Turramurra Toastmasters

I visited the Turramuarra Toastamsters Club last night where I was an active member before going to Papua New Guinea in early 2005. It was a joy to run into some of the “old timers” and also to meet some new faces. Toastmasters is an amazing organisation that teaches people all about improving that most feared of human activities: Public Speaking.

Toastmasters International (TI) is a nonprofit educational organization that operates clubs worldwide for the purpose of helping members improve their communication, public speaking and leadership skills. Through its thousands of member clubs, Toastmasters International offers a program of communication and leadership projects designed to help men and women learn the arts of speaking, listening, and thinking.

I was invited to speak last night’s meeting and decided to prepare a speech on Papua New Guinea. The title of my talk was: “Liklik toksave long PNG” (“A little bit of information on PNG”). The speech was scheduled to go for 8 to 10 minutes and although I did go five muntes over – it was an excellent opportunity to share with those present about my times and adventures in the Land of the Unexpected.

Here’s a copy of the notes I prepared which I used as a basis for my talk:

“Liklik toksave long PNG”

Opening:

Mr(s) Toastmaster – members of TM Turramurra – guests and dearest friends
It’s an honour… member only for short time and very fond memories of the support and encouragement.
I forget how many hours I spent on my ice-breaker – 8 to 10 mins!!
4 years ago / volunteering / life long dream

Background:

Association between Australia and PNG
History / Highlands / Leahy bros
The Land of the Unexpected
3x types of people: M/M/M
Fined for spitting betelnut

Perception of violence
The pain of change.

Corruption and inefficiency:

Leadership and the hope of the people. There was a time when the chiefs could be trusted…
Application for Eli’s passport
The pain of change.
Perception of violence
Safety and my relationship with the street element

Special moments:

Mum at the “Hut”
23^rd of October: chief
Association: 7 tonnes of coffee
More humanity…

Closing:

Public speaking is what draws us together…

Public speaking in PNG: same rules: Opening body and close – preparation – know your topic – adhoc the rest!!
Something magic about standing up in front of a group and being able entertain, inform or even move…
The degree to which someone takes on opportunities to speak in Public => leadership
Say something in Tok Pisin…