Am I Able? - Each All Black Asked in Turn

Two Minutes Before The Meeting

These were two of the items discussed at Napier Toastmaster’s meeting on Monday 2nd November (a week later than usual due to Labour Weekend). Table Topics questions were based around the Rugby World Cup and the prepared speech was entitled “Am I able”-more about that later.

Toastmaster Graeme

The meeting was not so well attended due to the date change (no doubt) but those that were there experienced an excellent and varied program led by the stand-in Toastmaster, Graeme. Dee was due to take the role and had the program etc prepared but had a very bad cold on the night and Graeme volunteered to take over, and an extremely capable job he did with last minute preparation.

Table Topics kicked off the program and this session was led  by Peter, Netta gave an excellent rendition of being Steve Hansen in giving an unemotional speech, Rachael was caught watching the Cup in a Wellington bar while supposed to be swotting,Christine was a Sonny-Bill Williams fan (and how!!) explaining his giving away his winner’s medal, Wayne, was an unlikely Dan Carter explaining his drop goal, Tracey was upset (yeah right!) at  being woken at an ungodly hour in the morning to watch the final and Amy demonstrated how she can speak Japanese?? with her rendition of the mascot for the next World Cup in Japan in 2019. Well done to all the speakers, who had  a rather obscure topic to answer! Excellent choice of questions Peter.

Steve then gave an excellent Educational on how to open your speech entitled “From the Bedroom to the Boardroom”, the five points that Steve elaborated on were:

1. The startling  statistic.

2. The anecdote.

3. A rhetorical question.

4. Ask for a show of hands.

5. Speak with your audience. 

Steve gave a handout with these headings for note taking if required. A well thought out session Steve, that I am sure will assist not only the newer members but also those more experienced ones. Speakers are encouraged to think about their speech opening and try to make it exciting to draw in the audience. He also had a excellent summary of the session and rounded off by telling us the startling fact that the highest rate of divorce is amongst those that are married!!

Craig then evaluated Table Topics, in a slightly ‘tongue-in-cheek’ manner, with some worthwhile recommendations for the speakers and the Table Topics Master.

Tracey introduced Nick with a speech entitled “Am I Able” being the assignment ‘Get to the Point’ from the Competent Communication Manual. 

Nick

This was an extremely interesting and at times humorous account of preparing for a tramp of the Abel Tasman track, almost without any preparation and somewhat ‘winging it’. Nick made limited use of notes and as a reasonably new speaker appeared to be comfortable and at ease during the presentation.Unfortunately we hardly ‘got to the point’ of the actual tramp, so much happened before hand, but that will keep for a later assignment. Great effort Nick, we look forward to the next episode.

Tracey followed with an excellent, well organised and worthwhile evaluation of Nick’s presentation, plenty of well deserves commendations and three very good recommendations for Nick to work on. Well done, Tracey. 

Resuming after the extended supper break, to allow for inter-action amongst the members, Christine up dated us on the R.E.P. (Revitalised Education Programme) she is one of the Ambassadors for the scheme when it is implemented, and at this stage that will be progressively from September next year.While this has been ‘in the wind’ for sometime, WHQ are working to ensure that everything is right before starting implementation, and it was great to hear the updates on what is happening as this will, I believe, effect all the current manuals in some form or other. No worries, though, if you are currently working towards a communication or leadership goal, as from implementation in our District you will have a full 2 years to complete your current goal on the existing criteria. Well presented session Christine.

The core skills that the new system will contain will concentrate on;

1. Public Speaking.

2. Interpersonal Communication.

3. Leading & Management.

4. Leading Strategically.

5. Building Confidence.

During General Business, President Chris passed on the Club’s best wishes to our member Amy, who this weekend represents Division D in the District Table Topics Contest at the Blenheim Convention, the Club have made a ‘one-off’ contribution to help cover Amy’s cost, which you can appreciate are rather high, and we are proud to have her represent us at this top level.

Chris then carried on with the General Evaluation with excellent comments for the ‘stand-in’ Toastmaster Graeme and a good summary of the rest of the meeting. Chris was assisted by Timekeeper, Rachael, who gave an accurate and timely report. Grammarian, Wayne, whose word of the night was “capitulate”, gave us his report and at least three people used his word (by my count). One person in the room had not spoken and Graeme gave Robyn ( our newest member ) a Table Topic, which she answered extremely well in a confident and interesting manner-well done Robyn-we look forward to your Ice Breaker. 

Robyn - Welcome to the Club

The meeting closed pretty much on time with awards given out to:

• Best Speaker: Nick
• Best Table Topic: Christine
• Best Evaluator: Tracey
• Best Contribution: Steve.

REMEMBER WE MEET AGAIN NEXT MONDAY 9th (back to 2nd and 4th Mondays)

KNOCK THEM DEAD IN BLENHEIM AMY!