Forgotten Silver and Pearls of Wisdom

Hello fellow Toastmasters

What an awesome ending to the calendar year with a Christmas Themed meeting last night. It was certainly a great way to start the festive season.  Welcome to our guest Mike, it was great to have you a long.  Well done to everyone for getting into the spirit of the evening by sporting a terrific range of Christmas hats (see Chris’s pictures below).

The Toastmaster for the night was our President, Craig, and what a fantastic job he did.  The hall was well decorated with lights and tinsel and festive decorations.  Craig directed the proceedings for the evening, starting smack on time and reminding everyone to make use of their Competent Leader Manuals.  The Mission Statement was read by Paul and apologies were read and accepted.

 

 

Danny Mills, our capable General Evaluator, introduced her energetic team.  Netta added a “traditional” touch to our Christmas themed meeting as Grammarian, tallying the um’s and ah’s and noting the use of “traditional” as well as colourful language.  Amy, assisted by Sarah, managed the time and lights, without the need for jingling any Christmas bells.

Graeme lead a lively table topic session with some humorous duos engaging in various role plays.

Steve asked a very tall Christine to dance.

• Sarah was Peter’s dentist and had visited to get some fillings done but ended up with all his teeth extracted.
• Craig and Chris had a passionate discussion on who was going to win the rugby test between the All Blacks and England at Twickenham
• Amy was pulled over by Police women Danny for driving while on her cell phone.
• Surgeon Bryce had amputated David’s right leg instead of his left leg.
• Paul was suspicious of his BFF Netta when his $5million lotto ticket went missing. 

Certainly a fun filled and unique table topics providing a very entertaining start to the night.  Table Topics were ably evaluated by Sheryl and Ian who gave their perspective on the highlights as well as some recommendations to help enhance speakers for the next time. 

We were treated to three fantastic speakers.

James Kan detailed a personal experience of white water rafting.  James recounted the day with humour, vocal variety, eye contact, and a mix of descriptive language and body language that captured the audience and took them on the journey with him.

Sarah Lee presented "3 Pearls of Wisdom". These were valuable lessons and words that shaped her life from a very wise woman, who learnt from the “school of life”, and who also happened to be her mother!  And remember ‘don’t put it down, put it away” and “take some time today to smell the roses”.

Steve brought history to life with a fascinating, intreging tale entitled “Forgotten Silver” which was the story about Colin McKenzie, a pioneer film maker and innovative cinematographer whose accomplishments had been largely forgotten.

Speakers were introduced by Jan, Bryce and Peter respectively, giving all the essential elements for an introduction by providing background on each speaker and explaining the speech objectives.  The evaluations that followed were “5 star” including insightful comments, commendations, and recommendations.

The business session was run by Craig.

• Sarah provided invites for Jan 2013 BBQ at Craig and Jan’s on the 28^th January 2013.    
• A 25 year Toastmaster membership certificate was presented to Steve.  Well done, what a significant accomplishment.
• Draft forward programme for the first few meetings in 2013 was also presented to members.

Danny rounded off the evening with her General Evaluation, providing a summary of the evening’s highlights and feedback to our Toastmaster and Evaluators of the night to avoid distracting elements.  Danny set a challenge for 2013 for us all to learn the Toastmasters mission by heart……..let’s see who can achieve that New Years resolution.

It was an extremely close and difficult choice for the Awards for the evening. Certificates and trophies were presented as follows:

Best Table Topics: Bryce and David
Best Speaker:  Sarah Lee
Best Evaluation: Peter Manson
Best Contribution: Mr and Mrs Bryce Adams

Well done to all for another successful evening.   The meeting concluded at the earlier time and a massive feast of food was enjoyed by all!

There is a lot to look forward to in the New Year so note these dates on your calendars:

• Executive meeting at Craig and Jan’s place – 21^st January at 7:30 pm
• BBQ at Craig and Jan’s place – Monday 28^th January (bring a salad or dessert)
• First Toastmaster meeting for 2013 is 11^th February
• Club Officer Training 15^th February
• Evaluation Contest 25^th February
• International Speech Contest 11^th March
• Area Council Meeting 15^th March

All the very best to you all for a happy and safe holiday season with your families and loved ones.  Look forward to seeing you all again in 2013.

Sheryl

VP Ed.