For its second year, the Toasties Awards was a night of celebration. Combining real and virtual participation and enjoyed by members and guests alike, the evening was a tribute to the commitment and creativity of TMPers. Everyone had a chance to practice their public speaking as they rose to receive awards – either “Guest of the Evening” or a recognition of individual talent. Meeting Summary – toast, word, and joke three speeches general evaluation election of the 24-25 Executive Committee induction of two new members and candidacy speeches from two hopefuls!

ELECTION OF EXCOMM 24-25 (AGM Continued from previous meeting) The financial report having been presented by the Treasurer at the last meeting, the AGM continued with the election of the 24-25 committee. Alex, Past President, presented the slate of officers. When no other nominations were made from the floor, the candidates were elected unanimously. EXECUTIVE COMMITTTEE 24-25 President – Vicki VP Education – Lars VP PR – Yasmine Secretary – Vincent Treasurer – Benoit Sergeant-at-Arms- Yannis VP Membership – Tristan Webmaster- Benoit Mentoring – Alison

ALL OUR USUAL HIGHLIGHTS THE TOAST – Florence noted that this is the time of year for celebrations – Mother’s and Father’s Day and parties for graduation and end of year. She reminded us that such celebrations are a great time to meet new people and to make new memories. THE WORD – Thibault told us he had chosen a word in keeping with the prestigious awards: honor. It was used twenty-three times! THE JOKE – Patrick told us about his most terrifying experience, being challenged to join a water sports team when he couldn’t swim and being certain he’d drown. He joined a club and took lessons… and he didn’t drown after all. – He said if survived that, guests could be reassured that they would survive table topics!

OUR GUESTS…

Whether

Nathalie – “too long being a guest” and Georgii were celebrating the eighth anniversary of their first date. CONGRATULATIONS!

Other guests included Salma , Leah, Joanne, Christine , Arturo , Maria Camila, Flavio, Priya and Maya.

we were happy to welcome you to TMP!

“excited to learn about TMP,”
“hoping to learn tricks from more experienced speakers,”
because they “would rather practice [public speaking] somewhere else” than at work
or simply as they were passing through on a business trip –

FROM GUESTS TO MEMBERS?

ARTURO

Arturo was making his third visit. He finds the meetings a valuable experience and is “very motivated” to join.

As a child, he told us, he was not shy, but over his life he has come to realize that talking is not the same as communicating: he now understands the need to be “very precise” when speaking.

Toastmasters provides a diverse community with many different types of speeches, able to provide good feedback. In return, he promises authenticity – but also commitment.

LEAH

Leah was a guest last year, she wanted to join Toastmasters – but didn’t! Now she was professing her serious intent to become a member.

Having always admired people who give excellent speeches, Leah hopes to join so she can learn. The club, she believes, is the ideal place for such personal growth. In return she promises commitment and friendship.

OUR NEWEST MEMBERS Joanne and Maya were welcomed by the club.

THE SPEECHES

MISS LEONIA HIGH

Vicki gave a tall tale – a tragicomic story about her teenage desire to be Miss Leonia High…

SECRET GARDEN

Suzanne presented a standup comedy style talk about her attempts to enter the dating scene – a world of misunderstanding and double entendres!

GOD IS FOR REAL, MAN

Siobhan argued the need to match voice to message if you want the audience to hear you.

THE TOASTIES

2024 TOASTIES AWARDS

WINNERS

Siobhan – Speech

Ciara – Table Topic

Toastmaster of the Year

Anaelle

With the recognition of Toastmaster of the Year awarded by membership vote, Anaelle was rewarded for her hard work and passionate commitment to the club. Not only did she serve as VP Education, one of the most demanding roles on the Executive committee, but halfway through the year she also took on the role of VP Membership when the position became vacant. Congratulations, Anaelle!

FINAL REMARKS

EVALUATION

GRAMMARIAN’S REPORT
Alex decided that he would use his role of grammarian to focus on the speeches, as they had not been evaluated. He praised Vicki for her use of imagery – for example, her depiction of her young self glancing in the mirror and feeling like Cinderella. He enjoyed Suzanne’s storytelling, which made it clear that there was about to be a twist on the tale. Finally, he commended Siobhan for her pitch and pace.

GENERAL EVALUATION
Suzanne noted a couple of improvements that we could make: we started ten minutes late and some of our recent members don’t yet know who their mentor is.
Hower, she had much to praise! She approved the better responses given during the induction: under her tutelage we had used the correct verb forms, which she said felt very good! Suzanne commended Arturo for his point that talking is not the same as communicating. She also recognized Josep and Anaelle for the work that had gone into the creation of the evening’s awards and certificates.

PRESIDENT’S FAREWELL
Anaelle paid tribute to Josep’s presidency. Many people had told her how much they have appreciated his service to the club, in particular his friendliness to everyone.
Josep, in turn, thanked Past President Alex for his help and support and the members of the committee for their work.