If the Cap Fits...

Wear it. And wear them we did. Toastmaster Craig’s hat themed meeting attracted a wide range of hats, each with a unique story. Craig kicked the meeting off at 7 p.m. with a warm welcome extended to guests Melody and Manmeet. Apologies were accepted from Richard, Sarah Hall, Sarah Lee, Sheryl and Hannah. Ian Wright (Area Governor) was also welcomed.


As General Evaluator, Amy introduced her team of Timekeepers Tom and Kane, and Grammarian Colin. Tom explained the use of the lights, Kane (at the end of the meeting) told us how long we took, and Colin gave us the word of the day which was “promote” to which Amy added another, “protection”.

Peter gave us hat related table topics to talk about:

• Tom told us about his spotty hat that he found in an op shop and found that it was great for road trips.
• Kane was asked where his hat would be in ten years time, and his response was that it would be in the rubbish. Because it’s his running cap, it’s not going to last the distance.
• Graeme told us a not so true, true story about how, while traveling the globe, his hat would attract the attention of locals. He had to throw it away for that very reason.
• James discarded the plastic hat that Peter gave him to tell us about his very own drinking cap and his strategy to increasing his tolerance to alcohol by consuming more alcohol.
• Chris explained the origin of the feather in his hat. It was the fly from a trout fisherman’s rod that got snagged in the hat while casting off, and the fly has remained attached to the hat ever since.
• Dee incorporated the word “protection’ into her story with a forestry hat with built in visor and earmuffs. It’s a useful hat that would come in handy for canoe polo or a wedding veil.
• Christine was given a hat that was full of holes. It wouldn’t make for a very good bucket, but would come in handy as a sieve for gold prospecting.

The table topics were warmly evaluated by Lana and Ian with plenty of commendations about the speakers’ confidence, exuberance, energy, gusto and lateral thinking. There were also some recommendations relating to hand placement, avoiding ums and clarity of voice.

Our first speech of the evening was an icebreaker speech from Nichola. With a husband who likes to be 40 minutes early to a dinner party or movie, and Nichola who is fashionably late, they balance each other out and together arrive on time. Nichola told us of her tardiness and how it has saved her from a range of experiences she is glad to have missed. From being late for her very first job interview for a job that in hindsight she didn't want, to missing a bus while traveling overseas. By missing the bus, Nicola did not have to witness the death of a child who was hit by the bus, and the death of the bus driver at the hands of the angry passengers. Nicola could have joined Toastmasters years ago, and is here now - better late than never.

Nichola’s speech was evaluated by Dee who commended Nichola on her great eye contact, confident stance and delivery.

Christine introduced Netta whose story was a tale about her Nana and Pop’s struggles to secure flights to Invercargill. Getting the first flight to Wellington was easy enough, but with so much wind, flights were grounded. It was a fine and well told tale about the trials and tribulations of securing a flight to the granddaughter’s birthday. Being  the “Your Body Speaks” speech from the Competent Communicator manual, Netta received a number of commendations and recommendations around her use of gestures.

Wayne provided us with some interesting facts about Steve.

Steve

Steve has been developing his toastmasters skills for more than 25 years. Steve followed with a speech full of facts about the development of human society over the centuries and how it has suffered from droughts and mini ice ages. Despite what nature throws at us, we still manage to adapt and survive, and if there is one certainty humanity faces; it’s the future that remains uncertain.

Paul Ritchie was up next with the second icebreaker speech of the evening. We learned a lot about Paul’s farming and real estate careers and his love of hunting, fishing and diving. Paul was evaluated by James who commended Paul on the chronological structure of his speech, humour and steady pace.

Paul

It was then on to the business session, with Craig inducting Paul Dutch into the club. Welcome Paul! Steve, Graham, Christie, Colin and Ian (Area Governor) each outlined the highlights of the convention that was held in Palmerston North – the obvious highlight being James’s humorous speech which came third in the Humorous Speech contest. Ian (Area Governor) also presented James with the cup for winning the Area D Humorous Speech contest.

James Receiving the Area D Cup from Ian Wright

Ian (Napier Club's Ian) filled us in on the treatment he has had on his leg, and it was great to hear that by all accounts, nothing has spread and he is okay.

With a ten minute extension to the meeting, Amy and her team rounded up the meeting with plenty of feedback for everyone, and in particular the speech evaluators to take on board. It was a lively evaluation.



The awards for the night went to:

• Dee for the best table topic
• James for the best evaluation
• Nichola for the best speech, and
• Lana for the best contribution.

Note: If anyone can assist Pania Club with judging their evaluation contest this Thursday, please contact Graeme.

Have a great fortnight.