"AN AFFAIR WITH BIRDS"

Two meetings in one…

Last Thursday the club held it’s AGM as part of its meeting, so to ensure everything ran to time we had “Captain Efficiency” Jen at the helm, and she ran a very slick meeting indeed.

"FEELING WELL?-DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?"

HOW ARE YOU FEELING TODAY/DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM

Julie was our Toastmaster of the day, and she welcomed us all in a professional manner, introducing us to the theme of the meeting:  Bullying – Kindness is one size fits all. Many supported Pink Shirt Day wearing their pink shirt or scarf. Mission statement was read by Carol in her gorgeous pink dress and apologies  tabled and passed.

"HAMILTON CONFERENCE REPORT"

On the weekend of the 3rd-5th May Marc (with his wife Kerry-a Napier Club member),Patrick and Craig(with his wife Jan) attended the Annual (and inaugural) District 112 Conference in Hamilton.The theme of the conference was "New Beginnings" appropriate for the first  District 112 Conference after the split of New Zealand into two Toastmaster's Districts from 1st June 2018.

"IT'S ME - HAPPY FOR NO REASON!"

It’s me: Happy for no reason!

Pania Meeting Report for 9^th May 2019

Jenni was our Toastmaster of the day, and she welcomed us all in a cheerful manner, introducing us to the theme of the meeting: Mother’s Day! She also welcomed us in Maori AND sign language!! Well done.

Jen introduced our first speaker of the day, getting us all to laugh with a brief humorous personal story of her first time speaking – which was a great way to lead into Sahar’s first speech here at Pania Toastmasters, the Icebreaker. In her speech ‘It’s me’ Sahar told us about her move from her home country Iran to New Zealand. She started off telling us the reason why they wanted to change their lives and take the courageous step to move to a completely different culture. She then described how they actually realised the big step, finding enough money, a job, and place to live for a start in Dunedin! And she concluded with describing what they enjoy being resident in New Zealand now. What a great structure Sahar had in her speech, and her positive vibes came across so well, that it was a joy listening to her. Jen congratulated Sahar on completing her first speech, and gave a very warm and encouraging evaluation. She commended Sahar on presenting so well in English as her second language, on the content of the speech and on the fact that Sahar presented without notes.

Jenni moved the meeting on the next item, General Business. Jane recognised Barbara, a former Toastmaster member, for her role at Napier Girl’s High school, at the occasion of her retirement: news that made the newspaper. Marc highlighted Pania Club’s upcoming general meeting and encouraged participation and volunteers for roles in the executive team! He also told us about the TM conference in Hamilton, and revealed that Craig was recognised at the conference with one of four District 112 Citation for service to Toastmasters. Congratulations Craig!

Anna introduced our second speaker Carol in a very humorous and light-hearted way, giving us background on Carol’s profession, which was an excellent introduction to the content of the speech with the title ‘How to be happy for no reason’. Carol jumped straight into an entertaining personal story on a chaotic start of the day but still feeling happy for no reason. The following practical exercise got us all hooked and engaged. Additionally supported by visuals on the board Carol managed to explain plausibly the technical background on what to do to feel simply happy – even without a reason. In her evaluation, Anna commended the appearance, gestures and authenticity of Carol’s informative speech. She recommended simplifying the content slightly, to match it to the limited time available for the speech.  

The following item on the agenda was Table Topics, with Tamara as our Table Topics Master. Matching our theme of the day, Tamara asked for speeches relating to Mother’s Day.

Julie was asked what the best piece of advice was her mom ever gave her. Julie surprised us with revealing that it was the recommendation to always to wear French perfume and leather shoes, and expanded on why it made her feel so good.

Then Tamara asked Jen what her most memorable mother’s day experience was. Jen first explained Mother’s Day was not much of a celebration in her family, but she shared the memory that even little hand-made personal presents given with love are cherished and treasured, even if not practical at all: She gave her mom a little ashtray made out of paper.

Paula was asked to talk about how she is like or unlike her mom. Paula disclosed she had a great relationship with her mom – with the distance of the sea between New Zealand and Australia separating them. But Paula told us that she focusses on the positive in her mom, and looks out for things in which she would like to be like her, and that she is then grateful if she succeeds.

Tamara asked Craig to tell us about what he most regretted doing to his mom, and he convincingly explained that he wouldn’t do anything naughty as he was mother’s little darling! But then he admitted sneakily watching TV when he was not allowed to do so.

Marc delivered an outstanding evaluation of the Table Topic Presenters in an exemplary way:  in this short timeframe he offered a structured, well-balanced feedback to all four speakers, offering genuine commendations on appearance, delivery, structure, and content of each speech, and also helpful recommendations for everyone.Sandy gave an excellent General Evaluation assisted by the Timekeeper Graeme. (ED)

Jenni wrapped up this entertaining and informative meeting in time and with this finished a successful meeting she has led as the Toastmaster for the first time, well done Jenni!

Awards:

Best Speaker: Sahar

Best Table Topic: PAULA

Best Evaluator: Marc

"A NEW BEGINNING & TOXIC POSITIVITY!"

Pania Meeting Report for 2nd May 2019

Grateful for almost a full house – 2 guests, with our new members, it was really lovely to not see chairs for people sitting on them!

Lou ran a great meeting, warm and welcoming open (in true Lou style) backed up by Jen (grammarian) who chose the word ‘Gratitude’. This became the theme of the day with each member using gratitude or a variation of that in some form when they spoke.

Only her second visit and our guest Bonita felt comfortable enough to read the Mission Statement – credit to Lou for checking in prior to meeting start – and this was the way the meeting flowed. Special mention was given to welcome Graeme back.

Laurel introduced Israel with her great use of ‘Gratitude’. She shared the background of what an icebreaker speech is all about including the what, why and how of an icebreaker to educate us, guests and refresh members.

Israel from Mexico entertained and educated us so we could learn more about him see his skills in action as he commanded the stage and managed to get a message or two across about his English and Spanish language and personality. Laurel’s evaluation included many commendations and recognition of the talent we witnessed and only a couple of recommendations. Again, there were fabulous education opportunities shared through listening to experienced evaluators sharing their feedback.

Lou took the opportunity to bring in General Business where Patrick reminded us of the TM event in Hamilton this weekend. Laurel reminded us that it’s not just about the contests, there is also going to be the election process happening. Next year this will be held in Napier and it was encouraged for 100% attendance and participation.

Change of pace as Carol introduced Jenni who spoke on ‘Toxic Positivity’. A well-researched topic with opportunities to challenge our own behaviours and thinking to avoid this toxic positivity “trap”.  Beautifully acknowledged with by the grateful Carol who shared her passion on this topic, insights as well as commendations and recommendations. I particularly liked how Carol stepped forward with her beaming smile as Jenni came to the front of the room – this act helped the speaker to feel welcomed even more and perhaps even help rid one or two of the nerves. Nice touch Carol, thank you.

Julie educated us on earthquakes, natural disasters and also the latest in land movement (causing earthquakes) of Mount Hikurangi – setting the scene of the well thought out and pre-planned Table Topics questions.

Sahar delighted us with her childhood experiences and the differences she noticed in the two countries including her experience with emergency evacuation at work (Napier).

Wonderful to see Graeme demonstrating his experience and delight with table topics. ‘We learned just what was in his emergency ‘grab bag’’ and how this still sits on his “to do” list.

Bonita shared with confidence and conviction why we should not re-build Napier in the same place if the city should be decimated by an earthquake. We heard the reasons why she felt this way including the current book she is reading - it certainly got me thinking.

Russell showed his experience as he shared he does not have a plan for at risk elderly friends or family if there was an emergency. What he did share was his wisdom and practical thoughts on how he would imagine he would respond at looking after himself and Jane if he was to experience such an experience including a wee quote “we do not know what we do not know”.

Julie then closed out the table topics with more advice if we were to experience a natural disaster and reminded us by showing us the Civil Defence reference material available in the phone book.

Sandy’s evaluation of the table topics credited each speaker for their input, experiences and addressing an important topic with such honesty. Sandy offered some good insights, commendations and some recommendations. (as each evaluator does as part of their role)

Wrapping up, Jen charmed us with a reminder of the phrases and words of gratitude shared throughout the talks. With her humour and commentary she summed up the meeting leaving space for Patrick to race through his time keeper’s report which he did very well, asking if any of the speakers wanted their time specifically. Great idea!

Awards:

Bonita: best Table Topic

Laurel: best Evaluator

Israel: best Speaker