"MY LIFE"

Pania's meeting of the 17th October was attended by 11 members and was well run and kept to good time by the Toastmaster Ian and Timekeeper Mike.
Ian produced a clear and concise program and connected the relevant items with his usual dry humour and professionalism it was also excellent to welcome back Jane & Russell who have been away for several months.
Only one prepared speech was programmed but that was a beauty! Jen was the speaker and the speech was entitled 'My Life'. It was the Persuade with Power presentation from the Competent Communicator manual and was all about "dementia". Jen is a Registered nurse and deals with people with dementia on a daily basis , so she knew what she was talking about- and it is a worry for us all. Did you know that 82% of people over 65 will suffer from some form of dementia? and that the things you learnt first are the things that you forget last! (Can't remember what you did yesterday-but last year-yes!!!!)
An excellent and very interesting presentation, which revolved around a booklet (of which we all got copies)  in which you are encouraged to put a lot of detail about yourself for the day you may suffer from dementia. i.e. family, likes, dislikes, memories-good and bad- etc- so that nurses or family dealing with you can assist you when the problem strikes (I should say if).
Well done Jen, not a happy topic but one we must all be aware of and you did it with some excellent humour woven in.

Cheryl did a Bard Reading next from a book called "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen. It all about a circus touring backblocks USA during the depression in the 30's and the comings and goings of the crew. Well read Cheryl- just slow down a little next time!

Table Topics were presented by Craig and revolved around the recent Local Body elections, speakers were told they were the Mayor of Napier and what were they going to do about certain problems in the City. Jane, had to encourage tourism- guess what she wants the heavy traffic of Marine Parade! Mike had to reduce crime and makes the streets safer- more police and tougher penalties. Russell was to reduce unemployment, Graeme (surprisingly) was against amalgamation with Hastings and Ian was to reopen Marineland. All spoke well and could be in line for election in 3 years time!!

Graeme introduced and evaluated Jen's speech and commended her for the subject and how she handled it, he also had a couple of worthwhile suggestions for her to improve the speech next time.
Barbara evaluated Table Topics with ample commendations and some suggestions to the speakers for next time, most revolved around forgetting about the lights- don't mention them in your Table Topic!(e.g. oops the red lights on I had better finish, or my time's up that's it! etc)
The business session congratulated Barbara on her representing the Division at Rotorua last Saturday, unfortunately she was unplaced but spoke well in her Table Topic Contest. The Humorous Contest was won by James Kan (Can) from Napier Club who now represents the Division in Palmerston North on 10th November- get along and support him- there will be nine humorous speeches-well worth the trip, details on the website www.toastmasters.org.nz . Graeme also has a new forward programme out.
Brenda gave an excellent general Evaluation (her first -I think) and covered everything required.

Best Speaker ; Jen
Best Table Topic; Mike
Best Evaluator; Barbara.
Next meeting 24th October ( Thursday before the long weekend- make the effort!)