Meeting 1135 - "Showtime"

The Royal Brisbane Show, affectionately known as "The Ekka", was on last week, so dazzling Toastmaster Liz grandly took the opportunity to give us impressive statistics about its wondrous beginnings and the remarkable journey onwards.

Extraordinary Sergeant at Arms Helen called the meeting to order before reading the mission statement. She then told us a conspicuous Dad joke (or should that be a Mum joke?).

Prominent President Gail H opened the meeting.

Stunning Toastmaster Liz We firstly called on Vice President Education to find out about any changes to the meeting order. For those members who printed the program after 3pm, there were no changes.

The Toast "To our speakers tonight" was held by charming Carmy.

Wonderful Wordmaster Michael gave us "Striking" with a handicap for dynamite Trish to give us all a fair chance.

Afterwards, compelling Gail H introduced us to the fascinating topic of the Round Robin: Which is your most favourite (or worst) ride at a show?

Can you tell, that some members had the same favourite ride?

What was also noteworthy, is the laughs that some responses got when we were reminded of rides long in the past.

It was then time for the impressive prepared speeches:

1. Arun presented his Icebreaker speech titled "I am not there yet" (Strategic Relationships path, Level 1, project 1: Icebreaker) eminently telling us about his journey within Toastmasters and what it meant for his career change. Jonathon evaluated the speech in detail.
   
2. Trish spoke about "Facebook Live Challenge" (Motivational Strategies path, Level 1, project 4: Researching and Presenting) and gave us exceptional tips to re-purpose and leverage knowledge/ words we already have. The presentation was earnestly evaluated by Jonathon.
   
3. Chris introduced us to a medical innovation with his speech "Anti-D" (Innovative Planning path, Level 3, elective project: Using Descriptive Language) by evidently utilising descriptive words. It was carefully evaluated by Christiane.
   

What better raffle price than your own show bag to take home? Liz We enticed us through and through with abundant chocolate selections and a bottle of wine to wash it down.

Telling Timer Helen kept us on time throughout the meeting, so we were able to go into supper ahead of time.

 

This gave us ample time to purchase raffle tickets as well as sample the fascinating goodies provided by Carmy and Trish. 

 

To Reply or Reply all, this is the question: In her soapbox segment, Christiane tremendously made us aware of her two biggest annoyances when it comes to email etiquette: subject line should match the body of the email plus when to use reply (to thank an officer for their report) or reply all (when asked for volunteers for a task).

Gail W ran the Table Topics segment stunningly. She called on:

1. Arrestive Arun - What is the silliest purchase you have ever made? Face cream, but not realising for what it was.
   
2. Telling Trish - What Family Tradition do you still follow? She is intensely focused on Christmas: a different T-shirt on every day in December, full turkey feast on Christmas Day.
   
3. Lofty Liz We - What was the most scary amusement ride you’ve been on? She meticulously told us about a roller coaster ride as well as running after special needs children up the Helter skelter ride (and needing to come back down)
   
4. Compelling Carmy - What is the worst junk food experience you’ve had? Her sister gave her fruit fritters, not realising that it had pineapple in it. Because of her food allergy, she had to assiduously suffer the consequences.
   
5. Jazzy Jonathon - What is your opinion of fireworks and the costs associated with them? Don't allow the magic of fireworks be stopped.
   
6. Memorable Michael - What is your favourite breed of dog and why? After tossing options around reputably, he surprisingly took a raincheck on the decision.
    

The responses were efficiently evaluated by Christiane and Gail H.

Handsome Wordmaster Michael reported that his "right hand was kept busy" during the meeting noting the excessive usage of "striking". Due to the handicap awarded to Trish, Liz We just took the lead by a insignificant margin.

Marlene was our General Evaluator and summarised the meeting prominently, giving outstanding suggestions to various roles.

When it came time for the raffle draw, Raffle Master Liz We asked our guest Daniel (who attended the second half) to draw the winner: Beautiful Helen.

 

In her closing remarks, cogent President Gail H reminded us of the Speak-a-thon next Tuesday as well as of the upcoming contests.

She also asked guest Daniel for feedback, before she awarded:

Best Speech - Arun

Best Evaluation - Jonathon

Best Table Topic - Liz We & Jonathon

Most Improved - Michael

Sandgate Toastmasters is meeting on August 29 (fifth Tuesday) for a Speak-a-thon.