'WHY IRAN if I had ONE MORE DAY!"

Two very interesting speeches today at Pania Toastmaster's weekly meeting under the professional guidance of the Toastmaster of the day, Laurel, who ran a very tight program following an excellently set out Agenda with smooth transitions between items.

Laurel celebrated the 58th Birthday of the Barbie doll and wondered why we do not see 58year old Barbies being made today???. Some people may of course have a 58 year old Barbie! Most in our Club are not old enough , but if you have, it could be valuable.

The first item on the program was a prepared speech presented by Linda, introduced by Mike. Linda was working from an Advanced Manual the specific assignment being "The Abstract Concept". This is always a tricky one to know what to talk about but Linda handled the task extremely well with a speech entitled "Why Iran?". She spoke of a recent trip to Iran (she has dual citizenship as she lived there for many years and used to teach there) and explained in very clear terms how the abstract concept of the brain is enhanced through travel. So when you hear the saying 'travel broadens the mind' you can believe it! A very well presented and interesting speech, also giving much insight into the pitfalls of travel to that particular country, if you are thinking of it! Excellent Linda.
Mike gave a strong evaluation , praising Linda for 'exposing' herself to us through the many commendations that she deserved for the speech and also finding 2/3 worthwhile recommendations for Linda.

Next up was Darryl, introduced by Helen, Darryl was also working from an Advanced Manual with the assignment "Speaking in Praise".Entitled "One More Day" Darryl spoke fondly of his father who passed away in 2009 and included parts of the Eulogy he gave at the funeral with additions. An excellent example of this particular assignment and extremely well put together and presented by Darryl, not an east task but  very well handled.
Helen in her Evaluation commended the many good points that Darryl made and confirmed that he certainly achieved the objectives ,she advised that he certainly gained "leadership from his father".

Table Topics was run by Marc and four members, (Craig, Jane, Jen & Graeme) were requested to give min-icebreakers in 90 secs so that the newer members could learn a little of their background.
Kerry, evaluated Table Topics and commended all the speakers while also finding a worthwhile recommendation for each one as well. Great effort Marc and Kerry, one could almost have felt this was an 'impromptu session!'

International Speech Contestants were given their certificates and Mike also received a "Spirit of Success" certificate for completing another Advanced Manual recently.
Don't forget to support Mike & Barbara at the Area Contests tomorrow night in Hastings!!!

Ian gave us the Timekeeper's report, Russell gave a brief (time was running out) General Evaluation
and Laurel wrapped up the program succinctly.

Best Speaker; Linda
Best Table Topic; Graeme
Best Evaluator; Mike

See you all next week when the Toastmaster is Craig.