Olympics, Water and Books

Hello Fellow Toastmasters

Thanks to everyone who attended another fun filled meeting on Monday night.  Our Toastmaster for the evening, Jan, was thoroughly organised and kicked proceedings off promptly.  Colin read the mission statement with us all standing.  Our General Evaluator for the evening, Peter, introduced his team.   Sarah Lee briefed the group on her time keeper’s role, and then Steve let us know he was going to be measuring the “Quantum” that the word of the night was being used.

Table topics were introduced by James Kan.   A creative theme based on the Olympics’ with a twist calling for speakers to be innovative in their various Olympic pursuits.  A very animated array of table topic speakers used great body language and gestures to demonstrate their respective sporting endeavours.  Check out the pictures below for the following:

- Steve was a weightlifting Ant, wearing a balaclava whilst working out on a trampoline.
- Bryce skateboarded while trying to hit a tennis ball with a Quiver, squash racket and cricket bat,     and with some concern for audience safety!
- Craig carried the Olympic torch up the stairs with the aide of ski poles and was awarded points on the white board.
- Sarah-Lee lost her way to the table tennis but all was well - she had a Heineken and banana to keep her energy and spirits up.
- Jan kicked off as a rugby playing triathlete, in desperate need of a box of tissues, but competed well considering she had to balance a tray of eggs the whole way.
- Graeme competed in the archery, with the need for some deodorant and the aide of a telescope to get there.
The table topics session was extremely ably evaluated by Christine and James W. 

Our first speaker of the evening was Bryce Adams giving his Ice Breaker speech entitled “Just Add Water”.  A very confident speech on the adventures that Bryce has had with water and how it changed his life and the lessons it taught him.

Joost Persoon also spoke on water with his speech entitled “The Power of Water” on the more serious and frightening side of some water experiences.

David Grant was our third speaker, giving us a passionate, well researched and argued opinion based speech on “our public libraries – do we need them”.

Our speakers were introduced and then evaluated by Ian, Chris and Sheryl respectively.  All introductions and evaluation provided good background and explanation of the assignments followed by encouraging commendations and summaries for the speakers.

Some top tips on how to approach giving a Humorous Speech were provided in the Educational Session thanks to Graeme Valentine.  I am sure everyone got some good pointers out of that session ahead of our Humorous Speech contest on the 27^th of August.  It amazes me how easy and natural Graeme makes building humour into speeches seem.  

Our President, Craig, ran a business session presenting Certificates and Awards as follows:
- Chris received the annual trophy for Best Table Topic Speaker, as he was overseas at the time of the awards dinner. 
- Sheryl was awarded her Competent Communicator and received 2 advanced manuals,
- Certificates for participation we given to last meetings Table Topic Contestants, place getters and our winner Danny Mills.
Come along and support Danny, our Table Topic Contest winner, and our yet to be determined Humorous speaker winner, in the Area Contest on the 15^th September.  This will be held at         commencing at  1:00 in the Greenmeadow East Community Hall, on Tait Drive.
Thanks and appreciation was given to:
 -Sarah for organising the successful Awards Dinner held at Breakers last month.
- Graeme thanked David and Sheryl for judging the Table Topic Contest for Bay City Toastmasters. 
A reminder was given that there is an Executive Committee meeting next Monday 20^th August at Craig’s place commencing 7:30.

Jan presented a special session on ideas for Xmas goodie bags for our troops on deployment in Afghanistan.   (Surely - It can’t be that close to Christmas yet can it!)

Sarah Lee gave an extremely efficient time report, with things being “smack on time” throughout the evening.  Steve gave a detailed Grammarian Report, covering off how well people spoke in the 3^rd person, detailing the use of “Quantum” and then highlighted some of the interesting and colourful language used during the night,  as well as some large tally counts on the Umms and Ahhs that managed to slip their way in!

Peter summarised the meeting well in his general evaluation, providing useful comments to all.

Congratulations to our award winners for the night:
Best Table Topics: Bryce Adams
Best Speaker: Bryce Adams
Best Evaluator: Sheryl Mackie
Best Contribution: Sheryl Mackie

Until next meeting everyone, keep safe and take care.

Sheryl

VP Ed