An uplifting meeting it was!

What a great and uplifting meeting we had on Monday 11 March! Ably captained by Toastmaster of the night Peter, the meeting got off to a cracking start on time thanks to his communication with our timekeepers Daniel and Tony. It was the first time for Tony. Well done. Jane introduced her three guests and Peter introduced his guest Dennis, who had been a member of Wairoa Toastmasters 30 years ago!

Maureen, in her first time up as Grammarian, presented her word of the night "feisty". She later reported it had been used by ten different people, so it was a good choice. A good report at the end of the meeting from Maureen.

It was amazing to hear Ice Breakers from experienced Toastmasters as they begin their journey through Pathways.  With a speech titled "Believe it or not", Graeme told us about "his first love" – Ann.  Graeme presented an apparently true story about a girl he met at a dance on a Saturday night when he was 21 and despite his best efforts she was not for him. A sad ending (but we understand he found another who liked him more)

Ashley presented a speech from the Competent Communicator manual designed to persuade us.

Titled "So, what's next?" Ashley informed us that life was divided into four quarters and having recently celebrated a reasonably significant birthday, he felt he was entering the third quarter of his life. He persuaded us that we should continue to set goals once we reached this stage as we should be rid of the kids, debts and stresses of bringing up children.

Time to look after yourself! What a way to go Ashley!

Jane repeated her club award winning International Speech entitled "Don't talk to strangers" in preparation for the Area R3 contest next Tuesday and was given feedback from a number of club members. I hope she was not too overwhelmed by all the recommendations but commendations were also numerous.

Our final speech, another Pathways Icebreaker presentation, was from Kerry entitled "Little Miss Sunshine”. We learned Kerry is an avid Smiley collector. She loves having lots of Smiley faces around as they make her happy and bought a few examples along to show us. She shared with us that smiley people can often have the "black dog" of depression hiding behind them and that we should not take peoples' appearances always at face value. Kerry encouraged us to get to know them and make sure they have a good day. If we are not sure what to do, we can be there to listen and help.

Table Topics, presented by Jan, was a potpourri of objects her builder husband uses on the job. The lucky recipients had to describe the object and explain what it was used for. A simple theme that gave the speakers opportunity to use their imaginations. Table Topics was evaluated by Brenda and Karen. A great job by both, giving commendations and a recommendation to all participants. Not easy with such a short time frame.

In the business session, President Jan reminded us subs were due (I know - but the rent and chocolate bikkies have to be paid for!), that the Area R3 International and Evaluation Contests were to be held next Tuesday and we were all invited to come and cheer on the best speakers from the HB clubs. The winners go onto the Division R Speech contest in Dannevirke on the 13th of April. Jane inducted our two newest members - Tony and Alwyn. A warm welcome to you both. We look forward to your Ice Breaker speeches. Brenda recognised the recent accomplishments of Jane (CC), Layeeq (CC) and Karen (Pathways Level 1).

Best Table Topics Speaker: Alwyn
Best Speaker: Ashley,
Best Evaluator: Layeeq
Best Contribution to the meeting: Jan.

A high standard of meeting which would have impressed our guests. Well done to all.