A Night Of Many Firsts!

Welcome Fellow Toastmasters and Guests

Thanks to all who attended and contributed to another entertaining and informative meeting last night- A meeting with many firsts!

Our first meeting for the new Toastmaster Year was chaired by James Kan in his first time role as Toastmaster.  Well done James!  A tough role and I thought you managed it admirably.

Toastmaster – James Kan

Fantastic to have three guests come along last night.  A big welcome to Joseph, Aaron and Keely.  Also congratulations to Bryce Adams for officially becoming a member last night. Great to have you on board as part of the Club.

General Evaluator – Ian Wright

Ian Wright introduced his role as General Evaluator for the benefit of the guests and newer members.  Ian provided a very thorough General Evaluation on the meeting and his analysis imparted a timely reminder that attention to detail and getting the little things right can make a big difference.  Ian was supported by his team of Joost and Simon, who both laudably undertook first time roles as the Grammarian and Timekeeper respectively.  Joost's word of the night, “laudable”, was well used while Simon kept us fairly well on track for finishing on time.

Grammarian – Joost Persoon

Table Topics was well introduced and run by Steve Tutbury, with a theme on speaking to personalised car number plates.  Some creative number plates were provided which gave good scope, (not too easy, not too hard) for speakers to talk to.  A good effort by all but particularly well done to our newest member Bryce Adams for his first time attempt at Table Topics.  Table topics were ably evaluated by Chris and Jan (her first time in an evaluation role). 

Giving her icebreaker speech was new member Sarah Lee, and what an impressive first time effort.  A very confident, well structured, speech that clearly demonstrated how her family is her priority.  Good job Sarah, Icebreakers are one of my favourite speeches as it is an exciting and interesting way to get to know new members.

Our second speaker was James Ward who practiced 'How to Say It' with his self written, colourful story-style, speech entitled “Life”.  James led us through a highly descriptive narrative that ended with a surprise “Thud”. 

The final formal speech was by Craig Robinson who asked the question 'Why?'.  Craig provided a very persuasive and compelling argument for why we should all be committed toastmasters and take a “give it a go approach”.  Congratulations to Craig on completing another CC Manual, not a first but still a tremendous achievement no matter how many times!

Speeches were well evaluated by Peter, Sheryl and Sarah respectively and leaving the speakers with a good range of commendations and recommendations to take into their next projects.

Craig ran an efficient business session – his first as Club President (at least this time round!).   Craig gave reminders for the first meeting for the new Club Executive to be held next Monday and for Club Officer Training on the 20^th of July . 

A sad farewell was given to Emily Murray who has been forced to leave our shores.  Emily is a very accomplished and entertaining speaker who has made a fantastic contribution, not just to the Napier Toastmasters Club but has also very willingly helped out in other clubs in the area. A great loss to the Club and New Zealand.  We all wish you the best Emily and hope to see you back one day.

Craig, an ever obliging and committed club member, stepped in to take Graeme’s educational session, (due to rare absence by Graeme on account of illness).  Craig provided an informative run down for next meetings Table Topic Contest.  Personally I thought Craig made participating in the Table Topic Contest sound very inviting.  I am sure there will be a lot of willing contestants next meeting!  May I just also say what an awesome contribution Craig made, a speech, a business session and an education session in one night!  Truly a committed Toastmaster!

What a terrific night - to have so many members giving new roles and opportunities a go!  Well done to you all, keep it up!

The Awards for the night went to……

Best Speaker: Sarah Lee
Best Evaluator: Sarah Hall
Best Table Topics: Emily Murray
Best Contribution: Sarah Hall

Best Contributor – Sarah Hall

That concludes the first report from you new VP Ed!
Have a great fortnight!


Sheryl Mackie
VPEd