Meeting 989 "One Unique Life" & Elections

What makes you unique? Toastmaster Karen explained how our unique brain works as she kept the meeting flowing smoothly.

There were two guests, Peter and Thomas.

Toastmaster Karen

 Gail proposed a toast to volunteers,
 Word Master Chris chose the word "Lustre."

Chris

Word of the evening

 Round Robin Master Blake asked us to tell what unique traits we have. This was a fun session as we discovered how unique our members are and what strange habits some have!

Robyn presented her "Ice Breaker" speech, "A Balancing Act" and told how  she was born under the sign of Libra (the scales) and has learned how to find balance in her life.

It was evaluated by Steve.

Robyn

Steve

Nick's speech was an interesting verbal tour of Government House, where he has worked in the gardens.  Nick's speech was evaluated by Trish.

Nick

Tris

Liz presented an Educational session on how to evaluate. Liz explained how to refer to the speaker in the opening, give 3 positive points, suggest 2 points for improvement, and summarise - and above all to encourage the speaker.

Liz

Robyn's raffle was a celebration of wine, chocolates, streamers and photo frames. The lucky winner was Gail.

Robyn's raffle

After a supper of buns, chocolate biscuits, crackers and dip provided by Zoe, Nick called the meeting to order and Leanne conducted the Business Session. It was her first time in that role.

Chairman Leanne

This segued into the Election of new Club Officers for the coming Toastmaster year, and was conducted by John. Jim wrote the names of the candidates on the whiteboard while Trish ensured that protocol was followed.

John - Election of Club Officers

The Election resulted in the following position:

President: Annette

Vice President Education: Christiane

Vice President Membership: Karen

Vice President Public Relations: Marlene

(assisted by Jonathon, Darryl, Liz, Kirsty & Annette M)

Secretary: Tim

Treasurer: Blake

Sergeant at Arms: Chris

Trish was appointed Parliamentarian.

These positions will take effect from the first meeting in July.

It was time for fun again. Darryl presented the Table Topics Session and called on Annette, Gail, Zoe, Leesa, Blake and Chris to speak impromptu on his topics.

TT Master Darryl

Annette - "talks to animals"

Gail - "unique challenge"

Zoe - "unique friend's wedding"

Leesa - "Unique outit"

Blake - "Unique moment"

Chris - "what makes me unique"

The Table Topics were evaluated by Jim and Christiane.

Christiane

Grammarian Annette Mc reported on the good word usage during the meeting, including the scientific words that Toastmaster Karen had used in her description of the brain. She recommended avoiding filler words like "so" and "you know" and suggested that "whatever" is not the best word to use to conclude a report.

Marlene gave a General Evaluation of the meeting.

Annette Mc

Marlene

Time Keeper John reported that the meeting was running overtime.

President Steve presented the evening's awards to Nick (Most Improved,) Christiane (Best Evaluation,) Annette (Best Table Topic,) and Robyn (Best Speech.)

Award Winner 9th May 2017

Next meeting Tuesday, 23rd May.

Thanks to Kirsty for helping with the photos. 

Kirsty

District 69 Conference, Chinchilla 2017

Sandgate Toastmasters Members Annette, Leanne, Darryl, Liz and Christiane attended the District 69 Convention in Chinchilla last weekend. The theme was "Experience the Difference" and "Make Every Moment Memorable".

It showcased high standard Speech Contests as well as Workshops to support members both new and long standing. It also provided the opportunity to meet up with other Toastmasters Clubs to network and exchange ideas.

Western hospitality was abundant and Western District should be proud they hosted such a successful event. The road trip out there was memorable, ask Leanne about Dalby! And remember - what happens in Chinchilla, stays in Chinchilla.

Darryl, Annette, Liz, Leanne and Christiane

Christiane won the prize (bottle of Mumm champagne) for filling out all the projects that she would choose when doing the new Pathways path.

Christiane

Thanks to Liz for this entry and for the photos.

For more photos and names of the contest winners, visit the District 69 Facebook.

Meeting 988 "Honour, Duty, Service"

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; 

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. 

At the going down of the sun and in the morning 

We will remember them."

Our meeting fell on Anzac Day, which was the theme throughout the meeting.

Toastmasters Tim read the complete poem "The Fallen" by Robert Laurence Binyon which has been adopted as the Anzac Ode.

Toastmaster Tim

Another new member was inducted by President Steve. Welcome Gail!  Karen has agreed to become Gail's mentor.

Gail

Robyn proposed a toast to the service men and women who have served our country.

Wordmaster Karen introduced the word "Stupendous." It was used 28 times during the meeting.

Karen

Deb presented the Round Robin and asked "What does Honour Duty and Service" mean to you? There were some very thoughtful answers. Our guests Peter, Eric and Jack took part as well.

There were three prepared speeches. 

Carmy presented her fourth speech "My Lego World" and used pieces of Lego to tell us about her interest in Lego and her young nephew's many Lego  projects.

Carmy

Darryl presented his 10th speech, which completed his CC Manual and earned him the title of Competent Communicator. Congratulations Darryl! His inspiring speech was "Choose Happiness." He said the key to happiness is "Strong relationships, resilience, and being grateful."

Darryl CC

Marlene used the projector for her speech "Let's Promote Toastmasters" and spoke about her role as Vice President Public Relations and how all members can become involved in promoting our club.

Some screen shots

The speeches were evaluated by Leanne, Jonathon and Liz.

Lean

Jonathon

Liz

Karen's raffle was a selection of items, all related to the Anzacs. Anzac Biscuits, Manuka Honey, Roses chocolates, Turkish Delight, Milk Bottles (an Australian sweet) and a book "Walking Free." The butterflies on the bag represented "Freedom."

Karen's raffle

The lucky winner was Gail.

Supper was (appropriately) Anzac Biscuits and Lamingtons, provided by Chris.

Time keeper Christiane  was also busy filling in as Sergeant at Arms and called everyone back on time.

Table Topics Master Nikki had prepared topics for Chris, Karen, Liz, Jonathon, Steve and Trish.

TT Master Nikki

Karen - Uniform for pilots

Liz - Dishonourable discharge for dog

Steve- Love or loathe slouch hat

Trish - volunteer for charity

Chris - First Anzac Day I remember

Jonathon - Soldier Cookies or Anzacs?

Table Topics Evaluators were John and Annette M.

John

Annette M

Blake presented a review on a book he had enjoyed, "Breakfast of Champions."  which he described as "dark, quirky dry humour." 

Blake

In his Show and Tell segment, Chris used humour to explain why he loves the old red hat that he bought during an overseas trip many years ago and is loathe to replace it in spite of hints from family and friends.

Chris

Grammarian Trish said there were 58 "Um's" during the meeting. She also commented on the good word pictures used.


Steve conducted a lively Listening Quiz.

Trish

General Evaluator Paul said it was a great meeting, centred around the Anzac theme.

Paul

President Steve presented the evening's awards to Leanne (Best Evaluator,) Trish (Best Table Topic,) Tim (Best Contribution,) Carmy and Chris ( tied for Personal Best,) and Darryl (Best Speech.)

Award winners 25 April 2017

Club Officer elections will be held next meeting on the 9th May. 

The theme will be "One Unique Life."