Sunday, August 28, 2011

Ambassador Story

I am a 35 year member of Toastmasters starting in Panama City District 29. I moved to East Central Florida in 1981 and transferred my membership to the Merritt Moonliters club, #1387 in November of that year. I was the first President of the Harris Communicators club, 363.

While with the Communicators club I was on many extensive travel and field assignments. I learned, very quickly, that Toastmasters is truly International. I visited over 100 clubs in cities such as; Jacksonville, FL; Atlanta, GA; Washington, DC; Tucson, AZ; etc. I had instant friends in every city where I worked I have been invited to dinners, weddings and homes of some of the most intelligent and greatest people in the world – fellow Toastmasters.

District 84 has a very valuable tool called the Ambassador program. I now visit clubs all over my Area, Division and other Districts. I have gained fantastic knowledge and new friends. Each club is unique such as providing food to recording their meetings. What a way to learn while having fun. I encourage all of the members in District to become a club Ambassador.

Harold “Pete” Cabaniss, DTM/ATM-S
Merritt Moonliters Club, Cocoa Beach, FL

Monday, August 22, 2011

Welcome Our New District 84 Reporters Chair Paul Peterzell

by Mary Carol Holbert, ACS

Paul Peterzell
 Paul is a member of OMNI Toastmasters Club 6861 in Lake Mary/Heathrow, where he is currently serving as Vice President Public Relations. One of his first actions as VPPR was to start a club newsletter – great job, Paul!

Paul is excited by the prospect of serving as our new Reporters Chair, as it gives him a chance to expand his communication skills – capturing stories through words and pictures for District 84.

An avid photographer, he has gotten public recognition recently for some of his work, the latest acknowledgement being selection for “Your Best Shot” in the August 14 th edition of the Orlando Sentinel. (August 13 th on-line.)
He proves he can capture nature, as he does in this photo captured on a trip to British Columbia, north of Whistler. The rushing brook impressed him with its loud white water amid the striking variety of greens in the plants. Whistler and the areas around it are in the Coast Mountains, which are replete with spectacular scenery that includes streams and waterfalls.

I have every confidence that he'll capture our nature, too!

Congratulations, Paul – both on your new position with District 84, and on your latest winning photo!

Friday, August 19, 2011

Member Success Stories: Stepping Outside The Club

by Brandon Harker, VPPR of Triple Crown Club

People who join Toastmasters are joining to learn how to speak in public. Many times that may be the extent of their speaking – in the club or to a wider Toastmasters audience. One of our members stepped outside the club, and outside Toastmasters, this month and gave not just one presentation, but two.

ACS/CL Michael Cooper gave 2 presentations on customer service to staff of the Marion County school system this week. Building on what he has learned over the last 4 years in Toastmasters he managed two 45-minute presentations that were well received by the administrative and before/after care staff. He had only been scheduled for one presentation, but another scheduled speaker was unable to attend 2 days later and he was asked if he could come back at the last minute. In his own words: “It takes a lot out of you being up that long when you aren't used to it. You're constantly gauging the audience's reaction, your message and your time. Unlike club meetings you really have to be “in-time,” since there are other scheduled activities coming right after you.”

This is his third speech to groups at CTAE, having been given time to talk about the value of public speaking and Toastmasters, to the business class there.

Monday, August 15, 2011

Jill Heinerth has been awarded the Wyland Icon Award

The Gator Club #3915 of Area 70, Division G, in District 84 is excited to announce member Jill Heinerth has been awarded the Wyland Icon Award to be presented on November 3rd, 2011 at 6:00pm during the Academy of Underwater Arts and Sciences Annual Gala Dinner. The Gala Dinner will be held in Orlando in conjunction with the annual Dive Equipment Manufacturer's Association trade show.

The Wyland Icon Award is presented annually to luminaries and pioneers of ocean conservation recognizing the achievements of those who have made a positive difference for the underwater world. Internationally acclaimed marine artist, Wyland, founded the award in 2002 to acknowledge individuals who exemplify the adventurous spirit of the ocean and inspire others to do the same. Jill will be the seventh woman to receive the icon award joining such notables as Jacques Cousteau, Lloyd Bridges, Dr. Sylvia Earle, Dr. Eugenie Clark, Rachel Carson, Zale Parry of the American television series Sea Hunt and Robert Ballard of Titanic fame. Find out more about Wyland by visiting the Wyland website at http://www.wyland.com/index.php.

A pioneering underwater explorer and filmmaker, Jill Heinerth has dived deeper into caves than any woman in history. With a collection of magnificent images, from Antarctic iceberg caves to the Floridan Aquifer and subterranean Siberia, Jill shares a glimpse of a breathtaking world few will experience. Her accolades include being inducted to the Women Diver's Hall of Fame and the Explorer's Club as well as scores of photography and filmmaking awards. Recognized as a leading technical diver, she is one of the world's experts on rebreather technology. An engaging speaker, Jill's multimedia presentations stir audiences with life's lessons learned during expeditions above, below and inside the earth. More information about Jill can be found on her website at http://www.intotheplanet.com/IntoThePlanet/About.html.

Monday, August 8, 2011

THE SPEAKER'S WASTED MINUTE

by Fred Haley, DTM

Fred Haley, DTM
What happened when you gave your last speech? Was it similar to this story?

The audience watched as the Toastmaster approached the lectern. She glanced at the paper in her hand with some scribbled words.

“Our next speaker today is John Doe. John has been a member of our club for one year. He is giving his ninth speech in the Competent Communications manual, “Persuade with Power.” John has entertained us with his other speeches. I know you will enjoy his presentation today. Please welcome John as he presents his 5 to 7 minute speech, ‘Driving Carefully.'

You walk up to the lectern and begin, “Madame Toastmaster, fellow Toastmasters and guests.”

YOU HAVE JUST WASTED ONE MINUTE OF OUR TIME AND YOURS.
How? You only spoke six words. How could you have wasted anyone's time? You didn't waste time in what you said. You wasted time in what the Toastmaster said.

You wasted your INTRODUCTION. The introduction can be the most critical step in giving a speech – before you even utter a word. It is your responsibility to provide an effective, relevant introduction that arouses the audience's interest. You should always write one out in advance for the Toastmaster to read. This also prevents the Toastmaster from upstaging you, or confusing the audience with the wrong or not enough information about you or your speech.

SPEAKERS: finding it hard to write an introduction? TOASTMASTER: will your speakers bring introductions? BE PREPARED: Download this ( FREE) “Generic Speaker Introduction Form” http://toastmentor.com/home/forms/TM_Speaker_Intro_Form.pdf

WHY SHOULD I LISTEN TO YOU?

The introduction must answer the audience's questions, “why do I want to listen to this person, and why do I want to hear about this topic?” The goals of the introduction are (1) to “set the stage” for your speech and topic, and (2) to build trust and credibility with them. Your introduction should answer these questions, not necessarily in this order:
  • Why are you speaking today?
  • Who are you?
  • What is your topic?
  • Why do we want to know about it?
  • Why should we listen to you?
Why are you here? Usually this is when you identify the manual and project on which you are working. Paraphrase the purposes of the project; you don't need to take all that time to detail. Do you have any additional personal objectives? Add them here.
  • “Our next speaker, Sharon Jones, will be working from the Competent Communication manual, Project #4 – How to Say It. Her objectives are to select clear, accurate, and descriptive words that effectively communicate her message. She should include rhetorical devices and avoid jargon. Sharon also wants to work on moving away from the lectern when she speaks.”
The Result: The audience knows part of the purpose for your presentation. They will know what to look for so that they can provide constructive feedback. Notice that Sharon's time objective was also stated, to advise the timekeeper.

Who are you? You do not need to tell your life's story, but we do want who you are. Make it relevant to your audience AND to your speech topic.
  • “Sharon has been a member of our club for nine months. She has earned her Competent Leadership award. She currently is our club's Vice President of Membership.”
The Result: your credentials help to build a connection with the audience. They feel more comfortable with you.

What is your topic? This can just be the title of your speech. It is also a good opportunity to set the stage. :
  • “Today Sharon will be sharing with us some helpful tips on selling a home. The title of Sharon's speech is, ‘Getting the Most for Your Home in a Buyer's Market.' ”
The Result: The audience has an idea of what you are going to talk about. It is important that your speech title not mislead or misdirect them, although a play on words or a suggestive teaser can add excitement. Your title should relate to the message you will want your audience to remember.

Why do we want to know about it? The most important lines in an introduction are those that make it relevant to us. The unspoken question for every audience is, “what's in it for me?” Use the introduction to build that bridge from general knowledge to “I need to take notes.”
  • “Every year, one in every ten families sells their home. That means two people in this room will sell a house this year. Within ten years, every one of you may have sold your home. In a buyer's market, you may sell for less than you paid. However, there are some simple tips you can follow to maximize your selling price. Would you like to know them?”
The Result: The audience recognizes that what you say will help them now or sometime in the near future. It may even help their friends or other family members. They will want to pay attention.

IMPORTANT NOTE : for some speeches, it is better for the Toastmaster to “set the stage” before you begin. This is a perfect opportunity to provide more background, or explain a unique situation to the audience so that you do not have to waste extra time.
  • Sharon will be giving this speech to a group of mid-level executives who soon will be transferred around the country. She asks that you take the perspective of those executives when you listen, and give her feedback to get her message across more clearly.
The Result: By having the Toastmaster explain this unusual circumstance, Sharon did not have to waste her speech time. It also avoided possible confusion the audience would feel as we tried to understand which part was her actual speech.

Why should we listen to you? Now that you have the audience's attention about why this speech is important to them, they want to know what makes you qualified to talk to us about it. This is the part where you must establish your credentials, and your credibility. Do not go overboard or try to oversell yourself. Only include qualifications that are relevant and appropriate to the audience and topic.
  • “Sharon is very familiar with these issues. She has been a licensed real estate agent in our city for over ten years. She has helped over two thousand families buy and sell homes in that time. Sharon was her company's “agent of the month” four times.”
The Result: The audience recognizes that Sharon has extensive knowledge and experience pertinent to the subject matter. She has built the credibility needed so that the audience will believe her and trust that the information will be valuable to them. They are ready to accept her word.

Don't forget the welcome: Close the introduction with a simple welcome:
  • Please welcome Sharon Jones as she presents speech, ‘Getting the Most for Your Home in a Buyer's Market.'
The Result: The audience knows that you are ready to speak, and you receive a warm welcoming applause.

ADD INTRIGUE TO YOUR INTRODUCTION

You can create more excitement by moving the various parts to the introduction. It will also flow better. Make it work for you to create an effective set up:
  • Every year, one in every ten families sells their home. That means two people in this room will sell a house this year. Within ten years, every one of you may have sold your home. In a buyer's market, you may sell for less than you paid.
    Our next speaker, Sharon Jones is very familiar with this issue. She has been a licensed real estate agent for over ten years. She has helped over two thousand families buy and sell homes. Sharon was her company's “agent of the month” four times.
    Sharon has some simple tips to maximize your selling price. She will share them with you today.
    Sharon has been a member of our club for nine months. She has already earned her “Competent Leader” award. She currently is our club's Vice President of Membership.
    She will be working from the Competent Communication manual, Project #4 – How to Say It. Her objectives are to select clear, accurate, and descriptive words that effectively communicate her message. She should include rhetorical devices and avoid jargon. Sharon also wants to work on moving away from the lectern when she speaks.
    Sharon will be giving this speech to a group of mid-level executives who soon will be transferred around the country. She asks that you take the perspective of those executives when you listen, and give her feedback to get her message across more clearly.
    Please welcome Sharon Jones as she presents 5 to 7 minute speech, ‘Getting the Most for Your Home in a Buyer's Market.'
How Long Should The Introduction Be?

Typically, for a Toastmasters speech, the introduction should be around one minute long (around 150 words). In unique situations, as Sharon's practice, it can be a little longer.

CONCLUSION

Do not waste that first minute of your presentation BEFORE you even take the stage. Take command and take responsibility for your introduction. Answer the audience's question, “why should I listen to you?” When you prepare an effective introduction, you set the stage so that your audience can follow you, and you build trust and credibility with them, so that they will accept your message.

SPEAKERS: finding it hard to write an introduction? TOASTMASTER: will your speakers bring introductions? BE PREPARED: Download this ( FREE) “Generic Speaker Introduction Form”
http://toastmentor.com/home/forms/TM_Speaker_Intro_Form.pdf

Fred Haley, published author and speaker, has been a member of Toastmasters for over 12 years. Fred has earned two Distinguished Toastmasters awards. Contact Fred at Fred@Toastmentor.com .

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Orlando Toastmasters Learning Institute July Experiments a Success!

by Mary Carol Holbert, ACS

If you were one of the 402 people who attended the July 16 th TLI in Winter Park, Florida, you probably participated in at least one ‘grand experiment'! For the first time, TLI conducted an Advanced Officer Training class, and offered four ‘Lunch and Learn' sessions for those attending the institute.

For years, our members who have held the same office for multiple terms questioned why they should continue to attend officer training, when they had already been trained multiple times for their office. While there is always value in networking with our fellow Toastmasters officers, our Lt. Governor of Education and Training and an advanced committee of six DTMs sought to develop an interactive session that would be interesting, relevant, and useful for our veteran club officers.

What emerged was a two-hour program that touched upon the essential points for each office, but concentrated on the following five distinct areas:
  • Communication among officers in a club
  • Communication with members of a club
  • Maximizing the club contest
  • Conflict resolution, and
  • Membership growth
In order to qualify for the session, a club officer was required to have held the office for two terms, and to have attended at least two training sessions. There were 65 attendees at the session, and given the interactive nature of the program, the participants enjoyed lively discussion about the challenges and opportunities before them. The feedback from this experiment was extremely positive, with everyone commenting indicating they would come back.

Pass the word! Hopefully in the future more advanced officers will want to attend as well.

The second experiment you may have participated in was one of the newly instituted ‘Lunch and Learn' sessions. Rather than simply take your box lunch and scramble to find an open seat or a patch of grass, four venues were created to encourage interaction, networking, and discussion.

In the past, one of the concerns expressed by many officer trainees was that there really wasn't much opportunity to discuss the challenges, issues, or opportunities with their fellow officers. Their point was well taken, for the simple reason that most of the training sessions were so packed with information that there was rarely any time left over within the sessions themselves to exchange thoughts and ideas.

‘Lunch and Learn' was created to provide a time and space for those discussions to take place. Over the lunch period, one room was set out for club Presidents and VPEs; a second room for VPMs and VPPRs; a third for Secretaries and Treasurers; and a fourth for Sergeants-at-Arms.

A facilitator was provided for each room to spur discussion, suggest topics, and prevent fistfights! The lunch periods flew by as participants exchanged experiences, ideas, tips, and frequent offers to help one another.

Once again, the feedback for the Lunch and Learn sessions was enthusiastically positive. Of all the events at the TLI, Lunch and Learn got the best feedback, with participants unanimously asking for a repeat.

All in all, TLI's July experiments were a great success. Come check them out this coming January, because based on popular demand, they'll both be back!


Officer Training ~ Toastmasters Learning Institute and Kollege of Knowledge

by Linton McClain, ACS and Mary Carol Holbert, ACS

Division A & F had a great Kollege of Knowledge experience for the new Toastmasters year. Division F Governor Fred Haley and I wanted to start off this year with energy and we found the most energetic person we could find; George Casey. With George's lead, we came up with the theme "Put me in Coach". George led his team to a great success. They worked together tirelessly to make the event a success. As we neared the week of the event nearly 150 people had registered. We kept pushing forward to reach a goal of having 200 members participate. As we closed the day of the event, George reported that we reached our goal. We hardly had enough seats to accommodate everyone during the "General Session".

Many people enjoyed the event. Most comments were centered around the enthusiasm and energy of the event. The first timers commented on the organization and the workshops catered to their needs. The officers commented on each speaker engaging them instead of giving them a lecture. This event was a success due to George's determination and focus to make the event a success.

What I liked the most about the training is that it was well put together and flowed seamlessly. There were a few hiccups, but they were taken care of quickly. I feel that people really got what they wanted from the Kollege of Knowledge. The whole team received much praise for the organizational effort and the variety. We started on time and ended on time. If there is one thing I would change, it would be having enough seats. I don't think it's something we can control, but it would help with the organization. Overall, I could not have asked for a better Kollege of Knowledge. I give a standing ovation to George Casey and his team.

Monday, August 1, 2011

Title: Is it time for you to get serious about Social Media?

by Bob Haataia, DTM

Bob Haataia, DTM
Social Media is everywhere. Nearly half of all Americans participate in Social Media in one way or another. It's free. It's available on my computer, smart phone, or even through my basic texting plan. Ok. It may be easy to access, but why should I get involved? Most people are aware of being able to keep in touch with friends and family, but did you know you could use Social Media to accelerate your personal growth? Did you know that Social Media can make you a better toastmaster? It's true.

We all want to feel a part of a community. We all need to have relationships. But, with all our obligations, we don't always have the time to connect with others. Wouldn't it be great if we could share our lives with our friends and family and feel connected? Social Media gives you that opportunity. Social Media allows you to share your activities, your pictures, your music, and even videos with your friends and family. It also allows you to interact with your friends and family's activities on-line. Social Media allows us to communicate more effectively with our family, friends, and even our fellow toastmasters.

We all joined Toastmasters to challenge ourselves to become better. Social Media can accelerate that growth. Want to know what John Maxwell's has to say about leadership? Simply follow him on Twitter or Facebook. Want to hear about what's happening in Toastmasters? Simply connect with our District 84 Facebook Fan Page or follow us on Twitter. Want to connect to other like minded individuals who are learning and growing. Seek them out and hear what they have to say in Social Media. Whether it's Facebook, twitter, videos, blogs, or LinkedIn, the experts are out there sharing their knowledge with the world. Are you listening? Are you growing?

As a Toastmaster, we can leverage these free tools in many ways. Do you only talk to your fellow toastmasters at meetings? What about in-between meeting. Social Media and enhance the club communication in-between meetings and enhance your preparation for meetings. As you participate in Social Media it also challenges you in your communication skills. What are you saying? How well are you communicating? How effective are you? It helps you to find your voice in the topics you are passionate about. What is your personal brand? What is your on-line image? Your on-line image will attract new members to your club. Want to see your club grow?

We know Social Media is a way to connect with people. Social Media is being used by family, friends, churches, businesses, celebrities, & people from all walks of life. Social Media can allow you to connect with fellow toastmasters and accelerate your personal growth. Social Media can bring members to your club. What are you waiting for? Let's connect!

Bob is one of the triad of the District 84 Social Media Committee. Mary Carol Holbert and Michael Gregg are the others.

My Toastmasters Journey

By Barbara Kincade, DTM - Toastmasters at Twelve, Daytona Beach I never even heard about Toastmasters until I took the Dale Carnegie...