This week’s Toastmasters meeting was nothing short of inspiring, engaging, and full of humor—an excellent reflection of the theme, The Art of Nurturing. With Thomas Bernard as Sergeant at Arms kicking things off, we were set for an energetic session filled with learning, laughter, and self-improvement.

A Theme Close to the Heart
The theme, chosen by Laura the Toastmaster, was particularly special as she is expecting her first child. It set the perfect tone for a discussion on fostering growth—whether in ourselves, our skills, or our relationships. Dean, our Grammarian, challenged us with the word clavicle (a word he became well-acquainted with after breaking his own in a mountain biking mishap), prompting some creative and unexpected uses throughout the meeting.

Next up was Louise Landess, fresh from the Jazz and Blues Festival. Her speech, Spot the Difference, showcased her expertise in communication—helping people tell their stories through presentations, CVs, and online platforms. She emphasised the power of words and the importance of distinguishing oneself in personal and professional narratives. Adding a humorous touch, she shared a story about her ex-partner breaking his clavicle while simply getting out of a car!

Table Topics: A Feast for the Mind
Erika Andrews led the Table Topics session, focusing on different types of nourishment. The standout moments included:

• Aaron humorously tackling emotional health, admitting he never expected to be asked such a question but sharing his deep reflections while mountain biking (even shedding a tear or two!).
• Jacqui discussing balancing rest and productivity, sharing her recent return to the gym and dog walking routine.
• Saxon speaking about a book that nourishes the soul, revealing that while reading isn’t his strong suit, he found Genghis Khan particularly fascinating.
• Filipe, with unwavering enthusiasm, declaring his love for meat—a staple in his diet for 30 years with no sign of boredom.
• Sabine exploring mental nourishment, advocating for Headway book summaries and podcasts.
• Tom reflecting on nourishing relationships, appreciating his one close friend despite living on the other side of the world.

Feedback that Fosters Growth
Evaluation is where the magic of improvement happens, and our evaluators delivered constructive insights:

• Aaron Webb commended Shaun’s strong breathing techniques and engaging delivery, suggesting he use more hand gestures and avoid trailing off at the end.
• Alana praised Louise’s preparation and audience impact, leaving us with practical takeaways on self-presentation.
• Erika, as Table Topics Evaluator, highlighted the strengths of each speaker, recognising confidence, humor, and self-awareness.
• Jacqui, as General Evaluator, provided well-rounded feedback, applauding everyone’s warmth, storytelling, and use of Te Reo Māori.

Final Thoughts & Takeaways
The meeting wrapped up with closing remarks from Laura, reminding us that nurturing involves patience, knowing when to step in and step back, and offering support in a way that truly benefits others.

A special congratulations to Sabine for winning her Division G Online Speech competition and to Aaron for taking home the Toastie Award!

As we move forward, let’s continue to nourish our skills, our confidence, and our connections. See you all at the next meeting!

Member blog, Hayley Ching