T'is the Season to be Speaking

Congratulations to Toastmaster Craig for a wonderful Christmas themed meeting. Craig went all out from dressing the room with christmas decorations and fairy lights to organising the after-meeting drinks and nibbles. Thanks Craig.

Dancing Santa and Craig

After the welcoming of guests Samantha, Kim and Tony, running through the apologies, and reading of the mission statement by James, there was no time wasted in getting straight into introducing General Evaluator Christine and her team: Sarah Hall and Steve as Timekeepers and Kane as Grammarian with the word of the evening 'festivity'.

Timekeeper Sarah Hall

Table Topics

Hannah's Christmas themed table topics and presents went down a treat; not only with the speakers, but also the audience.  Our table topic speakers were guest Tony, James, Netta, guest Samantha, Agi, Kim, Richard, Nichola and Paul. We had stories ranging from how Christmas is for children and presents that flew apart, to dressing the christmas tree. Chris and Amy stumbled their way through the evaluation making out that they did not know what they were doing, only to be commended later by General Evaluator Christine for a thorough evaluation.

Prepared Speeches

The prepared speeches by Sarah Lee, Colin and Dee inspired us, made us cringe and laugh, and wonder at our very own senses.

Sarah told us about the significance of jade pendants and why they are worn with pride and universally treasured by those who receive them as gifts. Colin made us cringe with a story about his unfortunate experience of having to shake the wet hand of someone who had personal health issues, and his thwarted attempts to clean his hand before a public speaking engagement. Dee told us about all our senses (sight, hearing, taste and touch) that we take for granted, and how easy it is lose some of them to a poor diet.

The speeches were evaluated by Peter, Wayne and Graeme with commendations on the use of visual aids (including James), gestures and rate of delivery, and recommendations on emphasising points and using cards.

Educational

With a great set of handouts for each of us to take away, Steve informed us of what it takes to give a winning evaluation. The next meeting on the 10th of February will be the Evaluation Contest. Any member can enter, so even if you haven't done many or any evaluations, it's a good opportunity to give it a go.

Business Session

Craig covered off a number of items under the business session, introducing Sarah Hall who reminded us of the club's Summer BBQ to be held at Sarah Lee's place. Remember to RSVP, and let Sarah Hall know what you will be bringing so we don't end up with 25 Salads to hone those senses and only one dessert (I'm not into salad) to extend those christmas waistlines just that little bit further.

General Evaluation

Christine thought that as General Evaluator she would have the last word, but that's never the way, with Kane spotting a few ums. Steve gave us the timekeepers report, and Kane commended the speakers who used the used the word of the evening 'festivity'.

Awards

Craig handed out awards to:
- Colin for the best speech
- Graeme for the best evaluation
- Richard for the best table topic, and
- Samantha for best contribution.

Well done everyone and especially Samantha. We hope you enjoyed the meeting and look forward to seeing you again one day.

Guest Kim was asked to say a few words and commented on how she felt very welcome. With a bit of luck, we will see Kim and Tony in the new year!

Craig closed the meeting and we moved onto drinks and nibbles. Thanks again Craig for a great evening!