Meeting 1137 - Table Topics & Humorous Speech Contest

It was the meeting where brave contestants would battle in the impromptu speech as well as the Humorous Speech contest.

Preparation is everything when it comes to contests: Chief Judge Jenny was getting the final touches on our certificates.

Stand-in Sergeant at Arms Marlene called the meeting to order with humour about the facilities. She also read us the mission statement.

President Gail H opened the meeting and welcomed our first-time guests George, Lara and Hayley.

It was time to hand over control to Contest Chair Jonathon who conducted the Table Topics contest.

How would you have replied to: "My day started off badly when..."?

TT contestants and placegetters

Our contestants were John, Arun, Christiane, Paul and Shaun who in turn gave us an impromptu minispeech to above topic.

Timekeepers Carmy and Gail H kept the contestants well timed, so that we didn't have any disqualifications.

Sergeant at Arms Elizabeth and Marlene ensured that the contestants didn't hear the answer of the previous contestant(s), so that it was a fair game for all.

Tallycounters Gail W and Rosie ensured that the right placegetters were calculated.

The placegetters were:

1. John
2. Shaun
3. Christiane

After the first exciting contest, it was time for Paul to introduce the raffle with such humour (since he doesn't have such a close connection as another member of the club, his bottle of spirit was a bit smaller) that we all bought a lot of tickets in the supper break.

Supper was provided by Gail H and John.

We used the break to catch up with the visitors to our club as well as among members.

The second half of the meeting started off with an impromptu Round Robin by Liz We answering the question: What was your shortest, yet longest journey?

Humorous Speech contestants and placegetters

As Contest Chair for the Humorous Speech Contest, Liz We then called on the contestants:

1. Christiane - "On The Throne"
   
2. John - "Shopping strife with my wife"
   
3. Arun - "One day I will be old enough"
   
4. Gail W - "Puppy Love"
   
5. Jonathon - "You'r never too old..."
   

The timing lights were manned again by Carmy and Gail H.

Marlene was Sergeant at Arms positioning the contestants' props. 

Tallycounters were Rosie and Elizabeth.

The placegetters were:

1. Gail W
2. Christiane
3. John
   

To finish the meeting, Paul asked Shaun to draw the raffle (since Moreton Bay Division Director Suresh didn't feel right to pick his own raffle). Irony had it that Shaun draw Suresh' ticket.

In closing, President Gail H thanked the judges by offering a small token of appreciation. Visiting judges were Jenny, Suresh & Chris.

 

John (for Table Topics contest) and Gail W (for Humorous Speech contest) will represent Sandgate Toastmasters on November 5 at the Area 8 Conference in North Lakes. Mark this day into your calendar!