Smoke-Free Ping Pong

Tonight was another fun-filled meeting at the Napier Toastmasters Club.

We had several apologies (Colin, Ian, Peter, Kane, Sheryl, and Tom), but what we lacked in numbers we more than made up for in substance.

Our Toastmaster for the evening was Hannah. She challenged us all with clues to puzzles which she fed to us throughout the meeting. What an innovative way to link the different parts of the meeting!

The mission statement was read by Sarah L. Our General Evaluator for the evening was Kim. The time keepers were Amy and James, and the grammarian was Netta, who reminded us that language is constantly changing and 'dynamic' (which was of course was the word for the meeting).

Table Topics

Steve Reminiscing About His Punk Music Youth (or was that cabaret!)

Dee ran a dynamic Table Topics session entitled, "Music to my ears!" Graeme, Sarah L., Steve, Amy and James all spoke about music from different decades. 

James

Tonight's Table Topics evaluators were Tony and Steve. Steve, how did you come to evaluate yourself? Hmmm. It's lucky you are flexible Toastmaster, and able to think quickly on your feet.

Speeches

Wayne introduced Paul as the experienced & dynamic speaker he is. In his speech, "Bah Humbug", Paul had us laughing in the introduction, despite the more serious messages that quickly followed.

Next was Chris introducing Sarah H. with her speech "Smoke Free". We learned how the movie "Pingpong" was the inspiration for Sarah's new sporting interest. Congratulations on winning the prize for most improved player !!!

Wayne confidently evaluated Paul and he had no trouble finding commendations. Paul enjoyed the evaluation. A little bird tells us he paid $10 for it (not really).

Best Evaluator of the Evening – Wayne

Next, Graeme introduced Sarah J. with her speech, "Why Should I Vote ?" Sarah reminded us how lucky we are as New Zealanders to all have the opportunity to vote.

In evaluating Sarah H.'s speech, Chris commended her use of characterisation and how she made her personal story come to life. Sarah inspired us all to try something new.

Christine introduced Rebecca clearly and succinctly. In her speech, "Mis-information", Rebecca was engaging and persuasive. She warned us that any food that is in a packet is processed. At the conclusion of her speech, there was a stunned silence!

Graeme once again showed that he is a master of evaluation as he commended Sarah J. on her personalised opinions and use of research.

Business

There was much to cover in tonight's business session. Sadly we learned that Sarah J. will be leaving us, but we are pleased to hear of her exciting new adventures.

Sarah L. presented the certificates for the club Humorous Speech Contest. Congratulations to Netta on coming 1st, Amy on coming 2nd and to Peter and Hannah for their participation.

Winners and Participants of the Humorous Speech Contest

Craig presented the certificate to Netta for placing in the Area Humorous Speech contest. Well done Netta.

Craig, Steve and Christine reported on the Division conference, and Steve covered the forward programme for the next meeting (to be held next Monday because of Labour day the following week).

In her evaluation of Rebecca, Christine commented on speech rate, sincerity and conviction. Christine described the content as revolutionary.

General Evaluation

Amy's time-keeper's report, and Netta's grammarian's report were brief.
Kim gave a detailed General Evaluation - lots of juicy words were included.
Big congratualations were given to Hannah for a job well done. We all agreed!!!!

Awards

The awards for tonight went to:

• Best Table Topics Steve
• Best Speaker Paul
• Best Evaluator Wayne
• Best Contribution Dee

Have a great week everyone, and we'll meet again next Monday.

Sarah L.