Daunting Resolutions

An early winter blast brought Napier Toastmasters, together with the heaters on and members having a ‘Blast’ of a time. The evening was highlighted by two entertaining speeches, the ‘Table Topics’ session of the century and some creative evaluations.

From Left to Right: Amy & Sarah L., Tracey & Sarah H., James & Tony

Toastmaster Colin – telling us always wear a badge on the right side (for people to see when shaking their hand) and always have a pen handy. Urrr, is that a pen you have Colin or just pretend?

Toastmaster Colin was on the ball while Amy took on the dual role of General Evaluator and Grammarian. Word of the evening = “BLISS”’.

Table Topics presenter – Kim – come on everybody, now how hard can Table Topics really be!

Therein began the most hilarious Table Topics session. Kim gave pairs of presenters a topic – one to speak and the other to act out the speech. Topics such as ‘Dusting the Antiquities at Buckingham Palace’, ‘Servicing Henry Fords Family Car’ and the winning pair (Sarah H and Tracey) who caused the audience to fall off chairs in hysterics with ‘Vacuuming the Oval Office’.

The first speech of the evening was delivered by the clubs newest member, Tracey. This was her Icebreaker speech and she spoke with passion about her huge list of ‘Daunting Resolutions’ which were already achieved. Public speaking – next on the list! A speech not to be missed: “the more daunting the challenge, the more rewarding the outcome” was perhaps the quote of the night.

Graeme and Ians evaluation of Table Topics threw us back into a mix of valuable feedback and humorous, bordering on sarcastic observation from those well known for such performances directed at those equally capable of receiving it!

Tonights second speech was delivered by Dee entitled “Are you sitting on the perfect stool”? You guessed it, this was about our digestive system. A fascinatingly simple explanation from beginning to……..well almost the end. Then of course the subject of great hilarity as endless puns rolled out for rest of the meeting. Quote: “the quality of what goes in, determines the quality of what comes out”. Not to miss out, Tony noted during Dees evaluation that “sitting on the right stool could be blissful”.

Tony providing a sincere evaluation (to Dee)

Nettas role for the evening was to evaluate Tracey's speech. This was a valuable and very positive feedback for a first time speaker.

An educational session delivered by President Sarah reminded members of their roles and duties which are the backbone of a well-run Toastmasters club, which is what we have. Another quote for the evening: “the strength of the team is the individual; the strength of the individual is the team” – Phil Jackson.

Reports from Amy and Graeme regarding Division D conference competitions showed us the difficulty of reconciling what we are taught at club level with that sometimes seen at higher levels. Amy, was placed third in the International Speech contest – congratulations! Graeme competed in the Evaluation contest.

Evenings Awards

• Best Table Topics – Sarah H and Tracey
• Best Evaluation – Netta

Reporter: Peter M.

Photographer: Ian W.