Pass the Batton

The meeting was started on time by Paul with the pounding of the gavel.

Tony read the mission statement, and was followed by Sarah introducing Rebecca as a guest interested in joining the club. Tony introduced Alistair who was visiting from the Bay City Toastmasters club. Paul then acknowledged the apologies for the meeting as: Dee, Christine, Colin, Peter, Sheryl, Paul, Hannah, and Nichola.

Steve explained his role as General Evaluator, and introduced his team of Wayne as Grammarian with Craig and Richard sharing the duties of timekeeper. Wayne introduce the word of the day - "imbroglio".

Table topics was run by Amy with a theme of education, asking participants to up-sell their personal favorite subjects at school. 

Educational Table Topics by Amy - looking very much the teacher!

Kim spoke of lunchtime being her all time favorite as it is a chance for all the subjects to be used such a food technology, pe, and social sciences . Richard described how he didn't think much of French until he landed in Paris and wished he had spent more time studying. Sarah spoke of ICT and dodgy green screens and how her daughter now knows more than she does. Tony spoke of P.E. and wonders what has happened to rugby, scrag, and bullrush. Craig spoke of English and wonders if today's kids will be able to use real English not text language. Rebecca bravely took the stage and spoke of technology as her easiest class.

Chris presented his first speech from one of the advanced manuals, titled The Little Match Girl. Chris told the story as he remembered it and captured the audience's attention with many vivid descriptions of a poor young girl sitting in the snow dreaming of succulent roast food and time with her grandmother.

Ian spoke of the trials and tribulations of staging a secret getaway for their 25th wedding anniversary, and how todays technology helps most of the time but not when bank accounts are shared.

Kane spoke with passion about the game of golf and why its such a great sport (handicap system), why its such a challenge with 3 different swings, and why we are so lucky in nz with the great golf courses we have.

The evaluations kicked off with Graeme and Netta evaluating table topics in a efficient way using the CRC formula recommended by toastmasters. 

Graeme & Netta

Sarah evaluated Chris's speech starting by reviewing objectives then using the CRC formula. She commended Chris for his quiet and engaging voice with appropriate pace and use of pause to build anticipation. Kim evaluated Ians speech titled where there is a will there is a way. Kim was impressed by Ians use of speech and the way that Ian was able to incorporate links to comments and discussions earlier in the evening. Tom gave one of his first evaluations, giving feedback on Kane's speech. Tom commended Kane on his limited use of written notes and recomended being conscious of what the speakers hands are doing.

Craig presented a business session covering: 

1. Amy and Colin will be speaking this friday at the next level of competitions, 7pm at the Hastings Baptist Church. 

2. There will be a special meeting this coming Monday to allow presentation of extra speeches. 

3. Membership dues are now overdue. 

4. Craig recieved a call looking for a speaker for 30 minutes on Friday. 

5. Steve and Alistair from Bay City Toastmasters presented the baton being passed from club to club, with Kim accepting it on behalf of our club. Craig will ensure the baton makes its way to its next stop, which is the area govenor of Gisborne.

The Passing of the Batton from Alastair (Bay City Toastmasters) to Kim (Napier Toastmasters)

Chris presented the certificates for the clubs international speech competition, with winner to Amy, and participation to Sarah and Craig.

Steve gave a detailed run down of the meeting and ensured that everyone got some feedback, even the evaluators, such as noting that Graeme and Natta used CRC and third person which was perfect. Wayne summarised as gramarian and noted that the word of the day imbroglio was used by 6 people, with Kim using it 4 times.

Paul presented the awards of the night as: Table topics craig, speaker ian, evaluation kim, and contribution to kane.

Rebecca gave feedback on the meeting from the eyes of a guest and said she really enjoyed the evening and felt it was a great positive attitude at the club and likes how everyone is so encouraging.

Wayne Bickers