Whanganui Toastmasters

06/09/2026

Last week, our Toastmasters club enjoyed another wonderful meeting, with a special focus on brain health 🧠✨

We explored the importance of keeping our minds active, looking after our well-being, and continuing to challenge ourselves - something Toastmasters gives us plenty of opportunities to do!

For those new to Toastmasters, each meeting includes a Word of the Day, chosen to help us expand our vocabulary and challenge members to weave the word naturally into their speeches and conversations throughout the meeting. It’s a fun way to get us thinking on our feet!

Next meeting is set for Wednesday 16th Sept @6.30pm. If you are interested in seeing what it is all about, come along! We would love to see you there.

21/08/2026

The 19th August, from the start had a good feel about it -, 20th tomorrow, pay day, sun was trying to shine, camelia buds out, spring is definitely on its way. Although, five apologies, sadly missed, Tony Chaired our busy little meeting, no guests, theme Experiences and the word of the day wasn't GREAT. Nathalie was Grammarian , never seen this before, explained her role, let us know her expectations then gave us a word of the day we weren't allowed to use and if somebody did we were all to make a commotion, several commotions. When she summed up all this and much, much more was mentioned.
We nearly had four speeches but Jade had to work at the last minute, however we had three and three beauties they were. Paul's 25 minute collection of really riveting tales about Genghis Khan and authors of repute, so difficult to evaluate when you are presented with entertainment like that and , I think, that's what Hemi thought too. Karuna told us the importance of dental hygiene, how it affected us and what we can do about it. I bet she could tell us a few stories about all that. Marion gave her and us a few pointers. Jake showed us a picture of a lovely old stone building in England and built his very thoughtful speech round that. Earthquake proofing, design, architects, so much valuable information and all where it came from, great speech and it also impressed Charlain. Josh was not only the Timekeeper but gave us a ten-minute educational about voice. This was part one of a three-part series. this one was about volume and very intriguing it was. Picture is about his white board display, hope you can all see it. Imogen tackled the task of Topics master for the first time and she handled it like a pro. Engaging, easy to speak to questions about our theme, excellent. Karl evaluated TT, I liked the very smart way he introduced his role, recounting importance of impromptu speaking. Karl was supposed to evaluate Jade but a last minute change made him TTM. Fiona made us yet another sumptuous supper and was also GE , a very hurried but effective session, concentrating on stance so meeting could finish at 8.31. Next meeting 2nd September when Karuna is Chair

07/08/2026

ok, this week our President, Karuna, let me know, in no uncertain terms, that I made a serious, unforgivable, blunder with the last report. Well, she is dead right, although we are not supposed to admit to calamities, just get on with it and hope nobody notices. Unfortunately, this is not how it works there is nothing worse than bad reporting. I, by mistake gave Karl credit for his back to front performance but I meant Josh, which I knew, of course but something went wrong, brain department, I think. However, Josh did very well.
This week everything went back to a normal neat evening. We had Isaac as our guest and only a couple of apologies and with Karl, definitely, as Chair, tried desperately to start bang on 6.30 but failed due to general chaos, made everyone welcome and explained theme, MOMENTUM and readied everyone for our two speeches and extended TT Session.
Word of the day, from Fiona, was IMPUTUS, worked well with theme. Fiona said she nearly forgot how to be Grammarian but she's a pro and gave us wonderful words of wisdom. Her presentation was quite special, she mentioned each speakers good and not so good grammar, instead of a blanket report.
First speech, Rob introduced Josh, nice intro, great, insightful speech, Joshes specialty. Work more on yourself than your job, then went on to wisely explain why.
Number two, Nathalie introduced, as she put it, The Queen of quotes, an excellent intro, wonderful personal info, Path, level, project, objectives, personal objectives and time. that is what we want to see. Marions speech was exactly as Nathalie promised. She asked if we were able to motivate others, then explained how, she finished by saying If the award is high enough anyone can be motivated. Also nicely evaluated.
Karuna's TT Session, in theme, 6 easy to speak to topics, excellently evaluated by our Paul who was awarded path completion badge for Level 4 Presentation Mastery, well earnt, well done, so encouraging.
The photos thi week are Imogen being welcomed into our Club, Paul receiving his award from Marion and Tony trying to perform another painful GE. Next meeting on 19th August Chair is Tony and theme will be Experiences, well done all for your perserverence.

02/08/2026

Occasionally, fortunately there are 5 Wednesdays in the month. On that 5th Wednesday we try to do something special, a social evening, a longer speech or project, a quiz session, an educational or, like this time, a jolly back to front meeting. have you thought or witnessed anything like it. Every single thing backwards, yes, Hemy, our Chair, thanked us for being there and hoped we had a good evening and so it went on from there. Evaluations before speeches, Grammarian's report, from Karl before anything was even said, Josh;s Timekeepers wind up at the start. Two wonderful guests, one of which, before the end of the meeting became our newest member, were totally daunted but thougherley enjoyed their time. Imogen even managed to win Table Topics Speaker of the night, without even doing one.
Three great speeches, Nathalie asked us whether we would rather be kind or nice, then rather beautifully explained why. For instance, if you deliver a nice evaluation is it kind. Are you not better to give an honest summery for everyone's benifeit. Well crafted, well presented speech. Number two Jade gave us a personal rendition of her dilemmas selling her house, purchasing a favored section then preceding to transport a nice new house on it. Jade was a bit worried her semi-impromptu speech might not have been good enough but she was wrong, it was superb, personal speeches are always received well, this one certainly was, well done Jade, hope everything goes smoothly from here. Third speech from Fiona was a continuation of her very difficult speech to the management and stake holders of her organisation, The Yellow Brick Road. It was a very thoughtful and passionate delivery; I am sure The Schizophrenia Partnership will be delighted with her presentation. she is mostly humbled by the people who pick up the pieces.
Renei's, back to front Table Topics went with the theme of the meeting, Time Travel, nice easy to speak to , well organised session.
Yet another great Meeting enjoyed and remembered by all, especially the supper by Renei and Isaac;s Mum, we ar spoilt. No photos this week, I think camera must be on strike, better luck next week. Come along for another dose of learning and hilarity.

16/07/2026

The first and second meetings of the new Toastmasters Year suffered quite a few apologies, however we also hosted a new guest, Isaac, nice to meet an enthusiastic young achiever who could become our next new member.
The 1st July there were 2 speeches, Paul and Jake. Paul's speech, as usual, was exceptionally entertaining. It had all the Paul things we all love. Emotion, humor, audience awareness, eye contact, leaning on lectern, interest, professionalism love of speaking and respect for his Club. Jake's story was of his university experience, beautiful words, nicely prepared, well timed, good speaking voice great story. Jake said he was going to present his speech again, taking on Marion's recommendations, well done Jake.
Joshes Table Topics were easy to speak to plus he explained the importance of impromptu speaking. Ronis ran a well-planned and interesting meeting, very well done.
The 15th July meeting was Chaired by Paul, well ran, well communicated, billions of apologies, but so much learnt makes it yet another great meeting. only 1 speech by Josh, who told us that public speaking and communication is not a gift that people have but a hard learned skill. such a well compiled, insightful, honest and useful speech. The theme of the meeting was Contrasts so that is what the Table Topics were based on. Everyone except the topics evaluator, Rob, got a topic. It was really quiet fun. It goes to show, simple topics make for great speeches. Hemi was again timekeeper; he took role at last minute and handled it very adequately. Marion finished evening with an exquisitely managed General Evaluation. Every role and evaluator were awarded with excellent recommendations and very kind commendations. One of the best GE sessions I have witnessed. The next meeting is the 29th .
Wonderful Jade is our new VPPR , she will love taking these posts over.

18/06/2026

18/06/2026

Not another superb Toastmasters Meeting, but yes it was. Chaired by Jake, first time Chairing and a jolly fine job he did. Great communication prior meant all roles filled, everyone knew who were there and what they were doing therefore we were able to have three grand speeches. Nathalie, Marion and Rob who gave us a good dissertation about his profession, climate change. Marion reminded us why she joined Toastmasters and the many benefits she has gained by it. Third speech by Nathalie, her Icebreaker, certainly let us know what to expect in the future. She spoke about how Toastmasters guidance. will and has helped her professional life. She joined, she said, for three reasons, to meet new people, to improve her speaking skills and to be more confident in front of her audience. She will certainly fulfill all those aspirations. Karuna, Ronis and Paul were the evaluators, 3 extremely useful and entertaining evaluations they were. That is what I promised, to talk about a few posts back, evaluations, what they are for, who they benefit and what they mean to us. Evaluating a speech or role is a very important and responsible job. Firstly ,nobody wants to offend anybody with an unkind or sloppy evaluation and we don't need to. An evaluation is not only useful to the speaker, by letting them know the good bad and ugly parts of their assignment, in their opinion. Also provide helpful suggestions on how to improve. Not only is this informative to the speaker it is also helpful to the audience by letting them realize how the speech evaluator's opinion differs from theirs and often hear useful hints on how they can improve either as a speaker or evaluator. Such an important role and a privilege.
Karl was going to be Table Topics Master but unfortunately came over all sick but instead supplied a very well prepared session. With great explanation of role, using the meeting theme, World Cup, and nice topics for us to cogitate about, well done. Get well for next meeting Charlain entertained us all with her TT Evaluation. Hemi growled about some of us using too much time and others not using enough. Wonderful Jade evaluated everything that had previously not been evaluated, nice recommendations for everyone and of course commendations. Isn't the GE role just the best?
Next meeting, 5th July, is the first meeting of our new Toastmasters year so well done our last team and congratulations to the new one. Our Chair will be Karl, first time, great!
The photos are Nathalie being presented with coveted Table Topics speaker of the evening cup by Jake and Tony.
The next is Charlain presenting Table Topics evaluation. See you next time.

05/06/2026

Wednesday the 3rd June Nathalie chaired her first meeting and another superb Toastmasters meeting it was. Her theme was CREATIVITY and the word of the day was Deliberation, what a neat well run, exciting meeting. Wonderful Jade was presented her Presentation Mastery, Level one completion badge by our President, Karuna, so very well done and deserved. Josh was presented his badge for completing his level of Presentation Mastery by Marion also very well earnt .Three interesting speeches from Paul, Tony and Karl. Paul spoke about the fabulous Polynesian community. Tony spoke about a humble little comment his Father made and the effect it had on him then us. Karl reiterated his Icebreaker Speech and greatly improved it. That is what we are all here for.. Three useful evaluations, an exhilarating Table Topics Session by Jake. Good , easy to speak about topics always makes a fun event.. Jade's Table Topics Evaluation had good recommendations for all . Yet another sumptuous supper by Renei and Karuna, we are really spoiled. Renei was also General Evaluator and gave a fine roundup of the whole meeting. The photos are Jade receiving her well deserved badge and Josh receiving his.
Next meeting on June the 17th Jake will be Chair for the first time. Paul reminded us we were all Pathways enrolled, that's exciting.

24/05/2026

Wednesday's meeting was our ABM (Annual Business Meeting). Our Area Director, Isobel, joined us by Zoom. She presented our Hero Paul with a very well-earned Triple Crown, which is for completing three paths in one year. Well done to Paul for all his hard work. Our new, and past, President Karuna presented wonderful Jade her path completion badge for Presentation Mastery, level one- well deserved.
We were very fortunate to be guided by a kind and professional committee last year. That is why it is great to retain Karuna as President and Marion and Paul as our joint VP Education team. Also, Hemi is SAA, Harkaran as Treasurer, Ronis is Secretary, Tony VPM, Jade as VP Public Relations and our new role Club Liaison Officer is Fiona. With that team I just know we are in for a successful year, well done all.
Karl presented his first speech evaluation and Nathalie's Table Topics Evaluation was her first. She evaluated six Table Topics, quite an achievement. Rob also had a first with his very well-planned Table Topics session. Easy to speak to topics always make for a prize-winning session.
Pictured is Jade and Paul's award presentations. Next meeting is the 3rd of June. Nathalie will be Chair for the first time, looking forward to that.

19/05/2026

A lot of Toastmaster water has flowed under the bridge since the last post. Whanganui Toastmasters is doing very well in these troubled times. We have five enthusiastic, vibrant new members, ready to take on the benifits of the Toastmaster experience. All the very best wishes to Natalie, Rob, Linzi, Peter and Karl we all hope you have a fulfilling eventful and inclusive experience.
Our club are holding their ABM tomorrow evening, we are so fortunate to be under such great stewardship of Karuna PRESIDENT ,Marion and Paul VICE PRESIDENT EDUCATION they keep things going with professionalism and kindness.
With a growing Club we are able to schedule more speeches, so more evaluations. what an exciting time seeing everyone practicing and improving more every week. Of course we always encourage more new members, that is how our little Club operates. All I can ask people is come along for a thrilling experience, meet neat people and enjoy a sumptuous supper. Till next report, Tony