If the Shoe Fits...

Toastmaster Craig welcomed everyone including guests Ashley and Daniel. Craig chose to have a theme of ANZAC day and interspersed the programme with facts and interesting stories about the ANZAC's.

Paul introduced himself and his role as General Evaluator, and his team:

• Grammarian Robyn, and 
• Timekeepers James and Duncan. 

Robyn - Delivering the word of the night: 'Verbose'

Robyn introduced her word of the night 'verbose'. Great word Robyn. James introduced the time keepers role for the guests.


Tracey presented our Table Topics session with Simplicity being her Theme.

• First up was Christine who spoke about her favourite pet cat called Tipsy. 
• Robyn spoke about her favourite holiday in Germany with her family. 
• Graeme was asked to speak about his favourite book but he decided that his favourite TV genre - sport would be more interesting. 
• Our guest Ashley spoke about his favourite restaurant nominating Craigie Range and Elephant Hill and won Best speaker for his efforts. 
• Amy spoke about her favourite movie it was hard for her to choose as she finds it difficult to remember movies which often results in watching movies twice. 

This session was ably evaluated by Chris and Peter.

Table Topics Evaluators: Chris and Peter

Kate presented her Ice Breaker which is the first speech in the Competent Communicator Manual. The main objective of this project is to introduce the speaker to the club which Kate certainly did in a unique way with her speech entitled 'If the shoe fits'. Kate had some very descriptive word pictures of her childhood in Fiji. Great speech Kate and we look forward to your next speech.

Evaluator Graeme.

Second Speaker Dee presented a project from the advanced manual 'Speeches by Management' where the audience was a team in a Kayak exercise. Dee gave us some excellent rules on water safety. Evaluator Steve.

Dee - Wetsuits: Important for Warmth and Buoyancy

Third Speaker Rachael presented her 3rd speech. It was titled "Ah snap" and described how she badly broke her ankle in her last year at university, and what it taught her about herself.

Evaluator Amy.

In keeping with the ANZAC theme Emma read the poem 'In Flanders Fields' by John McCrae's.

Our Forth Speaker Nick presented Speech No.5 Body Language. It was titled 'The thrill of the walk' and was about the thrill of crossing the road in Vietnam; a very different experience than crossing a New Zealand road.

Nick - Still alive after crossing the road.

Evaluator Ian Wright.

Colin presented an educational on 'How to Close your Speech'. Colin advised us:

• to always finish on time
• not to add new information in the conclusion, and 
• to memorise your conclusion to give your speech the best impact.

Colin went on to suggest a number of techniques to best achieve these objectives.

President Chris conducted the business session.

• James was presented with his "Spirit of Success" in recognition of his achievement of completing 5 speeches.
• Three new members Kate, Duncan an Emma were inducted into the Club by Dee.
• Craig gave a brief report on the Division Contests held in Rotorua on the 9th April. Amy was placed 3rd in the prepared speech contest and Ian was placed 2nd in the Evaluation contest. Well done to you both.

From Left: New members, Kate, Emma and Duncan being inducted by Dee

Robyn presented a very comprehensive Grammarians report. Well done Robyn. Duncan presented the time keepers report and Paul rounded of the night with his thoughts on the meeting.

Toastmaster Craig presented the awards for the night:

• Best Table Topic:  Ashley
• Best Speaker:  Kate
• Best Evaluation: Ian
• Best contribution: Robyn

I laughed, I learned something and was moved intrigued and inspired as always a most enjoyable evening special thanks to all the participants and the audience.

Christine