** *(adj.)* Going beyond justified limits, excessive. *(ex.)* Road construction in Minnesota often seems exorbitant.
**PIFFLING** *(adj.)* Of little worth or importance, trivial. *(ex.)*The fact that the high temperature today in Melborne Austrailia was 32 degrees C is generally a piffling fact.
**NOB** *(n.)* One in a superior position in life. *(ex.)*The Royal family is a bunch of nobs.
**APROPOS** *(adj.)* Being at once opportune and to the point. *(ex.)*Apropos our date for lunch, I can't go.
**CONUNDRUM** *(n.)* An intricate and difficult problem. *(ex.)* Trying to find an example for this word is causing somewhat of a conundrum
**PONTIFICATE** *(n.)* To be pompous or dogmatic. *(ex.)*Some imperialists are attitudinaly pontificate.
VERBOSE (adj.) Containing more words than necessary. (ex.) Lawyers arguments are often verbose. PROLIX (adj.) Using or containing an excessive number of words: diffuse, long-winded, periphrastic, pleonastic, redundant, verbose, wordy

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