'TITANIC,MOTHER THERESA, ROALD DAHL, 9/11 & BATTLE OF BRITAIN!"

Another bright, cheery meeting began with a bright, cheerful agenda prepared by Toastmaster Wendy, whose bright, cheerful attitude provided a bright, cheerful stage on which all role holders performed to their bright and cheerful best – well done everyone!

Wendy chose the theme of ‘9’ – her agenda was watermarked with a large ‘9’ and immediately engaged our response by asking what it meant. September of course! She themed her agenda around events during Septembers past – Mother Theresa’s death, sinking of the Titanic, 50 year anniversary of Roald Dahl, Battle of Britain and 9/11 twin Towers attack.

Wendy opened with the usual welcome, moved the apologies, asked for a seconder and for acceptance. There were no guests to welcome today as the familiar faces of Sandy and Stephanie are now members!

Later, during the business session, Craig performed a warm and welcoming induction ceremony, recognising and validating Sandy and Stephanie. Craig used an inclusive participatory technique by not only asking them to agree to uphold the principles of Toastmasters but also asked us to commit to their support by saying ‘I do’.  Only the cake and bubbly were missing!

We all extend a very warm welcome to you both and are delighted to help share your journey into the future.

Helen read the mission statement by using a ‘fill in the gaps’ interactive method. She stopped at key words, asking us to call out the missing words. What a clever way to get involvement as well as testing our knowledge - very nice Helen!

Barbara was our first speaker who was ably introduced by David using a classical two part introduction - telling us about Barbara and then her topic and specific objectives.  The title ‘Proud Mary’ alone was enough to make us eager. Strains of the well-known song ran through our minds, transporting some of us back in time I’m sure! Barbara’s speech was a continuation of an earlier speech. She read a highly entertaining, humorous poem dedicated ‘Mary’, a Principal of Napier Girls High. Barbara delivered the poem with a cheeky wit and had us hooked on every word.

Carol, as today’s Bard, took us back to the highly imaginative world of children as she explored a beautifully illustrated children’s book on Yoga! Using a part reading, part explanation, part demonstration approach, we were shown how children could be engaged in a healthy activity.

Linda was today’s Table Topic master cleverly building on Wendy’s theme of September events by asking each speaker a related question. She also gave Sandy and Stephanie a heads up that now they had joined, they were now on her ‘hit’ list! Her ‘victims’ in order were:

Noel – Mother Theresa

Stephanie -   Roald Dahl

Sandy – Battle of Britain

Patrick – Twin Towers attack

Darryl – Sinking of Titanic

At this point we were ahead of time so it was suggested that three others who hadn’t yet had a speaking opportunity be given one! Further victims were:

Graeme - ? (This doesn’t mean he didn’t know what he was talking about – I just can’t remember!)

Anna – Titanic

Helen – Mother Theresa

All speakers spoke well to each topic incorporating sprinkles of humour where appropriate. The mood of the meeting was highly conducive to a high level of responses, particularly Sandy and Stephanie who both spoke as though they been with us for much longer.

David then provided evaluative feedback to Barbara by matching his comments to the specific objectives. He recommended she clarify who was actually speaking about Mary, the use of pause to accentuate the natural cadence of the poem and finally to deliver the poem without notes as required by one objective. This was balanced by David’s commendation on Barbara’s choice of poem and the passion, energy and vigour she put into the delivery.

Craig evaluated the Table Topics beginning by commending Linda for aligning her topics with the day’s theme, then offering focused commendations and supportive recommendations for each speaker.

Throughout the meeting, Ian was carefully monitoring time and ably flicking green, amber and red lights as appropriate to keep us all to time. We did run two minutes over but the atmosphere was so warm and funny that no-one seemed to notice.

Best Speaker – Barbara                     Best evaluator – Craig                       Best Table Topic - Stephanie

Congratulations everyone for a fun-filled, high energy, productive club meeting!

Laurel