The first meeting of the Three Kings Toastmasters Club year got off to a flying start with the Chairman, Mohamed, arriving fresh off the plane from Australia at 7.01 pm. Mohamed had successfully organised the meeting from Sydney and with admirable assurance went straight in to the programme for the evening. He introduced grammarian, Ratul, who challenged us to use the word “Stentorian”, the Ah Counter, Sherry, who was looking for the Winner for the evening and the Timekeeper , Emily.
The informal theme of flight was continued by Smile Storyteller, Kasanita, who told us a wonderful story about not uttering a word during a helicopter ride. Then later in Table Topics by Jeffrey and Yash (a guest) promoting a time machine and by Ted about a trip to the moon.
Yaona, enjoying herself in the role of Toastmaster for the first time, introduced the three prepared speeches to take the audience on a flight of imagination and inspiration. First was Heather recounting a “Lesson from a Bus Ride” where she skilfully juxtaposed the conversation that was occurring on a seat behind her with her own internal dialogue about whether she should intervene and say something or not. Second was new member, Jess, giving a powerful speech about how to change one’s life. Third was Raymond gently encouraging us to consider disability with different eyes.
Experienced Toastmaster from Mt Albert Toastmasters Club, Sandy Hu, who does not own a computer, treated us to a 20+ minute educational on the intricacies of Pathways. She was skilfully able to demonstrate and to persuade those of us doubters that there is much on offer in the new system.
After plentiful food and drink the meeting resumed with perceptive and helpful evaluations of the prepared speeches by Sherry, Steve and Jessica.
General business, including presentation of the year’s financial report for the club by Treasurer, Richard, preceded Table Topics. Jeffrey, the Table Topics master, conjured up an auction and asked speakers to “sell” various items including a pen, shampoo, a year’s supply of KFC, a trip to the moon, and canister of southern Alps air and a time machine to the audience. The results were hilarious although not necessarily successful. Table topic evaluators, Chris and Ivo maintained the humorous and positive atmosphere with their comments.
President Kevin concluded the evening by asking for feedback from guests and by praising those who were taking on their particular role for the first time including Mohamed, Yaona, Ratul, Emily, Kasanita, Jessica, and Jeffrey. They had all contributed to an enjoyable evening that flew by.
