While the weather was cool and windy, our meeting room was warm and welcoming thanks to the efforts of our Sgt at Arms, Graeme, along with his faithful assistant Craig. Our welcome sign was out, heaters on, banner on display and chairs all suitably arranged, with everything ready for the evening. Toastmaster of the Evening, Craig, opened the meeting and introduced our two guests, Shane and Danny, as well as our Area Director Marc. The various roles were outlined by General Evaluator Ian, along with his lovely assistants Denise (handling the timekeeping role) and Song, who was our Grammarian. Song challenged us by introducing two words of the evening; navigate and investigate.
Craig introduced Jan, our Table Topicmaster, who outline the purpose of Table Topics, and reassured everyone how this exercise assists us in everyday life, particularly around impromptu speaking. Speakers were given the choice of two statements, so that they could expand on the why they made this choice. The topics were :
All speakers tackled the topics, and made great choices, which I have italicised; except for one. This speaker, who I do not want
to name or shame, admirably demonstrated how to talk ‘around
a topic’, without mentioning the topic at all. Well done to everyone, and well
done to Jan in coming up with this novel idea and the competent way she ran the
session.
Our first speaker, Mondie, was introduced by Joyleen, who provided a great exemplar on how to introduce a speaker. Joyleen outlined the objectives, timing, and the intriguing title, “Things to look forward to”. Joyleen gave a little background of Mondie and his efforts in his previous Ice Breaker speech. Mondie placed some papers on the lectern, took centre stage, and spoke from the heart about what he was looking forward to…coming to TM, interacting with fellow members, and people of the world. Truly amazing to talk unaided around the desire to interact with other people, connection, and the need or will for more communication. To conclude, Mondie went to the lectern to get his ‘notes’, and showed two pictures which portrayed his wish for mankind/the world; firstly, a place without masks, and the secondly, showing kindness to animals. As feedback, Joyleen provided the deserving praise on achieving the objectives, and complimented Mondie on his ability to speak without any reference to his notes, clear diction, his presence and structure of the speech. Recommendations for the future, included; utilising the floor area more and ensuring speeches are within the timeframe. A great speech, and one that was rightly awarded Speaker of the Evening.
Due to a late apology, our next speech got substituted for a quiz, using phrases and pictures to test the mental agility of our members. An example from the 24 given is shown below. Well done Craig for such an initiative, which was both educational and entertaining.
Refreshed from our supper break, Table Topics were evaluated by Tony. A solo effort, as this was fulfilling the Active Listening project at Level 3. Tony had comprehensive notes for all 9 speakers and provided informed feedback to all speakers. Steve provided an evaluation of Tony’s evaluation, and commended Tony on successfully achieving the objectives of the Active Listening project. Tony is very insightful, and has a clear an pleasant delivery demure. While Steve mentioned the need to provide everyone with a recommendation, Tony packed a lot in the 10 minutes used.
Our outgoing Area Director Marc provided some insightful information around the need for Club Executive positions and also the opportunity it provides to its members. With a national reduction in memberships due to covid and other competing things for our time, the need to provide communication and leadership skills has never been greater. Members are challenged to spread the word, encourage new members and also give a little back to TM. A cup presentation was also made to Jan (our podcaster extraordinaire), as the winner of the Area Evaluation Contest.
The Business session was run by President Craig. A reminder of our combined Awards Evening and 50th Anniversary dinner, which will be either the 1st or 15th of August, subject to finding a suitable venue. A combined Committee meeting is scheduled for 20 June, 7.30pm (at Roz's house) for the present and new/incoming committee members. Next meeting roles was covered by VP Ed, Ian.
The General Evaluation role was navigated by Ian, who called on timekeeper Denise to provide timings, and then Song for both the word of the evening, as well as specific phrases. Both did a great job in their roles. Ian then commended Craig on the professional way he ran the meeting. It was like clockwork, with smooth transitioning between items, and the effort he went to for compiling a clear and effective agenda, including the two round blue spots on each program.
While every attendee was a winner, the awards were deservedly given to
Best Table Topic Danny (a
guest)
Best Evaluator Tony
Best Contribution
Jan Best Speaker Mondie
…and the answers are : Overseas Operator, Three Wise Men and One on One
Meeting concluded at 9.02pm. Next meeting; 29 June, 7.00pm
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