'"WHERE IS IT?"

Well, we certainly found out where it was at Pania Toastmaster's meeting today as David told us where to find it in his speech, entitled "Where is it" from the Technical Presentations Manual.


The meeting was attended by 13 members and well presided over by Toastmaster Barbara, although we had to wonder if she had gone back in time to relive last Christmas as the date on the program was 30th October 2014! That's what happens when you copy and paste! However she did run an excellent programme, with very good comments between speakers and made everyone feel very welcome.

The meeting opened with Graeme introducing David's presentation. David had forwarned members to bring their smartphones/laptops etc with access to the Internet and we certainly found out why. He told us in mostly 'layman's' terms how to locate any spot in the world down to 3 meters square.Apparently some English gentleman has come up with this app. where the world has been divided into 3 meter square quadrants and by using descriptions and words you can hone in to an exact spot.He showed us how to do this with the Club's meeting place and also how to find the quails in the Napier Botanical Gardens (a must for everyone!)Quite amazing really and David used a flip chart to excellent effect and certainly had the audience's attention (when they weren't attempting to locate something on the phone!)Want more info. then go to www.what3words.com or
w3w.co/map takes you direct to the map where you can use the search box. To find Pania, use
*Paniatoastmasters or "prayers.enormous.paradise"(or contact David!)

Graeme evaluated David's speech and gave him commendations for the attention grabbing opening,effort in preparation, audience reaction and visual aid use, and suggested that he slow down a bit, keep it basic and remember that for some of us it is confusing.Good comments made for David's edification.

Table Topics was next introduced by Wendy (second week in a row!) this time her theme was Autumn, Cheryl "What does it mean to you?" and working at Marewa Pharmacy, with no air conditioning it means cooler weather (not just yet though!).
Jeanette had to describe an autumn leaf to a blind person, excellent answer in utilising their touch,hand them the leaf and then explain the colours and the mingling of them. Well done.
Darryl had a visitor coming from Sri Lanka (hot country) and had to describe what autumn was going to be like for them- cooler than they are used to-more clothes required and our seasons will be more pronounced than theirs(no rainy season here-just winter) good answer if straying a little of the subject. Ian was asked his favorite season-typical Ian gave a round-about answer that was both interesting and entertaining- take the season as it comes and look forward to the next one!

Noel evaluated Table Topics with commendations for all the speakers and a couple of suggestions for improvement for some.Suggested that the TT Master give a brief summary at the end of Table Topics.
The Area Governor, Craig then gave us an address in his final 'official visit' with thoughts about the Club and to build on its 30 years existence, more fresh blood required, and changes in the Executive for the next twelve months, plus a probable venue change. All good stuff!

General business included a reminder about Subscriptions (due by 19th March) and certificates for the International Speech Contest were presented to Barbara(runner-up) and Helen (winner). Executive meeting tomorrow 5.30pm at the usual venue.

General Evaluation was completed by Helen and she summed up the meeting and all the participants fully, everyone spoke at some stage and all got feedback on their input, a great evaluation Helen, although we must remember at Pania to keep it brief and to the point as many require to return to work. Linda gave her first Timekeeper's report effectively and efficiently , it was not her fault that we went a little overtime!

Best Table Topics; Jeanette
Best Speaker; David.
Best Evaluator; Graeme

That's it for another week!
Go the "Black Caps!"