It’s me: Happy for no reason!
Pania Meeting Report for 9th 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
No comments:
Post a Comment