CONCORD WEST TOASTMASTER AWARDED RUNNER UP AT PHILIP DIVISION INTERNATIONAL SPEECH CONTEST

Daniel (centre) with LGET Jan Vecchio (left) and Philip Division Governor Michael Said (right)
Being presented with his Runner Up Trophy and Certificate at the 2012 International Speech Contest

Yet again a member of Concord West Toastmasters Club has come so close to taking out the Philip Division International Speech Contest, held last Saturday 28th April at the Liverpool Catholic Club. 
Daniel was awarded Runner-Up (Second Place) on the day, but if the applause that Daniel’s speech received from the assembled audience was any gauge the decision must have been by a hairs breadth.
Daniel presented his speech “Why Can’t It Be You” flawlessly and in the humble opinion of the Editor, the best of the 4 presentations of this speech I have witnessed.
But a huge congratulations to Daniel, who has put in an enormous amount of work refining what is a highly emotive and persuasive speech.
The standard this year was again in my opinion the highest across all International Speech contestants I have witnessed in the past 4 years, so it was a very tough gig. 
The topics were much meatier and all the speakers deserved to have reached this level.
On behalf of both Daniel and Concord West Club thanks should be extended to Lyndel, Kimberley, Marlowe, Natasha, Chris, John, Mark and Peter for turning up to support Daniel it what was no doubt the largest single Club in attendance on the day.
Well done.

CONCORD WEST TOASTMASTERS MEETING No: 1126 – Tuesday 24th April 2012

New S@A Paul called the meeting to order.

Presidents Welcome – In a brief welcome John acknowledged that new Member Lyndel had achieved 3^rd position in the Hawkesbury Division Evaluation Contest representing her other Club of Hunters Hill.

Apologies – Tanya, Peter, Philip and Sam

Chairman for the First Session – Brett

Reading of the Mission of the Club – Rino in his first undertaking of that task.

Introductions – Brett did not set a theme producing some very divergent and most importantly brief impromptu Introductions.

Word of the Day – Glen H challenged us with the Word “Flamboyant” for use throughout the meeting.

Agenda Update – Kimberley

Leadership Manual Evaluations – Bernard.

Kimberley was Toastmaster for the first Session for the first 2 speakers.

Daniel represented his International Speech ‘Why Can’t It Be You’ as one of 2 final audience present rehearsals in readiness for Saturday’s Division Contest. It is even on its fourth outing a spine tingeler.

The second speaker was John with his presentation from the Advanced Communicator Manual ‘Storytelling’ with a speech entitled ‘The One Day of the Year’, which most appropriately was centred around ANZAC Day (the following day). John revealed how from some very personal family history he had grown up with a contemptuous attitude toward ANZAC Day, but following an epiphany of discovering his own family links to both major conflicts he now had a more positive and indeed active participation in the true significance of the One Day of the Year.

Daniel was very capably Evaluated by Paul who provided some suggestions for consideration in the very finite stages of developing his presentation for next Saturday’s competition.

John was Evaluated by Lyndel who also suggested some alternate ideas for building the dramatic aspect of what she deemed to be a highly personal and appropriately emotive speech.

Following our Break Paul called us back to order and handed the meeting over to Bernard who introduced Meghan to present the Toast. In keeping with the theme of mateship so prevalent at the time of ANZAC Day commemorations, Meghan proposed a Toast – “In praise of Friendships Past and Present.”

Dai Fei served as Toastmaster for the Second Speech Session and introduced Glenn D with his second last speech from the Competent Communicator Manual – Inspire – with a speech entitled; “What Motivation Really Is!” in which Glenn addressed the usual perceptions and then using some world renown characters dispelled those myths with some inspiring anecdotes.

Glenn was Evaluated by Daniel with characteristic detail and analysis pointing out the quantum improvement that has been apparent since Glenn’s earlier speeches.

Paul introduced a riveting Table Topics by presenting the gruesome details of the murder of a somewhat unsavoury character and then charging all the participants with the task of both defending their own innocence of the crime and where possible diverting suspicion upon someone else. The result was a lot of fun as accusations flew thick and fast and claims of both ethnic and gender elimination were purported and even physical disability was used as a method of self-elimination. Hysterical stuff.

Evaluation duties for Table Topics fell to Lyndal and Meghan with both detailed and very analytic investigation that boarded on psychological profiling.

Marlowe who in her first endeavour in the role of Ums and Ahs Counter realised just how difficult it can be to listen really carefully.

While “Flamboyance” eluded us for the most part, Glen H picked up some very diverse uses of Grammar.

Mark presented Big Ears with some equally astute observations

Rino delivered the Timers Report with particular emphasis on the Speech segments in his first undertaking of this role.

Kimberley provided an excellent and highly motivational overview of the evening with the General Evaluation while attempting to stay within time.

Forward Planner – Kimberley

President’s Closing Remarks – There being no Guest Comments John used his closing to present Certificates of acknowledgement to both Brett and Dai Fei that had come for TI in the US for accomplishing their AC and CCs.

Plus a Ribbon to Leo acknowledging his recent Ice Breaker Speech.

Although it had arisen earlier in the meeting John also acknowledged the election of Immediate Past President Brett to the position of Area Governor for 2012-13.

Finally urging members to support Daniel at the upcoming District Competition.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Saturday 28^th April – Philip Division International and Evaluation Contest

11:45 for 12 Noon start at Liverpool Catholic Club
424-458 Hoxton Park Road Liverpool West. $35.00 (includes formal Lunch)

Tuesday 8th May – Normal Meeting

Tuesday 22nd May – Normal Meeting

Saturday 26^th May – Concord West 2012 Speechcraft Intensive – Concord RSL

Tuesday 29th May – Additional 5^th Tuesday Meeting

SPEECHCRAFT INTENSIVE 2012

CONCORD WEST TOASTMASTERS MEETING No: 1125 – Tuesday 10th April 2012

President John called the meeting to order.

Presidents Welcome – John welcomed 2 returning Visitors; Nick and Maggie.

Apologies – Tanya, Peter, Meghan and Bernard

Chairman for the First Session – Dai Fei

Reading of the Mission of the Club – Angela in her first execution of that task.

Word of the Day – Kimberley challenged us to use – Alliterations – in our presentations.

Introductions – Dai Fei asked us to provide our views on “An Early Winter’ on this chilly April evening.

Agenda Update – Kimberley

Leadership Manual Evaluations – John.

Philip took on the role of Toastmaster for the first 2 speakers.

Leo presented his Ice Breaker speech entitled “Who Am I?” and made a truly impressive start with his first speech. Taking us through 3 specific points which provided a clear insight into his thoughts addressing the past, the present and the future. 

The second speaker was Mark with a gripping encounter entitled “Did I Really Play Tennis with a Murderer?” in which he reencountered a seemingly harmless, even inspiring story from his youth and lead us in a spin-tingling journey to the recent past.

Leo was Evaluated by Glen who gave both great encouragement and some solid foundations for future improvement and Mark was Evaluated by Kimberley in a very concise and constructive manner.

Following our short Break John called the meeting back to order and handed the meeting over to Marlowe in her first formal undertaking as Chairman for the second half of the Meeting.

Glenn D recently returned from a trip to the US presented a heart-felt Toast – To Communities – expressing how despite distance, we can today feel very much a part of our communities with the aid of modern communications.

Kimberley served as Toastmaster for the Second Speech Session and introduced a very unusual segment presided over by Philip in presenting a ‘Radio Interview’ as part of the advanced communicator Manual. While Kimberley enacted the role of the Interviewer, Philip unpacked a very succinct presentation of the Benefits of Toastmasters to the listening audience. 


The second speaker was Rino who in just his second week presented his second speech entitled: “Running a Marathon at Least Once in Your Life”. Rino had great structure, a confident presence and had clearly followed the Objective of organising his speech, drawing a very crisp analogy between the challenges of public speaking and running a marathon. The makings of a great International Speech.

Philip was Evaluated by Lyndal with characteristic detail and analysis while John Evaluated Rino paying homage to his endeavour to be back on his feet in such short order.

Daniel introduced Table Topics with an challenging focus on Numbers and how each speaker responded to certain numbers nominated by the Table Topics Master. The segment and the diversity of responses proved to be both enlightening and very humorous.

Dai Fei and Philip had the Evaluation duties for Table Topics and made some excellent observations and recommendations to all participants.

Ums and Ahs were recorded by Mark showing overall improvement.

Kimberley presented a surprising number of Alliterations from the evening proceedings and also highlighted some excellent and dubious uses of Grammar.

Sam presented Big Ears with some tight observations

Paul delivered the Timers Report pointing out some extreme cases of ‘experienced’ Members going significantly overtime. No names no pack drill!.

Lyndal provided a very concise overview of the evening with the General Evaluation while attempting to stay within time.

Forward Planner – Kimberley

Guests Comments – Maggie indicated her keenness to formally join which was warmly welcomed..

President’s Closing Remarks – John used his closing segment to announce an Executive Meeting following our next meeting.

To thank Paul who has volunteered to take on the roll of S@A till the end of the TM year.

To urge members to support Daniel at the upcoming District Competition.

To thank those who have stepped up for roles at the Speechcraft Intensive.

And a brief update on the 50^th Anniversary Celebrations.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Tuesday 24th April – Normal Meeting

Saturday 28^th April – Philip Division International and Evaluation Contest

11:45 for 12 Noon start at Liverpool Catholic Club 

424-458 Hoxton Park Road Liverpool West. $35.00 (includes formal Lunch)

Tuesday 8th May – Normal Meeting

Tuesday 22nd May – Normal Meeting

Saturday 26^th May – Concord West 2012 Speechcraft Intensive – Concord RSL

Tuesday 29th May – Additional 5^th Tuesday Meeting

CONCORD WEST TOASTMASTERS MEETING No: 1124 – Tuesday 27th March 2012

President John called the meeting to order.

Presidents Welcome – John welcomed a number of Visitors including; Nick, Maggie & Josie from Ashfield Toastmasters visiting us to practice a speech.

Apologies – Tanya, Dai Fei, Glenn D, Paul V, Juliet, Meghan and Marlowe

Chairman for the First Session – Mark

Reading of the Mission of the Club – Leo.

Word of the Day – Lyndal challenged us with the word – Extemporize.

Introductions – Mark set a controversial theme asking us to express ‘What we think about Global Warming’ setting off a chain of interesting responses which although many but not all were similar views came at the topic from a different angle.

Agenda Update – Kimberley

Leadership Manual Evaluations – Bernard.

Glen H filled an empty space as Toastmaster for the first 2 speakers.

Rino after just a few weeks membership presented his Ice Breaker speech entitled “3 Great Reasons for Joining Toastmasters”. Rino displayed surprising poise and audience connection breaking his talk down into logical segments. A truly impressive start.

The second speaker was Peter with a ‘Touching Story’ from the Advanced Communicator series entitled: Eaton Sienna, The Greatest Formula One Driver. Peter’s well researched and very moving dedication to this outstanding World Champion revealed an enormous amount about the life and times of a sporting legend.

Rino was Evaluated by a very encouraging synopsis by Mark while Peter’s very polished speech was Evaluated by a highly experienced and forensically detailed Philip.

John called the meeting back to order after the Break and handed the meeting over to Chris as Chairman for the second half of the Meeting.

Glen H presented a rather revealing Toast – To Public Servants – outlining the responsibilities, risks and pressures endured by many particularly high-ranking public servants in our community.

Brett as Toastmaster for the Second Speech Session introduced our visiting speaker Josie with her speech entitled ‘My New Puppy’. Josie, with the aid of some cute fluffy props provided some highly experienced insights into the care and upkeep of well-behaved puppies. As an extension of her work, Josie is keen to develop her presentation with the view to eventually having her own TV show.

Daniel used this opportunity wisely to practice his Area winning Speech entitled “Why Can’t It Be You?”, a splendid speech even a third time around. Daniel is seeking candid feedback and critique in order to finely hone his speech in readiness for the Division Contest in a few weeks time.

Josie was Evaluated by Chris with a very engaging abd highly supportive array of observations, while Daniel received some very solid points for improvement from Natasha.

John introduced Table Topics with an intriguing look at the nuances of the English language. Each participant was asked to come up and explain ‘The Difference’ between 3 seemingly similar if not identical descriptive nouns. For example; What is the difference between a Lake, A Bay and a Harbor? Or a Vehicle, a Car and an Automobile? The diversity and imagination demonstrated by a range of speakers starting with more experienced Members and even involving some visitors was truly amazing.

Sam and Kimberley had the Evaluation duties for Table Topics and made some excellent observations and recommendations to all participants.

Ums and Ahs were captured by Rino in his first foray into such a task.

Lyndal undertook the Grammarian duties with great aplomb acknowledging the use of the Word of the Day.

Brett  presented Big Ears with some excellent observations, but the ‘throwing arm’ could do with some improvement.

Angela delivered her first ever Timers Report with an emphasis on the ‘Time Over’ reporting.

Philip provided a very concise overview of the evening with the General Evaluation

Forward Planner – Kimberley

Guests Comments – All of our Guests made positive remarks and provided invaluable responses to their first evening at our Club.

Announcements – Brett as Immediate Past President urged all Club members and current Executive members to be thinking now about a succession plan and called for Members to seriously consider nominating for Executive positions.

Chris (in company with Natasha) announced that they will not be renewing their Membership and as such this would be their final meeting, by paying tribute to their time in Concord West Toastmasters.

Treasurer Sam urged Members to make their Semi annual Membership payments as a matter of urgency.

President’s Closing Remarks –John thanked Chris and Natasha for their enormous contribution to our Club and in wishing them well as they enter a new phase in their lives thanked them for at least providing the Club with an opportunity to farewell them rather than just slipping off without a formal farewell.

John also thanked those Members who attended the recent Area Competition in support of both Chris and Daniel and encouraged Members to support Daniel at the Division Contest in a few weeks.

Plus outlined the progress in the preparation of the Speechcraft Intensive seeking Membership involvement.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Tuesday 10^th April – Normal Meeting.

Tuesday 24th April – Normal Meeting

Saturday 28^th April – Philip Division International and Evaluation Contest

11:45 for 12 Noon start at Liverpool Catholic Club
424-458 Hoxton Park Road Liverpool West. $35.00 (includes formal Lunch)

Saturday 26^th May – Concord West 2012 Speechcraft Intensive – Concord RSL