What an excellent meeting today at Pania Toastmasters, we had a'bring a guest' theme and four guests turned up to enjoy two great speeches and a Table Topics session all under the control of Toastmaster Craig, who kept the meeting to time and kept the guests informed as to what was happening right through the program.
A colourful agenda greeted the members and guests who were Beckie, Steve, Colin and Jan and the meeting was underway with a warm welcome and straight into Table Topics controlled by David. Mike was first up with "was he prepared for an Earthquake?". Several pauses during Mike's presentation while waiting for the Earthquake to occur, fortunately it did not.Mike lives on the hill and is waiting for the day when he actually lives at the bottom of the hill! An excellent Table Topic which ended up with Mike mentally prepared but not physically prepared.Next up Noel (our resident Earthquake specialist) with explaining a "do it yourself project", earthquakes were again the theme and Noel explained how it will be "when" not "if" the next "big one" strikes so he has spent many hours preparing his property (again on the hill) for that occasion, we should listen to an expert and do the same! Wendy had "a favourite TV programme" and explained how her viewing time is limited but she enjoys (when able) Antiques Roadshow and the varied and interesting articles people present for valuation.Laurence had " tell us about planning a holiday" sadly Laurence does not take holidays!!!( a huge ooohhh from the audience) but ended up with a trip to the Convention in November, which will be time away but a type of 'busmans" holiday.Well done to all participants and David for the selection of topics. Our guest (past-member) Jan evaluated Table Topics and showed she had not lost her touch with commendations and recommendations for all the speakers and in general for future Table Topic presenters. Thanks Jan (will ye no come back again?)
Our first prepared speech was Jen, introduced by Graeme. Jen was presenting an "Ice Breaker" as a demonstration speech and what a beauty it was. Titled "In the Name of the Father" Jen told us about her upbringing and relationship with her father who was in the Airforce and the Army at the same time.(Salvation Army that was!). While having a strict upbringing for her and her brothers this has certainly done her no harm! I liked the stories that her father read to them when they were young from a book, which they subsequently learnt were not in the book at all, but made up about things the kids had done (or not done) that they should have. This presentation had excellent human interest, with humour, emotion and feeling plus some excellent morals to remember. "Don't promise things that you cannot carry out" etc. Tremendous presentation Jen, you never cease to surprise and entertain us.
Graeme , correctly gave Jen plenty of commendations for her Speech and was able to also suggest a couple of areas where perhaps she could have improved it.
The second speech was presented by Barbara and again we were privileged to hear an outstanding speech by a very accomplished speaker. "That Man Deserves a DB!" was all about husband Steve(who was there!) and a poem that Barbara entered in a radio competition (and won) for a Dinner for two and tickets to an International Rugby game at McLean Park. This speech has won honours for Barbara before today, but was well worth hearing again and Barbara's poetry is marvelous to listen to . Excellent rendition Barbara, although I believe that Steve is still waiting for his DB!
Laurence gave a quick evaluation of Barbara's speech, and commended her on the presentation, content and poem.
General Evaluator Darryl concluded the meeting with his thoughts on the meeting as a whole and particularly the Evaluators. I felt the way that he explained things to the guests was excellent and thoughtful, so a great effort Darryl. Wendy gave the timekeeper's report, and even with a full programme we actually finished on time, but we allowed the guests to comment on the meeting and they all spoke well, and commented on the high standard and interesting speeches.
Best Table Topic: Laurence
Best Evaluator; Laurence
Best Speaker; Jen.
See you all next week, don't forget that Subs are due next month $90 reduced to $75 if paid by 18th September (David will send out notices) and we have a special fee for new members over the next two months. The Club pays the Joining fee $45 and they pay $90 subs through until 31/3/15.A possible saving of $75 (August joining) or $60(Sept). Bring along that prospect now!
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