Meeting 1152 "Laughter is the Best Medicine"

 We always  have a laugh at our meetings, but this one was especially dedicated to laughter. Our Toastmaster of the evening Chris had chosen the theme "Laughter is the Best Medicine." He was equipped with plenty of jokes and funny stories.

Chris

Marlene proposed a toast to "The gift of Humour."

In the absence of our Word Master, Rosie came up with the word "Eloquence" (not "elephants" as someone thought she had said) and it was eloquently used at least once by most members. Trish managed to use it 14 times!

There were more laughs when Marlene introduced the Round Robin, inviting everyone to share something that had made them laugh.

Rosie

Trish

Tracey

George

Gail W presented an amusing speech titled "Hutcheson Street." As she described them, we could easily picture the characters who had inhabited the street where she grew up. This speech completed Level 1 of the Presentation Path that Gail is working on. It was evaluated by Peter.

Gail W

Peter

John's speech "The Perils of Long-Haul Flights" was another laugh provoking action filled speech.

It was the " Know Your Sense of Humour" project from the Motivational Strategies path.

Paul evaluated John's speech.

John

Paul

The timekeeper was Carmy. 

Carmy and Paul

John provided the raffle, consisting of  a bottle of Rosette wine, Chocolates, Scratchit Tickets and a book on Public Speaking  by Ralph Smedley. The lucky winner was Jonathon.

Supper provided by Arun and Tracey was enjoyed by all.

Supper (Gail & Trish in foreground)

A short Business session was held by President Gail H to ratify the new executive members and to elect a President for the coming Toastmaster year. (1st July 2024 - 30th June 2025)

Helen was elected as President.

Helen - Our incoming President

Other positions are: 

Vice President Education - Christiane

Vice President Membership - John T

Vice President Public Relations - Marlene

Secretary - Gail H

Treasurer - Will

Sergeant-at-Arms - Narelle

The merriment continued with Table Topics selected by Jonathon for Marlene, Tracey, Peter D, Gail W, Rosie, John T, Paul and Trish.

1. What is the funniest thing you've ever heard a child say?

2. Describe the funniest thing you have seen on social media.

3. Imagine you've just been involved in a funny incident at supper tonight. Tell us about what happened.

4. Brisbane council has decreed that all residents must laugh out loud for 5 minutes each day. Are you for or against this and why?

5. If you were a stand up comedian, what would your act be about?

6. You've been granted a comical super power. What is it and how would you use it?

7. Sometimes a catastrophe is funny after the fact. What's something that went horribly wrong for you , that hindsight has made amusing?

8. What is the most ridiculous fashion trend you've ever tried?

Peter

Gail W

Rosie

Jonathon

Trish

They were evaluated by Arun.

Arun

 Helen  presented an evaluation of the entire meeting. She reminded us to stay at the lectern to hand control to the next speaker and demonstrated this by staying to hand control back to Toastmaster Chris.

President Gail presented the awards to the winners for the evening: Tracey (Most Improved,) Arun (Best Evaluation,) Trish (not in photo - Best Table Topic,) and John (Best Speech.)

Award Winners 28th May.

Next meeting: Tuesday 11th June.

Meeting 1151 "Brothers and Sisters"

 We have had a slight change of venue. The RSL Sub Branch Hall is being renovated, so the RSL have kindly allowed us to use their main hall next door.

RSL Hall (on left) next to Sub Branch Hall
12 Burnett Place, Sandgate

We had no trouble finding our new temporary meeting place this week. Seating arrangements were a challenge, resulting in a poor vantage point for the photographer, but we will improve next time.

President Gail inducted our two newest members, Tracey and George.

Tracey & George inducted

Gail also presented John T with a Triple Crown badge for completing 3 education awards in a single year. ( I think this is his third Triple Crown!)

Another Triple Crown for John T

Peter

Toastmaster Peter had chosen the meeting theme "Brothers and Sisters" and had some entertaining stories for us.

Gail W

Tracey

Gail W proposed a toast to "Brothers and Sisters."

New member Tracey presented the word for the evening - "Kinship" and explained its meaning and origin.

In Amy's absence Gail H introduced the Round Robin Warm Up session with Amy's suggested topic, "Share a fond or forgettable memory you share of your brother or sister growing up." There were some amusing anecdotes.

There were 2 prepared speeches. In Shaun's speech "Chasing the Dream" he spoke about about his passion for storm chasing. His voice and emphatic gestures portrayed his enthusiasm.

It was evaluated by Chris.

Shaun's speech

Evaluator Chris

Jonathon's speech "HELP" was about mentoring.  One of his points was that as well as the mentor offering and giving advice, the mentee needs to ask and be willing to receive it.

Jonathon's speech was evaluated by Arun.

  

Jonathon

Evaluator Arun

Marlene provided a raffle which consisted of  a boxed set of body lotion & handcream, 2 paperback books and a tea towel. It was won by Will.

President Gail surprised Marlene by making a presentation of a plaque to commemorate her 30 years in Toastmasters.

Gail presented Marlene with 30 year plaque

This was followed by supper supplied by Will and George - and  a most delicious cake made by Christiane to commemorate Marlene's 30 year membership.

Cake made by Christiane

A business session was chaired by Gail H. The main business was the election of Club Officers for the coming Toastmaster year. (1st July 2024 - 31st June 2025) The following nominations had been received.

President - Still vacant

Vice President Education - Christiane

Vice President Membership - John T

Vice President Public Relations - Marlene

Secretary - Gail H

Treasurer - Will

Sergeant-at-Arms - Narelle

As there were not quite enough members present for a quorum, the positions will be ratified at our next meeting.

Chris conducted a lively session of Table Topics, all related to the theme of the meeting.

1. Do you have a nickname for a brother or sister? - Arun

2. My family is crazy.- Narelle

3. Do you have a brother or sister who is smarter than you? - Marlene.

4. When and where were you proud of your family? -Tracey.

5. What was the longest trip you took with your family? - Carmy.

6. How did you rebel against your parents? - Gail H

7. Which family member would you choose to be with on a deserted island? - Shaun.

8. If you made a movie about your family what genre would it be and who would you choose to play your part? Gail W.

Table Topics Evaluators were Marlene and John T. 

Will gave a report on the times.

John T

Will

Carmy gave an evaluation of the entire meeting. (Her first time as General Evaluator.)

Carmy

Winners for the evening were Jonathon (Best Speech,) John T (Best Evaluation,) Tracey (Most Improved,) and Narelle (Best Table Topic.)

Award winners 14 May 2024

Next meeting will be on Tuesday, 28th May.

District 69 Conference - "Grow by Design"

Four Sandgate Toastmasters attended the District 69 Conference: John T on Saturday, Gail H, Liz and Christiane for both Saturday and Sunday. (Neither attended the Friday night or Monday breakfast and excursion.)

Gail took on judging one contest, whereas the other three members were able to relax and observe.

Congratulations to Sandgate Toastmasters for making it onto the shortlist of finalists for "Best Club Website & Social Media". We were up against Dalby, Lockyer Valley and Waterloo Bay with latter taking the title. (Next year we will even further improve!)

 

Of course, we had the four contests (more below), but the team around Kate had also given us plenty of opportunity to learn and witness great speaking skills.

On Saturday, there was one educational breakout session, whereas on Sunday there were even two to select from three different sessions each:

Educational Breakout Session 1

• Vaughan Paynter - Identify and Engage with Your Unique Voice
• Christiane's feedback: Vaughan had changed the title of his presentation to: "Finding Your Voice - and having the guts to use it". He encouraged us not be happy with vanilla - especially when it comes to the four areas humour, formality, respect and enthusiasm. In those, we should not be in No-man's land since we won't stand out.
• Vaughan reminded us that discomfort is required to grow, because we didn't want to end up as white as rice in milk on a paper plate in a snow storm. He spoke about authority, integrity and simplicity leading to clarity and therefore confidence.
   
• Michelle Priem - Living Intentionally - Prioritising the Things that Matter Most
• Gail H's feedback: Michelle shared with us her experiences of letting go of the 'busyness' of the modern world to live more simple with intent.
• While wearing so many hats in her life, Michelle has found her 'why' that has allowed her to now live life with deliberation.
• It is important to keep in mind when setting goals and making decisions that you are being true to your authentic self.
   
• Jock Elliot - Top Ten Tips For Contest Speaking

Educational Breakout Session 2

• Amanda Rosazza - Creating A Purposeful Culture
• Gail H's feedback: Amanda led an interactive session on club culture and how it can be changed. Participants were encouraged to share the ups and downs of their club experiences.
• Ideas were exchanged on ways that changes can be made. For example: After a club meeting or event or even an executive meeting, ask the questions:
• 1. Name two things that worked well
  2. Name two things we need to improve on.
• The takehome is:
• CLUB CULTURE SHOULD BE BY DESIGN, NOT BY DEFAULT.
  
   
• Lisa Dodis - Cultivating Growth and Flourishing

• Katrina Roberts - Stage Presence - Demystifying The "It" Factor
•  Christiane's feedback: Katrina demonstrated three different circles in life of how we present/ are received. We should strive towards circle number two, where we live authentic. Katrina found that circle number three is a played confidence which can easily be called out.
• Second circle is vulnerable since no-one trusts arrogance.
  

Educational Breakout Session 3

• 
  Kevin Ryan - The Path To Professional Speaker
• Christiane's feedback: You learn everything you need on the journey, but it helps to have passion, expertise and experience in the field you will be speaking about.
• Don't use the phrase "Public Speaking" since people will think, you will deliver for free.
• Take opportunities now to speak outside of your club to build confidence. You might start off with payment/ reward, but don't confuse with being able to get a full-time income.
   
• Luke Meacle - Persona Play: Discovering Your True Self Through Improv
• Lewis Jones - Crash Course in 'Theatricality'
• Gail H's feedback: Lewis gave a session on having a Public Conversation, not a Public Speaking Engagement. You should focus on how you want to connect with an audience about your topic.
• Participants took part in exercises in connecting their body and voice. We dabbed, glided, puncted and floated our way in controlling our bodies.
• Lewis was a vibrant and entertaining presenter who provided an opportunity to 'get physical'.

On top of the educational breakout sessions, there were two keynote speakers on Saturday:

• Rana Saini - The Inner Game of Growth
• Christiane's feedback: Rana stressed that our identity is just a story which can be re-written. He mentioned the three drivers, the four lenses (with Health being the top priority) as well as the 5 resistances.
• He reminded us that if we focus on the weeds, we will surely miss the flowers all along.
• Rana also mentioned that without a plan, we end up where we didn't want to go.
  
• He made some polls when he gave us the lenses and resistances to see how Toastmasters feel.

• Kevin Humphreys - Noble self-leadership
• Christiane's feedback: Kevin told us about his mental illness and the toxic culture. He was down to earth and humbly spoke about his realisation: My mind got me into this, my mind will get me out of it.
• It is important that we show compassion (especially when we are engineers - who don't have empathy) as well as tell ourselves encouraging stories. We should put everything into perspective.
• He encouraged us that a diagnosis doesn't determine.
  
• Kevin concluded with a story about his influence he had on a comrad and only being made aware several years later.

The conference started with Annette and Candice as MCs introducing themselves as well giving us some housekeeping. Annette challenged herself to go reverse alphabetic and called on members to make a ruckus if they were from Western Division (W), Southern Division (S), Pacific Division (P), Northern Division (N), Moreton Division (M), Eastern Division (E), Central Division (C) and Brisbane Division (B).

The flag parade followed.

District Director Denise opened the District Conference.

We then had a "Get to know your table neighbours" by trying to find a common thing. (Ours were "We all have been to the beach", whereas it seemed very popular to have been on a nudist cruise - you learn of new things all the time).

And we were ready for our first contest: Table Topics. It was chaired by last year's winner Thomas.

Contestant were asked to speak impromptu on "The next step". Contestants were Tally (S), Burt (N), Tara (C), Graham (B), Eden (P), Steve (E), Dudley (W) and Kate (M).

Unfortunately, there was one time disqualification.

The awards went to:

1. Steve
2. Tally
3. Graham

 

 

After morning tea, we heard from Rana (see above) followed by the first educational breakout session (see above) followed by lunch. After lunch, we heard from Kevin (see above), before we were ready for contest number two.

The International Speech Contest was chaired by last year's winner Michael.

He called on the following participants:

• Nathalie (W) - "Jump"
• Heidi (M) - "The Little Engine Within"
• Barbara (C) - "Lift Where You Stand"
• Tom (S) - "The Cover"
• Trevor (E) - "A Teddy Moment"
• Colin (B) - "Sunshine"
• Julius (N) - "The Only Way"

There was one time disqualification again.

We were able to congratulate:

1. Colin
2. Tom
3. Julius
   

 

Afterwards, we were able to chat a bit more over afternoon tea and stretch our legs before the gala dinner.

The evening saw us dressed in blue/green or Under the "C" themes: from sea creatures, pirates to Undercover agents.

Gala Dinner saw us having a two-course, alternative served meal as well as celebratory cake: The octopus round cake was organised (and decorated) by Heidi with the square carrot cake being provided by Lisa.

During dinner, we also had several rounds of trivia questions - with some tables being able to score 10 out of 10 in a few rounds.

Afterwards, there was a lot of dancing and singing until late at night.

On Sunday, Candice and Annette were again our MCs.

The District Celebration segment started by District Director Denise acknowledging the officers.

You can find more information on District 69's website: https://www.toastmastersd69.org/district-executive-2023-2024/

 

 

Afterwards, incoming District Director Lou called the incoming Top Table and Division Directors onto stage.

 

Public Relations Manager Thomas presented the Club PR Awards, first by giving us the shortlist/ finalist, then announcing the winner.

• Best Club Newsletter - Lockyer Valley
• Best Club Website - Mount Gravatt
• Best Club Social Media Campaign - Darling Downs
• Best Club Website & Social Media - Waterloo Bay

Thomas also awarded Dalby with the overall PR award since it made three times the shortlist, but never won.

Afterwards, we had the second educational breakout session (see above) before morning tea.

 

For the Evaluation Contest, chaired by last year's winner Kate, we first listened to Clyde presenting a speech titled "The Simple Answer".

Afterwards, Kate called on Franny (M), Robert (B), Kellie (P), Sue (N), Melanie (E), Megan (C), Tia (W) and Gerli (S) to give their evaluation.

Unfortunately, there was one time disqualification.

The placegetters were:

1. Sue
2. Gerli
3. Robert
   

 

After the contest, we had the third educational breakout session (see above) followed by lunch.

Then it was time for the Humorous Speech Contest which was chaired by last year's winner Marilyn.

Marilyn introduced:

• Dudley (W) - "A Happy Vegemite"
• Robert (B) - "Military Birds"
• Eva (N) - "The Sister Act"
• Chris (M) - "Love Is Not Enough"
• Graham (E) - "On-Air Adventure"
• Hillary (C) - "I Wish I Was Perfect"
• Colin (S) - "Wizards"
• Killie (P) - "What Would the World be Without Kids"

For the last contest, there were no timing disqualifications.

The awards went to:

1. Colin
2. Hillary
3. Graham
   

In the Conference Close, Lou awarded the Travelling Gavel (which was relocated) as well as the Adventurous Trophy. The former is calculated on the club with the most kilometres travelled (Supa) whereas the latter is the club with the most members attending (Murphy's Motivators).

Lou then thanked Chief Judge Lennard before calling the organising committee onto the stage. Kate gave a heartfelt closing speech thanking her team and graciously accepting some unwise decisions along the way.

Next year's District Conference will take place in the Gold Coast region.

Sandgate Toastmasters would like to acknowledge all contestants for making it to the District level, congratulate all the winners and extend best wishes to Colin since he is going on to the Regional finals with his International Speech "Sunshine".