Monday, April 22, 2013

CONCORD WEST TOASTMASTERS CLUB – 12th March 2013


S@A John called the meeting to order and briefly explained the reason behind the very different seating arrangements which for tonight’s meeting were set up in a theatre style set up similar to the Area Competition format. Before handing the meeting over to President Philip for his general Welcome.

Chairman for the first half of the Meeting was Meghan who explained a little more about the reasons behind mixing up the format for variation.
Visitors included; Nick, Henry, Jasmine and Nick returning for his second visit.
Apologies had been received from; Glen H, Marlowe, Dai Fei, Farzard and Tiffany.

Reading of the Mission of the Club was undertaken by Samuel and Grammarian Mark challenged us with both the Word and/or examples of Oxymorons.

Introductions took on a simple open theme permitting a briefer slab of the time-slot.
Mark was Toastmaster for the first half introducing Philip to deliver a dry run of his International Speech “A Ball of String” in preparation for the upcoming Area 6 Competition.
Many longer-term members were startled to see Philip use notes for his practice run, but as Philip’s official Evaluator John pointed out that Philip had been making a significant number albeit minor changes to the text of the speech, since the last performance and the notes were necessary for recall. As a result John focused primarily on issues requiring improvement before the Evaluation was opened to the entire meeting to provide solid advice to Philip.

With another deviation from the norm, we then had Table Topics chaired by Heather on the theme of James Bond, or at least topics centred around numerous James Bond movie titles. Yet another very creative Table topic challenge that highlighted a somewhat unexpected generational gap, but producing some excellent responses.
The Evaluators; Meghan and Lyndal provided some very helpful assistance in their analysis of a diversity of presentations.

The first half was then Evaluated by Glenn D in a succinct analysis of the meeting thus far.

S@A John called the meeting back to order right on time and handed to Chairman for the second half – Peter.
Kymberly was challenged to deliver a Toast in the new seating environment where few if any members had a glass let alone a full glass but had us both Toast (and use) ‘Our Imaginations’.
Toastmaster for the second session was John who introduced 3 Speakers;

Helen with her second speech entitled “The Kokoda Challenge” recounting a real life experience of doing this very specific and arduous trek in the hinterland behind Surfers Paradise. Describing the personal and team challenges she had met and managed.
Meghan presented her 9th speech from the CC Manual – Persuade – with a speech entitled “What a Dreadful Problem to Have…”, in she provided a view from both sides of the coin in dealing with issues and how many issues pale into insignificance when compared to others.
Finally brand new member Edna delivered a stunning Ice Breaker Speech entitled; “Starting a New Life in a New Country”. To get some idea of the quality of this first ever presentation, in thanking Edna, John asked the meeting rhetorically in jest “Can we just check to ensure that was Edna’s first speech. An excellent and confident delivery without notes providing an insight the changes and adaptations required to up-route from a life you know and venture half way round the world and start afresh.

We then moved into our normal round of Evaluation duties;
Ums and Ahs Count was recorded by Heather.
Grammarian and Word of the Day were duly noted by Mark.
The Big Ears challenge was undertaken for the first time by Mudhi at very short notice
Paul V kept track of the Timing for the evening.
Kimberly followed up with a very succinct second-half General Evaluation

All Visitors provided very supportive feedback in the Guests Comments before President Philip presented his Closing Remarks and endorsed the upcoming Area 6 International and Evaluation Contest.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Area 6 International and Evaluation Contest
Hosted by Concord West Club at Concord RSL
Saturday 16th March 2013 – 1:00pm
Normal Meeting
Tuesday 26th March 2013
District 70 International and Evaluation Contest
Cabra-Vale Diggers Club
Saturday 27th April 2013 – 1:00pm

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