Not a perplexing meeting

Spinnaker’s 4 August meeting was held online, chaired by Megan, with 16 online including 1 guest. It certainly was a dark and stormy night with snow to low levels and freezing wind. A good night to stay indoors and enjoy some warmth.

Rory was our timekeeper and he demonstrated how the online backgrounds work.

Grammarian Dieter’s word of the day was “perplex” – to confuse or puzzle someone.

Table Topics by Kamila was a never-ending story, using our creativity and imagination. Each speaker had to continue the story from the previous speaker unless they were the final speaker who had to reach a conclusion. “We knew we had made a mistake the moment the helicopter left without us”. Angela gave a comprehensive evaluation emphasising how much she enjoyed the stories.

Speech 1 by Dale was an educational on Contests. Dale explained how the Table Topics and Evaluation contests work and how they are judged.

Speech 2 by Ash, introduced by Ron, called “Communication Chameleon”. Ash said he had created his own S.A.I.D. communication framework – supportive, analytical, initiating, and direct. He gave an example of a workplace communication issue which he resolved by adjusting his own communication style using this framework. He finished with a call to action for us to think about our own communication style using the S.A.I.D. framework and see if we need to adapt, like the chameleon.

Evaluator Ron said that Ash’s speech was brilliant, and the black background was very dramatic to bring the focus right onto himself which worked well online. He had a simple formula which he used in his workplace to great success.

Speech 3 by Jacqui, introduced by Dieter who said he was looking for a strong structure and to harness her own unique communication style. in “Time to Communicate”, Jacqui explained that she had just completed a residential workshop on how to communicate and lead a group of volunteers. They had to complete tasks by leading a group, and her task was to lead a team of 6 to push a ute around the block. The first thing she learnt was to “know your team”.

Evaluator Dieter thought Jacqui’s speech was well structured, well thought out and well delivered. He enjoyed Jacqui’s calm measured approach but then he was caught by surprise by her use of the word “pivot” so loudly.

Speech 4 by Jinny was introduced by Jacqui was “How to do an evaluation speech”. Jinny used a Powerpoint presentation to illustrate what she had learnt from her mentors. She said 8 members were currently working on Level 1 in Pathways, so she outlined her journey through Level 1 and the order she had completed it. She then went on to explain how she conducted an evaluation of a speech with her analysis and structure.

Jacqui’s evaluation of Jinny’s speech showed that she loved use of body language on screen. Jacqui commented on Jinny’s use of linking words between her points and urged her to avoid using so many filler words so as not to detract from her main message.

Greg completed his first memory master role online and had us all laughing and catching virtual chocolates.

Rory as timekeeper handed out the medals in the spirit of the Commonwealth Games theme, and used the background online timing colours to indicate the green, amber and red lights.

We’d love to welcome you to Spinnaker Toastmasters. Our next meeting will be the Table Topics and Evaluation contests, so please come along and support the contestants. Email us on spinnaker@toastmasters.org.nz to find out more.