A 24 Carat Friendship

Toastmaster Ian

Congratulations Napier: Best Website in Toastmasters for the Second Consecutive Year - Thank You Chris

Well what a great meeting we had at Napier Toastmasters this week. Ian started exactly on time covering areas such as welcome, mission statement (read by Sarah H), guest introductions and apologies. ‘How are we going to manage without Craig, Christine and Steve, Paul, Tom, Dee and Nichola’, said someone. But we did it! They would have been proud of us.

General Evaluator Kim gave our guest Mark (and everyone else) a very good explanation of her role and the importance of evaluation. Grammarian Netta asked us to use her word of the night ‘Trepidation’ and Rebecca & Sarah Lee, became a duet while outlining the timekeepers duties. Well done ladies!

Kane grabbed our attention as table topics master telling us his topics were all about culture and proceeded to give an example of his topics were all about culture and proceeded to give an example of the ‘Masai Tribe’, needless to say everyone yelled ‘Pick Me’.

Graeme talked in a round-about way (always does) and some how occupied two minutes on Japanese culture.

Sarah Lee responded to English Culture. Her talk gave the impression she really knew her subject (almost as if she lived there).

Sarah

Richard adopted an American accent (didn’t fool me) and tended to be (dare I say it) culturally insensitive - mentioning things like being ugly and fat.

Rebecca was asked to speak about Aboriginal culture. Her excitement was obvious. She quickly said what she wanted to say and stopped, used personal experience and did it well.

Sheryl had Argentina as her topic. Did rely a little on audiences knowledge and why not? Gained impression she might have been glad when her two minutes was up.

Table topics evaluation was given by Sheryl and Richard. They provided good feedback to all those taking part. Good balance of praise and suggestions for improvement. Well worth while.

Our speech evaluators Tony, Chris, Amy and Hannah provided very good introductions for Sarah Hall, Colin, Peter and Wayne.

Sarah’s speech title ‘A 24 Carat Friendship’ revolved around the 1936 Olympics. It showed that while Germany and America did not like one another, the competitors were somewhat different, especially Luz Long and Jesse Owen. A poignant story told with great empathy. Very good message and quite meaningful.

Colin’s speech was title ‘Smile, it Costs Nothing’, introducing opening which could have led to anything! Certainly held audiences attention. Speech started with a smile - led to an injection from not one but two monster needles and the effects they (and one date) had on his anatomy. Good word pictures, facial expressions and clutching the stomach all helped convey ‘All was not well’. Nor was it where he went to. Made him appreciate New Zealand and its health care. Brought back a smile which of course related to the title ‘Smile, it costs nothing’.

Peter’s speech was title ‘The Mobile Age’ and related to the ‘oldies’, and their tendency to do the unexpected when driving. While this presentation was the 5th from the ‘Humorously Speaking’ manual, Peter managed to combine both humour and reality into his talk. Good examples and made a point. Peter did seem to look in my direction for the most of the time. Maybe I was imagining things.

Wayne’s title was ‘The Total Cost of Ownership’. It was all about light bulbs. Wayne was giving the first assignment from the ‘Speaking to Inform’ manual. A fascinating presentation giving facts, figures, examples on how far we’ve come with regard to the common light bulb, and the cost in today’s world. Left me with much to think about.

The four evaluators: Tony, Chris, Amy and Hannah gave positive feedback to the speakers. Each of them adhered to the Toastmaster commend, recommend commend principles.

Business:
- Chris went through next meetings programme
- Sarah Hall announced winners from Christchurch Convention
- Graeme mentioned speech craft course mid-july and asked for support

General Evaluator Kim: This report was a highlight for me. Some really meaningful suggestions during the course of her presentation. Could I suggest that every toastmaster carries a notebook with them to meetings, so they can jot down comments. I know it sounds a lot to ask, but even if only one or two points were noted, its going to help us be better at what we do. My one recommendation to Kim is not to apologise for having to rush through her report.

Grammarian Netta gave an interesting report which showed she had been listening to all we said.

Timekeeper Rebecca gave us concise feedback as to our times - Well Done!

Did you notice how cleverly toastmaster Ian pretended to lose his place with regard to the meeting? You certainly kept us on our toes!

Awards:
- Best Table Topic: Richard Cook
- Best Speaker: Sarah Hall
- Best Evaluator: Amy Edwards

Great Meeting — Great People - Great Supper

Humbly yours

Graeme Valentine