Wavecrest Toastmasters

Last night we had the fabulous Lovey, the incoming Division S Director, visiting us. Kathryn gave an inspiring speech about thinking on the future. Esther as Table Topics Master asked us all engaging questions. Everyone participated in Evaluating.

There was joy and laughter, and thought provoking moments to be had by all.

"Here ye, Hear ye, No meeting on Monday 1st June"

Last night Wavecrest had guest Graeme come and give a brilliant speech. We then discussed Technology in Table Topics, and everyone contributed to the learning in Evaluations.

Once Upon a Time ...

Just last night in fact, Esther ran a meeting that explored lessons learned on Journeys. For some it was the recent District 72 Conference, for other it was celebrations of achievements that had made for ongoing journeys.

Imogen gave a speech on Autism. And Barbara invited Fairy Tales to be adapted.

The Frog Prince found the Princess's Cell Phone instead of her Gold Ball. Jack joined the (bean) Stock Market. Gary-Ella lost his cap at a restaurant. Kathryn's Ugly Duckling was actually a Pugly Puppy, whilst Graeme's grew up to be the Golden Goose that lays the Golden Eggs.

A night filled with laughter, learning and beings living Happily Ever After.

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Image below hand drawn by member Imogen.

On Monday Wavecrest had a meeting themed around Photos, with fabulous photos provided by, and for everyone.

There were two brilliant speeches. 'The Long Journey' by Esther, and 'Sharing the Garden' by Cec. Table Topics Master Sandra led us on a musical adventure. And we all participated in Evaluating.

-Esther won Best Speaker
-Barbara won Best Table Topics
-Photos below provided by our Toastmaster of the night; Kathryn

Look at our fabulous members.

One selfie to prove (1) I was there and (2) I can't take selfies. One normal photo so you can see it. It's by the roundabout beside the Stadium on the way to Port Chalmers.

From Encouragement to Empowerment: A Mother-Daughter Toastmasters Journey ~ Meet Kathryn Duncan and Imogen Duncan

What started as a simple nudge became something far more powerful.

Kathryn first walked into Toastmasters with one goal - to build confidence as the MC for her parents’ wedding anniversary. She stayed for something deeper: the stories, the growth, and the unexpected joy of stepping into the spotlight herself.

“It became a place where I could listen to others’ stories… and yes, become the storyteller too.”

Along the way, she discovered leadership opportunities, witnessed life-changing growth in others, and brought someone very special along for the journey.

Her daughter, Imogen.

Imogen joined because her mum encouraged her to. But she stayed because she found her own voice.

Since becoming a member in 2015, Imogen has:
• Built confidence as a speaker
• Competed in multiple contests
• Grown her communication and leadership skills
• Found joy in watching others rise too

“My favourite part of Toastmasters is seeing other people grow in confidence.”

But the real magic?

It’s in the moments between meetings

🚗 Car rides filled with ideas, laughter, speech planning, and reflection
💡 Conversations about the highs, the lows, and everything in between
🤝 A shared journey that’s strengthened not just skills, but also their bond

“I love how close Toastmasters has brought us.”

This is what Toastmasters is all about - growth, connection, and transformation… sometimes across generations.

Now Imogen serves as Club President and VP Public Relations at Wavecrest Toastmasters, where Mum Kathryn is also a member, as well as Cyber 5 and Table Talk Toastmasters Clubs and if you're passing by the Forsyth Barr Stadium Billboard in Dunedin this week, you may just spot them!

Ready to start your own journey?

Whether you come alone or bring someone with you, your story starts with one meeting so take the first step and visit a local Toastmasters club today.
www.toastmasters.org.nz