Pania Toastmaster's meeting today had a 'dreamy' theme but not all the speakers were dreaming, some of the recollections actually did occur, these were enjoyed by 14 members and our latest member Isaac Kearse , who joined up today, welcome Isaac.
Graeme, was our Toastmaster and he ran the meeting smoothly and without fuss, starting and finishing right on time.
The first speaker was Sue Mc, she was completing an Assignment Six from the CC Manual, concentrating on the use of Vocal Variety. Her speech was entitled "Stranger Danger" and recounted a scary experience that she had when delivering some papers to a friend in one of the less salubrious suburbs of Napier at night. A local 'gentlemen' of doubtful character thought that Sue should give him a ride home, and got in the car along side her, she was able to encourage him to take alternative transport, but not before she had a very hair raising experience, that could well have ended up extremely nasty! There were lots of opportunities for Sue to utilise Vocal Variety and she used most of them well. Jan was able, in her Evaluation, to suggest three areas that Sue could look at for her next assignment, that could improve her presentation.
Next up was Jen, who with Assignment Seven, where she was to Research a Topic, gave us an enlightening account of "Elephant Culling in Africa". As Jen said, we all love elephants, but they can be a real nuisance to the environment and the need to keep the numbers manageable, but still enough of them is a major tusk (task). Jen has spent time in Africa and shared with us some excellent information about the lifestyle of elephants, their habits!! and the problems in culling them, legally. Excellent research, Jen and very informatively presented, those boys do have a problem!! Noel , evaluated Jen's speech and gave some good feedback and suggestions for improvement.
Next up was Table Topics, and here the dreams came to reality, Darryl utilised the 50th Anniversary of Martin Luther-King's speech as a theme and first up was Viv, whose dream was for 'the ideal Politician', Truthful, polite and kind said Viv- keep dreaming! Isaac had a dream for a 'working Cultural NZ' and felt that hopefully the hard work had been done and harmony can now increase- do hope that you are right. Graham E had a 'dream for the future of our children' and that was a good one, provided we manage things right in the interim. Sue Mc rounded off with a dream for 'creative people'(artistic types etc) and was not impressed with some of our modern musical artist, who are supposed to be able to sing!!An excellent session, well answered by the four who took part and well evaluated by Mike, who was concentrating on gestures and therefore gave the best Topic to SueMc.
Ian gave a useful General Evaluation after Craig's timekeeper's report (and we finished on time!) and gave "Best Speaker" to Jen, "Best Evaluator" to Mike and as mentioned "Best Table Topics" to Sue.
In the business session, Craig reminded members about Subs due on 19th September and gave us the great news about Kingi Biddle from Rotorua, finishing 'runner-up' in the "World Championship of Public Speaking" at the Toastmaster's International Convention in the States last weekend. How long is it since no American has been placed in the World Championship?? Bulgaria were first, NZ second and United Arab Em. third. Toastmasters is now truly INTERNATIONAL!
Next week is the Humorous Speech Contest, enter please, or at least come along to support those that take the challenge, Toastmaster is Craig.
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