Meeting highlights.
The November 12, 2026, Travel Talkers Toastmasters Club meeting theme was “Spring in New Zealand.” We welcomed two guests from New Zealand – Rob Archibald from Treetown Toastmasters in Cambridge, New Zealand, and Mary Speller from IPU Toastmasters Club in Palmerston North, New Zealand – who shared information about their clubs and experiences with international members. Avis Russell delivered a motivational speech project on “writing a speech with purpose,” using time management as her theme, which received positive feedback from the audience. The meeting included a Destination Master activity in which Shannon presented clues about a mystery destination, and during Travel Topics members discussed spring and travel experiences. Jacqueline conducted the general evaluation, with reports from Timer Judith, Grammarian Suranga, and Ah-counter Teresa. The meeting ended with everyone expressing appreciation for the New Zealand guests and discussing next week’s theme of family gatherings.
Introductions
Helen introduced two guests from New Zealand to share information about their Toastmasters clubs. Rob Archibald described Treetown Toastmasters in Cambridge, New Zealand, which has 14-23 members. Cambridge is known as the Town of Trees & Champions, celebrating both its leafy, English-style avenues and its reputation for producing Olympic athletes and champion racehorses. Mary Speller shared information about the IPU Club in Palmerston North, established 12 years ago to help international students at the Institute of the Pacific United (IPU) master English, though the club has shrunk in recent years due to COVID and member losses.
The meeting then transitioned to an icebreaker activity in which members shared their hometown, state, and country. For the benefit of our guests, Travel Talkers Toastmasters club members introduced themselves and shared their backgrounds, including where they were born, where they currently live, and their travel experiences. Several participants discussed their international origins and current locations across the United States, the Bahamas, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, and other countries.
The Toastmaster of the Meeting, Helen Josephine, explained that the meeting’s theme was “Spring in New Zealand” and noted that, although it was spring in New Zealand, most members in the US were preparing for winter. Everyone enjoyed meeting the invited guests from Toastmasters Clubs in New Zealand, who helped correct misconceptions about the country and shared details about their clubs.
Destination Master
Destination Master Shannon Plesh presented clues about a New Zealand city;
- Largest city by population
- Nicknamed the City of Sails
- Built on a volcanic field of 53 dormant volcanoes.
If you guessed Auckland, you are correct!
Time Management
Avis Russell delivered a motivational speech project focused on “writing a speech with purpose,” using time management as her theme. The audience responded positively to her interesting and expertly delivered speech. Avis shared stories from her life, including personal experiences from childhood through college, that helped her appreciate the value of using time wisely.
Travel Experiences Table Topics Discussion
Preetha Menon led the Travel Topics session focused on spring, travel, and New Zealand. Lisa Hamil shared a story about a Spring trip to San Antonio and Miami, noting the temperature differences and lush green landscapes compared to California. Mary discussed how she cannot travel without her headphones and audiobooks, which help her sleep in unfamiliar beds. Jacqueline shared her collection of travel souvenirs, including magnets and a Mexican hat, while Rob, acting as New Zealand’s Tourism Ambassador, highlighted the advantages of Pacific flights compared to Atlantic flights for US travelers. Suranga said she was excited to visit New Zealand with her intrepid cousin rather than her cricket-obsessed husband. The session ended with a vote for the best Table Topics response. Suranga was selected as the favorite Travel Topics speaker.
Next Meeting
The theme of our November 19 meeting is “Family Gatherings.” Join the Travel Talkers Toastmasters Club for a fun evening to share your adventures. Engage with fellow members as we share our travel stories. This is your chance to build your public speaking skills and receive valuable feedback in a supportive, Toastmasters-style environment. The meeting is on Thursday, November 19th, from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm Pacific time. We want to hear about your trips for Family Gatherings.
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