Member blog by Kori Jones: On a chilly Friday morning, amidst the crisp air, a group of eager individuals gathered for another enriching session at Toastmasters. The energy was palpable, and the room buzzed with anticipation. Led by a dedicated team of role players, each person in attendance was set for a morning of learning, growth, and camaraderie. Let’s delve into the highlights of this memorable session.

The session kicked off with the warm welcome of Sergeant at Arms, Shaun Jacob. With his affable demeanour and engaging presence, Shaun set the tone for what promised to be an invigorating morning of communication mastery.

Louise Landess, the Toastmaster of the day, took the reins with confidence. Her eloquence and poise provided a guiding light for the speakers and attendees alike. As she introduced each segment, her words resonated with a sense of purpose and direction.

With ‘contemplating’ as the word of the day, Grammarian Richard Lipscombe added an element of linguistic finesse to the session. Throughout the meeting, he artfully highlighted language usage, fostering a deeper appreciation for the power of words.

Max Delaney seamlessly introduced the first speaker, Stephen McConnachie. His ability to set the stage and build anticipation demonstrated the crucial role an introducer plays in creating a captivating atmosphere.

Stephen McConnachie, the first speaker of the day, delivered a thought-provoking speech titled “Do as I Say, Not as I Do”. With a blend of personal anecdotes and insightful observations, Stephen challenged the audience to reflect on the complexities of evaluating feedback.

Dan Vann, the Table Topics Master, orchestrated a session of impromptu speaking that showcased the participants’ ability to think on their feet. The variety of topics and the creativity in responses left an indelible mark on the room.

Richard Smart, the first evaluator, provided constructive feedback that highlighted the strengths of Stephen McConnachie’s speech. His insightful observations and encouraging remarks paved the way for growth and improvement.

Jacqui Anderson, the Table Topics Evaluator, faced a particularly daunting task, providing feedback for a remarkable number of participants. Her dedication and astute observations earned her the well-deserved Toastie award.

Sabine Parry, the General Evaluator, provided a comprehensive overview of the session. Her keen observations and thoughtful insights demonstrated a deep appreciation for the nuances of effective communication.

Alannah Vickery, the Timer, ensured that the session flowed seamlessly. Her precision in keeping time allowed each segment to unfold smoothly, contributing to the overall success of the meeting.

As the session ended, the room was filled with a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie. Each role player, from the Toastmaster to the Timer, played a pivotal role in creating an environment conducive to growth and connection. This Toastmasters session was a testament to the power of effective communication in fostering personal and professional development. Until the next meeting, may we continue to inspire and be inspired by the art of eloquence.