Napier Toastmasters Talk Feast

Forget "a pinch and a punch" to start the month, try "a presentation and a tale" to let the good times prevail!

It was the 1st of July and Napier Toastmasters were starting early, 6:30pm, to enable us to compete 12 amazingly varied presentations.
"Hang on minute... Napier Toastmasters meet every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month, don't they?"

This is true, observant citizen.

It is due to the healthy growth of the club and the natural tendencies of the Toastmasters to speak that is has been decided in each month containing five Mondays we take the first Monday and have a 'Speakathon'...come one and all...! The agenda reads: Welcome, apologies, speaking, supper, speaking. Evaluations, that which we learn so much from, are silent for this meeting is reserved for introductions and stories of interest.

One of our club's Master speakers, Craig, delivered first with the intriguing title of "NACP6 to Comms". Revealed were details of an exciting night out, moonlighting with Meerkats while monitoring the underbelly of Napier's criminal elements. We were held captive with maps, call signs and police accompaniment.

Lifting us from dark alleys and dead-end streets, James, a new member, gave his ice breaker introduction, "Travel Broadens the Mind". From Christchurch to London, Cambodia to Bangkok, Mataura to Gore. This man has clambered over historic sites, sat on beaches, eaten his share of world cuisines, and became a linguist. And Yet, James considers himself to have won the lottery as he, like us, wakes every day in the Bay!

Continuing the language theme, Alwyn introduced us to Javascript. This was "A new Language" to some of us...YES, ...familiar to a few...YES, ...Java will help me break this loop...YES, ...anytime soon...NO.

Three speeches done and already it is 7 O'clock. At this point the doors were flung open to allow those coming from work to entry without interrupting orations.

Graeme gathered us in the second set to hear about "The Magnificent Seven", not your average gun slinging, rabble rousing cowboys. The seven were his support crew out to ease his nerves using distractional therapy. Our man of Steel, Graeme, was facing a crowd of over 200 at Toastmasters Nationals Humorous Competition. See the results for yourself and learn from the master: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpRr7nSGPAs  

I trust you enjoyed that wee diversion -"But I digress". This was the title from our next speaker's first speech. Keeping it tidy and tight to time, Roz, demonstrated how she managed to juggle many activities from school choir, workings at Oderings, playing badminton and taking piano lessons. A habit she has continued in life, planning her work and working her plan. In all this richness and activity, the top pick was mothering. I think joining Napier Toastmasters will rock into a solid second!

Never short of a learning opportunity, up to the lecturn leapt Professor Afrin, her topic "Prince 2", which is short for Projects in Controlled Environments. Afrin outlined the principles, terms and processes involved in this style project management. Efficiency being measured against scope, time, risk, quality, benefits and costs. Apply this to public speaking and there can only be success.

Electrical efficiencies followed as we heard about Dan's "Tradie Van": F1 aspiring, work of art, rusted and speed limited. This Tardis held silk hammocks, a spa bath, expresso machine and enough safety gear to make health and safety puritans pleased. With Dan's moral support we were encouraged to change our own lightbulbs. There is no end to what we can achieve.

This is the theme Jan pursued in her delivery, "We could be They". 'They' are no nebulous mass...'They' are leaders, social influencers, the shifters and the shakers. How can 'we' be 'They'? Join Toastmasters and discover leadership opportunities, discover your leadership style, as Jan has, then define your character, your competencies and communication skills. It is that easy, at least Jan makes it seem so.

Time for supper – you too, avid reader deserve a tea break...12 speeches after all makes for a long report.

Back to it – the pace not slacking.

Tony, following the letter of the law delivered in witty style, winning himself the trophy of "Best Speaker".

 "The Coolest Letter in the Alphabet" did not go to vowels due to their commonality, consonants were B-oring, M-ediocre, Q-uirkey and T-ryhards. Some letters had elegance and sex appeal by being R-ebellious, D-elirious, K-illers but still they lacked razzmatazz. It was the rear guard that crackled with energy, they had the X-factor, they V-apourised the rest and left only the Z-est and Z-ing of Z to bedazzed us all.

This is all good fun but here at Napier Toastmasters we take our educating responsibilities seriously. Brenda addressed the abstract notion of gender equality and asked, "Are we there yet?". The short answer was, "No". Not for the next 108 years are we expected to arrive, despite the efforts and sacrifices of the suffragists, the input from women during wars, the advances of contraceptives and home appliances. New Zealand may be ranked in the top ten for equality and may have been the first to give the vote to women, but this is not cause for easy or complacency.

We are nearing the end of a long evening that seemed to have slipped by in a flash. This is no wonder when you are entertained, informed and challenged.

Patrick, at level 3 on his pathway, gave a report on "Networking", a strange and unfamiliar process. The understanding of common goals and skill sets becomes more natural, Patrick suggested, if we lighten up, relax and don't be anxious.

Finally, Jane shared a few of her toilet secrets and introduced the idea of "Composting Toilets".  Noting more need be said about that.

Fantastic 2nd Speakathon evening, stoic effort getting through this report. It is much better just being there!