CONCORD WEST TOASTMASTERS MEETING No: 1132 – Tuesday 10th July 2012

The new S@A Leo called the meeting to order.

Presidents Welcome – New president Philip welcomed 2 Visitors; Heather, Vasad, Tiffany & past member Rowenna returning for a visit during Teaching commitments.

Apologies – Kimberley, Bret and Glen H.

Chairman for the First Session – Daniel

Reading of the Mission of the Club – Peter

Word of the Day –Sam stood in with an impromptu challenge for us to incorporate the word: Gravitas in the evening’s deliberations.

Introductions – Daniel asked us to reflect on the nature of ‘Change’ in its many manifestations.

Agenda Update – Meghan (in her new role as Vice President Education).

Leadership Manual Evaluations – Paul.

Toastmaster Lyndal introduced 2 Speakers.

Paul presented Speech #10 from the Competent Communicator Manual for no doubt the second or third time round with a memorable recollection of a recent road trip entitled; “The Outback”. Paul took us all on an inspiring journey into the very isolated heart of our continent with a story full of descriptive language and ironic humour worthy of any travel log.

The second Speaker was Daniel T who took on yet another multiple presentation from the CC Manual – Getting Comfortable with Visual Aids with a speech entitled: “Why Bother – Settle Down”, in which Daniel challenged us to think about the extent to which we as a nation and community get very engrossed and involved in watching sport unfold both on the field and on our televisions and become caught up in acquiring copious memorabilia. In the lead up to the Olympics Daniel’s presentation was both timely and relevant as many people who do not usually get so easily engrossed in weekly sport take on great national pride and competitiveness during the fortnight of international competition.

Paul was Evaluated by whose analysis is always both eloquent and forensic in both observation and points for improvement.

Daniel was Evaluated by Philip demonstrating a very clear example of a Toastmaster Evaluation with sound listening and observation skills as well as an excellent balance of points for praise and improvement.

The meeting then went to an extended Break where we all enjoyed fellowship and a variety of finger food provided by the outgoing Executive as a way of marking the transition of the Executive Handover.

Leo called the meeting back to order after about 25 minutes and handed the meeting over to Sam as Chairman for the second half of the meeting.

With no further prepared speeches the meeting the Toast delivered by Outgoing President John with a commendation not only to his entire outgoing Executive, but also to all those who take up the challenge of stepping up to take on roles of responsibility that challenge us with a Toast to: “Those who Step Up”.

Chairman Sam then handed the meeting over to Marlowe to be the Table Topics Master. Marlowe painted a vey creative scenario of a casting agent recruiting performers for roles in radical remake of Dancing with Wolves in which each speaker was able to select a predetermined role from the film and do their best to audition for that role. Fabulous fun and an inspiring challenge.  

The Evaluators: Glenn D and Lyndal as always provided both specific and broader observations and advice to the participating Speakers.

Rowenna had not lost any of her ‘Toastmastership’ in providing an excellent assessment of the evenings Ums and Ahs.

Katrina presented her first ever Grammarian’s Report acknowledging a wide range of responses to various grammatical nuances during the evening.

The Big Ears report was presented by Meghan who picked up on a number of challenges to our collective listening skills.

Leo delivered his first Timers Report with great precision.

Peter then unpacked a careful observation of those members whose roles in the evening’s proceedings had not yet been assessed in the all important General Evaluation providing both analytical and helpful observations.

Forward Planner – Meghan

Guests Comments – Our 4 Guests provided some very positive feedback which is always so helpful to the Members as much as it is to the Executive.

President’s Closing Remarks – President Philip deflected to Past President John who took a few minutes to formally acknowledge his outgoing Executive and thank them for their fabulous support and involvement s well as present them with Certificates acknowledging their contribution. A special mention was made of outgoing VPE Kimberley in her absence.

Past President John then invited incoming President Philip to formally present his incoming Executive to the meeting.

2011-12 Executive (L-R) – President: John, Secretary: Glenn D, Vice President Membership: Bernard,
Treasurer: Sam, Vice President Public Relations: Philip and S@A: Paul.
(Absent Vice President Education: Kimberley).

2012-13 Executive (L-R) – President: Philip, S@A: Leo, Treasurer: Paul, Secretary: Glen D, Vice President Public Relations: Rino, Vice President Membership: Mark and Vice President Education: Meghan.

Meeting Closed – On time despite to departure from a normal program.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Tuesday 24th July – Normal Meeting

Tuesday 11th August – Normal Meeting (Note July is a 5 week month)

Tuesday 25th August – Normal Meeting

Saturday 27th October – 50^th Anniversary Dinner
Concord RSL Club