International Speech Contest

The meeting started at one minute past seven, but was ahead of time by the start of the International Speech Contest.



Our Toastmaster of the night was James Ward, who duly welcomed our guests Ian Wright, Barbara McPherson, Jan Robinson and Claudia. (Also, welcome to Wayne ; our newest member of the club). James read out a new and shorter version of the mission statement.

James Kan, our general evaluator, ably explained the benefits and role of the general evaluator, and introduced his team; David Grant (Grammarian), and Sarah Lee (Timekeeper). The word for the evening was 'Desperate', and it was used by a number of speakers tonight.

Christine efficiently chaired the International Speech Contest, explaining the purpose, rules eligibility, timing, and the need for originality.

The contestants were Chris Heath, David Grant, Danny Mills and Peter Manson.

Contestants (left-to-right): Chris Heath, David Grant, Danny Mills, Peter Manson

Chris introduced us to "The Mind Garden"; using the metaphor of a garden to describe the mind.

Peter painted a vivid picture from his childhood memory of meeting the late Wilson Whineray and gave us a compelling speech about showing respect when meeting people.

Danny began by quoting 'seemingly intelligent people' and gave us some solid insights into identifying self preservationists (who put down other people as a form of protection) and at the opposite end of the spectrum, people who love to take risks, love to explore and who believe in democracy.

David's speech was all about overcoming procrastination with a 'kick in the shins'; a kick that really gets you moving.

After a well deserved tea break, Netta was warmly introduced by Sarah Hall. Netta, wearing a lab coat, regaled us with stories from behind the scenes of a school's science laboratory, including dissecting sheep eyes and the prepping of the van de graff machine – hair raising stuff!

Sarah gave us a lively evaluation of Netta's speech with worthwhile commendations and recommendations, commenting on Netta's use of humour to draw us in.

With Craig's trusty scenic calendar in tow, each page became a topic in the hands of the table topic speakers.

Before the table topics began, Craig called on Netta and Claudia to talk about the international aspects of their clothing. Netta, wearing a South African rugby jersey told us about her mad-for-rugby family, and Claudia told us about how special her Lebanese headscarf is to her, its history and significance.

Ian Wright (Napier) told us how he did not want to be a hero when it came to stopping people who wanted to jump into calm water. Apparently, it's better to jump into choppy water; it breaks your fall.

Steve, wearing his walk shorts and knee high socks, told us of how he would use this attire when travelling through Turkey to become the centre of attention; a beacon for New Zealand fashion.

Wayne liked the idea of being stranded alone on a desert island with a beer in one hand and the quiet respite from family life.

Jan actually visited the Louvre in Paris, and had to pinch herself when she was there to prove that it was a real experience. As it turns out it was a museum artefact that she pinched, until the artefact turned out to be a bus ticket.

Ian Wright (Hastings) advocated seeing New Zealand and extolled what it good old NZ has to offer compared to overseas.

Graeme Valentine was going to talk about the Spanish Steps in Rome, but instead spoke of how he wanted to travel around Italy in a three-wheeled Pope mobile.

James Ward (sans working cell phone) felt disconnected with the world after an earthquake in China. Standing in a rice field, he resigned himself to marrying the locals.

Table topics were enthusiastically evaluated by Amy and Jan, with worthwhile commendations and entertaining recommendations for all the speakers.

Christine announced the winners of the contest. Congratulations to Danny who will go onto represent the Club at Area level this Friday, and runner up Peter.

Craig efficiently conducted the business session, both as President and Area Governor.

James Kan and his team (David and Sarah Lee) covered all aspects of the general evaluation with very thorough and thoughtful feedback.

James Ward handed out plenty of awards tonight:

Best Speaker = Netta
Best Evaluator = Sarah Hall
Best Table Topic = James Ward

The people who dressed up received a chocolate. Claudia received the large block of chocolate for her stunning headscarf, and because James could not see without his glasses, he gave Chris the stale bread role for his international (not of any particular nationality) flair.

It was a fun night; lets do it again in a fortnight!