Silver Service Toastmasters NZ

06/06/2026

Our Covid Stories - Inclusion and Global Reach

Between March 2020 and September 2022 (and beyond), Toastmasters across District 112 navigated unprecedented change, and this project captures their experiences through stories, videos, and data. This video highlights the challenges our clubs faced, including people with different technology access, vaccine and mandate views. And it celebrates our opportunities for meeting Toastmasters around the globe, bringing a new dimension to our membership of Toastmasters International.

For more videos in the series, go to https://www.youtube.com//playlists
Select "Our Covid Stories"

It doesn't stop here! There is a webpage coming, with blogs and analysis of this crucial period in District 112's history.
Do you have a story to share about your time in District 112 Toastmasters? District 112 Historian Jonathan Darby would like to collect stories across the whole history of D112 from 2018 to 2026. If you have stories, videos and photos you would like to share, please email him at [email protected]
112 Toastmasters in New Zealand

03/06/2026

Do you avoid reading aloud?

Gerard gave us an Icebreaker “KPG” starting with a simple fact: he has new glasses. From this little revelation, he wove an engaging story about how his brain interprets words, his previous avoidance of reading aloud and his motivation for change. His daughter Catherine has written a book about his mother’s escape from war-torn Europe and he wants to read the book.

When you have been in Toastmasters for more than two decades, it can be incredibly challenging to find innovative ways to repeat the Icebreaker project, when you start a new path. But Gerard shows us that you can still surprise your audience, even Toastmasters friends of over 20 years.

Whether you have 20 years' experience or two years' experience, Silver Service provides a supportive and fun learning environment.

If there's a communication skill you've always wanted to improve, reading aloud, speaking with confidence, telling better stories, or simply finding your voice, why not come and visit us?

We meet at different Auckland restaurants on the third Monday of each month. Email us at [email protected] for your personal invitation.

01/06/2026

Our Covid Stories - Learning, Growth and Confidence

Between March 2020 and September 2022 (and beyond), Toastmasters across District 112 navigated unprecedented change, and this project captures their experiences through stories, videos, and data. This video highlights how we continued to learn, grow and gain confidence online during and between lockdowns.

For more videos in the series, go to https://www.youtube.com//playlists
Select "Our Covid Stories"

It doesn't stop here! There is a webpage coming, with blogs and analysis of this crucial period in District 112's history.
Do you have a story to share about your time in District 112 Toastmasters? District 112 Historian Jonathan Darby would like to collect stories across the whole history of D112 from 2018 to 2026. If you have stories, videos and photos you would like to share, please email him at [email protected]
District 112 Toastmasters in New Zealand

17/05/2026

Our Covid Stories - Technology and Going Online

Between March 2020 and September 2022 (and beyond), Toastmasters across District 112 navigated unprecedented change, and this project captures their experiences through stories, videos, and data. This video highlights how we adapted to online and hybrid meeting styles for club meetings, contests and training.

For more videos in the series, go to https://www.youtube.com//playlists
Select "Our Covid Stories"

It doesn't stop here! There is a webpage coming, with blogs and analysis of this crucial period in District 112's history.

Do you have a story to share about your time in District 112 Toastmasters? District 112 Historian Jonathan Darby would like to collect stories across the whole history of D112 from 2018 to 2026. If you have stories, videos and photos you would like to share, please email him at [email protected]
District 112 Toastmasters in New Zealand

15/05/2026

Steve echoed the Beastie Boys when he said “You’ve Got to Fight for Your Right…” at Silver Service Toastmasters. He was talking about democracy, not partying.

Steve quoted Freedom House research, showing the global backslide of democracy, even in countries proud of their democratic roots. He reminded us that NZ is not immune to this backslide, and urged us to engage, enrol and vote in upcoming general elections.

We're holding club officer elections this month, so let your voice be heard.

Vote for the club that challenges you to speak over dinner, by coming along to Silver Service Toastmasters. Our next meeting is 7pm Monday 18 May at Lone Star Alexandra Park, Epsom. RSVP with your meal selection to [email protected]

11/05/2026

President Glen presented Mike with the club “Hooked on Toastmasters” Toastmaster of the Year Award for 2025, and paid tribute to the Pathways levels he completed, the speechcraft course that he facilitated and his role as District Webmaster. A well-deserved honour for “the man, the myth, the Mike”! Later in the programme, AD Lily presented Mike with his Triple Crown Award for 2025/2026.

Chairman Mike hosted us at Chaahat Indian Cuisine in Greenwoods Corner, Epsom in April. His theme, “Improbabilities” was inspired by International Loch Ness Monster Day celebrated on 21 April annually, and he encouraged us to use tall tales, exaggeration, hyperbole and have fun with our roles.

If you're ready to stretch your storytelling muscles, come to Silver Service Toastmasters. We meet on the third Monday of every month, at different Auckland restaurants. Contact us at [email protected] for more details.

10/05/2026

Our Covid Stories - Connection and Community

Between March 2020 and September 2022 (and beyond), Toastmasters across District 112 navigated unprecedented change, and this project captures their experiences through stories, videos, and data. This video highlights how clubs and individuals maintained connection and community during lockdowns.

For more videos in the series, go to https://www.youtube.com//playlists
Select "Our Covid Stories"

It doesn't stop here! There is a webpage coming, with blogs and analysis of this crucial period in District 112's history.

Do you have a story to share about your time in District 112 Toastmasters? District 112 Historian Jonathan Darby would like to collect stories across the whole history of D112 from 2018 to 2026. If you have stories, videos and photos you would like to share, please email him at [email protected]

District 112 Toastmasters in New Zealand

07/05/2026

Silver Service Toastmasters in the wild!

The music was pumping, but we paused briefly to show off our 80s costumes at the dine at dance. Then back to the dance floor we went… a memorable night at the District 112 Conference last weekend.

07/05/2026

Silver Service Toastmasters attended the District 112 Conference last weekend at Waipuna Hotel & Conference Centre. Nearly all our club members were there! Some presented training, others were contest officials and others were on the Top Table at the District Council meeting.

All of us were energised, motivated and inspired by the quality of the keynote speeches, workshops and competitions.

03/05/2026

Three days of Power Up conference with our amazing Marlene Krone. Signing off our last District 112 Toastmasters in New Zealand District Council meeting on Saturday was a poignant, emotional moment for us all.

Thank you for your service, Marlene.

29/03/2026

Fuel prices are challenging right now—so we’re keeping things simple, social, and accessible at Silver Service Toastmasters.
✅ We meet only once a month, so each gathering is a special chance to build confidence and enjoy a night out.
✅ Our venues rotate across Auckland—from Takapuna to New Lynn, Pakuranga to Manukau—so every member gets a turn having the meeting closer to home.
✅ Ride‑share with another Toastmaster! Many of us travel from similar areas and are happy to carpool. Just message us and we’ll help you connect.
✅ And of course… great food and great company. It’s more than a meeting—it’s your monthly treat.
We’d love to see you at our next dinner meeting, no matter where you’re coming from. 💛

Join us on the third Monday of each month, 7–9:30pm, at rotating Auckland restaurants. Email [email protected] for more details about our next meeting on Monday 20 April 2026.

12/02/2026

What’s it like to visit another Toastmasters club as a test speaker for an evaluation contest?

A fresh audience and new evaluators can uncover strengths you didn’t even know you had.

Brendan experienced exactly that when he first visited Silver Service Toastmasters. His speech, “To Be a Mentor,” reflected on his Toastmasters journey between Christchurch and Auckland. He came to be a test speaker for Silver Service several years ago, and earned what he still describes as the seven best evaluations he’s ever received. That first visit left such an impression that when he later moved to Auckland, Silver Service became the first club he joined.

Mentoring featured strongly in his story, particularly when he went on to sponsor and mentor a club himself. Knowing he could call on a network of experienced leaders, including multiple past District Directors, gave him confidence and support. Approachability and generosity of experience are hallmarks of these mentors.

Silver Service Toastmasters is an ideal second club if you want to sharpen your skills, challenge yourself, and learn from seasoned speakers and evaluators.

Our next meeting is the International and Evaluation Contest on Monday 16 February 2026 in New Lynn. Come along and experience our competitive spirit and supportive culture. Email [email protected] for more details.

10/02/2026

What happens when it is the club president’s birthday party, but Oops! the members are dressed for the Wrong Party?

Erica “roasted” Silver Service Toastmasters president Glen, initially confusing the occasion with the fictional funeral of Geoffrey. A Roast is a special type of Toast, where you gently poke fun at the subject with humorous stories and recollections. Erica recalled Glen’s love of KFC and finishing other people’s dinner, his prudent upcycling and his penchant for dancing with cows. Glen was granted a right of reply, in which he vowed that if Silver Service met on his actual birthday he would have the meeting at KFC. (VP PR’s note: see you at KFC on Monday 21 January 2030!)

Have you had the opportunity to Roast someone close you? Share in the comments how it went, so we can all learn from the experience...

Silver Service Toastmasters' next club meeting is the International and Evaluation contest on 16 February 2026 in New Lynn. Come along to witness our competitive spirit! Email [email protected] for more details.

08/02/2026

What happens when it is the club president’s birthday party, but Oops! the members are dressed for the Wrong Party? Silver Service Toastmasters adorned Mission Bay with an array of costumes in January 2026.

Chairman Serena was dressed for a slumber party. President Glen - political party. Joan - hen party. Erica - funeral. Brett - Christmas. Brendan - motorcycle gang BBQ. Sandra was late-to-the party and missed the photo.

Table Topics Master Brett challenged speakers to talk their way out of predicaments. Brendan was the wedding crasher who gave the best man’s speech. Joan took modern tech back to 1920s. Glen aroused controversy at the secret society of moon cheese believers. Serena was mistaken for Lucy Liu (Charlie’s Angels) by an avid fan. Erica took her job interview at a three-year-old’s birthday party. Brett realised he was at the wrong party 2 hours later.

Silver Service Toastmasters remind all clubs that "we learn best in moments of fun" according to Ralph Smedley. Our next club meeting is the International and Evaluation contest on 16 February 2026 in New Lynn. Come along to witness our competitive spirit! Email [email protected] for more details.

24/12/2025

It was four years in the making. Longer than the time it took Peter Jackson to film the Lord of the Rings trilogy (14 months main shoot + 24 months pick ups).

Glen and Serena hosted the Silver Service Toastmasters Christmas party in December 2025. (In 2022, Serena had Covid-19. In 2023, their daughter Cassandra had Covid-19. In 2024, Serena had a leg infection.) It was a hybrid event, as Dione and Jonathan attended via Teams. Serena chaired the meeting and Glen managed the barbecue. Joan welcomed guests Jerry, Preet, Russell and past member Angela.

Joan’s word of the day was “Festive”, an adjective relating to a festival like Christmas, or cheerful and jovially celebratory. Dione related a humorous yet sometimes poignant story, reminding us what is most important about Christmas.

Brett managed a slightly difficult audience with his speech “EV Ownership - A Review”, including a chatty 8-year-old, a know-it-all and an interrupter. It would have been more difficult if our resident petrolhead Brendan had been present, so Brett thinks he got off lightly.

Topic Master Marlene posed questions on a Christmas theme, which even those who don’t celebrate Christmas could answer. Angela has no favourite Christmas movie. She just prefers crashing parties like ours. Joan compared childhood Christmas to now, reminiscing about Christmas pudding with thruppence. Jerry thinks the best gift is the presence of a person. He especially remembers Mum’s cooking. Gerard got a job as Santa’s elf, programming the SatNav. Gifts fell in Greenland and Pacific Ocean, so millions of children were disappointed. Preet agrees with regifting presents. She typically doesn’t buy gifts, gives red packets of money instead. Russell doesn’t like the idea of celebrities, so can’t decide who to spend Christmas with.

Our club’s annual Christmas tradition is to make a donation to Auckland City Mission in lieu of Secret Santa gifts. We were pleased to see the generosity of our members again in 2025.

Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, we hope that you enjoy time with loved ones, relax, have fun and stay safe. Best wishes from Silver Service Toastmasters.

06/12/2025

Bringing history to life at Silver Service Toastmasters -

Joan gave a New Zealand history tale with a personal slant in “Epidemics and Pandemics I have known”. She recalled schools being closed because of polio and how vaccination prevented a second wave.

How can you bring history to life? Take the perspective of someone involved. Describe events as if they are happening right now. Use props and role play.

Come to the Silver Service Toastmasters Christmas party on 14 December in Orakei, Auckland for more hints on telling stories.

04/12/2025

How Not to Lead!

Erica’s leadership style speech at Silver Service Toastmasters was a helpful and sometimes funny guide, giving examples from her career. She recommend leading through empowerment rather than micro management.

What's your preferred style of leadership? Who are your role models?

Come to the Silver Service Toastmasters Christmas event on 14 December in Orakei, Auckland, and share your leadership how not to's.

02/12/2025

We hope you got at least one question right in yesterday’s Stuff morning quiz!

But Toastmasters doesn’t just build public speaking skills, does it? Confidence, leadership and friendship … what have you gained from Toastmasters?

21/11/2025

Congratulations to Sandra for completing Effective Coaching Level 4. It's no small feat, when you consider that she belongs to a monthly club, Silver Service Toastmasters. Sandra is also a personal and professional development coach, so she practices her craft on us members!

If you would like to hone your professional skills in a safe environment, come to Silver Service Toastmasters. We usually meet on the third Monday of the month, at different Auckland restaurants. In December we have a special hybrid meeting on Sunday 14 December, so contact [email protected] for more information.

20/11/2025

Last night at District 112 Club Officer Training, I was asked by the VPPR attendees to share a sample of our Silver Service Toastmasters club newsletter, for inspiration. This newsletter goes out monthly to members and past guests, so it is a form of promotion.

You can put anything of interest to Toastmasters in your newsletter. But we include: details of the next meeting (as we are at a different venue every month), "In case you missed it" summary of the previous meeting with photos, Crumbs from the President, Toastmasters Tips, district events. We sometimes have member profiles, or spotlight a member success.

You can repurpose your content too! Most of the newsletter is published in 3-5 social media posts throughout the month.

If you would like to receive our email newsletter, please email us at [email protected] . And if you're in Auckland, come to visit us!

https://mailchi.mp/0b98069aab9d/silver-servings-november-2025-add-sparkle-to-your-toastmasters?e=75edd7560f

112 Toastmasters in New Zealand

Rocket to success with Silver Service Toastmasters this month! Whether it’s lighting up the stage with your next speech, rekindling your confidence, or joining training to fan your leadership flame, there’s no better time to get involved. Let’s make this month sparkle with participation, laugh...

14/11/2025

Need practice answering questions coherently and persuasively? Join Silver Service Toastmasters and do the Q&A project.

Last month at Silver Service Toastmasters, Jonathan drew parallels between our Toastmasters education system and our NZ student education system with “Is Pathways our NCEA?”. His main criticism was that a person could complete Level 2 Pathways without having the basic skills of understanding purpose, body language and vocal variety. He answered questions on what changes he would make.

Come along to Silver Service Toastmasters meeting on Monday 17 November in Kohimarama, Auckland. Contact us by email to [email protected] for more information.

12/11/2025

What is your strange hobby? Talk about them at Silver Service Toastmasters.

Dressed neck to toe in recycled gear, Glen taught us the legalities and practicalities of rummaging rubbish skips in “Scavenging 101”. Scavenging is a favourite hobby of his, often without regard for accompanying family members, personal safety and social norms. On the positive side he is diverting usable items away from landfill.

Glen is chairing our next club dinner meeting. Come along to Silver Service Toastmasters meeting on Monday 17 November in Kohimarama, Auckland. Contact us by email to [email protected] for more information.