Five famous people are in a hot air balloon – but the balloon is losing height dangerously. Four people will have to be thrown over – but whom? And who will be the lucky survivor?
Williamstown Toastmasters had a special meeting on 23 August 2016 celebrating its 20th anniversary. As part of the entertainment, we organised the Great Balloon Debate where five brave members and guests climbed aboard the virtual gondola.
The passengers were allowed to choose their own personas. We thought they would choose the great and good from Jesus Christ to Steve Jobs, but we had a really eclectic group. Each had three minutes to convince the audience of the absolute imperative of their staying aboard.
First was Christal Augustin who channelled Kim Kardashian. “If you throw me out, you won’t have the satisfaction of seeing me grow old” was Kim’s compelling argument. Then Luba Bradford was Oprah Winfrey for the doomed journey. From a dirt-poor beginning to a billionaire media personality – Oprah mounted a good argument that she was a survivor and should be saved.
Ray Ingwersen was a hard passenger to beat – Orville Wright. “I can actually fly this balloon that’s why I should be saved.” Julie Wacker then appealed to everyone’s sweet tooth. She was Willy Wonka, the chocolatier from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Lastly, Dick Wilkie brought out the big guns – or actually a big knife. He was Crocodile Dundee. Cunning Dick had hidden the cake knife in the lectern and menaced the audience with it. “Dirty Trick” said Oprah. But Crocodile Dundee swayed the audience by pointing out he was the only Australian on board.
All passengers then had a minute each to rebut the others’ argument. It was now up to the audience to decide: who will be saved and who will be tossed to their peril?
Everyone in the audience had a balloon which they presented to their preferred passenger. It was a close-run thing but Crocodile Dundee won the debate and stayed in the gondola. The others passengers were tossed out to their doom on the rocks below. Splat!
If you are looking for a fun event for your club meetings, consider a Great Balloon Debate. But warning: hide all knives!