Not a ‘glacial’ meeting

Spinnaker’s 2 June meeting was chaired by Ron, and we welcomed several guests. Roman’s word of the day was “glacial” which set the theme for a wintry table topics. Roman reported that the word had been used several times and he loved Dale’s use of the word and description of the “snowman” she built in her table topic.

Speech 1 by Megan, was introduced by Ash. As evaluator Ash chose a topic for Megan from 1 of 4 topics she had provided. He chose “Describe your first job”. Megan differentiated between a paid job and unpaid helping out on the farm. But her first real paid job was at a plant nursery, she then proceeded to describe putting soil into the black pot plant holders and receiving her first pay check (in those days it was actually a paper cheque!). She was also a lifeguard at a local pool, worked at a pub, in a chemist, She worked in a hostel kitchen while at university, and at a security firm.

Evaluator Ash used his usual humorous style to compliment Megan on a 5-7 minute impromptu speech topic. He commented on her speaking style and thought she had done a great job of being cool and calm under pressure.

Speech 2 by Jinny, introduced by Dale was a level 2 pathways speech – “What I think of the VP Membership role”. In her evaluation Dale said that Jinny had made extensive use of body language included hand movements, using fingers for counting, pointing, rolling hands, clasping, cranking up. Most of her hand gestures were relevant to what she was saying and although she did detect a few unnecessary movements it didn’t seem to distract from her message. Jinny gave examples of how members can participate in club activities: LoveLocal 2026 Expo, new members helping each other, use of mentors, taking on meeting roles, meeting other members, more social events, visit other clubs and host other club members as guests, deliver a workshop like Jacqui did tonight.

Dale thought Jinny gave an enthusiastic delivery, well thought out, with very little use of notes, audience engaged and taking notice of her suggestions, it was clear she had given the role some thought and had done her research. Her ideas will be welcome when she joins the committee on 1 July as VP Membership.

Jacqui ran a table topics workshop and shared the screen for those of us online using a powerpoint presentation.

Her main tip for doing a table topic was to listen to the topic and repeat it to clarify your thoughts. You need to figure out what the topic is about so you can plan your response, then answer with three main points and finish with a conclusion. Be energetic, speak with conviction and confidence. She then outlined a number of methods of speaking to a topic that can be used, such as: past-present-future, opposites, opinion, tell a story. She then moved on and ran a table topics session with a wintry theme.

Evaluator Katina thought the workshop was the epitome of how to run a session with something for everyone, an explanation of the lights, what you need to do before you even get started with a table topic, and she provided strategies for responding to a table topic with practical examples. Katina suggested that this educational workshop be delivered occasionally throughout the year as it is especially useful for new members.

Finally General Evaluator Katina said that Spinnaker Toastmasters are amazing at running meetings that don’t go to plan and how well everyone pivots when required, and how this is the skill we learn at Toastmasters where we think – “yeah I got this!”

If you are interested in learning more about Toastmasters, then contact us by email on spinnaker@toastmasters.org.nz and we’ll provide information and invite you to our next meeting.