Meeting 1149 "Commas are Important"

Who would have thought that the theme would take us back to childhood and grammar lessons (or the lack thereof)? Toastmaster Christiane explained that she selected the topic because commas are used differently in different languages and with English not being her mother tongue, it can be difficult to punctuate correctly.

Narelle was our stand-in Sergeant at Arms. However, she took us through the safety announcements like a pro, before reading us the mission statement.

President Gail H opened the meeting and gave us the update of the countdown to the anniversary dinner as well as the District Conference.

Toastmaster Christiane introduced the theme with some pondering questions.

Vice President of Education Liz gave us the program changes.

Russell stepped to the lectern to deliver his first toast. He took us through his journey how he came to Toastmasters, then took us back to his school days. We toasted to "Commas and Toastmasters". (General Evaluator Liz applauded Russell to bring back the toast to Toastmasters since this was our common ground for attending).

Word Master Gail gave us a challenging word "punctuation". She explained that it could be used for the 14 different punctuation marks or to interrupt at intervals and she would allow the noun as well as the verb to be used towards our score.

Jonathon led the Round Robin segment by sharing his school experiences with naughty kids and homework excuse(s). He asked us to share about "our most inspirational teacher".

Answers varied from sharing about an inspirational employer, Lord of the Rings, school being viewed as the necessary evil to have little lunch and big lunch, language teachers in South Africa, Mr Pi (yes, he was a math teacher), a show-off teacher in an MG to excuses for not practicing your instrument. Fascinating was that two stories involved rulers (as in the wooden ones) - both in negative connotations: Mr Wood would use his ruler to wake up the class and a ruler was used to let your students sit up straight.

Our prepared speeches were balancing each other:

1. Trish delivered a 26 minutes inspirational keynote speech titled "Lessons From An Introvert Speaker" (Visionary Communication path, Level 5, project 10: Prepare to Speak Professionally) and reflected on her journey through many different job choices to 2006 opening her own business. Her intimidated evaluator Narelle reflected on her slides, how she went from "Fear" to "60 seconds of insane courage" and other improvement lessons.

2. Gail H presented her Icebreaker to start her new path Leadership Development (Level 1, project 1). The speech titled "Under The Corkwood Tree" brought some childhood memories to light or as evaluator Paul summarised "an entertaining story how Gail illegally funded her dresses" since words like Kingaroy Mafia were used.
   

Shaun was our Raffle Master and had us pondering on all the temptations we might have had (to cheat and bribe evaluators or judges). He called us "guilty cheats who had to redeem themselves through buying raffle tickets" for Monopoly - Cheaters Edition, a bottle of red wine and two wine glasses.

We finished the first half by timer Amy telling us how well we went although the timing lights had run out of battery. (Not to fear, Toastmasters are adaptable - however we learnt that the Toastmaster should have announced the change).

In the supper break, it was time to buy those raffle tickets to clean our conscience, catch up about the happenings of the last two weeks (as well as holiday plans of members) and enjoy the food provided by John and Liz. Jonathon also found the time, a screwdriver and batteries to have the timer lights working again.

We started the second half with Table Topic Master John who called on to give impromptu speeches about:

1. 
   Amy - How do you hope your speaking skills will improve by being in Toastmasters? They are already since she reflected on her introvert fear when discussions were scheduled at uni.
   
2. Jonathon - Grammar ain't as important as it used to be? Since in 13 years of school, he never received grammar lessons, he done alright on the way.
   
3. Russell - If you could speak another language, what would it be and why? Chinese since he loved when he visited China.
   
4. Liz - Is it more important to speak less or say what you think? First of all, put your brain on before speaking and listening is the key to all conversations.
   
5. Christiane - What was a situation in your life that made you pause and reflect? Being "put straight" about presents by hubby and the returned engagement ring.
   
6. Gail H - What is the most important lesson in life? It's not about being nice to all people, rather sometimes tell the hurtful truth if it means you stay true to yourself.
   
7. Narelle - If your life could be described in a sentence, what would it say and why? I had a very privileged life being able to grow up in the Australian country and travel throughout Europe for years.
   
8. Paul - If you had to describe yourself using adjectives (describing words) what would they be? Can you think of three? After the audience made him aware that "Dull White Man" only contained two adjectives, he extended to "Dull White Dependable Man". (Great audience interaction!)
   

The Table Topics were evaluated by Shaun who didn't have time to pause. He still found a point of improvement for all eight speakers as well as several commendations. One nugget of recommendation was to pretend to make eye contact at the back of the room between two people (it looks like you have eye contact, but you don't get distracted in sorting your thoughts)

While Narelle collected votes, we got some grammar lessons from Toastmaster Christiane to help us all to be more precise with those punctuation marks.

We then heard from Word Master Gail how often members used "punctuation". Russell got third place (3 times), Liz in second with 5 times and Trish won with punctuating her sentences 13 times.

Liz in her general evaluation commended us on our "small in number, big in enthusiasm" meeting.

Timer Amy in her final timing report made us aware that we were slightly running behind.

Shaun asked Trish to draw the raffle prize winner which wasn't an easy task since there were no purple cups. She drew Paul.

President Gail H thanked all the members before awarding:

Most Improved - Russell

Best Evaluation - Shaun

Best Speech - Trish

Best Table Topic - Christiane

 

 

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday April 23.

Narelle would like to thank those members who have again brought along raffle prizes for the 50th anniversary dinner. For those who still have non-perishable items to donate, you will have a last chance on April 23.

Meeting 1148 "Holiday"

Dreaming to go away on your next trip connected the last meeting to the theme of this meeting. Toastmaster Liz told us about her past experiences and lessons learnt. Chris H had kindly decorated the tables with chocolate eggs for Easter being our next holiday coming up - it kept the sweet teeth among us entertained.

Sergeant at Arms Helen called the meeting to order, welcomed guest Tracey (guest until next meeting) and visitor Chris R. She then read us the mission statement.

President Gail H was called to the lectern to open the meeting and remind us of the two upcoming events: 50th anniversary dinner on April 30 and District Conference from May 3-5.

It was Toastmaster Liz who told us how the theme came about and what it means to her. 

She passed on to the Vice President Education (which we later learnt is responsible for the program) - herself - to announce that there were no changes.

Next, Ben gave us the toast to "inconvenient rain".

VPE Liz had scheduled for the three remaining club officer roles to be explained, so she took the lead and yes, spoke about the programming, but also about organising the contestants for the yearly contests as well as being on the voting committee all the way to District.

Vice President of Membership Arun told us about how gratifying it is to welcome guests and get their details, just to see them join and hand all the paperwork of to the treasurer.

Vice President of Public Relations Christiane mentioned her core being the Facebook posts as well as writing this blog :) for which she needed to take photos during meetings.

For some changes in winning the word of the evening title, Trish was the Word Master. She not only gave us one word, but two connected ones which many combined since many had met those "obnoxious" "touron"s - touron combines tourist with moron (https://www. urbandictionary.com/ define.php?term=Touron)

As Round Robin Master, Arun gave us plenty of opportunity to use either or both words when asking about our most memorable holiday experience. Three members even admitted to being tourons themselves while holidaying (in their younger years).

Answers ranged from "honeymoon gone wrong" to many regions over the world (Canada, Cambodia, Sydney, Ayers Rock, Philippines, Italy, Melbourne, Canberra and Amsterdam). They included stories of naughty children, bears, broken-down cars and planes, a river cruise, a farm stay and the infamous Contiki tour (yes, we all know that Contiki and obnoxious tourons is one and the same expression).

After memory lane, Liz pulled us back to the present and the prepared speeches:

1. 
   Rosie demonstrated being a spotter as a railway worker in a speech titled "Orange People" (Presentation Mastery path, Level 1, project 1: Icebreaker). Gail W had very constructive feedback to a well-gestured, humorous speech.
2. Visitor Chris R presented his speech "Because Love is not Enough" with which he won at the Moreton Division Conference. With a changed opening, he wanted to gauge the audience. Shaun was evaluating a brilliant performance and we all wish Chris R the best at District!
3. Trish relived her own business journey (from 2006 to now) and how social media has help her. Her speech "Get Known to be Seen" (Visionary Communication, Level 4, Project 3: Building a Social Media Presence) was evaluated by Chris H who was commenting on Trish's facial expressions (note from the author: he isn't half-bad imitating them)
   

Chris H also gave us the raffle of the evening: a long weekend survival kit: extra tent pegs, a rain poncho, chocolates and beer (when the bottle shop isn't open).

Timer Elizabeth reported that we were running slightly behind because of the enthusiastic responses of the Round Robin (and some longer speeches).

We still were able to enjoy a nice supper break with supper provided by Amy with self-made Easter treats. We also had opportunity to purchase raffle tickets, pose in work/wedding gear, catch up with each other on the news of two weeks as well as give Chris R our own feedback on his speech.

The second half started with Table Topics which Christiane had prepared. She was inspired by Duolingo (app to learn languages) since she was asked to translate weird sentences which the speakers were meant to put into context.

She called on:

• Marlene with "This snake is in a taxi." who took us on a taxi ride which she cleverly intertwined with the red light of the timer.
  
• Ben with "Sara dances while she plays chess." who compared Sara to his own life with loving to play chess with his wife, but his break-dance moves are out of sync.
  
• Gail H with "That mouse is eating breakfast." who shared a holiday return by finding the mouse having chewed through the plastic of the cornflakes container.
  
• Shaun with "The elephant often cooks." who impersonated said elephant and expanding his cooking skills from fish to tourons who come too close for his liking.
  
• Elizabeth with "He is not drinking oil." who told us about her daughter helping with the cooking and getting close to drinking the yellow substance.
  
• Helen with "We need his cat." who took us to an Italian restaurant to order a strange meal.
  
• Chris H with "We are listening to that cat." who shared his experience with the timid shelter cat who now meows loudly every morning.
  
• Gail W with "That fish is eating a sandwich." who reminisced about her cleaning the fish bowl filter after fish food and how different it would have been if her fish would have eaten sandwiches.

The Table Topics were evaluated by Narelle and Arun.

While Helen collected votes, Liz shared some past holiday experiences and what she had learnt to never, ever do on holidays again.

Trish was called back to the lectern to report on the word usage of "obnoxious" and "touron". All members had used the words between one to five times, with Helen (11) being runner-up to Shaun (16).

The General Evaluation was conducted by Rosie who commented on the raffle being so enticing that Chris H looked a lot at the items rather than at the audience. Even that comment couldn't fate destiny from Chris R drawing Rosie's ticket to win.

A final timers' report revealed we were running slightly behind.

In closing, Gail awarded:

Best Speech - Rosie

Best Table Topic - Marlene

Best Evaluation - Shaun & Marlene

Most Improved - Rosie

Thank you to Marlene and Ben for taking photos during the meeting.

The next meeting will be held on April 9.

Narelle would like to thank those members who have already brought along raffle prizes for the 50th anniversary dinner. She is suggesting to collect "Chocolate, chips and drinks" for the next meeting.

Meeting 1147 "Dreams"

Not being able to remember your dreams? You are not alone - but the meeting was not all about dreaming while sleeping!

Toastmaster Shaun shared ample quotes during the meeting which made us realise that we can have real-life dreams which can become true. (Shaun will see that perfect tornado while being a storm chaser in Australia and the USA.)

Sergeant at Arms Helen called the meeting to order, gave us the lay of the room and facilities before stating the mission statement.

President Gail H opened the meeting. Her other joyful duties were:

• Reflect on the Moreton Division Conference

•  Congratulate Marlene on her achieving third place in the Humorous Contest

• Induct our two new members Amy and Russell (mentors are Narelle and Jonathon, respectively)

• Give us a brief overview of three executive roles

• President

• Secretary

• Treasurer

Toastmaster Shaun admitted to selecting "Dreams" as the theme because he has either dreamless sleep or immediately delete them.

Vice President of Education Liz gave us the program changes.

Impromptu Toast Master Will toasted to "Spontaneity" since the butterflies couldn't take over. 

Will moved smoothly into his next role as Word Master giving us "Visionary" - and didn't the ambitious battle to take the title home start...

Round Robin Master Gail W asked us: "Have you ever had a dream that you remember and it became true?" Although there were many members who just can't remember their dreams, some shared that their significant other can; but we also heard from a Fijian cyclone, writing an exam while heavily raining, being able to comfort people after losing family members, peeing in your sleep as well as moving to Australia and Sandgate (Hornibrook bridge) in particular.

It was time for THE prepared speech: Liz gave us a progress update on the EasySpeak website as well as a demonstration followed by a Q & A session. It was part two of her Visionary Communication path, Level 5, project 2: Develop Your Vision. 

EasySpeak is the platform used by Sandgate Toastmasters (and other Toastmaster clubs) to request speeches, roles and log attendance.

The presentation was evaluated by Rosie who commented on Liz meeting her objectives.

We had a very impromptu raffle by Trish who offered a 1-hour coaching session for the winner of the raffle (normally valued at $300) - let's just say, she was very popular during the supper break!

To finish off our first half, timer Gokul gave his timer's report: Although he had rung the bell a few times indicating that the allocated time was up, we were running slightly behind and Toastmaster Shaun released to a shortened supper break.

During the supper break, we could clarify some more about Liz' presentation, sample goodies provided by Trish and Gail W as well as buy tickets to Trish' raffle.

After supper, it was on Helen as Sergeant at Arms to tell us about her responsibilities in her club officer role.

It was then time for Table Topics Master Carmy to give us the impromptu speech topics before calling on:

• Helen - "Why do you think we dream?" Because we want to imagine a different life. When she is stressed, she is dreaming of a ballerina that spins so fast, she is flying off.
  

• Amy - "Can you tell us about a dream that you remember from your childhood." She shared with us about her 14-year-old daughter dreaming to become a dancer.
  

• Trish - "You are the Prime Minister of the country. Tell us what your hopes and dreams are for the country." She would use visionary skills, however she can't make people drink, so nothing would be achieved.
  

• Jonathon - "Have you ever had a dream that has helped you to make a decision?" Even though he is a procrastinator, he dreamt that he can conquer the world, so he just gets on with the tasks now.
  

• Will - "After you've had a dream, have you ever tried to interpret it by asking someone or looking on the internet?" He asked the audience right there and then to interpret his breaking through nerves.
  

• Shaun - "Did you have a dream last night? Can you tell us about it? You can make it up, but it has to be PG." He is dreaming of going to Kansas to see a tornado with a cow being swept up into it.
  

• Gail H - "Martin Luther King wrote a famous speech about what he envisaged for the African American people. It started "I have a Dream..." Can you finish the speech as it relates to your life?" These dreams have been fulfilled: Loved her job and how her family has grown over the years. She is dreaming that her volunteer work is enjoyable forever and that she will have calmness to enjoy her family.
  

• Russell- "Have you ever woken up from a dream, then fell asleep and dreamt the same dream again?" After watching the movie "Jaws" at a much too young age, he had a nightmare - just to go back with his friends to watch the movie again; and have another nightmare about it. (Serves him right after spoiling the movie to his friends!)
  

The Table Topics were evaluated by Jonathon and Trish with Jonathon commenting on Trish' speech: she gave us a structure without giving us any information - like a true politician.

Arun was asked to evaluate Carmy's performance as the Table Topics Master. He encouraged her to comment straight after each mini speech rather than summarising the the end.

While Sergeant at Arms Helen collected the votes, Shaun gave us some interesting facts about sleeping, i.e. we never dream one dream more than 20 minutes or that children have more nightmares than adults.

In his summary, Word Master Will gave a surprising tally: having Liz take the title off Trish' 50 words - much to the amusement of the audience.

In her General Evaluation, Christiane commended Shaun on being brave and keeping standing until addressed as well as his brilliant idea of introducing your segment by a one sentence explanation.

In his final timers report, Gokul posed for the camera (but not long enough) before seeing that we would finish just as the program predicted.

Raffle Master Trish asked Amy to draw the winning ticket - and George can spend an hour with Trish.

In closing, President Gail handed out the awards and made Liz very happy as Best Speech - even if by default.

The other awards went to:

• Best Evaluation - Jonathon

• Best Table Topic - Trish

• Most Improved - Russell

   

  Sandgate Toastmasters will meet again on March 26.
  

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!

Meeting 1146 "Eye of the Tiger"

Put on the spotlight: What we connect with "Eye of the Tiger" might be different for all of us, but Toastmaster Elizabeth chose the theme because it reminded her of having courage and grit to achieve anything if you set your mind to it.

The word "Adversity" was also brought in as reflection of the song.

Sergeant at Arms Helen called the meeting to order, welcomed our returning guests Tracey and George as well as Area Director Suzanne. She also read us the mission statement.

Gail Horne opened the meeting by reminding us of the upcoming events as well as congratulating our executive for attending the Club Officer Meeting. Having 5 executives attend, meant that we have received another point towards our Distinguished Club Program and saw us achieving six out of ten points.

Toastmaster Elizabeth started her segment with music playing - yes, "Eye of the Tiger" -  and also had some boxing moves ready for us.

Vice President of Education Liz gave us the programme changes.

Carmy had two consecutive roles: First, she toasted to "All Toastmasters over the world" because those display courage and grit. Secondly, she also gave us the word of the evening "focus" - to be used as noun or verb.

Liz gave us all a chance to aim our attention towards "focus" when she asked us to share "How determined are you?"

Peter started by sharing that he is resolutely working towards retirement.

Other members mentioned getting their life affairs in order (including super and weight loss), needing a report card to motivate them (if people tell you you can't, just do it!) and spoken in general about personal development.

You might call it stubborn or single-minded, but there was even mention of aligning grand-babies in the same way as your own babies - for a collage. (Good luck we say!)

 

 

The prepared speeches were next:

1.  Shaun's target with his speech "Feeding the Monster" (Visionary Communication, Level 1, project 3: Introduction to Vocal Variety and Body Language) was for us to consider what our hobbies and addictions might cost us. Since he brought a multitude of examples and props for those, see if you can see yourself in some of them. Arun evaluated Shaun's speech.

2. In her speech "Theresa killed the radio" (Persuasive Influence, Level 3, project 1: Understanding Conflict Resolution), Christiane concentrated to share how she is growing in personal conflict situations. It was evaluated by Helen who suggested to have a stronger call-to-action.

It was time for Liz to give us an update on the Pathways development: Toastmasters International will reduce the different paths to six (the most popular ones). Their focal point is easy access, so they are trying to make Basecamp (the website for us accessing Pathways) mobile friendly as well as possible to share straight to social media.

Watch this space: The launch is expected to be in 2024.

Since we hadn't seen enough of Liz yet, her next segment was the raffle, where she sold us on garden items and a bottle of wine to relax after the yard activities.

Timekeeper Peter kept the meeting running smoothly and reported that we were running ahead of time for the first half.

This allowed for a longer break: We were able to buy raffle tickets, sample the treats which Rosie and Christiane had provided, inquire about membership, catch up and yes, pose for the camera person.

 

The second half started off with Table Topics. Table Topic Master Narelle called on:

1. Paul with "Is the 'Eye of the Tiger' a good song to bang out in the car? Why or why not?" - It's an oldie, but a goldie and has great lyrics.
   
2. Rosie with "Have you ever injured your eye?" - Yes, if you count laser surgery.
   
3. Marlene with "What's the best eye colour?" - First was jealous of brave cousins brown eyes, then met "somebody" (special) with blue eyes; nowadays it is her cats' green eyes.
   
4. Arun with "Tigers, love them or hate them?" - LOVE, if they are in a cage or seen on a safari (i.e. he is not in danger)
   
5. Trish with "When have you been described as a 'Tiger'"? - Her husband has seen her transformation from pussy cat to tiger (but still prefers unicorns).
   
6. Tracey with "What's your favourite big cat (lions, tigers, cheetahs, pumas)?" - Tiger since she used to have a small cat with similar patterns.
   
7. Carmy with "Is overcoming adversity important?" - YES, every little step is: leaving the house, attending Toastmaster meetings regularly...
   
8. Suzanne with "Is overcoming adversity in reality TV shows too commercialised?" - YES, only other real people in your life help you overcome adversity. Her 5-year-old granddaughter is an inspiring example to her.
   

The Table Topics were evaluated by Gail W and Gail H - it was going to happen that both Gails got subsequent and similar tasks. We just had to focus, focus, focus...

While Helen collected the votes, Toastmaster Elizabeth called for jokes. Both George and Shaun rose to the occasion.

Even though it had been a while that Sandgate Toastmasters had a business meeting, Paul chaired the business meeting expertly through four motions.

Carmy congratulated all attendants of concentrating through the evening to use "focus" at least once. Helen became runner-up to Trish's 22 times.

It was on Trish to give us the general evaluation, in which she gave us excellent feedback: 

• Helen's calling to attention and her use of a strong voice has everybody paying attention

• For evaluations:

• Don't take pens to the lectern

• Don't introduce new points in the conclusion

• When trying to be persuasive, be really careful of the words used ("I suppose" supposingly doesn't cut it)

• Trish explained the significance of the gavel in the business meeting: it shows who is in control of the meeting

Liz asked guest George to draw the raffle and Helen could take the gardening items home.

Peter's final timers report showed we were running overtime, so Gail's closing was short and sweet. She asked our guests for feedback and both decided to join us as members.

The awards went to:

• Most Improved - Carmy

• Best Table Topic - Trish

• Best Speech - Shaun

• Best Evaluation - Helen

After the meeting was finished, hard work was made light by many hands: Sandgate Toastmasters and (last time) guests were bringing the RSL Club back to order.

Our next meeting is on March 12.

Meeting 1145 "Expectations"

"The secret to happiness is having low expectations." (Warren Buffett) was the first quote our Toastmaster gave us.

We knew we could anticipate for a great meeting since we had a great bunch of members lined up.

Before the official start of the meeting, photographer Bruce had been efficiently organised by John to take an amazeballs group photo for the Sandgate Guide.

Stunning Sergeant at Arms Helen called the meeting to order and read us the mission statement.

Phenomenal President Gail H opened the meeting and welcomed our returning guests Amy, Russell, Tracey and George.

Gail H presented Elizabeth with her membership badge. She also shared some news events including:

• Our Vice President Education was returning from England and will be present at our next meeting
• Club Officer Training this coming Saturday February 17
• Moreton District Conference on March 10 (Suzanne was looking for grid volunteers as well as garden raffle prizes - John offered his unbelievable weeds)
• 50th anniversary dinner invitation for April 30
• District Conference on the first weekend in May

Gail H then announced a few program changes.

Tremendous Toastmaster Gail W gave us three examples of expectations: party, last ever date and "Wait till your father gets home". (notice her expression!)

She called on prodigious Peter to give us the toast for the evening which went to "Realistic Expectations" after he spoke about some personal experiences.

With Shaun as the wonderful Word Master, we could envisage a challenging word, but wouldn't have dreamed about "amazeballs". Such a positive word encouraged us all to make the meeting tots amazeballs.

Members and guests had the perfect opportunity during Round Robin to use the word of the evening when Round Robin Master Chris asked us to share "our amazeballs expectations for 2024". 

As timer, he was in a great position to keep this segment flowing fabulously.

Answers ranged from 

• Jonathon sharing about his understandable happiness of his daughter changing TAFE course
• travelling more (including Japan and South America trip)
• seeing family more
• four people mentioning seeing their fascinating house reno (and a shed fits in there too) finally coming to its finish
• finishing university thesis
• less doctor appointments
• birthday parties
• running experience
• awesome Valentines Day tomorrow
• changes (?) in politics
• Shaun finishing the round with his startling plan to going back to uni (and resigning from his job for some time off).

It was time for the remarkable speeches to be presented:

1. Elizabeth gave her Icebreaker speech "Great Expectations" (Persuasive Influence path, Level 1, project 1) in which she encouraged all of us to celebrate micro achievements every day and being grateful. Evaluator Paul had forecasted a marvelous speech and wasn't disappointed. He reminded us though to get straight into our speech without preamble.
2. Trish' speech titled "Are you wandering into the wilderness?" was of educational nature encouraging us to always have a call to action regardless if our speech is to inspire, inform or instruct. It was evaluated briefly by Jonathon during the general evaluation at the end of the meeting.
3. Narelle defined mentor and mentee as well as how a Toastmaster mentor is appointed in her speech aptly titled "Mentors" (Presentation Mastery path, Level 2, project 3). The speech was evaluated by Trevor who was dumb-founded on Narelle's improvement in presenting starting off with questions to get the audience engagement from the start, but also with such a clear structured speech.
4. Christiane finished her series of her job experience with "The Countdown" reliving the last 17 hours in the office. Her compelling evaluator Gail gave a word of caution not to overdo the humour/ voices in a more serious speech, but provided a long list of strong points.
   

Stunning Timer Chris was able to give a proficient timers report when he was called on to give the various timings and his bell during the Round Robin kept this segment running up a deposit in the minute bank.

Spellbinding Raffle Master Narelle sold us all on the idea to provide for our significant other at the upcoming Valentine's Day by supplying a full package: red rose, corny mug, dinner setting (including toothpicks), a packet of more Roses (chocolate) and a variety of alcohol to cover all our likings. She was kept busy in the subsequent supper break selling raffle tickets.

 

The anticipated scrumptious supper was provided by Carmy and Peter and allowed us to sample goodies, bites of conversations and advice.

The second half started with contemplating Table topics presented by ravishing John. He called the following members to speak of the cuff:

1. Carmy with "What are your expectations for 2024 and beyond?" animatedly discussed her survival swimming classes.

2. Shaun with "Valentine's Day: an important occasion for romance or a commercial rip-off?" strongly favoured the rip-off since he is dreading the day, even though he doesn't spent $50 (or more) on presents.
   

3. Trevor with "Is there such a thing as love at first sight?" explained why it could work; however his feelings were never returned.
   

4. Helen with "Has your life turned out the way you expected?" reflected that she hadn't expected it this way, but made it the way it is now for good reasons.
   

5. Jonathon with "What is the most romantic thing you have ever done or experienced?" dived into his kindergarten memories to recount picking a bouquet for his love of his life aka 5-year-old Fiona. Although the flowers were not appreciated, he has since received many romantic moments with his wife.
   

6. Peter with "When didn't the reality match the expectations?" spoke about his trip to an animal shelter in Fiji and how his volunteering involved walking the dogs, but also long hours of standing around.
   

The Table topics were brilliantly evaluated by Marlene and Paul, pointing out that making the audience laugh is the best plan to answer a Table Topic as well as to give lots of examples.

While Sergeant at Arms Helen selected the votes, Gail W gave us some dad jokes as well as some more quotes about expectations.

Word Master Shaun held our attention by revealing that the second place was a very close spot (with Narelle using amazeballs once more than Helen), however it was forecasted that Trish would win hands down (doubling second place).

Jonathon pointed out three highlights to take away: how to frame a successful raffle with a theme, how to pop an evaluation by pointing out the (achieved) purpose of a speech and how brilliantly the little snippets of introductions of the next speaker was delivered by our Toastmaster Gail W.

As speech evaluator, he commended Trish for selecting such a fitting title since it engages with the content from the get-go.

Chris' final dazzling timers report revealed that we were running behind from the Table Topic segment (after all the topics were too good and had members speaking at length).

Enticing Narelle had our guest Tracey pick the winner of the raffle. Trevor can celebrate Valentine's Day in style - although it might be hard with his wife in Thailand.

Delightful President Gail H presented the awards to:

Best Evaluation - Paul

Best Speech - Narelle

Most Improved - Elizabeth

Best Table Topic - Jonathon

In closing, we received very positive feedback since three guests intend to join our club.

It was a great finish to a tots amazeballs meeting.

We are looking forward to more laughter, learning and life lessons on February 27.

Thank you to Marlene and George for helping me with the photos.