Eleven members and our guest,(but not for long!) Carol enjoyed Pania's meeting on 28th November well run by Toastmaster David and right to time with assistance of Timekeeper Cheryl. Two great speeches were heard and a 'different' but enlightening Table Topics session filled the programme.
Meeting commenced with the reading of the Mission Statement by Darryl, assisted by the members! but a bit of coaching is certainly required here. The first prepared speech was presented by Laurence, introduced and evaluated by Graeme. Laurence was speaking from the 'Speaking to Inform' manual with a speech entitled "Challenging Behaviour". It was certainly not a challenge to listen to as Laurence gave us a work situation as an example of the three quick steps to take if you have someone who cannot clearly communicate their problem and has a lapse in behaviour style. Laurence works at Hohepa Homes and advised that over the past 20 years or so the number of staff required to look after housemates has increased as the Homes are being utilised for people who have more serious behavioural problems. The three steps are 1. Medical, 2. Dentist, 3.Behavioural. Laurence showed great sincerity in this subject which, off course, was only able to be gently touched on in the time available. Graeme was able to give Laurence many commendations and also offer a couple of very worthwhile suggestions to Laurence for improvement.
The second prepared speech was given by Jen. This was a special speech, not only because of the subject but it was also Jen's 10th (and final) speech from the Competent Communicator Manual, so Jen now becomes a Competent Communicator to go alongside her much earlier Competent Toastmaster Award. Congratulations Jen!
Jen's speech was entitled " A Beating Heart" and covered some experiences and situations she has encountered while working with her husband, who worked with the Red Cross on many overseas assignments. Jen's appeal was extremely well put with the use of two very poignant stories in attempting to encourage us to encourage 'those in power' to do more than pay 'lip service' to the Geneva Convention when it comes to some of the atrocities that go on around the world in the guise of "warfare". This was a very sincere speech, spoken from much personal experience and extremely thought provoking. Craig evaluated Jen's assignment and commended the selection of topic, the material utilised and the appeal to the audience, while giving some suggestions to Jen that, in his opinion, could improve future speeches.
Table topics, presented by Mike, were hilarious , speakers had to ' metamorphosis' themselves into another body!! Darryl into a Cockroach, about to be trampled by a huge human foot, down on the floor playing the part of the cockroach, Darryl was going to jump up and run away, after the initial stomp would be unsuccessful. Carol was a Redwood tree, who had been standing for over 1000 years and she waved her branches, had great wisdom and encouraged people to share her shade and rub her up for wisdom. Cheryl was a rat, with a sleek coat and a long tail (tale) she loved eating disgusting things and snooping in to people's cupboards looking for food, she did keep calm and did not get 'ratty' about things.
Barbara evaluated Table Topics and was able to give everyone some commendations and more importantly a suggestion for improvement. She complimented Mike on his choice of subjects.
In the business session Craig presented Laurence with his second Competent Communicator Award (completed in July- but Laurence has been away at EIT over the past few months) Well done Laurence!
Ian gave us the General Evaluation to close off the meeting.
Best Table Topic; Cheryl
Best Speaker; Jen
Best Evaluator; Barbara.
A REMINDER THAT OUR LAST MEETING FOR THE YEAR IS 12TH DECEMBER, bring along a gift (value up to $5) and you will be given the chance to speak about it ( a prepared Table Topic-what better!!)The gifts are then taken to the HB Today Christmas Appeal to go to those less needy than us!
IF YOU CANNOT MAKE THE LAST MEETING BRING YOUR GIFT NEXT WEEK!!!
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