'WHO WOULD YOU INVITE FOR DINNER?"

On Thursday 26th September Pania Toastmasters held their Table Topics & Humorous Speech Contests with several visiting Judges from Napier Club, Brenda, Jane & Karen and the Area Director Brian from Hastings Club.


A good turnout of members came to hear first the Table Topics Contest, chaired by Craig. The Topic to be answered by all Contestants , who had drawn for speaking order, but agreed to let the inexperienced members go first so they could hear how others tackled the same topic, was "If you  Could Invite Anyone in the World to Dinner, who would it be and Why?" within a two minute time frame.
Lou spoke first and she would invite her family as she does not like talking to strangers, the family provide plenty of laughs and good times.
Next up was Leigh, she would invite her Grandmother (and perhaps another friend) to learn more about emigrating to New Zealand and life in the early days.
Sandy then invited someone who had more to do with the outdoors (right up Sandy's alley) and they could discuss and perhaps even practice tramping etc
Carol went to invite "Pink" (singer). who has greatly impressed her being able to comeback as an older person, and after motherhood, to reinvigorate her career.
Finally Marc chose Shaun  Wallace (The Dark Destroyer from 'The Chase') who impresses him with his wisdom and also the great act that he puts on in the show as being sourly and gruff, totally opposite to what he is in real life(he also loves football and so does Marc!)

There had to be a winner and that was Marc, with Carol 2nd place and Sandy 3rd. Congratulations to all who took the challenge to compete, you are all winners for it!!

Following on was the Humorous Contest, not always an easy speech to write and perform, and unfortunately only two members took up the challenge. Lou gave an excellent performance as her cat in a speech entitled "Don't Forget to Feed Your Cat" and dressed for the part accordingly, she would not have been out of place in "Cats"! Very humorous and well,delivered with excellent props and plenty of humour.
Next up was Craig with "It Will Happen to you!" This was about growing old (and Craig apparently spoke from experience!) enough said, if you do not want to do something you have to make fun of it, to make it more palatable.
First place deservedly went to Lou.

Marc and Lou will now represent the Club at the Area R3 Contests on November 1st at Greenmeadows Community Centre, Tait Drive, where they will compete against the winners from the other five Clubs in the Area.Be there to support them, we wish them luck!!

Next week back to a 'normal' meeting with the Toastmaster Israel.