"A F.I.G. for THE FREEDOM OF THE PRESS"

A TYPICAL PANIA TOASTMASTERS MEETING

When you read the title of this meeting report you may think of the meeting as being a little ‘ordinary’, or ‘mundane’.  However last weeks meeting was far from it.  It was interesting, informative, entertaining, and full of accomplishment.  Yes, just a typical Pania Toastmasters meeting.

Appropriate to the upcoming celebrations, Toastmaster Carol has produced a programme that remembered our ANZAC troops.  Carol then proceeded to run the meeting in an efficient manner with the the scheduled items interspersed with facts about the ANZAC efforts and her previous experience of organising the annual celebrations.

This week we had two wonderful speeches.  First up was Patrick, one of our newest members who was on to his second Competent Communicator speech - “Organise your speech”.  And, in a twist, his speech was a well organised speech about organising speeches.  He introduced us to his FIG method - File, Improve, Great view - which he used to increase his Toastmasters skills and repertoire.  A very entertaining speech and with no notes!  Noel provided an excellent evaluation providing Patrick with some challenges for his next speech.

The second speech was from one of our more senior members, Russell, who was presenting an advanced speech discussing an abstract concept.  Russell talked about the erosion of the Freedom of the Press, where big business, advertisers and fear of litigation result in major issues not being reported as thoroughly as they could be.  It was certainly a challenging talk about an important issue.  Wendy evaluated Russell complimenting his talk and suggesting that he speak a bit louder.

Table Topics was run by David who took the theme of ‘sup (with the head nod included).  In other words he asked various members to keep us in the loop about some aspect of their life.  Laurel talked about her move home to the Bay, Emma talked about working in Auckland, Helen talked about her recent medical adventure, and Jane talked about spring cleaning around home.  Jen evaluated Table Topics with her usual expertise and insight.

Darryl led the General Evaluation session complementing the two speech evaluators and noting how good the meeting was.  With more people at each meeting these days a third row of seats have been added.  How wonderful is that?

Speaker of the day went to Patrick for his entertaining speech about organising your speech.  Evaluator of the day went to Noel for his encouraging words and keen observations.  And Table Topics Speaker of the day was Laurel (welcome back!).

Yes, just another typical Pania Toastmasters meeting … entertaining, informative and full of accomplishment.
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