Dear Blue Tongue members, intending members and guests,
Last week a number of our club members were able to attend the Area 47 Humorous Speech and Table Topics contests which was hosted by Lane Cove Toastmasters.
We were there to support our contestant (Geoff), assist with the running of the event and see some of the best public speakers in our local area. The competing clubs (in Area 47) are:
Blue Tongue Toastmasters
Chandos Challengers
Engineers Sydney
Lane Cove Toastmasters
Fujitsu Toastmasters (only recently chartered)
During the first half of the evening the Table Topics contest was run. It was a very challenging question, presented to all the participants, and all the competitors gave well structured answers. Geoff responded well to the table topic and represented our club well. The answer judged the best, on the evening, was that delivered by Alison Dubos (Chandos Challengers) and Alison won the perpetual trophy, represents the Area at the Hawkesbury Division contest to be held this Sunday (27th September).
There was then a supper recess prior to the Humorous Speech contest held in the second half of the evening.
The Area 47 Humorous Speech Contest was a very close event and all 3 contestants delivered excellent speeches. There can only be 1 winner and this was Jenny Chen from Lane Cove Toastmasters. Jenny delivered a very well prepared speech on a brand new all-purpose GPS model she wanted designed. Jenny won the perpetual trophy, represents the Area at the Hawkesbury Division contest to be held this Sunday (27th September).
Thanks to all our members who were able to attend on the evening and provide assistance (to help with the event):
Geoff Greenwood
Elke van Ewyk
Jason Chan
Mark Ransom
Mark Olford
Masafumi Moden
Ying Ng
Blue Tongue Toastmasters (16th Sept) – Area 47 Humorous Speech and Table Topics Contests – Draft agenda for meeting Wednesday 30th September
September 24th, 2009The next meeting for Blue Tongue Toastmasters (16th Sept) will coincide with the Area 47 Humorous Speech and Table Topics Contest
September 11th, 2009** Update** The next meeting for Blue Tongue Toastmasters (16th Sept) will coincide with the Area 47 Humorous Speech and Table Topics Contest and thus we be attending this to support Geoff and Elke.
Our regular meeting venue / format will return on 30th September (agenda to be sent out after Area Contest).
When: 7.15pm, Wednesday 16th September (for 7.30pm start) – There are music lessons in the venue up until 7pm.
Where: Lane Cove Music & Cultural Association Inc 266 Longueville Road Lane Cove NSW 2066
How much: $10 for club members (club will subsidise) and $18 for non-members
This is at the other end of Longueville Road from the Epping Road side & Lane Cove Shops end. Plenty of parking close by.
Jason Chan has offered to collect any members who need a lift from IBM (I assume to leave at 7pm). Please confirm with Jason directly (jaschan@au1.ibm.com) if you need a lift.
Please mail or call me should there be any questiions.
Best regards,
Mark Ransom
VP Education
Blue Tongue Toastmasters
ph: 0419 767 250
mransom@optusnet.com.au
Toastmasters Renewal Fees are due for payment.
September 11th, 2009Hi,
Toastmasters renewal fees are due for payment before end of September (this month).
Based on feedback received (and the extra expenses we are incurring) the club executive have decided to set the fee structure as follows:
6 month fees (1/Oct/09 to 30/Mar/10) – $60
12 month fees (1/Oct/09 to 30/Sept/10) – we will discount the fees to $100.
Please pay these (to the Treasurer) at the club meeting (a receipt can be issued, if required)or via bank transfer (use your name as reference):
Westpac, St Leonards
Blue Tongue Toastmasters
BSB: 032-297
A/C: 16-6242
regards and respond to me if there are any questions
Mark Ransom
Blue Tongue Toastmasters
Treasurer
ph: 0419 767 250
Blue Tongue Toastmasters Meeting 19th Aug (2009 Humorous Speech Contest) – Draft Agenda for Meeting Wednesday 2nd September
August 25th, 2009Dear Blue Tongue members, intending members and guests,
Meeting #128 was the 2009 Humorous Speech Competition. Mark took on the role of competition chairman and chaired the rest of the meeting. Our special guest and Chief Judge for the competition was the new Area 47 Governor Dinesh de Silva.
During the first half of our meeting, Geoff presented the Table Topics assignments to the non competitors: Marcus, Mark, Dinesh and Tara. The table topics session concluded with Elke providing the evaluations.
The second half of the meeting this week was reserved for the humorous competition. The competitors in the humorous competition were Jason, Geoff and Elke. The crucial time keeping duties went to Marcus.
Jason was the first contestant and delivered a speech titled “Tips for achieving peak performance”. Our 2nd contestant, Geoff, had a speech on his canoeing
adventures across 40 rivers (in 40 days?). The final competitor Elke delivered her speech
about a late night ‘bird’ experience in her first share house experience. The contestants were judged by the Dinesh, Mark and Tara.
The competition was a closely contested event, with each judge nominating a different winner. And the winner was finally decided by the Tie Break points system.
The winner of the 2009 Blue Tongue Toastmasters Humorous Contest, who will represent our club at the upcoming Area 47 contest, is Elke van Ewyk.
Congratulations also goes to Geoff, who was the runner up for the event.
The evening concluded with Marcus delivering the timer’s report. And Dinesh delivering an evaluation of our club and for the evening.
Once again, thank you to everyone who took part in the humorous event. A special thank you to Elke for organising membership badges and championship trophies.
Reminder that Mark has the ‘Entertainment Book’ available for sale ($65) with all profits to help the club purchase equipment such as contest trophies and name badges. Please let Mark has books for review at the club meeting - it offers a large range of discounts (valid until 1st June 2010) to restaurants, clubs, events (eg movie tickets) etc.
__________________________________________________________________________
The next meeting for Blue Tongue Toastmasters will be held on Wednesday 2nd September and will back to our usual meeting format.
When: 5.45pm, Wednesday 2nd September
Where: IBM Building (Room 13.05)
601 Pacific Highway
St Leonards NSW 2065
We will be meeting in the ground floor reception area at 5.30pm before going up to the meeting room.
I have attached below a draft agenda for the meeting. Please let me know:
a) If you will be attending the meeting or send your apologies
b) If you would like to present any other assignment – I am looking for members to take on the following meeting assignments:
My Word
Table Topics Evaluation (1)
Visitors Welcome
Toastmaster
Speaker Evaluators (2)
Did You Listen?
General Evaluator
Best regards,
Mark Ransom
VP Education
Blue Tongue Toastmasters
ph: 0419 767 250
Blue Tongue Toastmasters Meeting 5th Aug (2009 Table Topics Contest)
August 17th, 2009Dear Blue Tongue members, intending members and guests,
Meeting #127 was the 2009 BTTM Table Topics Competition. Elke took on the chair role (and Table Topics Contest Chair) for this meeting (one of the 4 annual club competitons we hold at BTTM).
Jason took on the critical timing role for the meeting and contest. Both Tara and Ying supported Elke in her role to ensure a well-run contest was held.
The competitors in the Table Topics competition (held in the first half of the meeting) were Damien, Geoff and Mark (well done to all 3 for participating). Elke provided the Table Topic and the presentations were evaluated by a more than capable panel of judges.
The winner of the 2009 Blue Tongue Toastmasters Table Topics competition, who will represent our club at the upcoming Area 47 contest, is Geoff Greenwood
Congratulations Geoff, your trophy (for winning this competition) is being engraved. Should Geoff not be able to represent the club then Mark (who was runner up in the contest) will take on this responsibility.
After the recess there were 2 Ice Breaker speeches delivered. Elke took on the Toastmaster role.
Damien told us of his experiences coming to Australia and added alot of humour into his speech. Congratulations Damien for delivering your first prepared speech at the club.
Ying related a number of her travel experiences across China and other parts of East Asia. We all found our alot more about what motivates and drives Ying.
Geoff provided great feedback to Damien and Mark evaluated Ying. Both these evaluations were delivered in a contructive and sympathetic manner.
Tara took on the Did you listen role and quizzed us all on a number of various ideas that were raised through the evening.
Json followed with his timer’s report.
This was a great competitoin meeting and we are all looking forward to the Humorous Speech competition to be held at our next meeting (Wednesday 19th August).
____________________________________________________________________________
The next meeting for Blue Tongue Toastmasters features the 2009 Humorous Speech Competition (open to all club members). All members are encouraged to enter the Speech Contest. If you don’t wish to compete all help (to run this contest) will be greatfully appreciated. Our new Area 47 Governor (Dinesh de Silva) will be taking on the role of chief Judge for our contest.
When: 5.45pm, Wednesday 19th August
Where: IBM Building (Room 13.05)
601 Pacific Highway
St Leonards NSW 2065
We will be meeting in the ground floor reception area at 5.30pm before going up to the meeting room.
I have attached below a draft agenda for the meeting. Please let me know:
a) If you will be attending the meeting or send your apologies
b) If you would like to present any other assignment – I am looking for members to take on the following meeting assignments:
Evaluators for Humorous Speech contest
Sergeant at Arms for Table Topics Contest
Table Topics (for non-participants only)
Table Topics Evaluation
Visitors Welcome
So we can plan resources for the evening please confirm if you intend entering the Humorous Speech competition by return email (contestants so far – Jason, Geoff, Damien, Mat and Elke).
Best regards,
Mark Ransom
VP Education
Blue Tongue Toastmasters
ph: 0419 767 250
Blue Tongue Toastmasters Meeting 22nd July (Yummy Changeover Dinner) - Draft Agenda for Meeting Wednesday 5th August (2009 Table Topics Contest).
August 4th, 2009Dear Blue Tongue members, intending members and guests,
Meeting #126 was “Change Over” dinner meeting held at Nigiri’s Indian restaurant at St Leonards. The dinner was held to welcome in the newly elected committee members and to thank the departing committee members. The meeting took on an abridged format to accommodate for the members to enjoy the Nigiri banquet.
The meeting, charied by Mark, began with our newly elected president Dale dedicating a toast thanking the departing BlueTongue Executive welcoming in the newly elected BlueTongue Executive for 2009/10.
The table topic this evening was provided by Ying with a series of food related topics ranging from; how we would promote foods from different countries to the different types of food that we would serve to the different type of guests. It was evident that everyone has great knowledge in this area.
Geoff provided great feedback to each member without spilling a drop of his Indian beer.
The toastmaster for the speech assignment was taken on by Jorgen. He expertly introduced our first speaker Geoff. In his speech, Geoff shared his passion for writing, travelling and wine with the members. It was an entertaining speech which everyone enjoyed.
Our second speech was an educational series on Impromptu Speaking presented by Elke. A number of members were busily taking down notes in preparation for next week’s Table Topics competition.
Tara took on the evaluation duties for Geoff’s speech. Her evaluation reflected the feelings of enjoyment felt by all members listening that night.
Elke’s speech was then evaluated by Mark who offered a well balanced feedback. And Jason followed with the timer’s report.
The meeting concluded at 7:20pm.
____________________________________________________________________________
The next meeting for Blue Tongue Toastmasters includes our 2009 Table Topics Competition (open to all club members). All members are encouraged to enter the Table Topics Contest. If you don’t wish to compete any help (to run this contest) will be greatfully appreciated
When: 5.45pm, Wednesday 5th August
Where: IBM Building (Room 13.05)
601 Pacific Highway
St Leonards NSW 2065
We will be meeting in the ground floor reception area at 5.30pm before going up to the meeting room.
I have attached below a draft agenda for the meeting. Please let me know:
a) If you will be attending the meeting or send your apologies
b) If you would like to present any other assignment – I am looking for members to take on the following meeting assignments:
Timer for the evening (including the Table Topics Contest)
Evaluators for Table Topic contest
Sergeant at Arms for Table Topics Contest
Toastmaster
Evaluator (speech)
Visitors Welcome
Did you Listen?
So we can plan resources for the evening please confirm if you intend entering the Table Topics competition by return email (contestants so far – Jason, Dale, Mark, Geoff and Jorgen).
Best regards,
Mark Ransom
VP Education
Blue Tongue Toastmasters
ph: 0419 767 250
Blue Tongue Toastmasters Meeting 8th July – CHANGEOVER DINNER – 22nd July 2009 – ALL WELCOME
July 16th, 2009Dear Blue Tongue members, intending members and guests,
The last meeting (Meeting #125) was held on Wednesday the 8th July and chaired by Dale (our new club president). This meeting is also the first for the newly elected members. Mark took on the timing assignment while Dale provided our ‘Word of the Day’ – ‘Recover’.
We had 2 visitor at the meeting – Andy who was originally from Hong Kong and have been in Australia for two years. Chris, a Chatswood local who recently become a graduate of Fitness Institute of Australia.
The table topic for the evening presented by Jason was on meanings and origins of Australian idioms. Tara, our newest club member was the evaluator for the table topics speeches and gave all speakers great tips.
Mark was the winner for the evening with his descriptions of the idiom ” Leaving the porch light on for Harold Holt”.
Ying, inspired by the creativity of the MasterChef series, delivered a heart-felt Toast to all the amateur cooks who are cooking for passion and bringing families together.
Marcus welcomed our two guest for the evening, Andy and Chris. Marcus asked them both to share with us an embarrassing moment. For Andy it was at that very moment, while Chris relived his experience in a riding the London underground (the tube).
Elke took on the road of the Toastmaster and introduced:
Mawkus (Marcus) who delivered his second speech on the topic of self help. Mawkus delivered a powerful speech on how one can start to achieve by employing techniques to turn out on bad experience of ones past. Mawkus’ speech also took out the speech for the evening.
Mark our next speaker then set the scene and then delivered Patrick Henry’s stirring call to arms delivered just before the American War of Independence – “Give me liberty or give me death”.
Mawkus was evaluated by Matt, who also shared a passion on the topic of self help. “Never admit you are nervous to the audience” was a key evaluation offered by Matt.
Mark was then evaluated by Elke, who also gave an excellent evaluation on how Mark was able to achieve passion by varying the pace of speech.
Jason then delivered the “Did you Listen” assignment based on speeches made by our club members and guests through the evening.
Dale scored our efforts on weaving his Word of the Day ‘Recover’ into our assignments during the evening. Dale also commented on the use of ‘filler’ words such as Ums & Ahs.
The final evaluation was by Elke who presented a General Evaluation of the meeting – looking at all the roles and assignments not previously evaluated.
Our two visitors also gave their feedback on the evening’s proceedings.
The meeting was closed by Dale at 7:20 pm.
____________________________________________________________________________
The next meeting for Blue Tongue Toastmasters is our Annual CHANGEOVER DINNER – to be held on Wednesday the 22nd of July 2009.
When: 5.45pm for 6pm, Wednesday 22nd July
Where: Nilgiri’s (2 doors down from the Post Office).
81-83 Christie St
St Leonards NSW 2065
We can meet in the reception area at IBM at 5.30pm to go to the restaurant.
This is an award winning Indian restaurant (we held our last changeover dinner here – I expect this to be a great meeting with table topics and prepared speeches (it will be a slightly amended agenda (refer attached)).
The club will be subsiding the banquet food menu. All members (and any visitors who join and pay on the night) will pay $20 only per head. Visitors are welcome however the cost will be $42 per head). Drinks are not included and will be ‘pay as you go’.
We MUST Know who will be attending (to confirm our booking) by this Friday 17th July (reply to this email advising Yes/No).
I have attached below a draft agenda for the meeting. Please let me know:
a) If you will be attending the meeting or send your apologies
b) If you would like to present any other assignment – I am looking for members to take on the following meeting assignments:
Evaluators for table topics (2)
Visitors Welcome
Did you Listen?
Best regards,
Mark Ransom
VP Education
Blue Tongue Toastmasters
ph: 0419 767 250
Blue Tongue Toastmasters Meeting 24th June
July 7th, 2009Dear Blue Tongue members, intending members and guests,
The last meeting (Meeting #124) was held on Wednesday the 24th June and chaired by Mark. Dale / Ying took on the timing assignment and Mat confidently presented the ‘Word of the Day’ – ‘Confidence’. We were confidently trying to use it in it’s many forms throughout the evening.
We had 1 visitor at the meeting – Tara , who joined us as a new member during the meeting. Welcome to Tara – our newest member.
During Geoff’s Table Topics session we were each asked to make an impromptu speak on one of Geoff’s passions – Travel. As a group we spoke of various scenes in different countries across the globe. The table topics were evaluated by Marcus and Mark. This concluded the first half of the evening.
Damien encouraged us all in Toasting the fight for freedom (named example being those protesting in Iran over the recent elections).
Masafumi welcomed Tara (our sole visitor) - asking her a couple of pertinent questions.
Dale took on the Toastmaster assignment and introduced:
Mat, who spoke (his third speech) on the ‘Wild Wild Web’.
This was followed by Jorgen whose speech was number 7 from the Competent Communicator Manual on the numbers 7, 38 and 55 (if were able to make the meeting you would understand).
Geoff evaluated Mat in a supportive and constructive manner.
Marcus evaluated Jorgen and did an excellent job delivering his thoughts on Jorgens speech delivery.
Ying delivered the ‘Did You Listen’ assignment. Questions were put together about various ubjects spoken of through the evening.
Mat scored our efforts on weaving his Word of the Day ‘Confidence’ into our assignments during the evening. Mat also commented on the use of ‘filler’ words such as Ums & Ahs.
Ying presented her timing report, also incorporating the first 15 minutes that Dale assisted, which was presented this to the assembled members and guests.
Our sole visitor, Tara, was asked for feedback. She mentioned that she had already picked up a couple of useful speaking tips from her 2 visits to our club.
The final evaluation was by Dale (President-elect) who presented a General Evaluation of the meeting – looking at all the roles and assignments not previously evaluated.
The meeting was closed by Mark at 7:11 pm.
__________________________________________________________________
The next meeting for Blue Tongue Toastmasters will be held on Wednesday the 8th of July 2009 at 5:45pm, Level 13, 601 Pacific Highway, St Leonards.
This is the first meeting for the new Toastmasters Year and we welcome in our new Executive Team
I have attached below a draft agenda for the meeting. Please let me know by COB Tuesday the 7th July, if:
a) You will be attending the meeting or send your apologies
b) Would like to present any other assignment – I am looking for members to take on the following meeting assignments:
Evaluators for table topics (1)
Visitors Welcome
Did you Listen?
Evaluator for speech (1)
We also are looking for a suitable venue for our ‘Change Over Dinner’ to be scheduled in the next couple of meetings. This is to thank the out-going Executive Team (that has helped BTTM achieved ‘Distinguished Club’ Status (for the first time)) and the welcome in the new BTTM Executive team for 2009-10. All are welcome.
Best regards,
Mark Ransom
VP Education
Blue Tongue Toastmasters
Blue Tongue Toastmasters Meeting 10th June
June 19th, 2009Dear Blue Tongue members, intending members and guests,
The last meeting (Meeting #123) was held on Wednesday the 10th June and chaired by Mark. Mark also took on the timing assignment and Marcus (Mark) enthusiastically presented the ’Word of the Day’ – ‘Enthusiastic’. We were encouraged to use it throughout the evening.
We had 4 visitors at the meeting – Ranjit (who was along for a second time), Tara, Patrick and Derek.
During Mat’s Table Topics session we were each asked to recount what a well-known inspirational quote meant to us individually. This certainly got us thinking about some elegant and powerful words from famous people. The table topics were evaluated by Dale and Jorgen. This concluded the first half of the evening.
Marcus (Mark) encouraged us all in the Toast he presented.
Daniel welcomed our visitors – asking Ranjit, Patrick, Tara and Derek why they had come along to our club to visit.
Daniel then took on the Toastmaster assignment and introduced:
Marcus (Mark) who delivered his IceBreaker speech which was about himself; from when he was young (in the US) and how he now has ended up in Australia.
This was followed by Goeff who presented his 3rd speaking assignment from the Competent Communicator Manual on a passion of Geoff’s – Kayaking.
Jorgen evaluated Marcus (Mark) being both supportive and constructive in his assessment.
Patrick (a first-time visitor) evaluated Geoff and did an excellent job delivering his opinion.
Ranjit (another visitor) was back on at the podium delivering the ‘Did You Listen’ assignment. Ranjit put together a number of challenging questions to test our listening skills.
Marcus (Mark) delivered his ‘My Word’ assignment as well as looking at our use of filler words such as Ums & Ahs.
Mark collated his timing report which was presented this to the assembled members and guests.
Our visitors were asked for their comments and Tara, Ranjit, Derek and Patrick were open in providing their opinions of the meeting.
The final evaluation was by Dale (President-elect) who presented a General Evaluation of the meeting – looking at all the roles and assignments not previously evaluated.
The meeting was closed by Mark at 7:28 pm.
__________________________________________________________________
The next meeting for Blue Tongue Toastmasters will be held on Wednesday the 24th of June 2009 at 5:45pm, Level 13, 601 Pacific Highway, St Leonards.
I have attached below a draft agenda for the meeting. Please let me know by COB Tuesday the 23rd June, if:
a) You will be attending the meeting or send your apologies
b) Would like to present any other assignment – I am looking for members to take on the following meeting assignments:
Sergeant at Arms
Chairman
Evaluators for table topics (2)
Toastmaster
Evaluator for speech (2)
General Evaluator
Best regards,
Mark Ransom
VP Education
Blue Tongue Toastmasters
Blue Tongue Toastmasters Meeting 27th May
June 11th, 2009Dear Blue Tongue members, intending members and guests,
The last meeting (Meeting #122) was held on Wednesday the 27th May and chaired by Mark. Jorgen took on the timing assignment and Geoff presented a ’challenging’ word of the day – Detest. We were encouraged to use it throughout the evening.
We had 2 visitors at the meeting – Kamal (work colleague of Daniel) and Manish.
Geoff’’s Table Topics session was well prepared and tested us all. The table topics were evaluated by Mat and Daniel.
We then had a brief recess.
Mark took on the Toast assignment and spoke of Swine Flu and the media. A toast was raised to those passengers in quarantine on board the cruise-ship ‘Pacific Dawn’.
Elke welcomed our visitors – asking both Kamal and Manish how they found out about our Toastmasters club.
Elke, then, took on the Toastmaster assignment and introduced:
Jason who delivered his Ice Breaker speech on experiences he found moving to Australia (from Hong Kong) and his work experience.
Mat presented his second speech about some time management techniques he has found very useful.
Daniel evaluated Jason, being very supportive and constructive in his assessment.
Geoff evaluated Mat and also delivered a constructive review of Mat’s presentation.
It was time for the Blue Tongue Toastmasters Executive elections for 2009 (hosted by Elke). These are the people who will be leading the club through the upcoming Toastmasters year (commencing 1st July 2009).
Congratulations to the following members:
President – Dale Hurley
VP education – Mark Ransom
VP membership – Elke van Ewyk
VP Public Relations – Jorgen Christensen
Secretary – Jason Chan
Treasurer – Mark Ransom
Sergeant at Arms – Jason Chan.
Jason was back on at the podium delivering the ‘Did You Listen’ assignment. There a number of relevant questions prepared – we were tested.
Geoff delivered his ‘My Word’ assignment as well as evaluating our use of filler words such as Ums & Ahs.
Jorgen collated his timing report and presented this to the meeting attendees.
Our visitors were asked for their comments and both Kamal and Manish provided their thoughts to the meeting.
The final evaluation was by Dale (President – elect) who presented a General Evaluation.
The meeting was closed by Mark at 7:41 pm.
__________________________________________________________________
The next meeting for Blue Tongue Toastmasters will be held on Wednesday the 10th of June 2009 at 5:45pm, Level 13, 601 Pacific Highway, St Leonards.
I have attached below a draft agenda for the meeting. Please let me know by COB Tuesday the 9th of June, if:
a) You will be attending the meeting or send your apologies
b) Would like to present any other assignment – I am looking for members to take on the following meeting assignments:
Sergeant at Arms
Timer
Chairman
Evaluators for table topics (2)
Evaluator for speech (2)
Did You Listen
Toastmaster
Best regards,
Mark Ransom
VP Education
Blue Tongue Toastmasters