Danger! Being Ambiguous Can Kill

The meeting started with a warm welcome from Dee and went straight into formalities, as the night included the evaluation contest we also had visiting us the test speaker David, and Judges the Wrights from Hastings, and Peter from Havelock North.
Peter gave a little spiel about his goal of encouraging more interaction between clubs, specifically Napier Club and Havelock North Club, with the idea of bringing both clubs up to a high level. Fantastic idea.

Before the handover to Steve for the contest, we were read the mission statement to remind us why we all attend Toastmasters.

Steve, the Evaluation Contest Chair, introduced the contest and outlined the benefits of competing. He outlined how the contest was to run and informed every one of the rules before whisking contestants and evaluators away for their formal briefing.

While contest participants were briefed, the first of two business sessions were held. Helen spoke of the idea of advertising Toastmasters as a group, and advertising all clubs, instead of individual clubs promoting individual clubs.

Ideas to promote Toastmasters Clubs within the bay included:

• Flyers to businesses
• Toastmasters magazines to waiting rooms
• And members handing out invitations to individuals

Instead of just the promoting the individual club at the time, promote all clubs.

The Evaluation Contest was completed, and a big thank you to all officials and contestants.

Moving onto the 2nd half of the meeting saw Netta introducing Robyn with her Ice Breaker, and what an Ice Breaker it was, Craig even commenting that it was one of the better ones he had seen in his 30 something years as a Toastmaster! What a compliment!

Robyn's Icebreaker

Christine introduced Chris’ speech “Danger! Being Ambiguous can Kill” An interesting and well delivered speech from Chris as per norm.

Chris - No Room to be Ambiguous

Netta evaluated Robyn and had good commendations and recommendations.

The second business session followed:

• Craig spoke of the final meeting being Dec 14, bring a plate, containing food. Thanks Craig.
• The club will provide some liquid refreshments.
• Invites will be handed out at above meeting inviting members to the first meeting for 2016, which will take place on 25th Jan at Chris’ house for a BBQ.
• Dee spoke spoke about mentor and mentees, reminding us who ours were, and who wanted a mentor, or who wanted to be a mentor, More on this in the New Year.

Christine evaluated Chris thoroughly as to be expected.

From Left to right: Contestants Tracey, Nick, Dee, Ian, Amy, and Test Speaker David and Contest Chair Steve

Steve gave the results of the Evaluation Contest.

• 3rd Tracey
• 2nd Amy
• 1st Ian

Well done all contestants and Ian for a well-deserved win.

Craig offered a thorough General Evaluators report as a last minute step in as General Evaluator.

General Evaluator Craig

Dee handed out awards to:

• Best speaker Robyn
• Best Evaluator Netta
• Best Contribution Steve

Meeting closed, well done all.

James