We had a wonderful, fun evening full of captivating stories and intriguing information. It was a night of new members trying something new, taking the plunge!
The meeting started with a warm welcome from President Magda and Liz (Chairman). The theme was “Trying Something New”, which Liz had aptly chosen as it was our club’s first meeting in Spring 2017. Kevin introduced our guests. Liz set an exciting mood for the meeting and introduced Brett (Grammarian), Linda (Ah Counter) and Bles (Time Keeper). Brett presented the Word of the Night – “atrocious”. Then Hazel entertained us with a Smile Story about chickens, and in the process made us laugh by imitating a chicken.
Jeet took the role of the Toastmaster for the first time. She warmly welcomed and introduced our six speakers for the prepared speeches, including three new members who presented their Icebreakers.
Stephanie presented her second speech titled “Tennis Marathon”, detailing her three hours long tennis match against a strong opponent. She offered a lively demonstration of some of her tennis moves, and at the end of her speech she affirmed that she will never stop trying.
The next speaker was Lakshmi who did her Icebreaker speech. She told us interesting stories from her childhood – including her experience of picking mangoes and killing a snake. Lakshmi also explained how she was like “A Fish Out of Water” when she started working and when she first came to New Zealand.
Sean also presented his Icebreaker, speaking about his “Three Car Crashes in New Zealand”. He demonstrated a great sense of humour with his anecdotes, his use of words and the use of his voice. Sean humorously explained that he was horrified at his first two crashes, but was happy when the third incident occurred because it was not him but somebody else who ripped off his car’s bumper.
Priya eloquently presented the next Icebreaker “On a Boxing Day”. She told a captivating story about how she narrowly escaped the Boxing Day 2004 tsunami by taking a different route when visiting her native land Sri Lanka. Priya also shared her vivid pictures of the devastation of the disaster. She concluded her speech by saying that she had no answer as to why she escaped.
Celia also did her second speech. She began by sharing her memories of holidaying with her family near Goat Island Marine Reserve. Celia shared her knowledge as a Marine Science graduate, explaining the importance of Marine Reserves. She provided a case of the establishment of Goat Island Marine Reserve that restored the population of snappers, resulting in the reduction of their prey kinas, and consequently restoring the sea flora previously overeaten by kinas.
Jim spoke about the drinking (alcohol, not tea) culture in his native China. He informed us about the differences among drinking with people from your workplace, with people from another company, and with friends and family. Jim also entertained his audience with his personal stories of increasing his drinking capacity and of drinking with his father-in-law. Further, he taught us that in some parts of China getting guests drunk means good hospitality.
After the prepared speeches, our guest and members enjoyed excellent hospitality and food arranged by Kevin.
Our Table Topics Master Kuldeep came prepared with topics regarding trying new things like a new restaurant, a new sport, a new mode of transport to get to work, and cooking something new. He also asked Zainab to speak about playing a new musical instrument. She hadn’t played one, so she sang a song. She told us that it was her last meeting at our club due to new work commitment on Thursday nights. Zainab expressed her appreciation of how Toastmasters helped her get her new job. We were sad to see her go, but delighted to hear her success story. Then Ted and Grant offered a light-hearted Table Topics Evaluation.
Next, Magda hosted the Business Session. Kevin presented to Magda the Triple Pin, which is given to any member who has achieved three of more Awards in a year. Magda achieved four in a year! Kevin then spoke about District 72’s proposal to put our club in a new Division H in a mix with clubs South and East of Auckland. He explained that it would imply Division events being held further away from our club meeting place.
In our Grammarian’s Report, Brett remarked the frequency our meeting attendees using the Word of the Night. It was well used. Not atrocious at all!
Finally, Supriya conducted the General Evaluation for the meeting, and Magda gave her Closing Comments.
