2nd Sept 2014
In lively debate on a rainy Friday in August, combined teams from Griffith Guild Toastmasters and Gold Coast Toastmasters put opposing views about planning our own funerals.
Each club nominated three members from which mixed teams were chosen. Team affirmative claimed that planning one’s own funeral takes the burden from the grieving family. “Death is part of the circle of life. We should be prepared for death,” claimed Alicia Zavala. “Having our funeral details prepared allows the mourners to focus on the celebration of life, especially when death comes unexpectedly”, concluded Trinette Stevenson.
Phil Commandeur for team negative argued that planning ones’ own funeral unnecessarily suggested that early death was anticipated. “It is selfish to choose your own music” claimed Adel Fazel, “your family should already know your preferences”. Alison Andrew summed up saying, “You spend more funds than necessary when you plan too far in advance”.
Area 34 Governor, Beverley Bradbery, adjudicated the debate. Beverly highlighted the key elements that she sought in her evaluations prior to the debate. Admitting to personal bias, she congratulated both teams and declared the Affirmative Team the winner by a small margin.
Gold Coast Toastmasters were returning to Griffith Guild visit after hosting them at the end of July where two teams participated in a lively debate about Climate Change.
The idea for a debate between clubs was generated at a district training day in July where trainers conducted a demonstration debate. The purpose of debate in Toastmasters is to encourage people to think quickly and speak at a moment’s notice.
Gold Coast Sergeant at Arms, Greg Holbrook liaised with Griffith Guild President, Miao Li and Vice-President Education, Niluka Gunawardena to arrange the visits.
Griffith Guild Toastmasters meet on Fridays from 11:30am to 12:30pm.
Gold Coast Toastmasters meet at 7:00pm on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at the QCWA hall in Ventura Ave Mermaid Beach. Both clubs welcome visitors.
Click on drop box link below to see photos.
Media Contact:
Evelyn Douglas 0418 328 681 evelynd@corplink.com.au
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/aet3a3jkpwwhi62/AAB7f5ayEIo9OmmAe2yrzuXla?dl=0
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