Ashgrove
For more information on Forum Communicators public speaking association, please visit the website www. beconfident.org.au The second General Meeting of the Ashgrove Forum Club for 2022, the 970th, was held at 6.30pm on Wednesday 16th February in the Ashgrove Library Meeting Room, 87 Amarina Avenue, Ashgrove. The Speaking Session topic was “Choice”. The main speaker Dr Pat Pepper delivered an informative and well researched 10-minute speech on “Choice” in relation to Covid-19 - i.e.to vaccinate or not, and if so which vaccine to choose. She outlined the science behind the various vaccines (Pfizer, Astra Zeneca, Moderna and Novovax, their efficacy and effectiveness, the level of risk for the various age groups
and the risks for pregnant women and their unborn children. Four members then entertained us with 5-minute speeches on the same topic, but with vastly different subject matter. A segment to increase vocabulary provided members with two seldom used words: (a) “pecksniffian” an adjective meaning unctuously hypocritical and sanctimonious which derives its meaning from Seth Pecksniff, a character with a holier-than-thou attitude in Charles Dickens’s 1844 novel Martin Chuzzlewit, and (b) “graveolence” - a noun meaning a strong, extremely rancid, odoriferous, offensive smell. The meeting was attended by Forum’s Chief Assessor, Leanne Walker (pictured),
The Western Echo March 2022 Page 20
Forum's Chief Assessor Leanne Walker
an accredited Speech and Meeting Procedure Assessor. Leanne congratulated Pat on the depth and breadth of information contained in her well researched and topical speech. Leanne then complimented all the speakers on their contributions giving each individual valuable input and constructive tips for improvement.
The next meeting will be held at 6.30pm on 16th March at the Ashgrove Library. As always visitors and prospective members are welcome to attend without obligation. For enquiries, please ring the Secretary, Ronda Nix, on 0409 615 514.
website: http://www.westernecho.com.au
