CONCORD WEST MEETING No: 1092 – Tuesday 12th October 2010

Wow, where has that last fortnight gone?

Our last meeting was back up in the old boardroom to make way for a one-off booking in the restaurant and despite a slight drop in numbers we had a fabulous evening.

We kicked off promptly at 7:15pm with a General Welcome from our VPE Chris standing in for President Brett who was among the apologies for the evening including Peter, Rowenna and Paul M. Chris combined his Welcome with his first role as Chairman for the First Session.

Sam read the Mission of the Club followed by our round the table Introductions.

Chris then walked us through a fairly comprehensive Agenda Update and Glen H took on the task of Leadership Manual Evaluations. John as Grammarian for the evening, introduced the Word of the Day – Circumvent. As there were no Visitors or Guests to Welcome we moved straight into the First Prepared Speech Session.

Bishnu was Toastmaster for the First Speech Session and presented a meticulously managed segment in his first role as Toastmaster. Excellent. Adam presented Speech No: 8 – Get Comfortable with Visual Ads – with a riveting Speech entitled ‘Why’ in which Adam challenged us all to think about “Why we do what we do”. Questioning what motives us to do what we do. Another vibrantly delivered, well-researched and captivating presentation that included a seamless use of both laptop and projector, in a manner we have come to expect from Adam.

The second Speaker was Dai Fei who presented Speech No: 7, Research to Inform and took us on an in depth investigation into “What Makes an Experienced Writer”. Dai Fei as always conveyed a deep passion for her topic and provided some very thought provoking insights and examples.

Adam was meticulously Evaluated by Natasha who demonstrated a growing expertise in analysis and observation in her critique. Dai Fei was Evaluated by Daniel who as an ‘old-hand’ always passes on some invaluable hints and standards of application in presenting an evaluation.

We went to the break a few minutes ahead of schedule and were reconvened by S@A Daniel who handed the Second Session to Chairman Dai Fei.

Daniel delivered an impassioned Toast to the Australian Athletes for their hard work and achievements at the recent Commonwealth Games.

Gary took on the mantle of Toastmaster for the Second Session and Introduced Paul who was delivering an unusual format in a Speech entitled “The Successful Negotiator” in which he introduced some comprehensive guidelines for negotiation techniques before presenting a role-play with John. Paul was the Customer seeking to reach an agreeable leasing contract with John, the Lessor, of imaginary commercial premises. Although some general outline had been discussed prior to the presentation the role-play was to be as realistic and impromptu as possible. To conclude, Paul sort feedback and critique from the audience. The time frame was of course extended beyond the normal speaking time.

Paul (and John) were Evaluated by Adam, who brought some very insightful observations and points for improvement to the exercise in his appraisal of the segment.

Adam then returned to the lectern as Table Topics Master introducing a very unique and highly entertaining segment in which 2 participants were called upon to role-play scenarios given to them by Adam. The results were outstandingly creative, exhaustingly funny and of great benefit to participants and observers alike.

Gary was a school principal attempting to advise parent Bernard that his son was out of control (and borderline psychotic) will Bernard vehemently defended his son’s actions as merely anal and quite acceptable. The result was outstanding in terms of response and delivery.

Glen H (left) doing a sterling job of dismissing a remarkably calm but very unhappy customer played by Bishnu (right)

The second scenario was Glen H as the recalcitrant shop-keeper dealing with a very calm but extremely focused Bishnu, as a very dissatisfied customer returning a faulty product. This segment delivered some absolute gems from both participants and Glen certainly gave John Cleese a run for his money as the ‘Basil Faulty of retail’.

The final segment was a Boy Scout, Sam trying to convince a very crotchety ‘senior citizen’, Daniel that he Sam, wanted to provide some form of assistance to Daniel with the alterior motive of earning a vital Scout Badge. We witnessed a Boy Scout who definitely has a future career in the law as he ‘put his case’ to a constantly unimpressed and disinterested returned servicemen. An total riot!

Dai Fei and Chris who struggled with their on-the-spot observations, because they had been breaking up in laughter throughout what was an absolute corker of a Table Topics segment, but managed to deliver some very helpful evaluations.

The evenings concluding Evaluations included Ums and Ahs by Glen H, Grammarian and Word of the Day announcement by John. Big Ears by Sam and Timers Report by Natasha who pointed out our continuing struggle with keeping to time.

It is interesting that so many relatively new members have moved past the challenge of speaking for long enough – to be having to focus on keeping down to time, a clear indicator of improving confidence in such a short period of time.

Bernard tackled the onerous task of General Evaluator for the first time and delivered a very detailed and carefully constructed observation of a very busy and highly energised meeting.

VPE Chris took us through the Forward Planner before stepping into the role of presenting Closing Remarks on behalf of President Brett.

NEXT MEETING 

Tuesday 26^th October 2010

MEETING No: 1091 Tuesday 28th September 2010

Our ‘Bring-a-Friend Evening got underway very punctually at 7:15pm.

Club President Brett combined his General Welcome with his later scheduled Guest Welcome acknowledging visitors including: John Y, (Dai Fei’s brother), Paul M, Darren (Kymberley’s husband), Punnada (Natasha’s friend), Rachel (Brett’s guest), Catherine (Chis’s colleague) Queenie (Bernard’s girlfriend) and Lesley (Paul V’s wife) and Josh returning for one final visit and joining tonight. A very encouraging response to this new initiative of the Club’s Executive.

Apologies were acknowledged from Peter C, Tony Z, Rowenna and Philip B.

Dai Fei Chaired the First Session very ably introducing Adam who read the Mission of the Club before handing over briefly to Natasha (as Grammarian) for the Word of the Day – Rigmarole.

In the Introductions, Dai Fei asked us to fantasize about how we would spend an unlimited amount of money, should it come our way, provoking some wonderfully sublime indulgences. Predominantly everyone would be off overseas in a heartbeat.

VPE Chris navigated us through some Agenda updates while Brett took on the task of completing the Leadership Manual Evaluations for the evening.

Paul V was Toastmaster for the first Speech Session and introduced and managed this task with the hallmark of experience one would expect.

Kimberley presented her first Speech – The Ice Breaker – providing us with an insight into her life through her love of shoes and golf. Kymberley was vey ably Evaluated by Natasha confirmed that this was an excellent first speech and an Ice Breaker that sets a new benchmark both in its narrative, structure and very smooth presentation. Well done.

The second Speaker in this first Session was Gary who presented a highly informative technical presentation from the Competent Communicator Manual Number 4 – How To Say It, with an intriguing title; Don’t Risk It – Use Protection. Gary provided a very succinct warning about the dangers of over exposure to noise and the potential affect on our hearing. This excellent presentation was thoroughly Evaluated by Glen H standing in at short notice for a late apology.

We went to the Break just ahead of time and resumed the Second Session under the Chairmanship of Glen H.

Dai Fei presented the evening’s Toast very fittingly paying tribute to the Australian Athletes competing in the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

The Toastmaster for the second session was Dai Fei who introduced Chris making a somewhat impromptu speech, his seventh, from the ninth Competent Communicator manual – Persuade with Power – with a speech entitled; 5 Golden Rules. Chris provided us with a sequential process for saving for our financial goals, outlining some excellent – free – financial advice. Chris was very appropriately Evaluated by another of our fiscal members Paul V.

John H was then the Table Topics Master and set a very challenging range of ‘Worst Case Scenarios’ for each speaker to provide their response as to how they would either deal with the personal disaster or indeed explain how it was not in fact a problem for them. Following a more formal ‘competition like’ structure, each speaker was asked to come up to the front before being given the topic. The outcome saw some very creative and humorous responses evolve.

Glenn D and Bernard undertook the very challenging roles of Table Topic Evaluators for the first time and did a very impressive job.

The rest of the evenings Evaluations followed with Daniel attending to the Umms and Ahs Counter. Natasha investigating the use of language and the Word of the Day as Grammarian. Big Ears was unveiled by Brett in his inimitable manner. The Timers Report was presented by Chris before Daniel was back at the lectern delivering a comprehensive General Evaluation. Forward Planning was managed by VPE Chris and all the Visitors and Guests responded with some very encouraging Guests’ Comments. The meeting closed with the Closing Remarks from our President Brett.

Next Meeting

Tuesday 12th October 2010

Date for Diary

Phillip Division Humorous Speech and Table Topics Contest
Saturday 9th October at Dooleys Lidcombe Catholic Club.

Regrettably our Club and Area 6 Winner (Peter) is unable to attend.

So our Area will be represented by the Area 6 Runner Up from another Club.

Also Look Out For

Wednesday Evenings ABC1 at 8pm
Strictly Speaking hosted by (Chaser) Andrew Hansen
http://www.abc.net.au/tv/strictlyspeaking/
Previous Programs can be viewed on iView.

MEETING No: 1090 Tuesday 14th September 2010

Despite a number of apologies from some regular attendees including Philip, Peter, Chris, Rowenna and Kymberley we had a very well attended meeting with a formidable group of Guests including; Isobel, Josh (returning to his second meeting), Jessica, Belinda, Nhung, John B and Gavin who has belonged to another Toastmasters Club in the past. Of special note we also welcomed Brett’s mother Lindy who was visiting from the south coast.

We were delighted to welcome them all.

We missed our Sergeant-at-Arms, Daniel calling the meeting to order as he was marginally delayed by a flat tyre. Past President Paul got us underway with a brief word of Welcome and handed over to Natasha as Chairperson for the first half of the meeting.

Glenn D (with 2 n’s) read the Mission of the Club and Brett (as Grammarian) presented us with the challenge of utilising the word – flounder – in our various opportunities throughout the evening as Word of the Day.

Natasha asked us to think about the beginning of a new Season and extracted a variety of thoughts on the subject as part of our Introductions. Natasha then stood in for our VPE Chris to undertake the Agenda Update before Dai Fei very capably handled a very demanding Guest Welcome.

The Toastmaster for the first Speech Session was Sam who set on a very clear example by carefully explaining procedures to our Visitors. Sam introduced 2 Speakers and their Evaluators.

Speaker One was Dai Fei who presented the 6^th Project from the Competent Communicator Manual – Vocal Variety – in a speech about the basis of the Chinese Language. Utilising an overhead projector Dai Fei intrigued us with the seeming complexity and uniqueness of her native language in a highly informative and intriguing presentation.

Dia Fei was Evaluated by Glen H (with one n) who gave text-book Evaluation in third person and referred to the Objectives of the speech with great engagement and solid points for improvement.

The second speaker was Glenn D (with 2 n’s) who presented Project 3 – Get to the Point – with an intriguing speech title of ‘Back Flipping and Bending Over Backwards to Add Just One Letter’. Glenn took us on the roller coaster ride he has experienced dealing with the monumental difficulties of trying to realign the spelling of his first name. Glenn with two n’s. It proved to be both a fascinating and highly amusing insight into the machinations of government and related authorities dealing with a confusion of identity.

Glenn D (no, that’s enough….) was very capably Evaluated by Gary (with one y) who clearly had both very much enjoyed the speech and observed and listened carefully.

We went to Break a few minutes ahead of time.

The Chairperson for the second half of the meeting was Gary who handed over to Brett for the Toast. Brett delivered a procedurally flawless Toast to our Past President Paul outlining the achievements of the Club under Paul’s recent stewardship.

Toastmaster for the second Speech Session was Dai Fei who once again provided very good explanatory coverage and introductions to the Speakers and Evaluators.

First Speaker was Sam delivering his first speech from the Advanced Communicators Manual – The Entertaining Speaker. Sam’s speech entitled – The Art of the Put Down – was a veritable banquet of great (mainly) political putdowns delivered by some of the great exponents of the ‘Put Down’ over the past 100 years. A riveting and highly contagious presentation, which saw Sam deal admirably with his need to engage the audience while referring to accurate quotation notes.

Sam was evaluated by Paul who is known to be a keen observer of the ‘quotable quote’ and delivered an exemplary Evaluation.

Daniel was a last minute replacement for Table Topics Master and as to be expected delivered the segment with meticulous protocol.

Daniel challenged us with the need to speak about a variety of charitable causes in response to our (imaginary) Employers favoured cause. This provoked some fascinating responses and really fulfilled the core purpose of impromptu speaking. We were also delighted that a number of Visitors took up the challenge. Well done.

The Evaluators were Natasha and Sam who met the complex task of evaluating a diversity of speakers and topic treatments with great finesse.

The evenings final Evaluations were undertaken by Glenn D as Umms & Ahs Counter, Brett as Grammarian, Glen H as Big Ears and Bishnu recorded the evening’s Timer’s Report. John H rounded of the evening with a comprehensive General Evaluation before the Guests were invited to pass comment on the evening.

We are encouraged that they all expressed an interest in returning for another visit and warmly invite them to do so.

Brett closed the meeting by paying tribute (in his absence) to Peter’s success at the recent Area 6 Humorous Speech Competition and to Natasha for her sterling representation of Concord West Club in the Area 6 Table Topics Competition.

Next Meeting – 

Bring a Friend Night – Tuesday 28^th September 2010

Date for Diary – 

Phillip Division Humorous Speech and Table Topics Contest Saturday 9^th October at Dooleys Lidcombe Catholic Club where Peter will be representing Area 6 and Concord West Club.

CONCORD WEST WINS AGAIN!

Congratulations to Peter for his victory at the recent Area 6 Toastmasters Humorous Speech Contest. Peter took out first prize keeping a long running tradition of success at Area Competition alive. Peter will go on ow to represent Area 6 at the upcoming Philip Division Humorous Speech Competition to be held on Saturday 9th October.
Congratulations also to Natasha who competed in her first ever Area 6 Competition and very ably represented Concord West Club in the challenging ‘Table Topics’ category. 
Also thanks to those from our Club who attended to lend their support to our competitors and gain a useful insight into Area Competition standards.

Congratulating Peter on his victory: Punnada (a friend of Natasha), Natasha, and visitor Dai Fei from Concord West Club

INAGURAL FIFTH TUESDAY OF THE MONTH SOCIAL DINNER – TUESDAY 31st AUGUST

The Masters: (LtoR): John, Chris, Gary, Lyndel, Daniel, Natasha and Glenn D scooped the pool at the Trivia Night breaking an all time new record for the highest percentage of correct answers.

Last Tuesday evening a dozen of our members plus some guests gathered at the Concord RSL Bistro for our inaugural Social Dinner evening held on the fifth Tuesday of the month. The group included our Area Governor Pauline and our District Governor Phillip.

The Blue Flame Bistro turned on a typically generous and highly satisfying menu of great value.

What was unknown was that this evening was a regular Trivia Night at the RSL Club and our members joined in with gusto. We split into 2 teams – The Toasters and The Masters.

A series of 2 sessions of 12 questions had one of our teams (The Masters) making a very impressive stamp on these first, more generic questions. Now one could be a tad cynical here, but the third session of 10 questions are posed by a guest from the floor (in advance) and last night a male nurse structured some highly clinical questions to what appeared to be a room significantly full of various nursing staff from Concord Hospital.

However, ‘The Masters’ had a ‘secret weapon’ in the ’guise of Lyndel, a former nurse of considerable experience. (Knowing the 11 organs of the gastro intestinal track and what a Sphygmomanometer is was a big help).

With our significant lead from the first 24 questions under our belt, we blitzed the evening winning by a substantial margin and taking away the $40.00 Club Gift Voucher for our efforts. Something we should be planning to utilise in the near future.

An entertaining and somewhat challenging evening had by all.

A well attended inaugural Social Dinner. (LtoR): Philip, Lyndel, Brett, John, Chris, Gary, Daniel, Natasha, Pauline, Susan (a friend of Dai Fei), Dai Fei (hidden), Bernard and Glenn D.

AREA 6 HUMOROUS & TABLE TOPICS COMPETITION

We wish our two entrants in this Saturday’s Area 6 Competition, Peter (Humorous Speech) and Natasha (Table Topics) all the very best in their rounds and do encourage any members who can make it along to support our entrants to do so and be inspired by the next level of competition.

MEETING No: 1089 – Tuesday 24th August 2010

Daniel accepting his First Place award in the Club Humorous Speech Competition
from Area 6 Governor Pauline and club President Brett 

CLUB COMPETITION NIGHT

We had 2 entrants in the Club Humorous Speech Competition:

Peter – Speech Title: A New Culture.

A humorous speech about learning from different cultures and specifically integrating some of the Italian ways of life into Australian culture and vice versa.
Daniel – Speech Title: You know you want more.

A humorous take on how people always want more money.

Daniel won the evening and was awarded the inaugural Tony Spragg Trophy while Peter was First Runner-up.

However, as Daniel is unable to attend the Area 6 Competition, Peter will represent our Club at that competition on Saturday 4^th September.

As part of the same evening’s program the Club Table Topics Competition was conducted in which we had 7 participants.

The topic for the 2 minute impromptu speech was –  “If you wrote a book the subject would be...”

1. Sam– talked about John Grisham type novels and how they're not very realistic but sell well.
2. Josh (a guest contemplating returning to Toastmasters after a 2 year break) – would write a book about his travels around the world and moving from New Zealand to live in Australia.
3. Natasha – would write a pop-up book about her inventions.
4. Daniel – IS writing a book (although it is currently on hold) about all he knows about stuttering and tips/techniques for stutterers.
5. Glenn D – IS writing a book about Indonesian President Suharto discussing his methods of leadership and the results for Indonesia.
6. Dai Fei – would write a book about Chinese women emigrating to Australia.
7. Kimberley – would write a children's book with as few words as possible, finally settling on an A is for apple, B is for bottle... in a quest to make lots of money.

Natasha won the evening’s competition and Kimberley was First Runner-up. Natasha will represent our club at the Area 6 Competition on Saturday 4^th September.

Visiting judges included the Chief Judge: Area 6 Governor Pauline Garland, and Lyndal Eager visiting from Hunters Hill.

Lyndal was also the Seargent-at-Arms for the Table Topics Competition.

Club President Brett was the official Timer.

All participants in both competitions were within time and there were no disqualifications.

Well done to all participants and don’t forget to support our Club representatives at the Area 6 Humorous and Table topics Competition to be held at Burwood RSL on Saturday 4^th September at 12 noon.

A small Entry Fee applies for non-competitors, but finger food refreshments are served and there are some great lucky door prizes and a raffle.

The Competitors in the Club Table topics Competition from left: Natasha, Josh, Daniel,Peter, Chief judge Area 6 Governor Pauline, Club President Brett, Sam, Glenn D, Dai Fei and Kimberley

MEETING No: 1088 – Tuesday 10th August 2010

Despite being temporarily back up in the old ‘squishy’ upstairs Boardroom we had a well-attended and highly enjoyable evening.

Sergeant-at-Arms Daniel got us underway promptly at 7:15pm, followed by a word of Welcome from our new Club President Brett. The first half of the meeting was very ably chaired by our immediate Past President Paul.

Our newest member, Kimberley very ably delivered the Reading of the Mission of the Club and for our individual Introductions, Paul challenged us to briefly outline our “Goals and ambitions for our Toastmaster year ahead”.

The housekeeping issues of the Agenda Update and Leadership Evaluations were dealt with by newly elected Vice President Education Chris and Daniel delivered the Guest Welcome for Ross and Lyndel, a visitor from Hunter’s Hill Club and welcomed back Bishnu who has been absent for sometime.

The Word of the Day was announced as SERENDIPITY and we were all challenged to utilise it in its many forms as much as possible during the evening.

Dai Fei was Toastmaster for the first Prepared Speech Session and very ably introduced 2 speakers and their Evaluators.

The first Speaker was Brett undertaking Topic No 5 from the Entertaining Speeches Manual with a very lively segment entitled ‘Telling Jokes’. A series of increasingly funny anecdotes and jokes, delivered with Brett’s unique style and dry wit. Brett was Evaluated by the highly experienced Daniel.

The second Speaker was immediate Past Area Governor Peter with a speech entitled ‘Landmark Political Speeches’ in which Peter took us on a highly researched and insightful voyage over 100 years of outstanding speeches and speechmakers in the lead up to the coming election. Peter was scrutinised by John the incoming Vice President of Marketing.

After the break John chaired the second half and introduced Tony in his first ever role as a Toastmaster for the second session of Speeches. Tony very capably introduced 2 more speakers and their Evaluators.

Dai Fei delivered a heartfelt and emotion charged speech – Number 5 from the Competent Communicator Manual entitled ‘Turning a Disaster into a Positive Force’. You could have heard the proverbial pin drop as Dai Fei revealed how a recent and quite serious car accident had affected her so deeply. Gary was set the significant challenge of evaluating this emotional speech, but rose to the occasion admirably.

The second Speaker was Sam with his first speech from the Entertaining Speaker Manual – entitled ‘The Best Birthday Present’. Sam related a riveting but true tale of hilarious cloak and dagger manipulations in the heart of Munich to secure tickets to a World Cup Semi Final match. Glenn D, tackled his first ever Evaluation of Sam’s speech with equal humour and astute observation.

The incoming Vice President of Membership, Natasha conducted the Table Topics segment setting some very challenging topics admirably tackled by the participants. Evaluators were Glen H, and our Guest Lyndel. Tony took on the Ums and Ahs Counting for the first time, while Chris very astutely took us through the Grammarian evaluation segment.

Big Ears was delivered by Glen H, and the Timers Report from Bernard led to a General Evaluation of the entire evening’s proceedings by Paul.

The evening concluded with some comments from our Visitors and Guests and Announcements and Closing Remarks from President Brett.

Immediately following the meeting a number of members of the Club very expertly assisted John with a tight photo-shoot so that the new Club Information Brochure and this Club Blog could be finalised.

NEXT MEETING:

Tuesday 24^th August – Club Humorous and Table Topics Competition.

FUTURE DATES:

Tuesday 31^st August – Club Dinner Meeting Concord RSL

Tuesday 14^th September Normal Meeting Concord RSL

Tuesday 28^th September Bring a Friend Meeting Concord RSL

We always have great fun at Concord West Toastmasters