'BUILDING and BIRTHING'

For the first Toastmasters meeting of Autumn the weather certainly delivered!  Both rain and wind hardened our resolve to get the the weekly Pania Toastmasters meeting.  And it was such a good turnout - 16 people, including two out of town guests (Helen & Mike, Toastmasters from Auckland who have moved to 'the Bay') and one prospective member.(Tamara).

The meeting was well led by Linda, our Toastmaster of the day.  After introductions and apologies, Russell read the Toastmasters Mission statement. 

Our first speaker was our new member Lou.  Not only was she presenting her first speech - the IceBreaker - but it was also one of our first projects from the new Pathways programme.  Fortunately for us long time members the Ice-breaker speech has the same familiar objectives and structure.  Lou told us about her “Dream Journey” to build her own house.  It was told with humour and confidence which bodes well for her further speeches in Toastmasters as she heads down her Pathway.  Marc evaluated Lou’s speech and provided positive encouragement and feedback that will be valuable to her.

Our second speaker was Noel who is a repeating his “old school” Competent Communicator manual for the fourth time.  He did the “How to say it” project telling us about meeting his first grandchild and using that as a springboard for telling us about the challenges of rural midwives in New Zealand.  His speech was like a fireside chat that tempered a serious subject that got many of us thinking.

The business section of our meeting included a number of presentations of certificates to members from the recent Humorous Speech and Prepared Speech contests Marc was presented with his 3rd Competent Communicator award, Linda received her Advanced Communicator- Bronze and Jen, her Advanced Communicator-Silver.  Congratulations to all those who took part in the Contests and to the recipients of the Certificate for their Educational achievements

Table Topics was led by Jane who asked members about their opinions on various transport issues.  Sandy was asked about replacing level crossing with bridges; Carol was asked about extending the logging train line to the port; and, finally, Russell as asked about registering cyclists and bikes.  All topics were answered with thoughtful opinion and comment.  Certainly a great way to get the brain cells working on a wet and windy day.

Our meeting finished with a summary from the General Evaluator, Darryl, assisted by The Timekeeper, Craig and Grammarian, Graeme (whose word of the day was ';salutation') and  some feedback from our guests who said they enjoyed the meeting and were impressed with our time management, being able to fit so much into a 55 minute meeting. 

Best Speaker; Lou

Best Evaluator; Marc

Best Table Topic; Sandy

 Thank you, its a team effort.  See you all next week.

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