"BEFUDDLED & MUDDLED!"

Although we had a number of apologies we still had a great turnout for Pania's meeting today with our numbers bolstered by four guests, Israel (3rd time),Sabine (Toastmaster from Christchurch) and husband Matt and also Liam, a colleague of Julie & Jenni.


Toastmaster of the day was, Marc and with the Art Deco theme he looked really resplendent in his Art Deco gear, it did not really matter what he said the look carried him through!!!

Our first speaker was a guest from Napier Club and a former Pania member, Kerry who was introduced by Craig.Kerry's speech (her final one from the Competent Communicator Manual) was entitled "Befuddled & Muddled". This was an 'organise your speech' assignment and Kerry utilised her nursing background to give us an excellent presentation covering the difference between Alzheimer's and Dementia. She explained that Alzheimers is a form of Dementia and briefly, but succinctly covered the different aspects of each in an easily understood format. She spoke clearly and utilised the Whiteboard to good effect and had excellent rapport with the audience.
In his Evaluation, Craig commended Kerry on many aspects of her presentation and was also able to offer a couple of suggestions on possible improvement.
CONGRATULATIONS Kerry on completing another Competent Communicator Award (your 2nd I believe) now onto Pathways!

Next up we were privileged to be educated by Sabine from Christchurch, visiting Napier for Art Deco weekend, Sabine is a Division Trainer and experienced Toastmaster and she was inspiring, motivating and giving us the message about the value of competing in the upcoming International Speech Contest, time will tell how successful she was, but it was certainly extremely propelling reasoning to 'give it a go'. Thanks so much Sabine for your valued input.

Table Topics was run by Jenni, and she had a box full of tricks (items) for members to select and talk about during their allotted 2 minutes. Participants included Paula, Lou, Israel and Julie and all were able to speak well to their item drawn from the box. Carol evaluated Table Topics and had commendations for all the speakers and was able to suggest some things they may like to look at doing differently next time. Paula was selected as the Best Table Topic speaker.

Craig was surprised when asked to do the General Evaluation( unfortunately a couple of members were absent at the last minute) but like the experienced Toastmaster that he can be, he soldiered on and covered the essentials (I think!!) He was assisted by the Timekeeper, Anna, and the meeting finished on time, well done everyone.

We then enjoyed  some  nibbles with the reasonably regular "President's Luncheon", which most people stayed for and had a good chat after the meeting. This is excellent 'social time' due to our 55 minute time frame most weeks.

Best Speaker; Sabine,
Best Evaluator; Carol
Best Table Topic; Paula

We do it all again next week 12.05pm, why not come along???