Meeting 1190 "New Beginnings"

 Toastmaster Arun chose the theme "New Beginnings" for our first meeting in 2026. 

Arun

We were thrilled to welcome two guests, Mali (a return visitor) and Peter's son Stephen.

President Chris welcomed everyone to the meeting and offered congratulations to Christiane on becoming an Australian citizen during the Australia Day celebrations.

Chris

Christiane

Christiane had brought a calendar for each person. Some struggled to read it before realising it was in German.

Tracey presented a toast to "Universal Reset."

Marlene

With a nod to the previous Australia Day, the word of the day chosen by Marlene was "Strine," a colloquial word for Australian slang. Rather than use the actual word "Strine" Marlene invited everyone to use some Australian slang words during the meeting. Some of the words & expressions used were G'day, bonzer, dead set, crack a cold one, Straya, flamin' cockatoo, Good on ya, Stone the crows, Mate, cobbers and cobra, rat up a drain pipe, drongo, and give it a go. 

Round Robin Master John asked, "What is the latest new skill you have  learned?"

John

There were three prepared speeches.  Paul used plenty of body language to tell how he had run a marathon. He also conducted a question-and-answer session.

It was evaluated by Jonathon.

Paul

Jonathon

Audience

Christiane told about the process involved in becoming an Australian citizen. Many Australians would not have been able to answer some of the questions that Christiane was asked!

Josh evaluated Christine's speech.

Christiane

Josh

Eoin's speech was about AI, particularly CHAT GPT. He explained it in an easy way to follow and understand, and he encouraged us to use it. "AI won't take your job, but somebody using it might."

Marlene evaluated Eoin's speech.

Eoin

Marlene

Peter presented the raffle, which was a voucher for the Round Table Coffee shop at Bracken Ridge, also a bottle of wine, and chocolate.

Timekeeper Narelle announced that we were running slightly ahead of time.

Supper was provided by Chris and Marlene.

The Table Topics session was run by Paul with theme related topics.

Paul

"If you could live in a different country, which would it be? " Peter.

"What new skill or talent would you like to have?" Christiane.

"If you could do over one day in your life, which would it be?" Tracey.

"What is the best advice when changing your career?" Narelle.

"What old habit would you like to break?" Chris.

The Table Topics were evaluated by John and Maddy.

John

Maddy

Erin mounted the Soapbox and deplored the wastage in the fashion industry. She urged us to shop at Thrift Shops.

Carmy presented a General Evaluation of the meeting.

Erin

  

Carmy

Award winners of the evening were Eoin and Erin (Most Improved - tie,) Narelle (Best Table Topic,) Jonathon (Best Evaluation,) and Paul (Best Speech.)

Eoin is not really a giant.
                                                

Award winners 28th Jan 26.

Next meeting Tuesday 10th February.