Lin chaired our 21 October meeting with the theme of “Challenges”. Table topics master Megan managed to create “challenging” topics for her speakers, and Grammarian Vicki used the word “kerfuffle” as her word of the day.

Best Table Topic speaker was Rach.

Speaker 1 was Dale, completing the second speech in a two part series on swimming. This time it was “Using your feet in swimming” where she demonstrated the types of kicks used, how kids kick, and why it is important to kick for propulsion and balance. Evaluator Angela thought it was an enthusiastic speech with lots of body language and clever use of Powerpoint to show images of the various types of kick.

Speech 2 by Katina called “Organised Chaos” opened with the question: “Have you ever bought a kit from Ikea and had to figure out all the bits?” Well she had to organise a Toastmasters workshop – getting the speakers, getting a venue, finding participants and analysing the feedback. She even had to cope with 3 alarms and the fire brigade turning up. Evaluator Dirk thought it had lots of humour and hand gestures and he loved the opening analogy.

Speech 3 by Priyanka was an icebreaker entitled “The 3 R’s”. Evlauator Jacqui tried to guess what the 3 R’s were, but then Priyanka told us in her speech it meant Roots – where she was born and grew up, Risks – emigrating to New Zealand, and travelling around the world, and Resilience – surviving a covid lockdown in a far away city. Evaluator Jacqui admitted it was not what she had envisaged, but was amazed by Priyanka’s high standard and use of word pictures to get her message across. Best Evaluator – Jacqui; best speaker Priyanka.

In General Business President Dieter acknowledged Jocelyn’s 15 year anniversary as a Toastmaster.

Immediate Past President Ron also presented Dieter with the Toastmasters Distinguished Club 2024-25 Ribbon awarded by Toastmasters International for achieving 5 goals on the Distinguished Club program. This ribbon will go on our banner for posterity.

If you like the idea of learning how to speak in public, put your thoughts together on the spot, prepare thoughtful evaluations, chair meetings, and attempt different meeting roles, then contact us on spinnaker@toastmasters.org.nz. We have two formal meetings left this year before the Christmas break, so you are welcome to come along and see if your New Year’s resolution is to join Toastmasters.