Meeting 1168 "Staying Cool"

 

It was a warm night, when Sandgate Toastmasters met to discuss how to stay cool in this Brisbane summer - or was it how to stay "trendy" cool like our Toastmaster demonstrated.

Stand-in Sergeant At Arms Gail W did a pleasant job calling the meeting to order.

President Helen opened the meeting and called on Toastmaster Chris to lead us through the evening (with tips of how to stay temperature cool - adapted from the animal kingdom - as well as classy).

Brett gave us the Toast of the evening with a sober "Staying Cool"; and Paul gave us the Word of the evening with "Temperate".

We were all encouraged to use the word during the Round Robin conducted by Gail W when she asked us to share how we stay calm and keep our cool in stressful situations.

Breathing was the top answer, but there were some other dispassionate responses that made fellow members and guests laugh out loud.

Our prepared speeches included an IceBreaker :)

1. Julie reflected what brought her to Toastmasters in her speech titled "Eliminating the "Ums", "ands" and other pesky words" (Presentation Mastery #1-1 - Icebreaker). It was evaluated by Christiane.
2. Helen shared her experience as a mentee in "Persuasion vs Encouragement" (Presentation Mastery #2-3 - Introduction to Toastmasters Mentoring). Trish gave the evaluation.
3. Christiane reported of her travel to Baarle in "Borders, enclaves and tourons" (Team Collaboration #3-20 - Researching and Presenting) which was evaluated by John.
4. Jonathon educated us how to communicate better in his speech titled "Essential Conversations" (Effective Coaching #3-9 - Connect with Your Audience). Evaluator Peter congratulated him on bringing yet the most impressive prop along: his daughter.
   

Before the supper break, we were also sold on the raffle presented by Maddy ("something for everybody" aka gift card) and heard from George that we were running ahead of time.

 

 

Supper was provided by Jonathon and Peter - unfortunately, the photographers were too engrossed in the food (Scarlett had brought along some brownies too!)

The second half started with President Helen awarding Trish with the Level 5 award, followed by Trish giving us a quick overview what she had learnt finishing the Visionary Communication path.

We heard from Trish again when she gave us an educational of how to evaluate Table Topics.

In the Table Topic segment, Table Topic Master John called on:

1. TJ - listing ways to stay cool
   
2. Christiane - "If only"
3. Maddy - she really tried to compare the summer in Melbourne with Brisbane (!)
4. Brett - cold place
5. Scarlett - island resort
6. Paul - "sick"

The Table Topics were evaluated by Peter and Gail H.

Paul reported on the usage of "Temperate" and was impressed that we were able to use it in speeches and Table Topics. To noone's surprise, Trish didn't restrain herself and was the clear winner.

Paul had also prepared 3 little stories for "Two Truths and A Lie" about driving holidays, but the majority of members was able to pick the lie.

Area Director David was able to remind us of upcoming conferences, area vs club changes and encouraged us to think about becoming Area directors ourselves in July.

Maddy asked visitor Sophia to draw the raffle: Helen won the gift card.

Helen gave us a quick general evaluation since we were running late before she asked guests for comments (two guests - Scarlett and Eoin - will be members in the next meeting) and handed out awards.

Best Speech - Jonathon

Best Evaluation - John

Best Table Topic - Christiane

Most Improved - Julie & Christiane

We will meet again on 25 February, encouraged to bring a book for a book swap.