You can use Toastmasters Anywhere!

by Ellen Little, ACB/CL, Division B, Area 21 Governor, VPPR for Girl Talk and Harbor City Clubs

Ellen Little, ACB

In May, 2011, some friends of mine and I were having discussions about investing in the stock market. It was not the typical time for this type of talk, because the market was so volatile. I remember reporters gasping on the nightly news about the DOW Jones drop for the day; I also remember it not affecting me personally because my investments weren’t attached necessarily to the stock market. I became intrigued.

A friend of mine had just joined my home toastmasters club; she was a financial advisor. I had been friends with her for a few years prior to that from another common workplace. I had been using her services for a few months at that point. I asked her what she thought about an investment club; explained the conversations that I had been having with my other friends; and my idea that I thought the prospective club could be a teaching/learning opportunity. She loved it. We proceeded to start the club.

On July 14th, the investment club was started, as an LLC, with the expectation of learning about the market. Twenty-three women quickly joined and were present at the first meeting. Our objectives were to learn something about investing. Investigate and present our stock choices in the meetings. Create camaraderie and hopefully make money together.

The first meeting was challenging. Our leader (the new Toastmaster) knew right away that we needed to time the “reports”, call the meeting to order, and have a more specific agenda. Enter Toastmaster Leadership training. “Wow, let me make this easy, we are just going to run this meeting like our toastmaster meetings”! And Viola! She exchanged a bell for the gavel; and soon came order, more fun, and things were being accomplished at the meetings. Since implementing these changes, we’ve even added a book review to the agenda! As we “clunked” our ceremonial coffee mugs at the end of the first “toastmaster style meeting”, we reflected on how many other times we could have used that training in our lives; at clubs; other “job related” meetings; business meetings-the list went on.

I recently had the opportunity to coach a small company, with a group of 5 who serve as the Board of Directors. They have expressed to me that they feel their meetings could be more effective; and I had given them the information about taking control of their meetings; implementing control and parliamentary procedures; and effective agendas; ala toastmasters! You stick with what works, and what works sticks! After using the tips, and running the meeting more effectively, they were right! They were able to get more accomplished; and are now growing their business (in a market that claims to be a down economy!) It’s amazing what a little efficiency will do.

I always hated attending meetings in the workplace (almost boycotted them) if I did not have an agenda to review prior to the meeting. When I joined my first Toastmaster club, the officers of that club felt the same way! I was in heaven. And then I went to my first ambassador club visit when there wasn’t one-I was a visitor- I mean there was NO agenda. I may have broken out in hives. I understand if you don’t get the agenda ahead of time, things happen, but to not have one at the meeting, makes me feel like I have my shoes on the wrong feet. I gave that feedback to the President and the VPE; and I’m not saying that just changing that caused this, but I did see their name on the D84 challenge for membership achievement. (to remain nameless; and I’m not saying which year).

Toastmasters is a great place to learn an age old skill that we can sometimes “forget”. Whether you are 2 or 72, we need order and rules and boundaries for group activities. Kids are better mannered when expectations and boundaries are set, correct? We work better as a team of adults when we have order, expectations and a responsibility to follow rules and protocol. (I’m sure there are a few other things that we need; hear me out!) I know what to do for that hour in my Toastmasters meeting; I know how to address people; use correct and proper language, grammar and text; and my friends correct me and give me feedback on how I do that. By using the tools that the leadership track gives us, we can be more effective in everything that we do that deserves a successful outcome.

Think of how many more hours of your life could be more effective by using the tools the leadership track at toastmasters gives you. Robert wrote the rules, use Toastmasters to implement them! Utilize the Leadership manuals! Share this in your community! Enjoy the rewards that this training exposes you to. But be careful. You just may leave a legacy. Oh, and maybe a few more members for your club.

Toastmaster Beth Johns

by Vicky Iozzia, DTM

One of the joys of being a veteran Toastmaster is watching new Toastmasters grow and blossom as speakers. Everyone works at their own pace; Beth Johns has shot up like a rocket!

Beth is a partner with another Toastmaster in Radiant Ridge Toastmasters in Crystal River. Together they run Performance Marketing. She has been a Toastmaster member since February, 2011.

When Beth’s church did a project before Christmas she was asked to speak before the congregation, then asked to make a video instead. Beth said it didn’t occur to her how different the use of video is than giving a speech in person.

She dealt with the differences consciously and effectively. Since the frame of the space where the taping was done was small, she had do make smaller movements in a confined space. She couldn’t use body language. Time was limited; the video was done in two takes, with the first one being used.

The video was produced by a professional photographer. Beth wrote the script. She needed to learn to use the teleprompter application on her ipad on the spot.

Beth showed the video to her family on Christmas day, and at our club Holiday party. She was told that she looked like a professional, and she said “they didn’t know that I had the ability to speak that way.” Her fellow club members are very impressed with her performance on the video.

Beth said, “I give Toastmasters the credit for giving me the confidence to do it.”

See for yourself what a great job she did: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxomFFe2cD8

Taking Full Advantage

by Stepan Babanin, ACB

Note: Stepan is from Russia. He earned his CC within a matter of months, and for the last two years has served as VP-Membership. As you’ll see below, Toastmasters has played a significant role in building not only his communication and leadership skills, but also the confidence that comes with such growth.

Stepan Babanin

I joined Toastmasters to improve my communication skills, but very soon I realized the potential is endless and my life hasn't been the same ever since. Being a member of OMNI Toastmasters gave me such a boost that after completing 10th CC speech I ran a marathon. After running a marathon, I said to myself: "Look, you can now speak in front of an audience, you can run a marathon; there is no doubt you can speak Spanish". Yes, now I speak three languages.

It's interesting I learned Spanish in Toastmasters. I joined Dr. Manuel Toro Toastmasters a little over a year ago without speaking a word in Spanish. Membership in the club dramatically improved my Spanish. Job interviewers said my Spanish was so good that I could work in bi-lingual department as a customer service representative.

You may think ‘wow!’ But it doesn't stop there. After continuous improvement in Dr. Manuel Toro Toastmasters, I said to myself: "You can play guitar". Yes, I can play guitar and write music. Then "You can dance". Yes, I can. Then "You can write poetry". Yes, I can, in three languages. Then "You can learn Chinese". Oh yes, you better believe it. Then "You can paint pictures" and I painted one.

Toastmasters generated a chain explosion of self-confidence in my life. While I give all credit to God, Toastmasters played a detonating role in it. My journey in Toastmasters is far from over and I am looking forward to climbing new heights, delivering more speeches and more growth in and out of Toastmasters.

Stepan Babanin, ACB, CL
OMNI Toastmasters
Dr. Manuel Toro Toastmasters

RESOLUTIONS TO “HAVE FUN DOING IT!”

by Fred Haley

Are you making any Resolutions for 2012? Have you set personal improvement goals for the new year? You should.

If you ask any club officers for suggestions, they will have several standard recommendations: earn your next communications award; earn your next leadership award; recruit more members; become a club officer and go to officer training.

Of course they would. These are very good challenges. They help you to improve. They take some effort to accomplish. They also will help your club to earn points towards becoming a “President’s Distinguished club.”

MY RECOMMENDED RESOLUTIONS
I have some different proposals that may help make your Toastmasters experience more fun and rewarding. By the way – any of these can be applied to your workplace, civic or professional associations, church and even family life. Make a commitment to do one or more.

1. Start a Writer’s Journal: Start to keep notes of the observations, ideas and words that inspire you, or fill in those awkward holes. Buy a notebook. Or, create an electronic WORD document (or Spreadsheet), or even email file.

In a short time you will find your own treasure chest of material for speeches, stories and presentations, even Table Topics.

Your specific resolution would be, “start a writer’s journal and have at least (100) entries by the end of the year.”

2. Become a Member Guide: Being a mentor for the first time can be intimidating. You may prefer to go slow. Instead, decide to help newer members and guests to fulfill their roles. Sit with someone being Timer, AH Counter or Grammarian the first time. Tutor a first time evaluator or Toastmaster. Explain

In no time you will recognize how much you do not know. By trying to teach someone else, you see a different perspective. You will want to have the answers for whatever questions you may be asked.

Your specific resolution would be, “by the end of the year, help at least twelve (one per month) members complete meeting roles or rehearse a speech.”

3. Compete in a Contest: Take the real “trial by fire.” Competing does not mean walking up to the front when your name is called. It takes time, planning and practice. Dedicate yourself to doing well. Do more research. It takes more time to prepare a good contest speech, or for a strong evaluation or Table Topics response.

YES – you can prepare for an evaluation or Table Topics contest.

If you are not a Toastmaster, find another challenge with a deadline and judging. Whatever your favorite hobby, there is competition. You may prefer to submit an entry in a writing or poetry contest. Go for it.

Your specific resolution would be, “to have competed in at least one contest by the end of the year.”

START THE NEW YEAR RIGHT!

Do something for your personal and professional life. Commit to your resolutions. It is not too late to get started.

As you continue to work at these goals, you find more satisfaction, and want to do more. You realize the true meaning to the words, “and have fun doing it.”

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

You’ll Be Surprised

by Tim Tyckoson

Tim Tyckoson

I was genuinely surprised when I first heard him say it. He listed the names of some of the best speakers in our club and that list included me. After the meeting I approached him with thanks and he continued to bestow me with compliments. He stated that I had ‘the gift’ and was a natural speaker and leader. “Paul,” I said, “thanks for those kind words. It hasn’t always been this way.”

There was a time in my life when I preferred limited interaction with others. I would go to work, do my job, and come home for an evening at home with my family. Life was simple. Life was good. We lived in St Louis near where my wife Gina grew up so we had her friends for social activities. We’d take the kids to the park or the zoo. We’d have the occasional Cardinal’s game or theatre event. And every Sunday our church provided groups for us and the little ones. My circle(s) of friends knew me and the way I was. Why on earth would I want to interfere with this arrangement?

Gina discovered this group called Toastmasters at her office and joined after a couple visits. Now she was preparing speeches and reviewing duties for evaluating others at home and periodically rehearsing them at home. Frankly, I did not see the attraction. First of all, why would anyone WANT to get before a group of strangers and speak, at all? Secondly, why would that same person WANT someone there to tell him how it went? It seemed to me like one of those ‘kill me now’ moments. But Gina has always been more socially inclined than I and I recognized how that type of personal development could benefit her professionally. She gave her speeches (In fact her Ice Breaker was inspired by a Valentine gift I made for her.) and I would listen and give helpful pointers when asked. As schedules allowed I visited her club to witness a club meeting yet my interest remained as a spectator only. Then life threw one of its surprises at us. We’re moving.

Welcomed by Florida’s sunshine and daily summer showers, we found ourselves in what seemed a different world. Places, people, and problems we don’t recognize. A different work schedule and unfamiliar school schedules left many questions. Now we knew no one in the neighborhood and the closest relatives were a long hour away. I was slow to do so, but I reached out to some others at work who, like me, had just moved to the area and laid the foundation for friendships. Once the moving in was done, Gina found a Toastmasters club to visit. I was still hesitant about speaking before an audience and continued my fly on the wall approach to people.

After three years in Florida and her previous club disbanding, Gina wanted to start a new club in her office. To do this, she had to become a member of another club,any club. She visited Omni Toastmasters in Lake Mary. I still classified myself as a quiet, reserved person –not quite withdrawn, but definitely not outgoing. I was working the midnight shift at the postal processing center. There was no reason that I would ever need to give a presentation to any group of any size. But I went to visit the club, too. I visited again. And again. Surprise! I joined.

The functionary roles were the first step –learning to listen more carefully- and after a few weeks, I gave my Ice Breaker. When I was done, much to my surprise, they all clapped. I did it. I gave a speech. A few weeks later I gave another. Within a year I was most of the way done with my basic manual and I had competed in a speech contest. A few more months passed and I had received a beautiful Certificate from Toastmasters claiming (certifying) that I am a Competent Communicator. I had also served as a club officer. Other members of the club have taken me in their speeches to Turkey, China, Russia, and other faraway places. The world is a different place for me now. We attend the semi-annual conferences and I am no longer that fly on the wall watching. I am meeting new people and greeting friends from other clubs (I knew having a good memory for names would be useful someday.)

Becoming a Letter Carrier was a great change. Not only do I get to sleep at night again, but also I have the energy and ability to participate at more events. Without the fear or reservations about conversing with anyone, I have more confidence in my approach to people, and activities that I would have shied away from in the past. This includes out of the Toastmasters realm. Here in central Florida there is a vocal group called SingLive. Anyone can join and sing in the performances, but if you have the desire to sing a solo or as part of an ensemble you must audition. I understand that there is no direct correlation from Toastmasters to singing, but the confidence is the same whether to give a speech or sing a song. Three friends and I auditioned a number and Surprise! we were cast in the show.

There was once a man named Tim who was not at all like me. He was quiet and preferred to watch others. I check in on him from time to time. You may not ever see him again, but he is now living a more fulfilling life. Thank you again, Paul, for your kind words and I encourage anyone who wonders what it is like to speak in front of 10 or 20 or 100 people could be like; give Toastmasters a chance. You’ll be surprised.

Testimonial by Javier Cintron

Javier Cintron

In my former role as the Communications Leader for American Express, I was tasked with creating presentations, but never had to actually deliver one. Despite the fact that I did not have to deliver presentations, as a communications professional, I was highly embarrassed to admit how much I feared public speaking.

This past September, I was practicing to deliver a commencement speech for my graduating class at Tampa’s St. Pete Forum Arena. Thanks to Toastmasters at DRC – Orlando, I was able to practice and gain the necessary confidence I needed to prepare for such an important speech.

Today, I am currently pursuing my Masters in Business Administration (MBA), and as part of our curriculum, students are required to make presentations. Had it not been for the practice and skills I acquired through my involvement with Toastmasters at DRC – Orlando, I can honestly say I would not be as successful in my courses.

As a fellow Toastmaster, grad school student, Online Communications Agent, and mentor for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Central Florida, I am a living example of how Toastmasters can positively impact one’s life. Toastmasters provided the necessary tools, but most importantly, the confidence I needed to succeed in all aspects of life. We cannot become who we want to be, by remaining who we are, and I am glad I took the initiative to join Toastmasters and improve upon my skills and confidence.

Thanks, Toastmasters! - Javier Cintron

CONTEST: Can You Name that Sci Fi TV Show or Movie?

Identify as many of the Sci-Fi References in Conference Chair Kathleen Kershaw’s Spring Conference promo, “Things to Come”, set out below. This is the speech she gave at the recent Toastmasters Leadership Institute in Orlando, and it’s chock-full of Sci Fi TV and Movie references.

Copy this speech, indicating as many of the references as you can identify. In order to get credit, put the TV or Movie title next to the reference.

The person who get the most correct answers will win a prize. If there is a tie, the first person to submit the tying number of correct answers will win the prize. Send your answers to: mcpro@toastmastersd84.org

THINGS TO COME

Kathleen Kershaw, WIB

I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass – and I’m all out of bubblegum.

Let me tell you why you’re here. You’re here because you know something. What you know you can’t explain. But you feel it. It is this feeling that has brought you here to me today.

This spring, you will take the Red Pill and follow me down the rabbit hole into the Twilight Zone.
Party like it’s Space: 1999 in Lake Mary, The Final Frontier.

We’re going Back to the Future, to boldly go where no Toastmaster has gone before.

Adventure. Heh! Excitement. Heh! A Jedi craves not these things. Lucky for you, I’m a Toastmaster, not a Jedi.

Fellow Toastmasters, I control the vertical. I control the horizontal. I am the “Things to Come” conference chair. This is the conference you are looking for.

Submitted for your approval…

Friday May 18th, we kick off the festivities with movie trailers, a costume contest, and a show not to be forgotten. We’ll feast at Milliways’s The Restaurant at the End of the Universe. After dinner, Table Topics contestants will do battle with impromptu wits as sharp as a bat’leth.

In the evening, retire to 10-Forward and Quark’s bar. Enjoy complimentaryrefreshments such as Romulan Ale, Pan Galactic Gargle Blasters and jelly babies.

Saturday morning, Star Fleet Academy instructors will educate us with relevant and timely sessions, such as "How to build a time machine out of a DeLorean". Or possibly not. Help me Dennis Wooldridge, you're my only hope.

After class, return to Milliways, the Restaurant at the End of the Universe for lunch and edutainment. Later, relax in the movie room, where we’ll be screening sci-fi classics.

In the evening, don your finest formal wear as we watch the Intergalactic Speech contestants battle for honor.

Celebrate the victors at the Mos Eisley Spaceport Cantina. You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. You must be cautious. Get your intergalactic passport now.

Resistance is futile.

I don’t want to hear you say you’ll “try”. Try not. Do or do not, There is no try.

Don’t Panic! Registration opens mid-March. Join me, and I will complete your training. With our combined strength, we can bring order to District 84!

You’ll have so much fun you’ll say “I’ll be back.”

Remember, you are not a number, you are Toastmaster.

Hasta la vista, baby.

Live long, and Evaluate.

Dennis, Beam me up.

THE TEN PRACTICAL Ps OF PUBLIC SPEAKNG

by Fred Haley, DTM

Sometimes we need clear directions to prepare for our next public speaking engagement. You have seen the "Ten Tips" on other sites. They miss important steps.

Here are my Ten Practical "P's" for effective public speaking. Print them. Post them. Carry them everywhere. Practice them to make the most of your next speech.

1. PURPOSE: Decide on the purpose of your speech. It can be: to inform (let us know about something); to entertain (make us laugh, cry, get excited); to motivate (encourage us to take some action); or, to inspire (get us to say YES). These are not mutually exclusive; you can have more than one purpose.

2. PEOPLE: your audience. Understand them, their interests and their mood. Tailor the information in your speech, your style, tone, and manner of delivery for them. Don't forget - they want you to do well. They are happy that you are here and speaking. Make your speech special for them.

3. POINT: The most important "P." Every speech must have a point, a theme, a message, a lesson. If not you are rambling. Make the point appropriate to your audience. Know your point before you start writing your speech.

4. PERSPECTIVE: Your audience wants to hear your viewpoint on a topic, an event, or your own personal experiences. When you hear, "talk about what you know," that is what they mean.

5. PLACE: The room. Become familiar with the stage (any squeaks?). Look for obstacles and hazards Are there any steps? Does the sound system work for you? Know the room so that you won't be surprised.

6. PERSONALITY: specifically - your personality. Be yourself. Speak like you are having a conversation. Your personality is unique. It also is what allows you to relate to your audience.

7. PICTURE: Have a vision of yourself giving your speech. It is like looking at a photo; the longer you look at it, the more details you notice. In the same way, build a video of you presenting. Hear your voice. Watch your movements. Listen to your words.

8. PREPARE: Invest the time to have a good presentation. Write your speech. Re- read it often. Make changes. Think it through until you are satisfied.

9. PRACTICE: The second most important "P" (after POINT). You can't just read and memorize your speech. Even picturing it is not enough. Practice-practice-practice.

10. PERFORM: After all your efforts, it is time to DO IT. You may be nervous, but you can feel your excitement. You know you are ready.

When you take these ten practical steps, you will give a strong, memorable presentation.

That will lead to two more Practical "P's." You experience them after getting to the tenth. The eleventh "P" is PLEASURE. Yes, you will have fun. The twelfth "P" is PRIDE. You will be very proud of yourself and of your accomplishments. Follow those first ten "P's" and reap the rewards you have earned.

Fred Haley, published author and speaker, has been a member of Toastmasters for over 12 years. Fred has earned two Distinguished Toastmasters awards. His web site, www.TOASTMENTOR.net is "Every Toastmaster's first stop for advice and resources." Fred publishes a weekly ToastMentor newsletter. Contact Fred at Fred@Toastmentor.com .

What Is the ‘DCP’ and What’s in it for Me?

Sometimes it seems that Toastmasters is all about acronyms, particularly when you are a new member. When we first join Toastmasters, we hear people talking about CCs and CLs, and it takes a little while to realize they’re talking about your first two educational award levels, the Competent Communication Award, and the Competent Leadership Award.

About this time of year, you are probably starting to hear your club officers using another acronym: DCP. ‘DCP’ stands for Distinguished Club Program, which is an award program for clubs based on reaching certain goals established by Toastmasters International (TI) from July 1 of one year through July 30th of the next year. (TI operates on a fiscal, rather than calendar, year. For example, this year in TI runs from July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012.)

TI’s goal is to serve its members, as set out in our club mission statement:

The mission of a Toastmasters club is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every individual member has the opportunity to develop oral communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth.

The DCP is one of the ways TI ensures that our clubs are member-focused. What’s in the DCP for you? Let’s break each goal down, and see…

There are 10 DCP goals in all:

1. Achieve 2 CCs
The member focus here is on education. Most people join Toastmasters because they are interested in becoming better communicators. What is the best way to become a better communicator? By speaking! Having two club members achieve their CC award, the club is ensuring that its members are achieving the goals they joined Toastmasters for.

2. Achieve 2 more CCs
Again, there is continued focus on education. Most of those who earn CCs will be newer members, but there will also be some advanced Toastmasters who chose to go back through the CC manual. Encouraging members to complete their CCs moves them toward meeting their communication goals.

3. Achieve 1 AC (Advanced Communicator Bronze(ACB), Advanced Communicator Silver(ACS), or Advanced Communicator Gold(ACG))
Once a member earns his or her CC, there are multiple advanced communication award levels which may be attained. By having an AC as a goal, TI encourages clubs to support and nurture its more advanced members, ensuring their continuing educational goals are fulfilled.

4. Achieve 1 more AC (ACB, ACS, or ACG)
Everyone in the club benefits from having more experienced Toastmasters remain in the club. By continuing to support their educational goals, both the advanced Toastmasters and the club as a whole grow as communicators.

5. Achieve 1 Leadership Award (Competent Leader (CL), Advanced Leader Bronze
(ALB), Advanced Leader Silver (ALS), or Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM)
The other side to our Toastmasters educational track is leadership. To ensure that clubs emphasize the Leadership Track as well as the Communication Track, TI has established achievement of a Leadership Award as a goal in the quest to become a Distinguished Club. By working through the Leadership Track, we grow as leaders in our club, our work, and our community.

6. Achieve 1 more Leadership Award (CL, ALB, ALS, or DTM)
This is the final educational goal in the DCP. Clearly, TI has placed a huge emphasis on ensuring that club members are receiving the education they joined Toastmasters to obtain. When our members are reaching their goals, the clubs are providing an environment that encouraged growth and development. That is the mark of a Distinguished Club.

7. 4 New Members

8. At least 4 More New Members
Why does TI want each club to add a total of at least 8 new members each year? Here’s the math: If we take a club with 20 member charter strength, and consider the average attrition rate is 40% (according to studies), that means a club is likely to lose 8 members in any given year. The 8 new members would simply keep the club at charter strength.

Why care about membership numbers? If you’ve attended a club with twenty or more members, the odds are that all the roles are filled, and the speaking slate is full. There is a level of energy and excitement when there is a full house at a meeting. Members don’t get burned out from having to do too much every week.

These DCP goals are set with the hope that clubs will be encouraged to promote membership, keeping clubs at healthy, productive membership levels.

9. Minimum of 4 Officers Trained in each of Two Training Periods
When our officers understand what their roles and responsibilities are, and have the opportunity to learn from their peers, the club and all its members benefit. Training teaches what is involved in carrying out each office, and provides information and connections that facilitate the day-to-day operations of the club. By making training one of the DCP goals, TI encourages club officers to be prepared to lead their clubs, and teaches proven ways to serve club members.

10. One Membership Dues Renewal Report and One Club Officer List Submitted on
Time
The final DCP goal is administrative, but vital to Toastmasters International. Without information regarding officers, TI will have no way to communicate with the club, and as a non-profit organization, TI depends on member dues for its existence.

In order to receive credit for attaining any of these goals, a Toastmasters club has to meet certain membership criteria.

On June 30th, the club has to have at least 20 members, or have a net gain of at least 5 members over the club’s membership base at July 1 of that fiscal year. If the membership criteria is met, the club will get one point for each of the 10 DCP Goals set out above. [Clearly, even those clubs that do not qualify for DCP credit because of membership should still be working toward the DCP goals, since they, too, seek to serve their members.]

A qualifying club will earn DCP recognition as follows:

5-6 Points: Distinguished Club

7-8 Points: Select Distinguished Club

9-10 Points: President’s Distinguished Club

What’s in the DCP for you? A Toastmasters club that is truly serving you!

Outstanding Vice President of Public Relations of the Year

What does your community know about your Club? If they know nothing, then how can they find you? Although it is every member's responsibility to spread the word about Toastmasters, your club's Vice President of Public Relations has the challenge of preparing various media to promote your club. For the 2010-2011 term, District 84's Public Relations Officer, Nancy Hoehn, DTM presented many challenges to all VPPRs, including club poster design, preparing a newsletter, participating in social media websites, press releases, holding an open house, completing 3 of 17 projects to promote your club and attending Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI).

Nancy Hoehn & Gloria Grehl

Many of our District's 200 clubs actively participated in the challenges, yet one in particular truly stood out. The discretionary award created for 2010-2011 to recognize the Outstanding Vice President of Public Relations of the Year, was awarded to Gloria Grehl, DTM, a member of Vista Toastmasters Club.

Gloria's relentless pursuit of excellence while showing sincere pride in her club was evident in the quality of her club's newsletter and her many postings to Facebook, Twitter and her club's website. In addition, because of her eye for detail, Gloria was selected to proof our District's newsletter “The SunTalker.”

2010-2011 PRO Nancy Hoehn presented Gloria the District's award at the Vista Club's Holiday party held at “Put a Cork In It” restaurant in December 2011. Congratulations Gloria for your dedicated contributions to your club and our District!

Meet Linton McClain, Division A Governor

by Paul Peterzell, Reporter’s Chair, District 84

Linton McClain

When you first meet Linton McClain, Division A Governor, you might be surprised by his rise to success, given all the obstacles that were in his way. You will meet someone who was undeterred to reach for great success at work and in Toastmasters in spite of a hardly typical upbringing. His story is quite inspiring.

“As a youth, my family moved around quite a bit. My father was always between jobs and needed to make income for a household of 9 children. There was never enough income,” explained Linton.

During the summer breaks, Linton would chop wood for cooking and heat since they were poor and all of the children had to contribute so they could survive. They even had to fetch water from neighbors for drinking, cooking, and bathing. This experience taught young Linton some valuable lessons.

“In life you must learn to utilize your resources, and if you do not have them, you must go out and find them.” Linton emphasized.

At 17 Linton joined the U.S. Navy after graduating from high school. He saw people he served with lose their lives and learned some valuable lessons about life. He would be 22 years old and only had military experience. Yet he was determined to make it in the world with limited experience. Having an interest in physical fitness and desiring to
help others achieve their fitness goals, Linton became a personal trainer at a local gym. He was very dedicated and passionate as a trainer and saw potential in this new-found career.

“I enjoyed what I did in every aspect.” Linton said. In September 2006 Linton’s mother died suddenly of a massive heart attack and he was determined to honor his birth by using his God given talents. In 2008 he started his own personal training business.

This is where Toastmasters comes in. One of his clients suggested he join Toastmasters. In 2009, he joined Baywood Toastmasters. Shortly after joining, he held various positions including club secretary, President, and then Area Governor. From Area Governor he became Division A Governor. On September 12, 2011, he received
his DTM designation.

Linton credits Toastmasters as helping him develop leadership skills to help his business grow. He has been featured in Jacksonville magazine and has numerous newspapers articles written about him.

“Toastmasters taught me that we are all given many opportunities in life, unfortunately, we often see them as obstacles. I am glad I took advantage of the many Toastmasters opportunities available.”

Linton surely has accomplished much in his life and Toastmasters has helped him in many areas of his life. District 84 is indeed fortunate to have Linton as a Division Governor and he serves as a fine example for many others in the organization.

Toastmasters Resolutions: How Will You Grow in 2012?

by Mary Carol Holbert, ACS, D84 Public Relations Officer

Mary Carol Holbert, ACS

This year, I’ve made a New Year’s Resolution for the first time in ages – one I intend to keep. My Resolution is Toastmasters-related, which means it’s about growth as a speaker, leader, and person.

You read it here first: I resolve to complete my DTM by our District 84 Spring Conference in May. I’m sharing it with you, because you’ve all played a role in my journey.

You know the African proverb about how it takes a village to raise a child? The one Hilary Clinton made popular around the globe? If you think about new Toastmasters coming into our organization, seeking growth as communicators and leaders, it’s but a slight leap to propose it takes a Village of Toastmasters to raise another Toastmaster.

We may find our Village within our own club, or we may find a bigger Village of Toastmasters across District 84, or even around the globe, but that support network is available for any member of our ‘family’. My journey started in the nurturing arms of OMNI Toastmasters, but as I ventured further into our Toastmasters’ arena, members from across District 84 have become vital role-players in my Village, helping me learn and grow.

How will you grow in 2012? Will this be the year you get your Competent Communicator Award? Perhaps it’s the year you finally give your Ice Breaker speech – opening up the possibility for so much more achievement in the future!

Do you need help to accomplish your goals? Look to your own Village of Toastmasters!

Have you been assigned a mentor? Don’t be hesitant about asking for assistance – your Village wants you to succeed. Bear this in mind: by mentoring, other club members are fulfilling their own leadership and communication requirements. By helping one another, multiple goals are met.

Perhaps this is the year you finish your Competent Leader Manual. When the next contest period comes up, dare to step up and volunteer as a Contest Master. Run or help organize a membership campaign or membership contest. Mentor a new or existing member. Chair or help organize a club special event. Chair or help organize a public relations campaign for your club. Stepping into any of these roles will help complete your CL projects, as well as provide an invaluable Leadership growth opportunity. Your Toastmaster Village will be there to support your efforts. They are in your corner!

Remember to bring your CL manual to your meetings, and have another member evaluate your role performance so you get credit toward completion of your Competent Leader requirements. You’ll be surprised how quickly you will complete most projects, simply through filling normal meeting roles.

If you’ve obtained your CC and/or your CL, what is next for you? There are advanced manuals that address almost any area you might be interested in pursuing. Check out all the different Advanced Communication manuals on the Toastmasters web site (click here):

If you’re not sure what you need to do to reach your next level Communication or Leadership educational award, there are Award Requirements listed in the back of each Toastmasters International Manual. Additionally, you will find those requirements here:

Leadership Track: (click here)

Communication Track: (click here)

Which Advanced Educational Award are you aiming for in 2012? What will you need to complete to get there? How can your Toastmasters Village help you achieve your goal?

Vice-President of Education at your club

• Be sure to let your VPE know what your educational goal is, so you can be scheduled to speak or fill roles you need to meet your educational requirements

Area Governor / Division Governor

• Do you need to sponsor or mentor a club, or serve a term as a district officer? Let your club officers and your Area Governor know you are interested. District 84 is always looking for Toastmasters who are willing to work with new clubs, or serve Toastmasters on a District level. Your Area and Division Governors can make sure that the District leadership is aware of your interest.

Your Club & Beyond

• Perhaps you are interested in completing a High Performance Leadership Project in 2012. It might be chairing a contest, or planning a special event. It could be a community project, or a special project to benefit your club – the beauty of the HPL is that you get to design any project you want to complete. The HPL is a marvelous growth vehicle, teaching how to design and lead a project from inception through completion and review. Your Toastmasters’ Village will bethere to listen to your plan, to serve on your guidance committee, to hear your results, and discover what you learned in the process.
• 2012 may be when you conduct a presentation from the Success/Leadership or the Success/Communication Series, or perhaps a Youth Leadership program as one of your final steps toward attaining your Advanced Communication Gold Award level.

Other Clubs

• Remember you can speak at other clubs to complete your projects! Many times speaking slots go unfilled – a guest speaker is often appreciated, adding excitement and interest to a club meeting. Speaking in front of a new audience is an excellent learning experience – one that can prepare us to speak in front of anyone.

2012 is here. How will you choose to grow as a leader, a speaker, or a Toastmaster in the New Year?

What educational goal will you set for 2012? How can your Toastmasters Village help
you reach your growth potential?

I wish you a wonderful 2012, filled with happiness and success. I promise to support you in your quest to develop your leadership and communication skills, and hope you will make the same promise to one another.

I hope to see every D84 Toastmaster’s name listed on one or more educational awards this coming year. With help from my Village,

I hope to see my own on the DTM list this May!