Meeting 907 "Spring"

A toast to Spring

Appropriately, it was a balmy Spring evening. Nick proposed a toast to "Spring" and John T introduced the word of the evening "Anticipate." which captured the promises of Spring. 

Sharyn took on the role of Toastmaster at short notice and kept us entertained during segments with interesting trivia and quotes about Spring.

Round Robin Master Jim asked, "What do your thoughts turn to in Spring?" Some of the answers were:

roses, hay fever, longer days, weeding, swimming, spring cleaning, magpies, and warmer weather.

The Table Topics session was conducted by Maureen. Her topics were:

"What is your favourite spring flower and why?"

"Favourite memory of a Spring scene".

"How do you cope with the change of wardrobe in Spring?" (Not exact wording.)

"What song reminds you of Spring?"

They were answered by John T, Leesa, Nick and Del. and evaluated by Dave.

John T, Leesa, Nick & Del

One of the strengths of our club is the members who are prepared to fill in  a position at the last minute. This is what happened, when both speakers cancelled at the last minute. Our two Johns - John T and John S rose to the occasion and each presented a speech they'd had on the back burner. This was taking our word "Anticipate" to a new level!

John T - The Great Reveal

John T revealed an amazing secret - what was the sticky black substance that God used when creating the world? If you weren't at the meeting, you will have to ask John.

John S - Fund Raising

John S, who had been a professional fund raiser for many years, gave us some insights into the world of Fund Raising.

The speeches were evaluated by Peter and Liz Wo.

Peter 

Liz Wo

Business Session

The Business Session was dealt with very efficiently by Annette and evaluated by John S.

Trish

With the Evaluation Contest coming up next meeting, Trish presented a timely Educational Session on "How to win an Evaluation Contest"  Some of the points she made were:

Look at the judging form - find out what the judges are looking for.

Analytical Quality - Was it clear & focussed? Identify strengths and weaknesses, Analysis.

40 points

Recommendations -  

30 points

Technique - How you present it. Sympathetic, motivational, Empathetic.

15 points      connect with the speaker. Inspire, encourage.

Summation - Summarise what you have said. Don't add new material.

15 points

Opening - What I liked. Why

Points for improvement - Why, How.

 Leesa's Spring Raffle had two prizes - two small floral arrangements from a local florist "More Than Just Flowers."   They were won by Jim and Peter.

Grammarian Del reported that there hadn't been many "Ums" and "Ahs."

 Del was also the Mystery Toastmaster as well the Cashier. She said that apart from those who greeted her when she first arrived, most members didn't actually greet her when they paid their meeting fees. They just said "Here's my money..."  Remember to greet the Cashier in future!

Sharyn in her role of  Area Governor presented our club with a Select Distinguished ribbon to place on our banner.

We are Select Distinguished!  

The General Evaluation was conducted by President Liz We and the evenings awards were presented to John T (Best Speech,) Leesa (Best Table Topic,) Sharyn (Best Contribution,) Peter (Best Evaluation,) and Nick (Personal Best.)

Next meeting on the 24th September will be the Evaluation and International Speech Contests.