Mamma Mia!

Toastmaster of the evening, Craig, ensured we followed the letter of the law and did not stray. He welcomed all, addressed any amendments and ensured the Toastmasters Mission statement was delivered. It is a constant comfort to know that we sit in such a supportive and positive learning environment where we as members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth.  Not wishing to pass an opportunity to enlighten, Craig connected segments, like links in a ball and chain, exposing legalities that proved "the law is an ass".

 Did you know it is illegal to operate on a cow while inebriated? That light plastic carrying devices are illegal if they have handles...bags are out, pouches are in. Semantics!

Letting common sense prevail Craig directed us to Tony (Best contribution Award) our Table Topicsmaster.

Gamers were greeted with a glorious chance to gush with gratitude as they opened a gift. Wrapped as if they had been purchased from a high-end acquisition store it was clearly easy to respond with appreciation and declare uses for objects ranging from chocolate to share, Pringles and a body brush not to share, a 'Crazy Frog' CD to be brought to the Awards Dinner, a mug for coffee drinking, Justin Bieber 'CK' cologne, a merchandising hat, and a Fijian wooden plaque. Lucky participants and well done Tony for providing a rewarding opportunity for us to think on our feet, order our thoughts and give thanks! The evaluators, Peter and Daniel expertly gave warm fuzzies, technical commendations and sensible recommendation ending by thanking Tony for his efforts. Best Table Topics went to Alwyn and his 'Pringle Bicycle'.

Having created a feeling of warm benevolence we were ready to listen to Karen explain why she was "Not ready for This." Introduced by Ian (Best Evaluator of the Evening) who outlined his role, and Karen's objectives for this level 2 Pathways speech on mentoring. He even managed to give us an update on Karen's kitchen renovations, demonstrating he had done his background research. Given the stage, Karen took over with confidence and proclaimed she was not ready to mentor, which to the onlooker was obvious self-flagellation and nonsense! She spoke to the floor and from the floor! She outlined what a speaker might need to know and flatteringly provided exemplar speeches from club members ranging from scary ham to funny cardboard cars. The take home message was for us all, "we do not need to know all the answers, as mentors we can support, try, fail and learn".

Karen - Being a mentor

The evening was proceeding swimmingly as Lauren, with her second speech, "Blue is all I see.", took us down into the deep blue seas of the Galapagos Islands. Kerry introduced 'wonderful' Lauren with positivity and managed to provide detail of her life outside Napier Toastmasters Club. If anyone needs some interior design advice Lauren can give it!

Lauren - Swing in the deep blue sea

Proving herself to be good with colour, blue ran through her speech: from her flippers and the blue footed Booby birds to the serene depths of the ocean. Without an 'uhm' or 'ah' to be heard, Lauren concluded that her travelling companions were siblings united by their shared diving experience, or was it the libations that followed in the debriefing?

Up next with a Table Topics Competition Educational was none other than our very own Champion, Brenda. Everything from the process of eligibility and random speaking order process, to topic selection and the judges' criteria were outlined. Then, completely off the cuff, experts within the audience were called upon to answer questions like: What do you do to get started? Would it be appropriate to give an opinion? What structures are possible? (5w+h/ past, present, future/ liked, loved, hated) and What does PREP mean? (Point of view, Reason, Example, Point of view again). An invitation was issued, ensuring we will have a compelling Table Topics Competition.

Time for a supper break and we all turned our attention to Graeme's pantry and were not disappointed.

If anyone thought they might have a nap and snore off consumed carbohydrates they were mistaken as Ashley launched into 'Insurance 101'. Due to Patrick's clever Introductory super sleuthing we found out that this speaker was a 7-year-old arsonist. These skills may come in handy should any member of our club have an 80th birthday… I wonder who might that be? Ashley taught us what a contract was, how insurance works and broke down an insurance policy. In summary he had us all review the key points aloud.

The final prepared speech was delivered as Carol (Best Speaker of the evening) hit the floor and 'Mamma Mia!' (James' word of the evening) left us in no doubt that here we go again! Introduced by young Graeme, we were told that this was her 4th speech from the Competent Communicator manual which will cease to be come July 2020. The speech titled "I will not choose you, you chose me" followed Carol's academic path from dreams of becoming a beautician, to bioengineering and finally nursing. Mamma Mia! if I was sick I know her energy would aid in my healing, I am sure!

Carol - Mamma Miaaaaaaaaaaa!

Jane ran her first business session giving key dates for what is left of July:

15th Executive meeting cancelled by her decree,
19th Club Officer training,
22nd 'Normal' meeting,
29th Awards Dinner (Dress code: Dress to the Nine's- Sequins, feathers, pearls, suit and tie)

Yet another Napier Toastmasters' winner – I laughed, learnt something, was challenged, had a feed, and got to speak to interesting people.