Moreton Division Conference - "Unleashing Potential & Building Leaders"

 

Six Sandgate Toastmasters gave up their time on Sunday, March 10, to attend the Moreton Division Conference.

Marlene was competing in the Humorous Contest (see below) representing HOT Club, Trish was judging the contests, Gail H was a timer and Christiane was a ballot counter for the Evaluation Contest, while Gail W and Liz We came to support Marlene.

I would say that all agree that they were able to witness some fine speeches (masterly drafted and practiced to perfection) while picking up some hints how to better their own speaking skills and leadership.

The conference was called to order by Barbara who read us both the club mission statement as well as the district mission statement.

(A rare photo of two background people: Kris our photographer as well as Graham who managed everything Zoom/ computers)

Suresh opened the meeting and was in Indian celebration attire.

James was our MC for the event and introduced our Keynote Speaker Ben.

Although it might be a unicorn or sound like an oxymoron, Ben told us the attributes, strength and weaknesses of "Servant Leadership".

To zoom ahead: During the whole contests, there were no timing disqualifications.

The Evaluation Contest was the first contest, chaired by Denise. It was organised by Area 8, so saw Gail as one of the timers and Christiane as one of the ballot counters.

We heard a speech from Thomas titled "Rissoles" which the contestants had to subsequently evaluate.

We heard from Seng (Area 37), Heidi (Area 8), Abhishek (Area 18) and Franny (Area 3).

After the votes were counted, the awards went to:

1. Franny

2. Abhishek

3. Heidi

 

After scrumptious morning tea, Monica chaired the International Speech Contest. She called on Chris ("The Power of One", Area 3), Amber ("Sanctuary", Area 37), Heidi ("A Steep Lesson", Area 8) and Michelle ("In the Spotlight", Area 18).

The placegetters were:

1. Heidi

2. Chris

3. Amber

    

    

   Time for lunch and catching up/ networking.

    

   Suresh called us back to a special treat: A Zoom interview with an active Toastmaster member - the special thing: Jose from Alice Springs is 100 years this year, coinciding with Toastmasters International turning 100.
   

   

   The Table Topics Contest was chaired by Edward who called on Ben (Area 18), Kate (Area 3), Jill (Area 37) and Allan (Area 8) to answer in turn:

   "What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you?"

   The judges elected:

   1. Kate

   2. Allan

   3. Jill

 

 

Afternoon tea was served while the last contestants were briefed.

 

 

The last contest got our laugh muscles working: The Humorous Speech Contest was chaired by Jenny.

The contestants were Chris ("Love is not Enough", Area 3), Marlene ("Don't Look at the Dog", Area 37), David ("A Memorable Flight", Area 18) and Heidi ("Predicament", Area 8).

The awards went to:

1. Chris
2. Heidi
3. Marlene

The raffle was drawn: Even though Lisa won the first two raffles (yes, the same Lisa), Trish and Christiane were able to take some prizes home as well.

Suresh thanked all the helpers in the background (sound, Zoom, catering, photography etc.), chair persons and most of all the judges.

 

Sandgate Toastmasters would like to wish all the best to Franny, Heidi, Kate and Chris when they compete in the next level: District 69 Conference on May 4 and May 5. May your strong nerves and voice hold up!