Einbunpin Festival

As every year, we also had a stall this year.

The sun was shining when the stall was built and the bunting hung up.

Here are some impression of the day.

We attracted several visitors - some with stories of how natural Toastmaster slang is to us. (A reminder that we don't assume everybody knows what Toastmasters is and all those acronyms).

We are looking forward to many visitors at our next meeting on August 8.

Thank you to all members helping out - volunteering on the day as well as pulling strings in the background by signing us up etc.

Meeting 1133 - "Toastmasters"

You might wonder why Marlene chose the theme of Toastmasters at a Toastmasters meeting. She was very thoughtful: She explained that she wanted us to think about how we will answer the question "What is Toastmasters?" on this coming Sunday at the Einbunpin festival. We had ample opportunity to reflect why we came to Toastmasters and why we stayed - ready to be grilled by the festival visitors to find out more about Toastmasters.

For the first time, Sergeant at Arms Helen called the meeting to order and read us the mission statement.

President Gail H was on fire with her to-do list:

• Opening meeting 

• Report on Club Officer Training
  

• Welcoming first-time guests Daniel & Shaun (have you ever seen anybody be so excited as Rosie to introduce our guest?) as well as returning guest Will
  

• Presenting member badges to Gail W and Helen
  

• Presenting the secretary certificate to Chris
  

• Inducting Michael officially into our club

 

 

 

Marlene introduced us to the theme with the explanation above.

She called on Liz We for program changes - just one small change.

Hazel cross-examined Toastmasters core values of integrity, respect, service and excellence. She toasted to "Toastmasters Core Values and especially Integrity".

It was time for Narelle to present the word of the evening: Toast. Not sure if she was aware, but every time we handed back to Madame Toastmaster, she had to add a tally for each person...

Gokul led us in the Round Robin with "The one thing you love most about Toastmasters" - bringing toasty responses from hype to confidence to learning while having fun. Even our guests were fired up to give their opinion.

 

The three speeches of the evening were presented by:

1. 

   Arun - "What got me here" (Dynamic Leadership path, Level 5, project 1: Reflect on Your Path) received a standing ovation because Arun has completed a path. His take home message was to get out of your comfort zone and put up your hand. The speech was evaluated by Helen.
   
2. Trish - "Meetings - What, Why, How" (Motivational Strategies path, Level 1, project 4 - Researching and Presenting) took us on a journey where meetings originated and how not to hold them. In her evaluation, Christiane pointed out the humour which was used to convey the preparation into setting up a successful meeting.
   
3. Liz We - "Easy: Easy speak as a club management tool" (Visionary Communication path, level 4, project 1 - Communicate Change) which introduced the club to the new program scheduling and how to request roles. Paul commented in his evaluation that although it might be a challenging software, Liz We presented the advantages.

Trying to persuade us to buy raffle tickets, Gail W presented the perfect dinner for two prepared: her secret Bolognese sauce with fresh pasta, parmesan cheese, garlic bread and red wine. Our taste buds were sizzling.

We learnt from Timer Michael that we were running slightly overtime, so the supper break was shortened.

We still managed to buy raffle tickets, prepare a hot drink, stuff our faces with non-toasted items provided by Paul and Liz We as well as catch up with members and guests.

 

 

 

After the break, we went into Table Topics (those impromptu sparks were flying). Gail H asked:

1. Michael - What made you decide to join Sandgate Toastmasters? Improve in speaking to media on daily basis.
2. Rosie - What made you decide to come back to Sandgate Toastmasters? Good place, great people, good training
   
3. Narelle - What have you found to be the most useful about being in Toastmasters? Giving me the confidence that it is ok to make a mistake
   
4. Christiane - Do you really enjoy being in Speech contests? YES, bring them on (since they let you grow)
   

The Table Topics were evaluated by Chris and Hazel commenting on reviewing structure to bring the Table Topic to the next level.

During the collection of our votes by Helen, Marlene was able to impart some more knowledge of her nearly 30 years with Toastmasters.

Narelle gave her summary report of how we used the word "toast" not only within Toastmasters, but also toasty, being toast and having no burned bread within a meeting. The winner was Trish, closely followed by Arun and Helen.

General Evaluator Jonathon commented about the vibe, especially pointing out the double sell strategy by Gail W and the executive call by Gail H to cut down Table Topic questions before he moved into commenting about the evaluations and how to redefine parameters to suit our listening skills.

Rosie kept us on our toes with the Listening Quiz' questions about what we heard and seen tonight. We passed with flying colours - the amount collected was very minimal.

Gail W asked our guest Daniel to draw the winner which was a very happy Paul.

In closing, Gail H asked the visitors for feedback, reminded us of upcoming events (contests, August 29 meeting and Area conference) as well as presenting the awards:

Best Speech - Arun

Best Table Topic - Rosie

Best Evaluation - Paul

Most Improved - Michael

Our next meeting will be on August 8.

Change-Over Dinner - "Moving Forward"

Celebrating the year which was and welcoming the year to improve in communication and leadership, was the purpose of the Change-Over Dinner.

Incoming President Gail H had selected “Moving Forward” and John even found a fitting quote which he presented (see in picture).

The evening was opened by none other than our outgoing Sergeant at Arms Gokul who changed his script for the venue change. We celebrated at The Sands Social.

Outgoing President Paul welcomed us to the meeting before welcoming our visitors outgoing Area Director Suresh and Area Director Suzanne as well as guests Brian, Colin and Peter S. It was followed by his outgoing speech which included acknowledging the newest members (and their achievements) as well as congratulating all Sandgate members for reaching President's Distinguished Club.

Toastmaster of the evening was John Topping who started with a joke, then a quote and moved into the Warm Up/Round Robin segment. 

 

The topic was supplied by Jonathon who was sadly absent: "Tell us about a difficult decision you had to make to be able to move forward." We listen to stories about job changes and moving to a new country, but also the decision to go to university as well as accepting all the suggestions from the future in-laws for the upcoming wedding.

Christiane gave us the invocation for the meal to follow shortly. 

Prior though, Trish was able to see if we had been paying attention (and/or reading the blog) to answer her 10 questions (with 2 bonus points). Gail H was the winner with knowing all the answers.

Dan presented the toast to "Sandgate Toastmasters Club and Toastmasters International".

We were then served with alternating options of steak or chicken parmigiana.

 

 

 

 

Before we were treated to dessert (carrot slice or cherry ripe slice), Table Topics masters Narelle and Helen called on:

1. Peter - If you're not moving forward, you are...
   
2. Arun - Moving is challenging, tell us about your challenging experience moving. - He gave us loads of examples.
   
3. Gail W - How do you know when it's time to move on? - You just know.
   
4. Gokul - What rules would you like to change at school, work or home? - He gave us many.
   
5. Michael - What are a few fun ways to answer the boring question of "What do you do for work?"? - Chirades.
   
6. Trish - If you could only wear one colour of clothing forever, what would it be? - We were not surprised! (If you don't know, look at her photo)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Afterwards we entered the official part were Outgoing Area Director Suresh thanked the 2022/2023 officers before dismissing them.

Subsequently, our Area Director for 2023/2024 Suzanne inducted the 2023/2024 officers before presenting her Area Director speech. She invited us to Save the Date: November 5 for the Area 8 conference.

 

Immediate Past President Paul had the honour to present three awards:

• 100% attendance - Marlene 

(with Gail H receiving an honourable mention since she only missed 2 meetings due to a holiday trip, but made up for those by visiting the Area (for 2 areas), Division and District conference as well as judging at club level)

• Most Improved - Arun (this award is voted on by the combined officers - outgoing and incoming)

• Toastmaster of the Year - John (this award is allocated using a point system for roles, level completion, contest participation etc.)

Thereupon we heard from President Gail and her outlook on the year ahead especially pointing out the 50th year of chartering Sandgate Toastmasters Club in May 2024, but also contests, officer training and encouragement to new members.

The raffle draw followed which was organised and run by Marlene and Gail W. Lucky winners were Christiane (three times!), Michael, Marlene, Liz We and Suzanne.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, all attendees were encouraged to pick a book (or two) from the book swap table which had been overflowing with choices.

President Gail thanked all attendees in her close and reminded us of our next meeting on July 25.

Meeting 1131 "Music"

 "Groovy" was the word chosen by our Wordmaster Helen, and it proved to be a groovy meeting. Club President Paul welcomed everyone, including our new member Michael and guest Will.

Control was then handed to Gokul as Toastmaster of the evening, who used a burst of bright music to introduce the theme he had chosen - "Music."  John proposed a toast "To Music."

    Gokul

John

Helen explained that she loved the songs from "The Sound of Music," and had everyone singing "Do Re Me."

Helen

Round Robin Master Marlene invited everyone to tell what their favourite music was. The responses were varied - including Classical, Rock & Roll, Country & Western, Blue Grass, Bollywood and others.

Gail W presented her Icebreaker speech, "Seen and Heard." She told of some past experiences and the reason she had decided to join Toastmasters.

Paul's amusing speech  "Confessions of a Lapsed Toastmaster " was about his procrastination in preparing a speech.

Gail W

Paul

Narelle's speech about body language had everyone in fits of laughter.

Narelle's audience

The speech evaluators were Tony, Dan and Jonathon. 

Tony

Dan

Jonathon

 

The raffle, supplied by Narelle was a box crammed with goodies and was very popular. It was won by Gokul.

Narelle's Raffle 

Supper, provided by Peter and Gail W was a good time to catch up.

Supper Time

Catching up

Trish conducted the Table Topics session, with topics for Liz, Michael, Tony, Gail H, Helen, Peter and Rosie. She finally revealed that she had chosen the topics with the help of Chat GPT.

Trish

The topics were:

1. What type of music don't you like and why?

2. If you could learn to play a musical instrument, which one would you choose and why?

3.Who is your favourite singer or band?

4. How does music influence your mood and energise or relax you?

5. Do you have a particular song that has sentimental value?

6. What was a memorable concert that you have attended?

7. What is your all time favourite song and why?

Liz

Rosie

 

The Table Topics were evaluated by Peter and Arun.

Peter

Arun

Timekeeper Rosie announced that the meeting was running right on time.

Michael Dan & Rosie

Hazel gave a comprehensive General Evaluation of the entire meeting.

Hazel

The evening's awards were presented to Tony - Best Table Topic, Tony and Jonathan (Tie) - Best Evaluation, Narelle and Gail W (tie) - Best Speech and Gail W - Most Improved.

Award Winners 27 June

There will no meeting on the 11th July as we will be attending our Changeover Dinner. 

Next Regular Meeting will be on the 25th July.

Meeting 1130 "Endurance"

 Toastmasters always manage to rise to the occasion. Although winter ills and work commitments had resulted in a lower attendance, the programme was easily filled with many members taking on extra roles.

Dan took on the role of Sergeant at Arms in Gokul's absence. He opened the meeting and handed control to President Paul.

Dan

Paul

Paul welcomed first time visitor Michael and introduced the word for the evening, "Persevere."

John presented the toast to "The development of mental endurance."

Gail W

Gail W presented the "Round Robin" warm up by asking "What is the most recent thing that you endured and what have you learned about yourself from it?" 

This provoked some interesting stories. Some were amusing. Some could possibly be developed into a full length speech in the future.

The prepared speeches were delivered by three of our most advanced speakers, John, Liz and Trish.

John

Liz

Trish

John's speech "Shopping Strife with My Wife" had everyone laughing.

Liz's inspiring speech about her journey in Toastmasters was a "Serving as a Leader in a Volunteer Organisation" project.

Trish inspired us with her speech "Say No to Imposter Syndrome."

They were evaluated by Jonathon, Gail and Peter.

Jonathon

Gail

Peter

Dan

Dan offered an non-alcoholic as well as an alcoholic choice in his raffle which resulted in a brisk trade for tickets. It was won by Trish.

Dan's Raffle

Supper was provided by Leanne and John. Even though Leanne was unable to attend the meeting, she had made a quiche and delivered it before the meeting, which was greatly appreciated and disappeared fast! I almost didn't get a photo!

Leanne's quiche

Supper time

Marlene conducted the Table Topics session, inviting participants to draw a word from a bag and to speak about it. All the words were related to endurance.

Participants were Hazel, with the word "climb." Paul - "illness," Peter - "long wait," Gail - "toothache," Chris - "hard work". And our guest Michael who agreed to take part, spoke on the word "hunger." (He later told us that Trish's speech had inspired him to give it a go!)

The topics were evaluated by Hazel and Dan. Hazel was also timekeeper.

Hazel

Dan

Grammarian Jonathon mentioned some of the alliterations during the speeches and gave some hints on avoiding filler words.

Paul, in spite of having to perform multiple meeting roles managed to give a comprehensive and helpful general evaluation of the entire meeting.

Award winners of the evening were Peter (Most Improved,) Michael (Best Table Topic,) Trish (Best Speech,) and Jonathon (Best Evaluation.)

Award winners 13 June 2023

Next meeting Tuesday 27th June. 

The following meeting on the 11th July will be our Change Over Dinner at "The Sands Social" to mark the beginning of a new Toastmasters year, which always starts in July.