"WALK ON WITH TECHNOLOGY!"

Pania Toastmasters meeting today had two interesting and very diverse prepared speeches, one covering the technology of the kitchen the other the feat of walking 15kms.


First up we congratulate Toastmaster Helen, for getting us off to such an enthusiastic start and encouraging us to have a 'flamboyant' meeting. This was well achieved initially by David with Part Two of his presentation on kitchen technology in which he inspired us with several kitchen gadgets, how they operate and what they can achieve when used correctly.As mentioned this presentation followed on from a speech by David a few meetings ago and he is to be congratulated on the preparation he has put into this assignment which was from the "Technical Presentations"  advanced manual. He processed the speech extremely well and is turning out to be a whiz with kitchen appliances!Next time we would love to see the results of the use of these appliances (after all we do meet at lunchtime!) Very interesting David.
David was introduced and evaluated by Barbara, who was flamboyant and enthusiastic in her praise of David and also found three suggestions that he could implement for improvement, an excellent evaluation and very worthwhile feedback for David.Suggested he look at being a contestant in "Masterchef" or "My Kitchen Rules"

Next up was Craig, his assignment from the Competent Communication Manual (not for the first time!) was to utilise plenty of Vocal Variety.His speech entitled "Walk On" started flamboyantly (if not exactly in tune!) with the song "When You Walk Through a Storm" (many apologies to Jerry & The Pacemakers) and told us about his 15kms walk from Perfume Point to Farndon Park in Clive last Sunday as part of the Coast to Coast series.Some great vocal variety was used from start to finish with conversations and announcements adding to the opportunity for vocal variety.What's more he made it to the end (of both his speech and the walk!) and did not use any notes!!(not even in the opening!!)
Darryl did the honours with the introduction and evalution and although suffering from a cold achieved this very well , with some praise for Craig and a couple of suggestions, apparently he clasps his hands a lot when not making gestures- well spotted Darryl.

Table Topics were run by Noel who had interesting questions for Linda, Ian & Bill about the media, like "sources of news have changed" Linda said don't turn on your laptop at work!(distracting), "The standards of Journalism" have varied, Ian agreed but stated that two people seeing the same thing report differently and Bill in celebrating the ANZAC spirit said he did it in spirit if not in body!
Graeme evaluated Table Topics and gave each speaker good feedback and suggested to Noel that he make the questions a little clearer next time so the speakers could more easily understand what they are expected to answer.

Mike gave us a very comprehensive General Evaluation with excellent comments for the Evaluators and praise for Helen for running such a great meeting, he was assisted by the Grammarian Jen, who while she did not have a word of the day, counted ums and ahs and unfortunately there were quite a few!!! good to know these things and then we can do something about it!
Stand in Timekeeper Cheryl kept us aware of the times and it was not her fault that we went slightly overtime.

Best Speaker; Craig
Best Table Topic; Bill
Best Evaluator; Graeme

Come along next week and see for yourself what we do and what you can achieve from Toastmasters.