Pania Blog – Thursday 1 August 2019
Quatro
Stagioni for lunch!
Anyone who has enjoyed an authentic Italian Pizza in Italy, would
know that it means ‘Four Seasons, with each season being represented by the
topping synonymous with each season. So
too did our Toastmaster of the Day, Carole, represent each of our seasons
throughout the meeting by providing not only a bright and colourful agenda, but
also a sprinkling of interesting facts and details as a perfect topping!
Our timekeeper Leigh,
kept us nicely on time, 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 Craig.
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. The new layout is working
well and allows for a greater range of movement.
Our first speaker for the day Benita was ably introduced by
Marc, explaining the ‘off the cuff’ nature of Benita’s second speech
entitled ‘To cell phone or not to cell phone?’ Marc explained the
specific objectives and challenges of Benita’s assignment that would be the
focus of his evaluation and feedback.
Benita took the floor and proceeded to passionately
present a well thought out and personal speech on the use of cell phones in
schools - a topic that is currently being looked at nationally and certainly
one that provokes differences of opinion.
Benita explained that she is presenting her evidence in support of
change to her school the next day and we certainly wish her every success. Going by the strength of the research, facts
and figures she presented to us, I believe she will be an excellent advocate
for the necessary change in policy.
Israel was our second speaker, introduced very
effectively by Julie who outlined the Pathway Israel is following and
the specific requirements of this assignment.
Israel’s title was ‘Life Lessons from Aviation!’, which certainly
grabbed our attention. The speech was highly visual, using structural images of
a plane in flight – explaining how an inexperienced pilot’s decision to
override the auto pilot has various and potential disastrous repercussions. He
related this to what happens in life when we are inexperienced in understanding
and processing our emotions and life choices. Israel delivered using his
signature friendly, humorous yet serious style.
Table Topics came next with an excellent range of topics
prepared by Lou. Lou based her
questions on the shocking road death statistics in New Zealand. I believe,
no-one could have said they didn’t know anything about the topic. Lou delivered four topics:
Michael was asked what he thought we should be doing
to lower the road toll in NZ.
Sahar was asked what advice she would give
companies like Higgins about making things easier for drivers.
Craig was asked whether he thought the road
barriers on the motorway were a good idea?
Graeme was asked what he thought the speed limit should
be in NZ and why?
It is a mark of good topics when all speakers are able to speak
well to their topic and all speakers were able to do that very well today. Each speaker gave their opinions clearly and
concisely with a certain amount of passion as well, indicating their strength of
belief in what they were saying. This validated the topics chosen by Lou as
being worthy of good replies. I believe that this topic would have had those of
us still in our seat almost wishing we had been asked for our opinion and
suggestions! Well done Lou and our
speakers, Michael, Sahar, Craig and Graeme!
Our evaluators today were Marc,
Julie and Patrick.
Marc evaluating
Benita’s speech, gave a supportive
and specific feedback, explaining how the statistics and reinforcement brought
it home to all of us. He commented on
Benita’s use of note cards and gave good suggestions that will help her use
them more effectively. Marc also commented on Benita’s use of the speaking
space and gave excellent suggestions for improvement. Mark summarised
efficiently and congratulated Benita on her speech.
Julie evaluated
Israel’s speech by using a
systematic approach of working her way through the parts of Israel’s speech
that asked for specific affirmation or suggestions for improvement. Julie uses
an open, friendly and empathic style which puts speakers at ease. She then reminded us of the specific purpose
and objectives, commented on the positive aspects of the speech, then followed
with excellent suggestions for improvement about the placement of the lectern, and
positioning of the screen to ensure it is visible to everyone.
Patrick evaluated
Table Topics, complimenting Lou on her excellent topics and
introduction. Patrick reconnected us
with each topic as she gave her evaluation of each speaker. Patrick included
excellent examples of commendations, recommendations and summaries for each
speaker and included general recommendations for all speakers.
Awards: Best
Speaker – shared between Benita and Israel as impossible to
separate on the grounds of excellence of topic and the human elements involved.
Best
Evaluator – Julie
Best Table Topic – Craig
As we have come to expect, a great, energising meeting. Our newer
members are settling in very well and giving we oldies a run for our
money! Great to see such emerging talent
together with the growing multi-cultural content this inevitably brings, which
can only be good for the future of this dynamic club!
Well done everyone!!
General Evaluator - Laurel Francis
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