Life's Little Treasures

What an exciting and inspirational meeting we had tonight!
We had chocolate biscuits and the International Speech Contest too.

Toastmaster Christine

Christine, our Toastmaster for the evening, welcomed our guests and then read the apologies from members. Martin read the mission statement.

Then Craig, as contest chair, got us underway with the International Speech Contest.

Aaron’s speech was called, “Healthy Mind, Healthy Body”. He spoke of wanting to make a difference in his family and community. Aaron challenged us all to try health and fitness to see what we can become.

Amy’s speech was called, “Life’s Little Treasures”. She told an engaging story of a little girl and her Nana and reminded us not to become too busy to spend time with those we love.

Hannah’s speech was called, “The Real Danger”. She spoke of how technology can add value to our lives, as long as it doesn’t hinder us with information overload.

Ian’s speech was called, “How does one let go?” He spoke of the emotions of letting go as your children grow up and take responsibility for their own lives.

Steve’s speech was called, “Who are you?” He asked us to consider how we want to be remembered when we leave this life and encouraged us to make ourselves available to volunteer in the community.

All the speeches called us to action. What a motivated lot we are at Napier Toastmasters Club! Well done to all those who entered.

After the break (which included those fancy chocolate biscuits) Sarah H. and Hannah explained their roles as General Evaluator and Timekeeper respectively.

This was done with liberal doses of humour.

For the Table Topics session, Steve asked participants to tell two stories – one a truth and one a lie. He gave some imaginative examples to get us started. Chris, James, Martin, Robyn, Jen, Peter and Graeme all proved to be very creative and believable story tellers.

Sarah L. then proceeded with the business session, reminding everyone about the area council meeting and contests on Friday March 20th. We would love to see you all here to support our entrants at the contests.

Certificates were presented from the club evaluation contest held in November – thanks Chris for organising those.

Evaluation Contest Place Getters and Participants

Steve asked for volunteers to judge for a speech contest run by the University of the 3rd Age on June 3rd. Remember his speech....go on, volunteer.

Steve then ran through the forward programme for the 23rd March.

International Speech Contest Place Getters

Next it was the moment we had all been waiting for (drum-roll please). The results from the International Speech Contest announced by contest chair Craig.

• 1st place Amy
• 2nd place Steve

Congratulations to you both.



Chris and Sarah L. evaluated the Table Topics with style and flair.

Hannah noted that everyone had kept to time to that point in the meeting.

Sarah H. evaluated the meeting and Christine presented club awards to: 

• Chris for Best Table Topic, and 
• Sarah H. for stepping in as General Evaluator at the last minute.

Our guests, Paula and Tracey, shared how they had enjoyed the meeting. We are looking forward to seeing you both next time.

Meeting closed 8.55pm. 

(Ed: And soon after, the men could be found working happily away in the kitchen.)

Sarah L.