Meeting 1157 "Clubs"

 It was a rainy night, but we were cosy in the salubrious room in the RSL hall.

President Helen proposed a toast "To those who stand behind the club." She also handed out awards to members who had completed levels in Pathways. (Our educational system.)

Narelle - Level 2, Shaun - Level 1, Helen - Level 1, and Trish - Level 4 + Level 5.

"Salubrious" meaning health giving or pleasant was the word of the evening chosen by Narelle, and there was much laughter as our members endeavored to use the word. 

 Toastmaster Will kept the evening running smoothly, with encouraging remarks to each participant.

Will

Amy

Round Robin Master Amy asked whether we liked or hated the rain. This led to many entertaining answers - and an opportunity to use the word "Salubrious."

There were two Ice Breaker speeches.

In his speech "My Diverse Work History - and How it Shaped Me," Russell shared some of his experiences working on oil rigs and finally working with people with mental health problems.

George, in his speech "Sink or Swim" told of his love of canoeing and demonstrated various safety devices.

Russell

George

Other speeches were by Peter and Marlene.

Peter told the familiar story "The Return of the Prodigal Son" and explained the features of Rembrandt's famous painting of the story.

Peter

Rembrandt's painting

Marlene

In keeping with the meeting's theme of "Clubs," Marlene spoke about her 40 years involvement with the Sandgate World Vision Club.

Evaluators were John, Gail H, Christiane and Trish.

John

Gail

Christiane

Trish

Tracey was Timekeeper. 

Tracey

Helen's raffle, a meat tray from her local butcher was popular and members queued for tickets. It was won by George.

Helen's raffle

Meat Tray Raffle

Helen selling raffle tickets

Supper was provided by Christiane and Narelle.

Supper

Gail

Gail's Table Topics were based on the current Brisbane "Ekka" and the Olympics.

1. What is your favourite Olympic sport to watch? (Russell.)

2.What would you like to see at the 2032 Olympics? (Amy.)

3.Do think the Brisbane River is suitable for a swim marathon? (John.)

4. Do you intend to go to the Ekka? (Marlene.)

5. Is the Ekka worth the money? (Peter.)

6.What is your favourite food at the Ekka? (Trish.)

Waldorf

Narelle presented a "Who Am I? segment with a series of clues. It wasn't until she played a recording of the voice that several people guessed it was Waldorf from the Muppets. 

Narelle had been kept busy all night collecting votes and counting the times the word "Salubrious" was used. She finally revealed that Helen had beaten Trish (who usually wins.) Helen had used the word 26 times while Trish used it 24 times.

Helen

Trish

Shaun presented a detailed General Evaluation, commending what had been done well and offering suggestions for improvements. He reminded us to clap until a presenter reaches the lectern and to pay attention to handing over control.

Shaun

President Helen presented the awards to the evening's winners. Trish (Best Table Topic,) John (Best Evaluation,) George (Most Improved,) and Russell (Best Speech.)

Winners 13 Aug 2024

Next meeting 27th August.

Speech contests 10th September and 8th October.

Stall at Einbunpin Festival

Every year our club conducts a Toastmasters information stall at the Einbunpin Festival in Sandgate.

Thank you to all our club members who assisted with setting up our stall, chatting to visitors during the day and packing it up at the end of the day.

Special thanks to Christiane who coordinated our team.

Many people stopped by to find out about Toastmasters. We hope they will visit our club at our next meeting on the 13th August in the Sandgate RSL Hall at 12 Burnett Place where they will receive a warm and friendly welcome.

Some of our helpers
Christiane, Shaun, Arun, Peter & John

 

Christiane and Paul. Marlene in background.

Meeting 1156 "Einbunpin"

 What is Einbunpin?  What does the word mean?

Einbunpin Lagoon, Sandgate

It is the name of a beautiful lagoon in Sandgate, and it was the theme for our meeting because next Sunday Sandgate will hold its annual Einbunbin Festival and the area will come alive with performers, music, crafts etc.

Wordmaster Marlene explained that the lagoon was named by a German missionary Christopher Eipper in 1840. "Ein" is German for "A" and "Bunpin" is the name of a reed with an edible root that was used by the Turrbal and Gabi people who lived there. 

Members were challenged to use the word during the meeting, and Jonathon as Toastmaster easily won.

Jonathon

It was a "Draw" meeting. Everyone had to be prepared to fill any role that they drew from the container that Christiane had organised.

Arun proposed the Toast "To all those who came to the meeting on a cold night." (Might not be his exact words.) Although it was a cold night, the RSL Hall is quite cosy. 

Round Robin Master Paul asked, "What is your favourite festival?" Many were mentioned including Riverfire, Warana, Holi, Writers Fest, and an intriguing family festival held in Jonathon's garage! (You'll have to ask Jonathon!)

There were four prepared speeches. Carmy told a heartwarming story titled "Han's Coming Home" about two young Thursday Island boys.

Christiane (as reserve speaker) spoke about the planning and organising that was involved in our clubs recent 50th Anniversary Dinner. 

Carmy

Christiane

Arun presented a motivational speech titled "My Big 5 Strategies" in which he told how he had overcome problems and achieved his dreams.

John T had some good tips in his speech "How to Get Along with Almost Everyone."

Arun

John T

Speech Evaluators Narelle, Helen, Paul and Jonathon had some helpful commendations and suggestions.

Helen

Paul

Jonathon

Christiane was kept busy during the meeting. As well as speaking and timing, she brought the raffle which consisted of a do-it-yourself Christmas Advent calendar, coffee, coffee plunger and special pen. The lucky raffle winner was Helen.

Christiane

Christiane

Supper was provided by Gail and Jonathon. 

Supper - loved the brownies!

Marlene's Table Topics took the form of a role-playing session. Helen took the part of a visitor to our information stall at the Einbunpin Festival and Paul used his impromptu skills to tell her about Toastmasters.

Arun's role was a person who had once tried Toastmasters and Christiane encouraged him to come to our club and try again. 

Tracey played the part of a newcomer to the area who was looking for friends. Jonathon convinced her to come to Sandgate Toastmasters.

Helen and Paul

Arun and Christiane

Tracey

Jonathon

Table Topics Evaluators were John T and Gail H.

John T

Gail H

Tracey had everyone guessing with a "Who am I?" segment. It wasn't until she mentioned the Year 2000 Olympics that we guessed it was Cathy Freeman.

Gail H took to her soapbox and expressed how she felt about the electronic scooters that clutter the footpath and endanger pedestrians.

Helen had some helpful comments as General Evaluator.

The evenings awards went to Jonathon and Tracey - tie (Best Table Topic,) Narelle (Best Evaluation,) Arun (Best Speech) and Carmy (Most Improved.)  

Award winners 23rd July 2024

Next meeting - 13th August. (3 weeks away this time because there are 5 Tuesdays in July.)

We will be at the Einbunpin Festival this Sunday 28th July. 

Video | Facebook

Meeting 1155 "Talking Toastmasters"

 "What is Toastmasters?"  It is a question that we are likely to be asked at some time. 

Toastmaster of the evening Marlene called on several members during the meeting to answer the question and stressed that we need to be able to explain it clearly to anyone who asks about our organisation. 

Some meeting participants

More meeting participants

George proposed a toast (his first time) to "The King." 

In Chris's absence, Gail H presented the word that he had chosen for the evening, "Solitude." It seemed a challenge to use the word with the theme of "Talking Toastmasters" but several members used it at least once, even in the prepared speeches and Trish used it 13 times.

Round Robin Master Carmy asked "What were you looking for when you joined Toastmasters?" There was a wide variety of answers.

Round Robin

There were 3 prepared speakers - Shaun, Narelle and Trish. Trish even presented an extra speech at the last minute when one of the speaking slots became vacant.

Shaun

Trish

Shaun's speech "Chasing the Dream" was an inspiring account of how he used a serious setback as an opportunity to build willpower. 

Narelle used humour in her speech "Persuasion" and gave us some helpful suggestions on what to do when an objector interrupts your speech.

Trish's 2 speeches "None so Blind" and "Introvert to Unicorn" were an inspiring account of how she built her business as a Speaker Trainer.

Evaluators were Helen, Gail H, Jonathon and Gail W.

Helen

Gail H

Jonathon

Gail W

Gail W provided a popular raffle - a complete meal which she had prepared, including Spaghetti Bolognaise, pasta etc, and strawberries and cream for dessert.  Even the containers and cold bag were included. The lucky winner was Narelle.

Gail's raffle

Tickets sold fast

Supper was provided by Shaun and Helen.

Table Topics Master Arun had some Toastmasters themed topics for Paul, Jonathon, Carmy Gail W, Narelle, Helen and Gail W.

Arun TT Master

Paul - "First Impression of TM"

Jonathon- "First Experience of TM"

Carmy - "Most Improved Skill"

Gail W - "Most challenging part" 

Helen - "What Life Skill learned"

Gail H - "Most Memorable Event"

John T -Timekeeper

John T was Timekeeper for the evening. The timing lights were not working, so John improvised with coloured mugs and bowls.

The Table Topics were evaluated by Rosie.

Christiane arrived late on her way home from the airport and was given a Table Topic, "What is Toastmasters?" which she answered very satisfactorily.

General Evaluator Paul had some commendations and some helpful suggestions eg. Evaluate in third person rather than address the speaker, set up props before the speaker is announced, and the Toastmaster needs to lead the applause. 

Paul also conducted a Listening Quiz and found that everyone had listened very well during the meeting.

Gail H presented the club with a Presidents Distinguished Ribbon that had just been received in the mail - for last year!  Our club has gained Presidents Distinguished (the highest award) again this year, so we should receive another ribbon soon.

Winners of the evening were Trish (Best Speaker,) Gail W (Most Improved,) and Jonathon (Best Table Topic and Best Evaluation.)

Award winners 9th July 2024

Next Meeting on the 23rd July will be a Draw Meeting. All roles (except the prepared speeches, raffle & supper providers) will be drawn on the night, so be prepared!

Don't forget Club Officer Training on Saturday 13th July and the Einbunpin Festival on the 28th July.

So ... What is Toastmasters?

Watch this video

The Toastmasters Club Experience
https://youtu.be/383gehepo8M