Our meeting on 28th November was our last 'normal' meeting for the year and what an interesting and educational occasion it was! We were joined by four guests (three were members of Hastings Toastmaster's Club (Paul, Herman & Ryan) and an interested prospective member also named Paul.
The Toastmaster of the night was Tony and he had prepared an excellent program in which he featured regularly, filling in a speaking slot as well as his Chairman duties. The first prepared speak was presented by Denise utilising the video projector recently installed by the council in the hall. This was an excellent presentation about one of the Māori Wars of long ago, with interesting facts and informative visuals used to get a message across. Denise is employed at the Museum and was able to put into practice something that she would be presenting during her work and getting 'informed' feedback on it. This was provided by Joyleen who in addition to commending Denise for her presentation was able to give her some ideas for improving the speech, in which her objective were to Research a topic and present a speech on it. All these were certainly achieved!!
Tony accepted the challenge of presenting the next prepared speech and this really was a tremendous session of making a presentation and then answering questions from the audience. Certainly a very educational presentation in which Tony elaborated on the process of writing a speech, which included a 'handout' with his formula (four stages; a 'splatter' draft, a structured version, an almost there version, and then the finished version). This was a "pathways" assignment, the final one in Level Four for Tony, and it certainly matched the excellent speeches that he has completed to date. I am certain that everyone, even the 'experienced' Toastmasters present, gained something from this presentation. Well done Tony! The presentation was well evaluated by Ian who was able to give Tony some ideas for improvement and also many well-deserved commendations.
Song presented a slightly different approach to her Table Topics session and this made for some interesting replies from the members selected which included the three visiting Toastmasters from Hastings. Song gave each speaker two words, a Who and Where (e.g. angel & bedroom) and they then had to speak for 2 minutes utilising a connection between the two words - interesting and somewhat challenging for some!! Ian stepped in and evaluated the Table Topics session including an explanation of the Evaluation process for our 'non-toastmaster' guest with some excellent feedback for each speaker including commendations and recommendations for possible improvement.
Our President, Ros conducted a brief business session which included details of our final meeting for the year on 12th December, which due to the Greenmeadows Community Hall being required by the Council on that night will be held at the TARADALE CO-LAB, which is situated behind the Taradale Town Hall and will be signposted. It's bring a plate and a small gift (wrapped) under $10 for the 'fun' table topics session.
The General Evaluator, Craig wrapped up the meeting with feedback for the Evaluators (in the main) and the Toastmaster and speakers assisted by the timekeeper, Ros and Grammarian, Graeme (who's so called 'word of the night' was for members to say how great a Club we were - which is true and not difficult to do!
The awards for the evening were presented to;
Best Speaker : Tony Best Contribution : Craig
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