Out of the box into the Square.

Twenty-two members of Christchurch’s Sunrise Toastmasters Club stepped out of their comfort zones at 7.00am this morning into a very public meeting site, Christchurch’s Cathedral Square.

The meeting began with an impassioned call to join a revolution.

Though inspired by the speaker to charge the barricades, members could see none beyond those surrounding the many building sites. Instead they opted to join the revolution occurring within the Toastmasters Organisation over the next two years.

Toastmasters International’s new programme ‘Pathways’ presents motivational, leadership and communication strategies that extend the public speaking skills at the core of Toastmasters.

Club President Marg Miller describes the changes as more a tornado than a breath of fresh air.

“These new programmes are a boon to anyone with personal or professional goals,” she says, “from motivational strategies, through communication, leadership, coaching and persuasive influence. The paths are designed to assist all in planning, progressing through skill development, to achieving their goals.”

In the Square today, subjects ranged through Maintaining Good Health for the Elderly, Difficulties of the Unemployed, Economics of Fuel Prices, and Speaking Skills For Table Topics. (short speeches)

With four scheduled Speakers, Introducers and Evaluators, meetings are well planned and rostered five weeks ahead.

Everybody gets a speaking role at most meetings. Table Topics stretch those un-rostered members to thinking on their feet when they are called to speak for 90 seconds on a given subject. Even such brief speeches are expected to have a beginning, middle and end.

Members recognise that humour is an effective method of maintaining interest, so consequently there are many laughs at most meetings.

“Meetings give me lifts, laughs, and often inspiration that lasts through the day,” says new member, Jesse Jones.

Anyone can attend a Christchurch Sunrise Club meeting, which occurs every Thursday, 7.00am at the Knox Centre, 28 Bealey Avenue. (except when there is an occasional off-site meeting)

Phone Chris, 0211260590 to find out more.