CONCORD WEST TOASTMASTERS MEETING No: 1130 – Tuesday 12th June 2012

S@A Paul called the meeting to order.

Presidents Welcome – John welcomed 2 Visitors; Sanga and Alan (from California) who turned out to be Glen H’s brother home for a visit.

Apologies – Tanya, Marlowe, Peter, Brett, Sam, Bernard, Leo and Reno.

Chairman for the First Session – John

Reading of the Mission of the Club – Angela

Introductions – John asked Members to reflect on their impressions of an Australian winter.

Word of the Day – Dai Fei challenged us to use – Intrinsic – as the Word of the Day.

Agenda Update – Kimberley.

Leadership Manual Evaluations – Philip.

Glen H as Toastmaster introduced Mark with speech number 3 from the Entertaining Speakers Manual A Humorous Story entitled; “Don’t Miss the Obvious” in which Mark shared some very personal episodes from his past which had us all laughing and relating to how he had ‘missed the obvious’. Mark’s anecdotes where delivered with great timing and skillful pauses which added great impact to the humour.

The second speaker was Dai Fei delivering another Interview scenario. This time a TV interview. Paul acted the role of Interviewer and Dai Fei responded a polished presentation discussing various aspects of tertiary education and how non-English speaking students can be assisted within the curriculum. A requirement of this presentation was again to ensure that the Interview is videoed and John assisted Dai Fei in this endeavour.

Mark was Evaluated by Kimberley who carefully linked the speech back to the key objectives providing some very minor recommendations to what she deemed to be an excellent speech in both structure, objectives and purpose.

Dai Fei was Evaluated (visitor) Alan from a Toastmasters Club in the US and demonstrated how the Toastmaster formula of Evaluation is without boundaries, providing carefully observed praise, improvement, praise.

Paul brought the meeting back to order following the Break and handed the meeting over to Philip as Chairman for the second half of the meeting.

The Toast was presented by Paul who focused us all on the role of the Volunteers with a very poignant tribute to the sacrificial service that many people play in our service, with a Toast to: “Volunteers.”

There being no second group of speakers the Chairman handed the meeting over to Lyndal to be the Table Topics Master. Lyndal made the topic a very personal one seeking from each speaker; “Some Marriage Guidance Advice”. Speakers were provided with some very specific topics related to ‘the big day’ resulting in some very helpful, riotously funny and quite profound advice. A very creative Table Topics.

The Evaluators: John and Glen H provided both specific and broader observations and advice to the participating Speakers.

Daniel gave an account of the evenings Ums and Ahs.

Dai Fei presented the Grammarian’s Report and acknowledged those who had utilised the Word of the Day.

Meghan provided a very analytical summation of Big Ears.

Mark had marked up the Timers Report.

Paul provided some astute observations in the presentation of the General Evaluation.

Forward Planner – Kimberley

Guests Comments – We received some helpful and complimentary feedback from our Guests.

President’s Closing Remarks – John presented Philip with an Award for completing yet another Competent Communicator Series and reminded the meeting of the upcoming Changeover Night and the planned arrangements.

Meeting Closed – Just a few minutes early.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Tuesday 26th June – Normal Meeting (Final Meeting for the 2011-12 Year)

Tuesday 10th July – Annual Handover Meeting (with extended Break)

Tuesday 24th July – Normal Meeting

CONCORD WEST TOASTMASTERS MEETING No: 1129 – Special 5th Tuesday 29th May 2012

John called the meeting to order in the absence of our S@A.

Presidents Welcome – John welcomed everyone to this a 5^th Tuesday meeting and thanked the assembled group for making the effort of being there.

Apologies – Tanya, Philip and acknowledged VPW Kimberly for diligently dropped off the Agendas on her way home from “one of those days”.

Chairman for the First Session – Dai Fei

Reading of the Mission of the Club – Rino

Introductions – Dai Fei asked us to recount a ‘most memorable experience’ extracting some very interesting snippets from members lives.

Agenda Update – Meghan stood in for VPE Kimberley.

Leadership Manual Evaluations – Brett & Daniel shared the duties. An interesting thought for the future.

Glen H as Toastmaster introduced Meghan with a very informative and highly relevant Speech entitled: ‘Social Anxiety Disorder – Are You a Candidate?’ in which with the use of sheeted visual aids Meghan clarified the various manifestations of the condition and gave some very pertinent advice on how to recognize and deal with the issue. We were particularly impressed with how capably Meghan can – read upside down.

The second Speaker was John with a speech from the Advanced Communicator manual – Bring history to Life – with a speech entitled: ‘The Boats That Flew’. John provided a well-researched account of Sydney’s Second International Airport that was the Rose Bay Flying Boat Base. From where Sandringham Flying Boats connected Australia to the rest of the world nd took us to the eventual closer of the facility in the late 70’s.

The third speaker was Peter with another Advanced communicator speech – ‘The Customer at the Centre’, where Peter drew on his work role to deliver a very succinct and motivating presentation emphasizing not only the importance of putting the customer at the centre of such dealings – but also how to do it.

Meghan was Evaluated by Bernard who carefully linked the speech back to the key objectives.

Daniel Evaluated John’s speech, paying tribute to the detail of the research and the use of a PowerPoint presentation support that brought the story to life.

Peter was Evaluated in customary detail by Lyndal demonstrating extensive listening and retention skills.

John officiated calling the meeting back to order from the Break and handed the meeting over to Peter as Chairman for the second half of the meeting.

 In keeping with the abridged format of this 5^th Tuesday meeting Peter handed over to Dai Fei as Toastmaster

The first speaker was Marlowe with her Ice Breaker – ‘A Fish Tale’ in which Marlowe vividly painted a picture of growing up in the central Canada Prairie and the great yarn about her Uncle who was a bit short with the rules in an annual fishing contest. A refreshingly different approach to the traditional Ice Breaker.

The second speaker Ua also presented his Ice Breaker entitled ‘Growing Up in the Cook Islands’. A tale of being disenfranchised from the place of his birth New Zealand and the family requirement to relocate to his homeland of the Cook Islands with his Grandfather namesake when he was a mere boy. A story that built to a happy ending, as Ua became part of his new environment with a renewed respect and sense of belonging and how he has now resettled into family life in Australia.

Marlowe was Evaluated by Mark with a good balance of praise and some insightful recommendations for ongoing improvement.

Ua was Evaluated by Glen H who acknowledged Ua’s surprisingly strong and confident delivery with what was a very emotive recollection of his youth.

The Chairman then called on Glenn D to provide a Timers Report in order that the Speakers and Evaluators could be aware of their limitations.

Chairman Peter then passed the meeting over to Immediate Past President and Area Governor (Elect) Brett to conduct the Election of Officers for the 2012-13 Club Executive. After calling out the current Executive in attendance and formally thanking the outgoing Executive, Brett sequentially called for Nominations:

1. President – Philip B.
2. VPE – Meghan V.
3. VPM – Mark L.
4. VPPR – Rino D.
5. Secretary – Glenn D.
6. Treasurer – Paul V.
7. Sergeant at Arms – Leo G.

There being no second nominations in any category, Brett declared the above people elected and wished them all well.

Outgoing Club Executive LtoR: Secretary–Glenn D, VPM–Bernard L,
Immediate past President-Brett S, President-John H, Treasurer-Sam S.
Absent was VPE-Kimberley C and VPPR-Philip B and stand-in S@A-Paul V.

Forward Planner – Meghan, standing in for VPE Kimberley and acquainting herself with her new role.

Guests Comments – There being no Visitors.

President’s Closing Remarks – John added his thanks to the current Executive and encouraged the new Executive to always seek advice and assistance for the previous Executive. John also acknowledge both the privilege of having yet another member of Concord west Club holding the position of area Governor in the new year and encouraged the Members to throw their support behind Brett in the coming year. Finally a brief closing reminder regarding the upcoming changeover night.

On a final note Members extended their best wishes to Peter who was celebrating his birthday on that very day and John who was turning 60 the following day. 

Meeting Closed – On time.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Tuesday 12th June – Normal Meeting

Tuesday 26th June – Normal Meeting

Tuesday 10th July – Annual Handover Meeting (with extended Break)

CONCORD WEST TOASTMASTERS MEETING No: 1128 – Tuesday 22nd May 2012

S@A Paul called the meeting to order.

Presidents Welcome – John welcomed Sean, Daniel and Ua to their second meeting at our Club.

Apologies – Tanya, Marlowe, Meghan, Lyndal, Philip, Brett and Sam

Chairman for the First Session – Glen H

Agenda Update – Due to the number of gaps, Glen H handed to Kimberley to conscript some assistance.

Reading of the Mission of the Club – Angela

Introductions – Glen challenged us to talk about something we may 9or may not) be looking forward to in the remainder of the year.

Word of the Day – Paul – presented the word ‘Mercurial’ to inject into the evenings proceedings.

Leadership Manual Evaluations – Peter.

Dai Fei as Toastmaster introduced Rino delivering his second speech in almost as many meetings entitled ‘Taking Vitamins’ in which he presented a sequential and confident case for the use of Vitamin supplementation. Delivering a very tangible case for the use of Vitamin supplements Rino used a clear Introduction multiple point body and conclusion to drive home a topic that is obviously both important and well understood by him.

Rino was Evaluated by Glen who pointed out very appropriately what a relaxed and well prepared speech Rino delivered and while offering significant praise for many aspects of the speech, did provide some clear direction and encouragement fpr future presentations.

S@A Paul called the meeting back to order from the Break and handed the meeting over to himself in a very stealth move from the lectern to the Chair and introduced Kimberley to preside over the Toast. In keeping with recent dalliances with ‘food’ topics, Kimberley presented a thought provoking and personal insight into the world of produce growers, toasting their hard work and vital provision to our daily lives.

Mark served as Toastmaster for the Second Session and introduced 3 Speakers.

Glenn D presented his 10^th and final speech from the Competent Communicator Manual with a speech entitled; ‘Industrial Relations System in Professional Wrestling’. Glen unwrapped an extremely well researched and detailed overview of the dealings and intrigues that are disguised by the highly theatric and intriguing world of professional wrestling. Glenn’s presentation was very smoothly supported by a PowerPoint presentation revealing some intriguing and bizarre Industrial Relations practices.

Glen H followed with a thought provoking and challenging speech from the Advanced Communicator Manual with the task of ‘Selling’. Glen took the challenge to each and everyone of the audience, with his speech entitled; “Are You Concerned”, with which he robustly provoked the audience to consider taking up making some form of pro-active contribution to a charity. Glen gave a personal account of his support of TEAR Australia before handing out some literature.

Bernard then delivered his 7^th Speech from the Competent Communicator Manual with a speech entitled: The Voice of Malaysia outlining the struggles of the Democracy Movement in Malaysia. Again with the support of a PowerPoint Bernard brought this little known struggle experienced by a nearby northern neighbour to the fore with obvious passion and commitment.

Glenn D was Evaluated by Kimberley with a clarity and balance you would expect from an Evaluator of Kimberley’s experience.

Glen H was Evaluated by Daniel with meticulous observations and protocol.

Bernard was Evaluated by Dai Fei who provided some very solid points of both praise and improvement.

Mark introduced a very practical Table Topics asking each speaker to provide ‘Advice and Guidance’ to a close friend or associate in a range of challenging scenarios and issues. A very clever and inclusive exercise including our Visitors. Evaluation duties for Table Topics were carried out very capably by Bernard and Peter.

Leo accounted for the evenings Ums and Ahs count in his first attempt at that role.

Paul gave a very eloquent summation of the evenings Grammar and Word of the Day.

Glenn D entertained s with his execution of Big Ears.

Kimberley audited the Timers Report pointing out some notable over-runs

John presented a succinct and supportive General Evaluation of the evening.

Forward Planner – Kimberley

Guests Comments – All our Visitors were willing to get up and provide some feedback which is always helpful.

President’s Closing Remarks – John mentioned the aborted Speechcraft and thanked those who had stepped up to assist anyway.
There was also a reminder of our upcoming Executive Elections at the 5^th Tuesday meeting on 29^th May.

Meeting Closed – On time.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Tuesday 29th May – Additional 5^th Tuesday Speeches Only Meeting
Club Executive Elections

Tuesday 12th June – Normal Meeting

Tuesday 26th June – Normal Meeting

Tuesday 10th July – Annual Handover Meeting (with extended Break)

SPEECHCRAFT INTENSIVE CANCELLED

It is with great regret that I have to advise you that after consultation with the Club Executive we are left with no alternative but to CANCEL the Speechcraft Intensive Session that was set down for this Saturday 26th May.
This is due to the fact that we have not received anything like the minimum number of formal Registrations by the closing date of 5pm last Friday 18th.

It was imperative for a number of organisational reasons that we both achieve a minimum number of applications and that we know that number by last Friday.

Arrangements will be made this Tuesday to immediately refund the Registration Fees received.

Most importantly, may I offer my sincere apologies to all the Members (and some past Members) who not only had the conviction to set aside a Saturday from their busy schedules to devote to this exercise, but also have been preparing their Presentations with due diligence. I know this will be a particular disappointment to you all. 


President
Concord West Toastmasters

CONCORD WEST TOASTMASTERS MEETING No: 1127 – Tuesday 8th May 2012

S@A Paul called the meeting to order right on time.

Presidents Welcome – John welcomed Faz, Tiffany and Daniel for the first time and Ua and Warren for their return visit.

Apologies – Tanya, Glen H, Philip and Lyndal

Chairman for the First Session – Marlowe (in her first undertaking of this role)

Reading of the Mission of the Club – Angela

Introductions – Marlowe asked us to clarify our Star Signs and provide some insight into whether or not they were applicable to our characters.

Word of the Day – Sam challenged us with the Word – Dawdle.

Agenda Update – Kimberley

Leadership Manual Evaluations – Paul.

Mark was Toastmaster for the First Session of 2 speakers.

Peter speaking from the Advanced Communicator Manual – Bringing History to Life with a Speech entitled; I Have a Dream in which he gave an impeccable account of the life and times of Rev Martin Luther King and drew comparisons with his civil rights contemporary Malcolm X and highlighted the very different approaches these men took to the struggle for black equality in the 60’s.

Then Dai Fei tackled a very different task from the Advanced Communicator Manual by presenting a Television Interview where she addressed the issue of plagiarism in segment entitled; ‘Plagiarism in Study’. Dai Fei’s task also included being videotaped while presenting a flawlessly compelling case for maintaining rigorous standards that respect the copyright and integrity of sourced information.

Peter was very ably Evaluated by Daniel covering all the bases of an exceptional appraisal of Peter’s speech and Dai Fei was Evaluated by Kymberly in a textbook assessment of this rather unusual delivery.

Following our Break Paul called the meeting back to order and handed the meeting over to Meghan who introduced Marlowe to present the Toast which proved to be one of the most intriguing and creative Toasts we have ever had delivered. It was a Toast… to Toast. With great flair, and sublime humour Marlowe presented us with the vital if somewhat inconspicuous role that Toast plays in our lives. Just brilliant.

Glenn D fulfilled the role of Toastmaster for the Second Speech Session and introduced a Lei with his second speech in almost as many meetings; ‘Green Sky Scrapers’ which true to its title was an intriguing insight into the new technologies being utlised in design, materials and construction of modern office towers. Working from an obviously sound knowledge base Lei revealed not only a very interesting and topical subject but also the framework of an exceptionally well thought out speech. And this just his second presentation.

Glenn D then introduced Angela with her Ice Breaker Speech ‘My Life Journey’, from which we were all very fortunate to find out a lot more about Angela and her journey from her home town in mainland China to university here in Sydney. Again a first ever speech that was both impassioned and well structured ticking all the boxes required of an Ice Breaker speech. Well done.

The third presentation was delivered by John as a near final part of his advanced Leader Bronze in which he delivered an Educational from the Successful Club Series; Keeping the Commitment. As part of the Brief john asked Dai Fei to present a brief introduction of John as the Speaker before taking us through a number of key points on maintaining commitment to the Club with the aid of a PowerPoint Presentation. The main points covered included; Participation of members, Interaction within the members and Qualification by following guidelines and ethical standards.

Lei was Evaluated by Mark who paid suitable tribute to this being Lei second speech and offered some constructive advice along with great encouragement. Angela was Evaluated by Paul with similar accord and encouragement.

John’s presentation was not formally Evaluated however a Manual Evaluation is required by VPE Kimberley.

Dai Fei introduced a fruity Table Topics by allowing presenters to choose a piece of fruit (or vegetable) and provide their own unique insight, observation, or culinary critique on that item. As always one never ceases to be amazed by the diversity and imagination that comes to peoples mind when set the challenge of thinking on their feet.

It was great to see the Visitors getting involved and having a go.

Evaluation duties for Table Topics were curtailed in the interests of time on this occasion.

Kimberly took stock of the Ums and Ahs.

Sam extracted some very diverse uses of Grammar.

Rino accepted the challenge of Big Ears for the first time.

Peter kept track the Timers Report.

Again in the interests of time we skipped the General Evaluation for this evening.

Forward Planner – Kimberley

Guests Comments – All our Visitors were willing to get up and provide some feedback which is always helpful.

President’s Closing Remarks – John promoted the upcoming Speechcraft and flagged the 50^th Anniversary.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Tuesday 22nd May – Normal Meeting

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

Tuesday 29th May – Additional 5^th Tuesday Speeches Only Meeting

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