A good speech is like the right tool for the job. Which is to say, it’s transparent. You don’t think about the speaker up there, any more than you think about the wrench that’s turning a bolt. You just think about the result. You think about the work the words are doing — how they’re moving you, informing you, inspiring you, making you laugh.

That’s what happened at this week’s VanCore meeting. We had some pros in action. Club veteran Jonathan Buchanan, who’s working his way through an advanced manual, gave a long speech that managed in the bargain to take care of some club business. Brilliant. Connie Hubbs matched that lofty level with her evaluation of his speech.

But equally great was the enthusiasm of new-ish member Theo, and drop-in Angela, who wowed everyone with her courage and poise up there.

This is what it’s all about, folks. Let’s keep the energy rolling.