Meeting 1139 - Evaluation & International Speech Contest

This was the second evening, contestants competed in two contests for a place, so they could represent Sandgate Toastmasters at the Area 8 Conference.

The room was set up, the judges organised and the briefing conducted, before stand-in Sergeant at Arms Marlene called the meeting to order. She ran us through the emergency procedure in case of an alien invasion and read the mission statement.

President Gail H opened the meeting and welcomed our returning guests Ashley, Paul and George, our first-time guest JP as well as our visitors to the club which were to remain nameless until the end of the evening.

Gail H also had the pleasure to hand out medallions to John at the start of the evening for his achievements at the previous contest night.

But then there was no stopping: Our first contest was the Evaluation Contest. It was chaired by Jonathon.

Our contestants were Paul, Shaun, Helen and Christiane.

Part of the contest is a 5-7 minutes speech by a guest, a 5 minutes break where the contestants write up their evaluation notes and are then called in one after the other to present.

The test speech was given by Tracey and was titled "Breathe Through Your Eyes". She even had handouts for the audience.

Timekeepers Gokul and Gail H kept the contest running smoothly with no disqualifications.

Sergeants at Arms Trevor and Marlene ensured that the contestants were seated and well kept out of earshot.

Tally counters Gail W and Michael ensured that the right placegetters were calculated.

The placegetters were:

1. Christiane
   

2. Shaun

3. Paul

After conclusion of the first contest, it was time for Elizabeth to present the raffle. Because of the surprising sporting competitions lately, she brought a bag full of edible goodies to celebrate your wins or drown your sorrows. Laughs were heard when she unpacked a car freshener her son added as well as her loved, but nearly dead aloe vera plant (hopefully going to a new home striving there).

Supper was provided by our Contest Sergeants at Arms Marlene and Trevor and the break gave us ample opportunity to sample the goodies, purchase raffle tickets and catch up among each other, but especially with the guests to the club.

The last club contest for 2023 was the International Speech Contest and was chaired by Shaun.

He called on contestants:

1. Christiane - "That Turned Out Better Than Expected" 

2. John - "Lessons From a Small Nation With Big Ideas"

3. Arun - "What Makes You a Leader"

The timing lights were manned by Michael and Gail H.

Tally counters were Gail W and Paul.

The placegetters were:

1. John

2. Christiane
   

3. Arun
   

To finish the meeting, Elizabeth asked guest JP to draw the winning ticket and John can celebrate his win in the International Speech contest with a bag full of goodies.

In closing, President Gail H thanked the judges by offering a small token of appreciation (we hope you win some money). Visiting judges were Jenny as Chief Judge, Suresh, Kirsty, Mark and Chris. Our own member Trish was also a judge.

Christiane (for Evaluation contest) and John (for International Speech contest and Table Topics contest) will join Gail W (for Humourous Speech contest) at the Area 8 Conference in North Lakes on November 5 to represent Sandgate Toastmasters.

Mark this day into your calendar to come and support our contestants!

We will have a normal meeting in-between on October 24.