"FACING DEPRESSION TAKES TEAMWORK!"

What an enthusiastic group of Toastmasters we had at out meeting on 26^th April. Mike was the Toastmaster of the day and kept the programme ticking over very nicely. “Facing Depression Takes Team Work” gives a hint as to what today’s two speeches were all about!.

Patrick introduced Anna, our first speaker, in a most encouraging way and he clearly outlined the objectives that Anna was attempting to achieve.

Anna, did not disappoint, she quickly moved into a role play showing us three characters , who suffered from various ailments such as anxiety and depression. Her use of vices, gesture and facial expression was superb, so was the storyline that she told us, not only how difficult it was to cope in this situation, but also to find someone to prescribe the right medication.

A memorable speech with quite a message! Thanks Anna.

Patrick applauded Anna for her sincerity and conviction in his evaluation and also offered suggestions such as building up a little more detail with regards to clarifying certain parts of her storyline. Well done, Patrick!

Darryl introduced our second speaker, Marc. He gave an overview of the “Get to The Point” assignment which was entitled, ‘Time To Join A Team’. Marc commenced by asking “how many of you have ever played in a team?”, well everyone said yes. Having gained attention, he proceeded to sell the ‘sizzle’-that of being part of an Executive Team, in Toastmasters. His message told of how important Club Leadership was, both in Toastmasters and in evert day life. Very good storyline from Marc, his experience showed.

Darryl praised Marc on achieving the speech objectives and outlined exactly where about it happened. Well done Darryl, very good listening skills. Darryl also recommended that Marc attempt to maintain enthusiasm throughout his entire presentation. Thanks Darryl.

Table Topics was very interesting. Kristy (her first time presenting Table Topics) had chosen four well thought out subjects for those taking part. We had ”First day at Work”(Linda) “First Date” (Tamara) “First Overseas Adventure” (Noel) and “What age would you like to be if you had a second chance?” (Jen).

What fun, the answers were fascinating, one thing for sure no one needed any prompting! Great session Kristy (just give the subject first and then the person’s name). Sandy gave a very good evaluation of Table Topics, giving praise such as eye contact, ideas, language, word pictures, use of humour and gestures with recommendations including expanding thoughts and  utilising the allotted time. Well done Sandy who also doubled as the Timekeeper and gave an excellent report.

Best Speaker; Marc

Best Evaluator; Sandy

Best Table Topic; Tamara

Mike concluded the meeting with a quote “You don’t stop laughing because you grow old, you grow old because you stop laughing!”

Michael Pritchard.

Thanks everone.