"FACEBOOK- A REALITY CHECK!"

Pania Blog – Thursday 20 February 2020

It’s a strange time of year, when Christmas has come and gone and we turn out thoughts to our regular weekly ‘fix’ of Toastmasters attendance and personal growth.  The energy is growing but is yet to hit full speed for our 2020 year. It was great to have 13 members attend today - Leigh, Lou, Graeme, Craig, Anna, Peter, Pedro, Israel, Mehran, Sahar, Hannah, Patrick and me.  We look forward to seeing our chairs full again when everybody gets back into full swing. 

Today, our Toastmaster of the Meeting Leigh, presented a clear run sheet to keep us on track.  Leigh started on time and despite some late changes to the programme, managed to keep us on time.  What’s two minutes between friends?  Leigh’s theme for the meeting was “Art Deco” – what else would you choose when It was the Annual Celebration of Art Deco in Napier?  It was a perfect opportunity!  Leigh welcomed each programme presenter with warmth, enthusiasm and a firm, steady voice.  The Mission Statement was read clearly and succinctly by Israel.

Speeches/Evaluations

Graeme, our first speaker was ably introduced by Craig with the topic ‘Reality Check!  Craig gave an excellent, full introduction by identifying Graeme’s  specific project ‘Research your Topic’, from the 'old' Competent Communicator Manual,followed by an excellent explanation of the specific requirements.

Craig gave a full evaluation of Graeme’s speech by working through the earlier identified criteria. He praised Graeme for having the courage to bring this speech to our attention. He then identified the positives using a supportive manner and gave Graeme two specific recommendations:  first to explain the word ‘Thermacel’, especially after asking us if we knew what it was: and secondly to link his ending back to the title ‘ Reality Check!’ Craig’s comments were specific and clear – a classic evaluation!  This was Graeme's final speech in the CC Manual and he is to be congratulated on completing this Manual of 10 speech assignments no less that EIGHT times!!   

Our next Speaker Lou, was ably introduced by Anna with warmth and energy, together with an explanation of the specific criteria for Lou’s assignment entitled ‘Beware of Facebook!’ We were drawn into Lou’s thoughtful and timely speech which she delivered with excellent examples, meaningful anecdotes and explanations, together with engaging us with pertinent questions about own use of this tool.

Anna then reliably thanked Lou for her speech and related how timely and appropriate it was. Anna recapped the speech objective and criteria., then gave an excellent review, specifically recommending that Lou pay attention to her vocal pitch and inflection. Anna finished with a good summary.  Feedback for Anna was to include name of the Pathway in her introduction. 

 Throughout the meeting, our Timekeeper, Pedro, kept us to time and delivered a clear, succinct report of our times.

Table Topics

Peter presented our Table Topic challenges. He introduced a new concept in which speakers were identified at the same time then each asked to think of a single word or phrase. However, their word was to be given to another speaker, who would speak to it. All speakers were identified, then asked to think of their word. Peter also explained that he would be giving feedback after each speaker had spoken.

Although a little confusing at the beginning all speakers handled their word well - although somewhat confused they all received feedback as promised. 

As the General Evaluator, I was surprised by this last-minute change and also the last-minute choice to evaluate each speaker as they spoke.(this had been arranged before hand but unfortunately the Toastmaster was not made aware of the change)  

 I recommend that any programme changes are discussed with the Chair of each meeting so they can prepare the Agenda ahead of time and arrange the correct timing to suit if possible.  Although popular this time, the change to the standard programme without notice did put pressure on our Meeting Chair who did demonstrate strength by challenging the change while also working to accommodate the change.  Maybe this is a message to us all that we need to be aware of existing traditions and seek ways of introducing change.  Each member performing a role takes time to prepare carefully and is thrown by last minute changes that throws their preparation into disarray, impacting how they do their role. 

Awards:           Best Speaker – Graeme for sharing a personal story with a distinct message for us all– a story that could happen to each one of us. He spoke with courage, sensitivity and courage. 

Best Evaluator – Craig for his meaningful, well considered feedback, through solid preparation, commendations and recommendations!

Best Table Topic – Anna for her usual vibrant Table Topic presentation with great vocal variety and actions.

Thank you to all who participated!

General Evaluator - Laurel Francis