Pania
Blog – Thursday 18 October 2018
Lazy Long
Weekends
With a day to go to the
start of a long, lazy weekend for the citizens of Hawkes Bay, our meeting today
was anything but lazy!
Toastmaster of the Day
Tamara brought her usual high energy to this meeting, ensuring that we
were swept along with her enthusiasm. Sincere congratulations must be given to
Tamara, considering this was her first time as chair.
A large number of changes
had to be made to the programme due to last minute unavailability of scheduled
members. However, HMS Tamara surged forward and overcame these obstacles and
successfully ran a full programme! Sincere thanks also go to those who stepped
in to fill in the roles! Tamara kept the meeting to time and correctly fulfilled
he role.
Our timekeeper was
Linda, who kept our ship on a tight course, and delivered her report
efficiently.
The meeting opened on
time with the room reflecting the high standard of set-up we have come to expect
from Graeme and helpers. Always the first to arrive and the last to leave,
Graeme sets a great example of how the S at A role should be
performed.
Graeme then showed his
versatility by evaluating our first speaker -Lou. Graeme explained Lou’s
challenge - Speech #6, from the Competent Toastmaster Manual – Vocal
Variety. He used usual and unexpected humour and interacted with us. Lou’s
title was ‘Geocation’!
Lou’s speech was highly
entertaining and also intriguing due to her sharing her new hobby and activity
‘Geocation!’ For those still uninitiated, it comes from geography and location
and sets a challenge for those willing to try it. From my understanding it’s a
mix between a treasure hunt and healthy activity, combined with a social aspect.
A piece of paper is hidden in a geographical area, which is advertised on a FB
site. Fellow ‘geolocators’ are invited to find it, add their names and replace
it. Then inform the FB site of their success. To me, it seems to also have a
physical activity and social element! Lou did a great job of explaining this
with great use of vocal variety – even introducing ‘Muggles’ at one point. You
should have been there!!
(If I have
misrepresented the art of ‘Geocationing’. Just ask Lou!!)
Craig then introduced our
second speaker, Patrick, who was presenting the last step of his Pathway,
Motivational Strategies - level 1 – To learn and review basic research
details. Craig gave us a competent and specific overview of the specific
requirements of this challenge and announced Patrick’s intriguing title ‘The eye
of the Tiger!’
Patrick then presented a highly
informative and visual explanation of his chosen research topic, which he
alluded to in his title. He presented logical and intriguing research which
explained why all eyes, in particular the pupils, aren’t round like ours. In any
animal, whether human, tiger, goat etc, the shape of the pupil, together with
the shape and contour of the eye is purposefully constructed to assist that
animal to survive in their environment. Patrick’s speech was supported by
excellent visuals which helped us to literally ‘see’ the difference and purpose
between the eye shapes. Great research together with a great presentation!
Should we want to know more, Patrick supplied a handout, listing his research
references.
Table
Topics,
with Jen at the helm, challenged but did not defeat the five speakers
(Graeme, Linda, Jenny, Tamara and Craig) who
superbly rose to the occasion! Jen gave the beginning of a scenario and
challenged the speakers to fill in the middle and end. Every speaker met this
challenge with vigour and provided a highly entertaining session. It was at this
point a recorder would have been useful, as this is one of the best and
entertaining TT sessions I have heard. Great job by all
speakers!!
Our evaluators today
were Graeme, Craig and Jen.
Graeme evaluating Lou,
engaged us immediately with a question, then explained what he was specifically
looking for in Lou’s speech. He commended Lou’s great use of vocal variety and
included a number of helpful and positive comments focused on specific
objectives. For example, he recommended that Lou engages with her audience as
soon as possible. Graeme concluded in congratulating Lou on her speech.
Craig evaluating
Patrick, began with congratulating Patrick on completing level 1 of his
Pathway. He then reminded us of the specific purpose and objectives. Craig gave
excellent suggestions and compliments, such as ensuring eye contact with the
audience and away from the visuals, using a pointer to direct the audience and
included a general recommendation for everyone using a TV screen. He concluded
with a strong summary and close.
Carol evaluated Table
Topics, complimenting Jen on her innovative topics and introduction,
Carol reconnected us with each topic as she gave her evaluation of each speaker.
She included excellent examples of commendations, recommendations and summaries
for each speaker and included general recommendations for all
speakers.
Awards: Best
Speaker – Patrick
Best Evaluator – Carol
Best Table Topic – Jenny
A great, energising
meeting providing an excellent segue into a fun-filled and re-energising long
holiday weekend! Quality over quantity!!
Well done
everyone!!
General Evaluator -
Laurel
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