Supportive and Mentoring Meeting Friday 27th March (meeting 1042)

The word of the day was “support” and this underpinned much of subject matter of the meeting.  The meeting was attended by Ianon, Geoff, Linda, Karina, Dominic, Lili, Kyrill and Peter.

Although Peter had just rushed in, running much of the way to the meeting, he was able to deliver a considered and eloquent speech on Mentoring as his Project 3 speech.  Peter often “supports” his speeches with the use of props, and this time he showed us medals he has achieved on his path to success in Toastmasters.  He explained that mentoring can help members achieve their goals in the Competent Communication and Competent Leadership manuals.  That mentors need to have rapport with and an understanding of culture of the mentees and that mentors need to be patient, persistent and listen to the mentees.  A mentor “support” can help ensure ongoing progress, at whatever pace individually desired, for members of a club.  I was very interested to learn that Peter still has a mentor of his own, even at his advanced stage of progress in Toastmasters.

Lili then delivered her Project 4 speech, “How to get Balance Between Work and Family”.  She explained that when you have children you need to use time more efficiently and accept offers of “support” from friends and family.  She shared her personal experience and gave us a few tips of time-saving measures.  Her speech was delivered confidently and warmly, and Geoff’s evaluation was full of glowing praise and commendation.  Congratulations Lili, for developing your speaking skills so rapidly at Toastmasters – a great example to us all!

The speeches were followed by Table Topics delivered by Karina, in which other speakers get an opportunity to speak.  Kyrill spoke about exercise – is it good for you, if so, how much?  Geoff spoke about the potential safety of the new range of fuel efficient Qantas aircraft in light of recent Germanwings A320 crash.  Ianon gave us advice on how to get patience and told a road rage story as an example.  Peter told us to accept age, but keep focussed and healthy to defer some of its effects.

In special announcements, Kyrill was welcomed into the club by Dominic, the club president.  Welcome also from all of us!

Our next meeting will be on Friday 10^th April.  Please sign up for roles now!  The online agenda setting worked very well last meeting, so let’s keep up the good work.

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See you at the next meeting.