Te Puke Early Bird Toastmasters Club

Our club meeting this Tuesday has an Hawaiian theme! Members should come dressed appropriately so pull out your loudest Hawaiian shirt, wear something beachy or for those who dare - come dressed as a pizza!

We had another entertaining night this week led by Maggie Jack, DTM, as Toastmaster. Our theme was Father Christmas. Alison Brown gave her 6th speech from the Competent Communicator manual. Her topic was Dr Seuss. Our club coach Carol was grammarian for the night and helped to keep things festive with the word "jolly". Maggie also gave an impressive impromptu speech.

Listening, thinking and believing - all important to Toastmasters and our little club!

Our club coaches Carol and Annette have been doing the hard yards with us in recent weeks as our little club looks to rebuild for the future. We appreciate their efforts and well done to every club member for being willing to change the way they do things.

Club newsletter for October/November, page 1

Club newsletter for October/November, page 2

Maggie Jack - VP Education
Joined Toastmasters 9 years ago to be able to express myself with confidence. Retired physiotherapist and counsellor but continues to do locum work. Has two children and 5 grandchildren.
What have you achieved at Toastmasters?
The highlight was becoming a DTM - Distinguished Toastmaster. I was a Select Distinguished Area Governor for D8 in 2009 and 2010 and I've received multiple Advanced Leader Bronze awards and the Competent Communicator award three times.
What do your awards mean to you?
They mean a lot. I have saved every certificate ever earned at Toastmasters in a folder and my DTM and Area Governor awards are up on my hallway wall to remind me I actually did it.
What do you enjoy about Toastmasters?
Listening to the interesting stories as others give their speeches - especially their Ice Breakers. Some make it seem so easy whilst others struggle as I did back when I began.
What do you enjoy outside of Toastmasters?
My family, gardening, reading, art, friends, being involved in my church, being outdoors. Talking to groups outside of Toastmasters - informing them and entertaining.
What are your dislikes?
Not to be listened to or heard, particularly now that I feel confident enough to be able to express myself. It has taken a lot of work.

Look out for a few profiles of club members over the next few weeks. This week we're featuring Iain Bibby and Maggie Jack. Thanks to those club members for responding to the questionnaires!

Iain Bibby - VP Membership.
Joined Toastmasters about seven years ago. Has achieved Advanced Communicator Bronze and Silver awards this year in Te Puke. Married 35 years. Retired primary school teacher - last positions were in special needs schools and a polytech. Has one daughter and 2 grandchildren in Australia.
What do you enjoy about Toastmasters?
Meeting and listening to other people's opinions, philosophy of life and the humorous parts especially.
What do you enjoy outside of Toastmasters?
Mountain biking, road cycling or just doing tours on my touring bike, especially to places I haven't been to, especially the South Island and Australia. Tramping with clubs as I enjoy talking to people. Also church, especially Bible in Schools, Sports Outreach and Mens' events.
What are your dislikes?
Being deaf! Rules and regulations that have negative connotations which inhibit people and people who seem to enjoy imposing them on others. Negative and overly anxious attitudes and people with no sense of humour.

Press release issued by the club today - celebrating 88 years of Toastmasters International.

VP Education Maggie Jack (pictured right) continues to impress. She recently completed her Advanced Leader Bronze award for the second time, having earlier achieved Competent Communicator status for the third time. Not bad for someone who is already a Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM). Here she receives her certificate from President Kitty Clark.

Our secretary/treasurer John Clark has officially clocked up 10 speeches! Here he receives his Competent Communicator award from President Kitty Clark, who achieved the same goal just a few weeks earlier. Well done to you both.