We examined not only mysteries, but also how to become a better speaker and leader. Getting the feedback from 5 guests (with one of them joining Sandgate Toastmasters) really helps to improve our support for our members.
Sergeant at Arms Helen called the meeting to order and read us the mission statement. She then gave us an anecdote about being in the wrong place if we feel undervalued.
President Gail H was kept busy in her opening: She not only welcomed Area Director Suzanne to our meeting, but also two returning guests (Daniel and George) and three new guests (Ben, Ashley and Paul). Afterwards, she handed out the medallions to the first three places of last meeting's contests (John is missing in both pictures).
Toastmaster Christiane reviewed where the word sleuth came from before calling on Liz We to give us the programme changes.
Liz had secured an additional impromptu speech (and an evaluator) to be added to the agenda.
The toast "Solving the mystery" was given by Gail W who introduced us to various different sleuths over the lifetime of the word.
Word Master Gail H gave us "Mystery" as the word of the evening which flowed very nicely with the Round Robin, speeches and Table Topics.
Round Robin Master Helen gave us a conundrum to solve: "What is a mystery to you?" With many laughs, we started and ended with abstruse hate between cats and dogs, but heard in-between about relationships and communication problems (including children lying). We also explored sea travel, traffic jams and truck dynamics as well as where the Blu Tack had gone. Helen encouraged us afterwards to write a speech about any of those given examples. 
Our next segment were the (prepared?) speeches:
- Will presented his Icebreaker titled "The Power of Books" (Dynamic Leadership, Level 1, project 1) reviewing the five books he gave to his son for his 17th birthday. It was expertly evaluated by Trish.
- Trish presented an impromptu speech titled "Journey of an introvert speaker" which encouraged us all to not hide in the corner, but step out and see how we can make the world a better place by bringing our story and expertise to it. Trevor evaluated Trish's speech.
Timer Carmy demystified us how we were running time wise before we went into our supper break.
Helen and Liz We had supplied a scrumptious spread which kept us clustered at the table catching up with each other. We also had the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets and get pointers about the segments for the second half.
Table Topic Master Michael called us to baffling topics which meant we needed to be all ears. He called on fellow agents:
- Helen - Have you ever done any sleuthing of your own? When her beloved plant about to flower went missing, she dug deep to discover her then-husband had mowed it over.
- Gail H - If you could write your own murder mystery: What would the title be and what would it be about? The title is a cliffhanger, however, it would be a tricky to solve murder story: a bad person is killed by a good person who is getting accolades for his action.
- Peter - Every good detective has a side kick. Choosing from any past or present prime minister, president or politician, who would you choose to be your trusted side kick? Peter was quick to select Bob Hawk, but wasn't sure who would end up the side kick of who.
- Suzanne - You're Batman and you've be given some intel that the penguin is doing a spot of shopping at Chermside Westfield in disguise. What shop would you go to first to look for him and why? The toy shop since it has those cooling water canons.
- Christiane - You've been suspicious for a while that your neighbours are involved in criminal activity. It's 10pm at night and you're doing a spot of sleuthing through your window into their backyard. What can you see them doing? Using a thick stick loading the wheelie bin with a carpet snake (the 14th since they lived there for two years).
- Will - From time to time, detectives require the services of a K9 to help sniff out and chase down a bad guy or gal. Putting a dog aside, what other animal would you choose to help you fight crime? Although nothing can be better than a canine, the inferior second choice would be an eagle with cameras.
- Gail W - You have always wanted to be a super hero. What is your superhero name and could you share with us your super power? Dancing queen, to dance pirouettes around the robbers and so manoeuvre them into the vortex.
- Carmy - You're a sleuth who has the power to become a fly. Whose wall are you landing on? And what can you see? Being on the wall in a bank, snooping out all the codes to get to the money. For the bank robbery, she will leave this to her side kick.
The topics were evaluated by Paul and Shaun.
Area Director Suzanne addressed Sandgate Toastmasters with a clap to ourselves for our success. It shows the most in our support for each other.
Word Master Gail H congratulated all Round Robin speakers since "Mystery" was used by each one, including our guests. Guest Ashley even used it three times in her answer. Even with her ample opportunity of speaking time, Toastmaster Christiane became the runner-up to Trish who used the word at least 32 times during the evening.
In her general evaluation, Liz We congratulated all evaluators on being encouraging while giving concise points of improvement.
In her final timing report, Carmy continued her precise delivery of timings for the second half.
Raffle Master Peter asked guest Ashley to draw the winning ticket and the enigma was lifted: Helen is the new owner of Cluedo, investigating the murder mystery game while eating chocolates and sipping coffee at Round Table Coffee in Gawain Rd, Bracken Ridge.
In closing, President Gail H asked our guests for feedback which was focused on our humour we incorporate during the meeting. (The secret is out!)
She then handed awards to:
Best Speech -
Will- Best Table Topic -
Christiane - Best Evaluation -
Shaun - Most Improved -
Will
We are looking forward to a second round of contests (International Speech and Evaluation) at our next meeting on October 10.
