Visit to Hastings Toastmasters

On Thursday 15th November six members of Napier Toastmasters Club visited Hastings Toastmaster’ meeting to share ideas and see the workings of another Club. The idea of the visit was mooted at a recent Area Council day with the visiting Club providing a Speaker, a Speech Evaluator and the General Evaluator.
We were made extremely welcome (with a special supper provided) and had a very enjoyable and entertaining evening. A number of Hastings members had tended their apologies so that fact that we were there assisted the numbers and allowed for a great meeting. Four speeches were programmed and Sheryl provided the Napier Speaker’s slot with a very interesting and educational item about the disease currently reeking havoc with our Kiwifruit crops. Our Speech Evaluator, Graeme had the unenviable role of evaluating a speech by that “master” toastmaster David Gore, and Graeme , a “master” evaluator himself was able to achieve this and offer some excellent recommendations to David. The General Evaluation was completed by Ian Wright (that’s Napier’s Ian Wright as Hastings also have an Ian Wright!!) and Ian was able to comment on some slight differences in the format of the two Clubs, some of which he felt were beneficial and some he felt that Napier still “did it better”.

All the other members who attended, Craig, James and David were offered a Table Topic and spoke well to their given subject, so everybody had the opportunity to speak during the meeting.

Visits such as this are to be encouraged and we will be doing it again (Hastings are to reciprocate early in the New Year) as it presents a different environment and audience for speakers who can become comfortable within their own Club. It also allows a sharing of ideas and meeting format, because while we all follow basically the same formula during meetings, slight nuances can often be used to advantage in the future.

Thanks Hastings, we enjoyed your company and look forward eagerly to your return visit.

Craig Robinson, DTM,

President, Napier Toastmasters.