Divisions A, B, C, & D provided the following information for the SunTalker. Be sure your Area and Division Governors know what's going on with your clubs, so your events can be highlighted here, or celebrated with separate articles!)
Division A Linton McLain
Division “A” welcomed a new Corporate Club at Win-Dixie, with 40 members.
Area 13 (Naveen Agawal) “Listen Up” feature at CSX Toastmasters. CSX Toastmasters appoints someone to prepare questions from the speeches given during the course of the meeting. They ask the questions at the end to ensure everyone paid attention. Linton says it's a lot of fun!
Naveen Agawal (904-252-5042) has launched a FREE I-phone / I pad app: Vitamin D Calculator
Charles Fair – Lillian R. Bradley Club – published a book about his life.
Janelle Thomas – wrote “The Golddigger's Club” (See separate article!)
Division B – Becky McGilton
1st Annual Backwards Comedy / Humorous Event – February 23rd at MeMaw's on Babcock Road, Palm Bay, FL at 6:30, Hosted by Metro Palm Bay Toastmasters. We hope to get a detailed article, with pictures for next month's SunTalker!
Area 22 (Eric Barnhart) – Corporate clubs in Melbourne will be celebrating Engineering week 2012 with booths and presentations promoting Toastmasters at local e-week events. Again, wouldn't it be great to tell us how Engineering Week went, and share pictures?
Division C - Elon Horsham
The Reliable Speakers celebrated 2 years in existence on January 4, 2012. An open house was held on January 26th, 2012 to celebrate the club's success.
Area 31 (Marjorie Benjamin) – chartered two new clubs! See a separate article where Marjorie tells us what she did.
‘Well Toasted' – chartered in January, with officers installed February 6, 2012, and going for training February 12, 2012.
‘Clermont Toastmasters' charted with 22 members on board!
Division D – Susan Morgan
Area 40 (Gail Hill Smith) Fazeel Gareebo earned the first CC ever in EA Tiburon Toastmasters Club.
Area 41 (Colette Clifton) Lake Mary Toastmasters held a Debate Meeting on January 31st. Look for an article soon from Stephany Byrne about this event, complete with pictures!
Area 42 (Michelle Dettlaff) 8th Annual Re-Gifting Auction held at Central Florida Facilitators on February 15th. Pictures? We want pictures and stories!
The Orators Toastmasters Club has come back from the brink of folding to having 17 members on their roster! Michelle has promised to tell us the success story – we can't wait…
Area 43 (Glenn Tapley) George Kostopoulos, Oveido President, organized a team for the Oviedo Relay for Life, to support the American Cancer Society, and to reach out to the community.
Area 44 (David Pyke) New Location for the Ormond Speechmasters! The Ormond Speechmasters is now located at the New Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center. Visit them Monday evenings at 6pm in the 11th floor classroom.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
Lance Miller: What One Story Would Sum You Up?
by Mary Carol Holbert, ACS PRO
“Imagine you just won a worldwide lottery, and you have 5-7 minutes to give the world a message.”
That was the proposition Lance Miller, DTM, 2005 World Champion of Public Speaking, posed to an audience of District 84 Toastmasters and Stetson University students in his February 24, 2012 seminar “Finding Your Voice”, presented at Stetson's Lynn Business Center in Deland, Florida.
Miller spoke about how, through much of our lives, people are encouraged to conform, to go along, to think like everyone else, and to parrot what others say. Often, society does not reward us for speaking out.
Sometimes we lose ourselves – we don't know who we are, what we believe in, or how we feel about our personal environment or the issues surrounding us.
The World Champion said he learned an invaluable lesson about public speaking back in the 1970's from an unlikely source: Dr. G. Malcolm Trout, a professor of food sciences at Michigan State University, pioneer of homogenized milk, and noted historian. When Miller discovered that Dr. Trout had once, as a young soldier, been given the opportunity to address the Allied Forces during World War I, he wanted to know what his professor had spoken about on that occasion. Imaging the young soldier would have offered words of encouragement and praise for the war effort, Dr. Trout's response surprised him.
“When you have an opportunity to speak on that stage, Lance, you tell them what you feel.” Instead of platitudes, the young Malcolm Trout had used his stage time to speak from the heart, describing the true fear and horror of war from the perspective of one who had experienced the ordeals first hand.
The World Champion explained that incorporating Dr. Trout's lesson into his public speaking took years, for multiple reasons. First, before he was prepared to speak about his feelings, he needed to discover what they were. He needed to find his voice, which required digging deep inside.
Further, Miller acknowledged that, even with a grasp on who we are, and what we stand for, translating that knowledge into our speaking isn't an automatic process. He had the audience roaring as he regaled us with some of his early Toastmasters contest experiences. He said that at his club meetings, he reached a point where he frequently won ‘Best Speaker' awards, but when he competed in speech contests, something changed.
“When we stand up and talk in front of people, the strangest things come out of us that aren't us,” he said, as the audience laughed and nodded agreement. “I changed my style completely for contests. I performed, instead of having a conversation with the audience.”
Miller competed in Toastmasters International Speech Contests from 1993 to 2005, eventually perfecting his speaking skills, connecting with his audience on a sincere, humble level. He reached Regionals three times before finally winning the 2005 World Championship of Public Speaking in his third appearance.
He indicated that he learned through each speech contest experience, but particularly through the losses. “I lost a lot more speech contests than I won,” he offered.
Along the way to his Championship, Miller developed his own theory of the ‘Three Parts of a Speech', and the relative importance of each part. He shared his theory with the audience.
“As speakers, we imbue life into words,” Miller noted. “Good speakers have the courage to speak the truth, and the skill to ‘not get killed' for saying it.”
When attending a 1995 community event, Miller listened as a homeless heroin addict told her story. At the conclusion of the woman's speech, there wasn't a dry eye in the audience. Miller was awestruck, ruing the fact he didn't have that story, or any story he considered to be as powerful as what he had just heard. The experience set him on a course of self-discovery.
Miller set about examining what his own stories were. He considered all the things he'd done, including a progression of interesting jobs, getting his private pilot's license as a teenager, sailing across the Atlantic, and working with the Los Angeles Olympic Committee in 1984. He ultimately realized his story wasn't that he had done those things, but rather, why he had done those things. What had motivated him?
“Life is lived being awake,” he offered, the sentiment a key part of his personal philosophy. “I realized I didn't want to die and have the only thing on my tombstone read ‘He paid his bills'.”
Once the World Champion started really examining his life, he discovered the extraordinary in the ordinary. He identified messages everywhere in his life that would be valuable to others.
“We have thousands of messages to share,” Miller said.
He challenged us to look inside ourselves, giving us a series of questions to ask ourselves, to help us discover our own voice. Among those questions were:
In an interactive portion of the seminar, Miller showed us how we can look at our life and create messages. We first focused on an ordinary object: a clear, plastic CD cover. First, Miller asked the audience to describe the CD cover and how it could be used, encouraging creative thinking.
“It could be an ice scraper.” / “It was once oil, and now it's a solid.” / “It's durable, with a half life longer than any of us will be alive.” / “It was once a T-Rex.” / “It opens out into a figure 8.” / “It's empty now, but we can fill it with anything we choose.” / “We could paint a bunch of them and use them as coasters” / “We could use them as art”… the suggestions were plentiful.
Next, the Champion asked if anyone in the audience was willing to share a personal story of a time in our life when we realized we were somehow more than we thought we were. Several Toastmasters volunteered, including Elizabeth Muchow, who set the bar high with her account of how her father repeatedly told her, when she was a child, that girls were ‘stupid', making her determined to prove him wrong. Only later, when she went to college where she made all A's, did she find out that she had a ‘genius' IQ. She eventually became an engineer, got into computers, and joined Mensa.
“That (finding out she had a genius IQ) was the defining moment in my life,” Elizabeth said. “It was like opening a door, walking out, and finding yourself. A person you didn't even know was there.”
“Do you think that's a story you need to share?” asked Miller. The room burst into applause as Elizabeth tearfully nodded ‘yes'.
At the conclusion of several more Toastmasters' personal stories, the World Champion pulled all our discussions together and delivered an impromptu 5-7 minute speech, using the CD cover as a metaphor of how we're each more than we may think we are.
Lance Miller showed us that we can look at our lives, and create a wealth of extraordinary messages from ordinary objects, events, and experiences.
The World Champion, who lives in LA, sometimes looks to Hollywood for inspiration. “Remember ‘City Slickers'? With Billy Crystal? The scene with Curly and Mitch?” he asked, and described this scene:
Curly: Do you know what the secret of life is?
Curly: This. *holds up one finger*
Mitch: Your finger?
Curly: One thing. Just one thing. You stick to that and the rest don't mean s&#t.
Mitch: But, what is the one thing?
Curly: That's what you have to find out. *smiles*
What's your one thing?” Miller asked the audience.
He showed us another snippet from the silver screen: a clip from ‘Walk the Line', where a record producer listens to a young Johnny Cash perform a tired gospel hymn. The producer tells Johnny that gospel won't sell. The producer challenges the musician to be original, saying, “If you had one song that would sum you up, what would it be?”
The Champion turned to us and asked, “If you had one story that would sum you up, what would it be?
Perhaps Lance Miller's own story is best illustrated by his 2005 World Championship speech, which he presented on video at the conclusion of the seminar. In his speech, he used a parking ticket validation stamp (cha-ching!) as a metaphor for validating the worth of others, that validation ultimately the path to discovery of his own worth.
The World Champion is still validating others, volunteering to present seminars to Toastmasters around the globe free of charge, letting Toastmasters know he still believes in our organization, its mission, and its members.
Cha-ching!
Providing us with tools that can help us all become better speakers. Maybe even world-class speakers, if we're willing to dig deep enough, and work hard enough.
Cha-ching!
Challenging us to find our own unique voice, and deliver our messages to the world.
Cha-ching! Cha-ching! Cha-ching!
Note: For further information about Lance Miller, DTM, 2005 World Champion of Public Speaking, check out his website at: www.LanceMillerSpeaks.com
“Imagine you just won a worldwide lottery, and you have 5-7 minutes to give the world a message.”
 |
| Lance Miller, DTM 2005 World Champion of Public Speaking |
Miller spoke about how, through much of our lives, people are encouraged to conform, to go along, to think like everyone else, and to parrot what others say. Often, society does not reward us for speaking out.
Sometimes we lose ourselves – we don't know who we are, what we believe in, or how we feel about our personal environment or the issues surrounding us.
The World Champion said he learned an invaluable lesson about public speaking back in the 1970's from an unlikely source: Dr. G. Malcolm Trout, a professor of food sciences at Michigan State University, pioneer of homogenized milk, and noted historian. When Miller discovered that Dr. Trout had once, as a young soldier, been given the opportunity to address the Allied Forces during World War I, he wanted to know what his professor had spoken about on that occasion. Imaging the young soldier would have offered words of encouragement and praise for the war effort, Dr. Trout's response surprised him.
“When you have an opportunity to speak on that stage, Lance, you tell them what you feel.” Instead of platitudes, the young Malcolm Trout had used his stage time to speak from the heart, describing the true fear and horror of war from the perspective of one who had experienced the ordeals first hand.
The World Champion explained that incorporating Dr. Trout's lesson into his public speaking took years, for multiple reasons. First, before he was prepared to speak about his feelings, he needed to discover what they were. He needed to find his voice, which required digging deep inside.
Further, Miller acknowledged that, even with a grasp on who we are, and what we stand for, translating that knowledge into our speaking isn't an automatic process. He had the audience roaring as he regaled us with some of his early Toastmasters contest experiences. He said that at his club meetings, he reached a point where he frequently won ‘Best Speaker' awards, but when he competed in speech contests, something changed.
“When we stand up and talk in front of people, the strangest things come out of us that aren't us,” he said, as the audience laughed and nodded agreement. “I changed my style completely for contests. I performed, instead of having a conversation with the audience.”
Miller competed in Toastmasters International Speech Contests from 1993 to 2005, eventually perfecting his speaking skills, connecting with his audience on a sincere, humble level. He reached Regionals three times before finally winning the 2005 World Championship of Public Speaking in his third appearance.
He indicated that he learned through each speech contest experience, but particularly through the losses. “I lost a lot more speech contests than I won,” he offered.
Along the way to his Championship, Miller developed his own theory of the ‘Three Parts of a Speech', and the relative importance of each part. He shared his theory with the audience.
- First, as a base, there are the Mechanics, which include elements like speech structure, writing, vocal variety, gestures, use of visual aids, etc. Toastmasters emphasizes and teaches Mechanics, which Miller indicated comprise 20% of the value of a speech.
- The next step up is the Message, which comprises 30% of the value of the speech. It is crucial that we be able to state our message in one short sentence. We should understand that our Message doesn't have to be sensational ; rather, what it has to be is sincere .
- The most important part of a speech is Life Force, which makes up 50% of the value of the speech. We discussed the importance of Energy and Enthusiasm, but spent more time talking about our Convictions: those things we believe beyond any reasonable doubt. A rule of thumb Miller uses to assess the strength of his conviction is how long it would take (were it even possible) for someone to change his position on a particular subject.
- We also talked about Passion, and the Champion pointed out that the root of the word ‘passion' refers to suffering. What are we so dedicated to that we willingly undertake hardships demanded by that activity or belief without considering ourselves to be ‘suffering'? An example the Champion gave was the arduous travel schedule he keeps as he presents seminars across the country and around the world. Miller doesn't see himself as ‘suffering' because he's doing what he is passionate about.
“As speakers, we imbue life into words,” Miller noted. “Good speakers have the courage to speak the truth, and the skill to ‘not get killed' for saying it.”
When attending a 1995 community event, Miller listened as a homeless heroin addict told her story. At the conclusion of the woman's speech, there wasn't a dry eye in the audience. Miller was awestruck, ruing the fact he didn't have that story, or any story he considered to be as powerful as what he had just heard. The experience set him on a course of self-discovery.
Miller set about examining what his own stories were. He considered all the things he'd done, including a progression of interesting jobs, getting his private pilot's license as a teenager, sailing across the Atlantic, and working with the Los Angeles Olympic Committee in 1984. He ultimately realized his story wasn't that he had done those things, but rather, why he had done those things. What had motivated him?
“Life is lived being awake,” he offered, the sentiment a key part of his personal philosophy. “I realized I didn't want to die and have the only thing on my tombstone read ‘He paid his bills'.”
Once the World Champion started really examining his life, he discovered the extraordinary in the ordinary. He identified messages everywhere in his life that would be valuable to others.
“We have thousands of messages to share,” Miller said.
He challenged us to look inside ourselves, giving us a series of questions to ask ourselves, to help us discover our own voice. Among those questions were:
- What is your story?
- What is your philosophy?
- What are the defining moments of your life?
- What is ‘that one thing' you know about life?
- What are you certain about? Uncertain about?
- What issues do all human beings struggle with?
In an interactive portion of the seminar, Miller showed us how we can look at our life and create messages. We first focused on an ordinary object: a clear, plastic CD cover. First, Miller asked the audience to describe the CD cover and how it could be used, encouraging creative thinking.
“It could be an ice scraper.” / “It was once oil, and now it's a solid.” / “It's durable, with a half life longer than any of us will be alive.” / “It was once a T-Rex.” / “It opens out into a figure 8.” / “It's empty now, but we can fill it with anything we choose.” / “We could paint a bunch of them and use them as coasters” / “We could use them as art”… the suggestions were plentiful.
Next, the Champion asked if anyone in the audience was willing to share a personal story of a time in our life when we realized we were somehow more than we thought we were. Several Toastmasters volunteered, including Elizabeth Muchow, who set the bar high with her account of how her father repeatedly told her, when she was a child, that girls were ‘stupid', making her determined to prove him wrong. Only later, when she went to college where she made all A's, did she find out that she had a ‘genius' IQ. She eventually became an engineer, got into computers, and joined Mensa.
“That (finding out she had a genius IQ) was the defining moment in my life,” Elizabeth said. “It was like opening a door, walking out, and finding yourself. A person you didn't even know was there.”
“Do you think that's a story you need to share?” asked Miller. The room burst into applause as Elizabeth tearfully nodded ‘yes'.
At the conclusion of several more Toastmasters' personal stories, the World Champion pulled all our discussions together and delivered an impromptu 5-7 minute speech, using the CD cover as a metaphor of how we're each more than we may think we are.
Lance Miller showed us that we can look at our lives, and create a wealth of extraordinary messages from ordinary objects, events, and experiences.
The World Champion, who lives in LA, sometimes looks to Hollywood for inspiration. “Remember ‘City Slickers'? With Billy Crystal? The scene with Curly and Mitch?” he asked, and described this scene:
Curly: Do you know what the secret of life is?
Curly: This. *holds up one finger*
Mitch: Your finger?
Curly: One thing. Just one thing. You stick to that and the rest don't mean s&#t.
Mitch: But, what is the one thing?
Curly: That's what you have to find out. *smiles*
What's your one thing?” Miller asked the audience.
He showed us another snippet from the silver screen: a clip from ‘Walk the Line', where a record producer listens to a young Johnny Cash perform a tired gospel hymn. The producer tells Johnny that gospel won't sell. The producer challenges the musician to be original, saying, “If you had one song that would sum you up, what would it be?”
The Champion turned to us and asked, “If you had one story that would sum you up, what would it be?
Perhaps Lance Miller's own story is best illustrated by his 2005 World Championship speech, which he presented on video at the conclusion of the seminar. In his speech, he used a parking ticket validation stamp (cha-ching!) as a metaphor for validating the worth of others, that validation ultimately the path to discovery of his own worth.
The World Champion is still validating others, volunteering to present seminars to Toastmasters around the globe free of charge, letting Toastmasters know he still believes in our organization, its mission, and its members.
Cha-ching!
Providing us with tools that can help us all become better speakers. Maybe even world-class speakers, if we're willing to dig deep enough, and work hard enough.
Cha-ching!
Challenging us to find our own unique voice, and deliver our messages to the world.
Cha-ching! Cha-ching! Cha-ching!
Note: For further information about Lance Miller, DTM, 2005 World Champion of Public Speaking, check out his website at: www.LanceMillerSpeaks.com
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Bringing in Two New Clubs!
by Marjorie Benjamin, ACG
I am a member of Clermont SDA church, and I saw that there was a need to have a Toastmasters club at our church. I brought the idea to the board, and they approved it. The challenge was selling it to the members, so I created a flyer explaining the benefits of Toastmasters, and the impact having a Toastmasters club for our members would make in the church and community. I also created a sign-up sheet and offered a 2 for one price to join for the chartered members. That's how I started the Clermont club.
The way I started our new Well Toasted club was like this: I had a Toastmasters meeting at my home and invited some of my friends who I knew were not members of Toastmasters. When we explained the benefits of Toastmasters, and did a quick Table Topic session where we counted the amount of AHs and UMs they had, one of my friends decided to approach her boss about having a club at her job.
Both new clubs are chartered and doing well. The bottom-line is to look around and see where the need is; then, just talk up Toastmasters every opportunity you get.
Marjorie Benjamin, ACG, ALB
President, Clermont Toastmasters
Area 31 Governor
 |
| Marjorie Benjamin, ACG |
The way I started our new Well Toasted club was like this: I had a Toastmasters meeting at my home and invited some of my friends who I knew were not members of Toastmasters. When we explained the benefits of Toastmasters, and did a quick Table Topic session where we counted the amount of AHs and UMs they had, one of my friends decided to approach her boss about having a club at her job.
Both new clubs are chartered and doing well. The bottom-line is to look around and see where the need is; then, just talk up Toastmasters every opportunity you get.
Marjorie Benjamin, ACG, ALB
President, Clermont Toastmasters
Area 31 Governor
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
WHAT IS YOUR “TOWEL DAY”?
by Fred Haley, DTM
Wednesday, May 25th of every year is TOWEL DAY. I celebrate that day. Do you? Sometimes I even bring my towel to work.
What is Towel Day? It is a worldwide celebration of the science fiction classic, “Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy” (also fondly known as H2G2). The towel has some significance in the book.
I loved reading the full series (five books in the “trilogy”). I even gave speeches about it (yes, my favorite number is 42), and have used it as the meeting theme when I was Toastmaster for the Day.
I am not obsessed with H2G2, but I do get excited when thinking and talking about it. There are other topics that also captured my interests, as, Toastmasters, shuttle launches, classic rock and traveling in the United States. I have given speeches and Toastmaster meeting themes for them, also.
I know that most people in the audience have never heard of the Hitchhikers Guide or Towel Day. I know many do not travel out of Florida, or go overseas instead.
When I give my speeches or have my meeting themes, however, I give them a brief glimpse into another world, and a different perspective on life. I don’t expect anyone to become committed fans of those topics. What I do accomplish is getting them a little excited about learning something new.
I do find that I need to do more research on my topics. I do not know everything about them. And what I do remember I make certain to verify. I recognize that it does take some time and effort to properly prepare, even if I think I already know my subject.
WHAT IS YOUR “TOWEL DAY?”
What are some of your special interests? What excites you? Have you talked about them in speeches? Have you used them as your meeting themes?
You probably think that no one will be interested in hearing about your favorite topics. If they were, they would have already mentioned it, or been involved in some way. Besides, your pursuits do not really make a difference to anyone. They would not change the world. They may not even be of major importance to you. They just make you smile, and stimulate some enthusiasm.
WAIT. Remember what the Competent Communication manual says about “speech purpose.” There are four types of general purposes: inform; entertain; persuade; inspire. Each speech achieves one or more of these.
Towel Day and H2G2 and some of my other interests are not major passions for me. I am not committed to them. They definitely will not change anyone’s world by knowing or not knowing about them. On the other hand, they are special to me.
It becomes my goal to inform and entertain my audience about my topic. Audience members and evaluators have said they enjoyed my presentations because they were unique, and because I sounded passionate. They became eager to hear more about the subjects. My energy and the different perspective added variety, and made the listeners more excited about their own pursuits.
WHAT TO DO NEXT?
We want to know more about your favorite topics. Will it be a speech or a meeting theme?
As you decide, ask yourself, “why is it special to me?” What do you enjoy about it?
Then, do some research. Everyone enjoys trivia. We will want to know the important background about the history of the subject, any major points or facts, and maybe the future. If it is a topic that could be familiar to us all, list several details that you can ask as trivia questions.
If you decide to present it in a speech, decide on the one main theme (point, lesson, message) that you want the audience to remember. Make it a general message relative to all. It can be informative, as, “now you know more about Towel Day,” or a call to action, as, “celebrate Towel Day with me.” Finally, build your speech around that topic. Use stories, and add your feelings. Add some quotes or facts to support the theme.
If you decide to use the topic as your Toastmaster meeting theme, the organization of your presentation will be different. Your main goal is to make the meeting exciting for your audience. You want to engage them and keep their attention. You will have up to five opportunities to talk about your subject, but you will only have about one minute to present much at any one time. One suggestion:
As you begin the meeting, explain your topic and how you were introduced to it.
Before introducing the first speaker, present some basic information or ask some trivia questions.
Before introducing the Topics Master, add more information, or ask more questions.
Before introducing the General Evaluator, continue to build on your topic.
Finally, before returning control to the presiding officer, summarize and close.
One additional tip: when I present a topic with trivia questions, I have printed “(Topic) TRIVIA EXPERT” certificates and awarded to audience members who seemed to have the most right answers. Remember, it is not an official award. Your main goal is to add excitement to the meeting.
Like all important skills, it takes time and practice. It is work, but it is fun. A good challenge is fun.
Write to me at Fred@ToastMentor.com if you want more help.
Until then – GRAB YOUR TOWEL!
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
 |
| Fred Haley, DTM |
What is Towel Day? It is a worldwide celebration of the science fiction classic, “Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy” (also fondly known as H2G2). The towel has some significance in the book.
I loved reading the full series (five books in the “trilogy”). I even gave speeches about it (yes, my favorite number is 42), and have used it as the meeting theme when I was Toastmaster for the Day.
I am not obsessed with H2G2, but I do get excited when thinking and talking about it. There are other topics that also captured my interests, as, Toastmasters, shuttle launches, classic rock and traveling in the United States. I have given speeches and Toastmaster meeting themes for them, also.
I know that most people in the audience have never heard of the Hitchhikers Guide or Towel Day. I know many do not travel out of Florida, or go overseas instead.
When I give my speeches or have my meeting themes, however, I give them a brief glimpse into another world, and a different perspective on life. I don’t expect anyone to become committed fans of those topics. What I do accomplish is getting them a little excited about learning something new.
I do find that I need to do more research on my topics. I do not know everything about them. And what I do remember I make certain to verify. I recognize that it does take some time and effort to properly prepare, even if I think I already know my subject.
WHAT IS YOUR “TOWEL DAY?”
What are some of your special interests? What excites you? Have you talked about them in speeches? Have you used them as your meeting themes?
You probably think that no one will be interested in hearing about your favorite topics. If they were, they would have already mentioned it, or been involved in some way. Besides, your pursuits do not really make a difference to anyone. They would not change the world. They may not even be of major importance to you. They just make you smile, and stimulate some enthusiasm.
WAIT. Remember what the Competent Communication manual says about “speech purpose.” There are four types of general purposes: inform; entertain; persuade; inspire. Each speech achieves one or more of these.
Towel Day and H2G2 and some of my other interests are not major passions for me. I am not committed to them. They definitely will not change anyone’s world by knowing or not knowing about them. On the other hand, they are special to me.
It becomes my goal to inform and entertain my audience about my topic. Audience members and evaluators have said they enjoyed my presentations because they were unique, and because I sounded passionate. They became eager to hear more about the subjects. My energy and the different perspective added variety, and made the listeners more excited about their own pursuits.
WHAT TO DO NEXT?
We want to know more about your favorite topics. Will it be a speech or a meeting theme?
As you decide, ask yourself, “why is it special to me?” What do you enjoy about it?
Then, do some research. Everyone enjoys trivia. We will want to know the important background about the history of the subject, any major points or facts, and maybe the future. If it is a topic that could be familiar to us all, list several details that you can ask as trivia questions.
If you decide to present it in a speech, decide on the one main theme (point, lesson, message) that you want the audience to remember. Make it a general message relative to all. It can be informative, as, “now you know more about Towel Day,” or a call to action, as, “celebrate Towel Day with me.” Finally, build your speech around that topic. Use stories, and add your feelings. Add some quotes or facts to support the theme.
If you decide to use the topic as your Toastmaster meeting theme, the organization of your presentation will be different. Your main goal is to make the meeting exciting for your audience. You want to engage them and keep their attention. You will have up to five opportunities to talk about your subject, but you will only have about one minute to present much at any one time. One suggestion:
As you begin the meeting, explain your topic and how you were introduced to it.
Before introducing the first speaker, present some basic information or ask some trivia questions.
Before introducing the Topics Master, add more information, or ask more questions.
Before introducing the General Evaluator, continue to build on your topic.
Finally, before returning control to the presiding officer, summarize and close.
One additional tip: when I present a topic with trivia questions, I have printed “(Topic) TRIVIA EXPERT” certificates and awarded to audience members who seemed to have the most right answers. Remember, it is not an official award. Your main goal is to add excitement to the meeting.
Like all important skills, it takes time and practice. It is work, but it is fun. A good challenge is fun.
Write to me at Fred@ToastMentor.com if you want more help.
Until then – GRAB YOUR TOWEL!
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
Answers to the SciFi Reference Contest!
by Kathleen Kershaw, Spring Conference Chair
I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass – and I'm all out of bubblegum. [They Live]
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. [Matrix]
This spring, you will take the Red Pill and follow me down the rabbit hole [Matrix] into the Twilight Zone [Twilight Zone].
Party like it's Space: 1999 [Space: 1999] in Lake Mary, The Final Frontier. [Star Trek]
We're going Back to the Future [Back to the Future], to boldly go where no Toastmaster has gone before. [Star Trek]
Adventure. Heh! Excitement. Heh! A Jedi craves not these things. [Star Wars]
Lucky for you, I'm a Toastmaster, not a Jedi.
Fellow Toastmasters, I control the vertical. I control the horizontal [Outer Limits]. I am the “Things to Come” [Shape of Things to Come] conference chair. This is the conference you are looking for. [Star Wars]
Submitted for your approval… [Twilight Zone]
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 Milliway's, The Restaurant at the End of the Universe [Hitchhiker's Guide]. After dinner, Table Topics contestants will do battle with impromptu wits as sharp as a bat'leth. [Star Trek]
In the evening, retire to 10-Forward [Star Trek] and Quark's bar [Star Trek]. Enjoy complimentary refreshments such as Romulan Ale [Star Trek], Pan Galactic Gargle Blasters [Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy] and jelly babies. [Dr Who]
Saturday morning, Star Fleet Academy [Star Trek] instructors will educate us with relevant and timely sessions, such as "How to build a time machine out of a DeLorean". [Back to the Future] Or possibly not. Help me Dennis Wooldridge, you're my only hope. [Star Wars]
After class, return to Milliways, the Restaurant at the End of the Universe for lunch and edutainment. [Hitchhiker's Guide] 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. [Star Trek]
Celebrate the victors at the Mos Eisley Spaceport Cantina. [Star Wars] You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. You must be cautious. [Star Wars]
Get your intergalactic passport now.
Resistance is futile. [Star Trek]
I don't want to hear you say you'll “try”.
Try not. Do or do not, There is no try. [Star Wars]
Don't Panic! [Hitchhiker's Guide] Registration opens mid-March.
Join me, and I will complete your training. With our combined strength, we can bring order to District 84! [Star Wars]
You'll have so much fun you'll say “I'll be back.” [Terminator]
Remember, you are not a number, you are Toastmaster. [The Prisoner]
Hasta la vista, baby. [Terminator 2]
Live long, and Evaluate. [Star Trek]
Dennis, Beam me up. [Star Trek]
 |
| Kathleen Kershaw, WIB |
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. [Matrix]
This spring, you will take the Red Pill and follow me down the rabbit hole [Matrix] into the Twilight Zone [Twilight Zone].
Party like it's Space: 1999 [Space: 1999] in Lake Mary, The Final Frontier. [Star Trek]
We're going Back to the Future [Back to the Future], to boldly go where no Toastmaster has gone before. [Star Trek]
Adventure. Heh! Excitement. Heh! A Jedi craves not these things. [Star Wars]
Lucky for you, I'm a Toastmaster, not a Jedi.
Fellow Toastmasters, I control the vertical. I control the horizontal [Outer Limits]. I am the “Things to Come” [Shape of Things to Come] conference chair. This is the conference you are looking for. [Star Wars]
Submitted for your approval… [Twilight Zone]
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 Milliway's, The Restaurant at the End of the Universe [Hitchhiker's Guide]. After dinner, Table Topics contestants will do battle with impromptu wits as sharp as a bat'leth. [Star Trek]
In the evening, retire to 10-Forward [Star Trek] and Quark's bar [Star Trek]. Enjoy complimentary refreshments such as Romulan Ale [Star Trek], Pan Galactic Gargle Blasters [Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy] and jelly babies. [Dr Who]
Saturday morning, Star Fleet Academy [Star Trek] instructors will educate us with relevant and timely sessions, such as "How to build a time machine out of a DeLorean". [Back to the Future] Or possibly not. Help me Dennis Wooldridge, you're my only hope. [Star Wars]
After class, return to Milliways, the Restaurant at the End of the Universe for lunch and edutainment. [Hitchhiker's Guide] 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. [Star Trek]
Celebrate the victors at the Mos Eisley Spaceport Cantina. [Star Wars] You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. You must be cautious. [Star Wars]
Get your intergalactic passport now.
Resistance is futile. [Star Trek]
I don't want to hear you say you'll “try”.
Try not. Do or do not, There is no try. [Star Wars]
Don't Panic! [Hitchhiker's Guide] Registration opens mid-March.
Join me, and I will complete your training. With our combined strength, we can bring order to District 84! [Star Wars]
You'll have so much fun you'll say “I'll be back.” [Terminator]
Remember, you are not a number, you are Toastmaster. [The Prisoner]
Hasta la vista, baby. [Terminator 2]
Live long, and Evaluate. [Star Trek]
Dennis, Beam me up. [Star Trek]
Sunday, February 19, 2012
WALKING BACK IN TIME
by Paul Peterzell
In January's TLI in Orlando, Paul Peterzell, our Reporter's Chair, found himself in a familiar place: his old high school. The experience inspired the following poem.
WALKING BACK IN TIME By Paul Peterzell, 1/14/12
High school memories,
A treasured time and place
everything so different
not one familiar face!
The halls that I remember,
new replaces old,
Feelings of change,
Watching an era unfold.
The library I remember,
rows and rows of books,
Technology and computers,
Changing how it looks
Walking in the band room,
hearing sounds of the past,
skills that I developed,
Over time they did last!
The student newspaper,
Articles I enjoyed to write,
promoted to editor,
Issues I brought to light.
An auditorium so grand,
the old one replaced
Rehearsals years ago,
Wonderful times I faced!
A Toastmasters officers training,
My old high school as host,
What a fitting place,
How gratefully I can boast.
the first speech class,
My favorite time of the day
I remember the teacher,
Things that she would say.
Walking back in time,
A trip down memory lane
How enjoyable of a trip,
pleasant feelings remain.
 |
| Paul Peterzell |
WALKING BACK IN TIME By Paul Peterzell, 1/14/12
High school memories,
A treasured time and place
everything so different
not one familiar face!
The halls that I remember,
new replaces old,
Feelings of change,
Watching an era unfold.
The library I remember,
rows and rows of books,
Technology and computers,
Changing how it looks
Walking in the band room,
hearing sounds of the past,
skills that I developed,
Over time they did last!
The student newspaper,
Articles I enjoyed to write,
promoted to editor,
Issues I brought to light.
An auditorium so grand,
the old one replaced
Rehearsals years ago,
Wonderful times I faced!
A Toastmasters officers training,
My old high school as host,
What a fitting place,
How gratefully I can boast.
the first speech class,
My favorite time of the day
I remember the teacher,
Things that she would say.
Walking back in time,
A trip down memory lane
How enjoyable of a trip,
pleasant feelings remain.
Monday, February 13, 2012
To Boldly Go Where No Toastmaster Has Gone Before...
by Dennis Wooldridge, DTM, LGET
The architects and engineers have finished planning and construction has begun. The Intergalactic shipyards of Osirus Three are abuzz with excitement. Never before in the history of District 84 has there been such an undertaking. Construction on the largest, finest, wildest ride this side of the Mutara Nebula is begins now! You won't believe your eyes, ears or other senses come May 18 th when the voyage begins. Things To Come...the 2012 Spring Conference.
Citizens from around the Federation of District 84 will gather in Lake Mary, Florida for departure on this amazing voyage beyond the rings of Antarus, past the Tarsus gas giants to sights unimagined before.
Battles of wits have already begun with the “Count the Quotes” contest completed in February. Having trouble deciding on what planet, era or vidographical entertainment selection you will be representing on Friday night...stay tuned for a spectacluar Costuming Flowchart from Deep Space Nine's Garak the Tailor and our own Kathleen “Take My Picture `cause I Look So Cool” Kershaw. Direct from the Mirror Universe, our De-Motivational Poster Contest is sure to have you in stiches. Finally, not so long from now, in a galaxy not so far away...our Convention Opening “Star Wars Type Opening Roll” Contest.
Browse the shops of the Ferengi Alliance, pass an hour or two in the SciFi Drive In where some of the most memorible scifi movies will be playing, and learn exciting and interesting things during Saturday morning and afternoon's Starfleet Academy. Compete against aliens of all kinds in the costume contest Friday evening, hang out at Quark's and Ten Forward for late evening entertainment and interspecies networking, or simply attend the evening's festivities including Martian Madness during the Table Topics Contest Friday or the galaxy's best competeing in the Inter national Galactic Speech contest Saturday.
Next year's Federation Council will be elected on Saturday afternoon and inducted into office Saturday evening. It is an experience you won't want to miss.
Registration opens March 4 th on-line at toastmastersd84.org. Register early to take advantage of our Early “Great Bird of the Galaxy” special pricing. New this year, a limited number of Intergalactic Ambassadorships are available, including exclusive benefits. See the registration form for more details.
If you have never attended a District 84 Conference, or if you've attended every one, you won't want to be left at the space port for this ride. So register early, select your best science fiction wear for Friday night, and blast off with us as we experience...
THINGS TO COME!
Citizens from around the Federation of District 84 will gather in Lake Mary, Florida for departure on this amazing voyage beyond the rings of Antarus, past the Tarsus gas giants to sights unimagined before.
Battles of wits have already begun with the “Count the Quotes” contest completed in February. Having trouble deciding on what planet, era or vidographical entertainment selection you will be representing on Friday night...stay tuned for a spectacluar Costuming Flowchart from Deep Space Nine's Garak the Tailor and our own Kathleen “Take My Picture `cause I Look So Cool” Kershaw. Direct from the Mirror Universe, our De-Motivational Poster Contest is sure to have you in stiches. Finally, not so long from now, in a galaxy not so far away...our Convention Opening “Star Wars Type Opening Roll” Contest.
Browse the shops of the Ferengi Alliance, pass an hour or two in the SciFi Drive In where some of the most memorible scifi movies will be playing, and learn exciting and interesting things during Saturday morning and afternoon's Starfleet Academy. Compete against aliens of all kinds in the costume contest Friday evening, hang out at Quark's and Ten Forward for late evening entertainment and interspecies networking, or simply attend the evening's festivities including Martian Madness during the Table Topics Contest Friday or the galaxy's best competeing in the Inter national Galactic Speech contest Saturday.
Next year's Federation Council will be elected on Saturday afternoon and inducted into office Saturday evening. It is an experience you won't want to miss.
Registration opens March 4 th on-line at toastmastersd84.org. Register early to take advantage of our Early “Great Bird of the Galaxy” special pricing. New this year, a limited number of Intergalactic Ambassadorships are available, including exclusive benefits. See the registration form for more details.
If you have never attended a District 84 Conference, or if you've attended every one, you won't want to be left at the space port for this ride. So register early, select your best science fiction wear for Friday night, and blast off with us as we experience...
THINGS TO COME!
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Exciting Membership and Renewal Incentives:
Do the math. Each club has the opportunity to win $450 in Toastmasters International gift certificates.
Your District leaders are dedicated to helping each club meet their membership goals this year. And we have implemented a comprehensive incentive program. We hope you are finding them useful as you have your membership drives. This is also your opportunity to increase the club treasury. The membership challenges for 2011-2012 are:
Additionally: Win two of the Toastmasters International membership challenges and win an additional $25 gift certificate. Win all three Toastmasters International membership challenges and win an additional $100 gift certificate.
- 84 Summer Challenge: July-August-September-October 15 Clubs won this challenge
- The Smedley Award: August 1st to September 30th 7 Clubs won this challenge
- 84 Fall Challenge: November-December-January-February Clubs add 8 new, dual or reinstated members Receive $25 Toastmaster International gift certificate from the District
- Talk Up Toastmasters: February 1st to March 31st Clubs add 5 new, dual or reinstated members Receive “Talk Up Toastmasters Award” ribbon 10% off next club order from Toastmaster International The District has enhanced the program by offering a $25 Toastmasters International gift certificate to those clubs that win this award
- 84 Spring Challenge: March-April-May-June Clubs add 8 new, dual or reinstated members Receive $25 Toastmaster International gift certificate from the District
- Beat the Clock: May 1st to June 30th Clubs add 5 new, dual or reinstated members Receive “Smedley Award” ribbon 10% off next club order from Toastmaster International The District has enhanced the program by offering a $25 Toastmasters International gift certificate to those clubs that win this award
Additionally: Win two of the Toastmasters International membership challenges and win an additional $25 gift certificate. Win all three Toastmasters International membership challenges and win an additional $100 gift certificate.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Priceless Opportunity
by Janelle Thomas, Area 14 Governor
When 126 literary agents reject your book, you might consider throwing it in the trash. Not me. Somehow I knew I would see my novel, The Golddigger's Club, on store shelves. I can't explain why I thought it should be there, but after walking past it in Books-A-Million and Wal-Mart, it feels good to know that I was right.
The Golddigger's Club is about three dynamic friends and their relentless pursuit of money and status. They get into a lot of trouble along the way, but they have to decide what they're willing and not willing to do for money. Although it was a lot of work writing and editing the book, I enjoyed creating the story. It's been even more fun talking about it, especially to my fellow Toastmasters.
As I've shared my story with members in and outside of my club, I've learned that there are many of us with writing aspirations. Some are writing books while others have already published. The good news is that we're in the right place. We know that the purpose of joining Toastmasters is to improve public speaking and leadership skills. However, the direct effect of participating in this organization is that it helps us to grow in the way we deem fit.
Toastmasters has prepared me to speak with professionals and groups. In recent months, I've given manual speeches on my book in meetings, and the response has been very positive. The manual speeches have allowed me to not only hone my speaking skills, but also try out ideas before presenting them to the public. I determined which approaches will excite people and get them interested in my book. Club feedback showed me that people are interested in the connection between women, wealth, and society. Their input has been priceless.
When I first joined Toastmasters four years ago, I didn't know I would write a book, but I'm glad I took the initiative to cultivate a skill that would serve me in a number of ways. Sometimes, you find that the path from where you are to where you want to be zigzags and turns. You don't always know which way to go, and how long it'll take to get there, but making every effort to pick up valuable skills along the way will help you navigate your path more effectively. So, when the time comes to use them, you'll be glad that you put those extra tools in your tool box.
 |
| Janelle Thomas |
The Golddigger's Club is about three dynamic friends and their relentless pursuit of money and status. They get into a lot of trouble along the way, but they have to decide what they're willing and not willing to do for money. Although it was a lot of work writing and editing the book, I enjoyed creating the story. It's been even more fun talking about it, especially to my fellow Toastmasters.
As I've shared my story with members in and outside of my club, I've learned that there are many of us with writing aspirations. Some are writing books while others have already published. The good news is that we're in the right place. We know that the purpose of joining Toastmasters is to improve public speaking and leadership skills. However, the direct effect of participating in this organization is that it helps us to grow in the way we deem fit.
Toastmasters has prepared me to speak with professionals and groups. In recent months, I've given manual speeches on my book in meetings, and the response has been very positive. The manual speeches have allowed me to not only hone my speaking skills, but also try out ideas before presenting them to the public. I determined which approaches will excite people and get them interested in my book. Club feedback showed me that people are interested in the connection between women, wealth, and society. Their input has been priceless.
When I first joined Toastmasters four years ago, I didn't know I would write a book, but I'm glad I took the initiative to cultivate a skill that would serve me in a number of ways. Sometimes, you find that the path from where you are to where you want to be zigzags and turns. You don't always know which way to go, and how long it'll take to get there, but making every effort to pick up valuable skills along the way will help you navigate your path more effectively. So, when the time comes to use them, you'll be glad that you put those extra tools in your tool box.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Growing Your Club
by Jim Miller, DTM District Governor
Spring is here (at least it is in Florida), flowers are popping up all over, and pollen fills the air. In short (ah-choooo...), it's time for growth. Regarding our clubs, it's always time for growth! Membership is the number one problem facing our district, and we aren't unusual. Our organization faces an annual retention rate of approximately 57%. That means that a club with 20 members (charter strength) must bring in 8.6 new members per year just to stay even. Since a partial person is a messy situation, let's round up and say we need 9 new members just to stay even. The goals of four new members plus four more new members in our Distinguished Clubs program is obviously a little on the light side.
While many of our clubs struggle to get eight new members per year, others soar past those numbers. New Horizon Toastmasters in Jacksonville is currently at 32 new members for the year, and we have four months left. Winn-Dixie Toastmasters (also in Jacksonville) went from zero to 44 members in just a few months. Indeed, most new clubs that charter go from zero to at least 20 members in less than six months. The goal is to maintain that growth every year.
What does it take to grow 20+ new members every year, and why would we want to do that? First, let's look at what it takes... focus. A club that is forming is focused on one thing; getting to twenty new members as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, upon chartering most immediately lose that focus, and few regain it. Given the nature of our organization, we need to refocus and stay focused on membership growth.
Find out what your base membership is by checking the DCP Reports, and focus on a net gain of at least 5 members each year. If this takes 4 plus 4 plus 4 or more additional, then so be it; whatever it takes! Make sure that interested visitors can find your club by insuring your club information is accurate at Find a Club. If it isn't, then you have permission to hound your club president until it is accurate. You won't sign 'em up if they can't find you.
Invite people to hear you speak, and encourage brand new members to do the same. Speaking of new members, they should be speaking early and often, or they'll be gone. Remember that they are excited to be a Toastmaster, and they have a whole new network of family and friends. Come up with new and innovative ways to attract guests to your club, and make sure those meetings are enjoyable. Like Past District Governor Ron Parpart would always say, "If it isn't fun, it isn't Toastmasters!"
Why would we want to build clubs to be 30 or 40 members and beyond? Won't that just make it more difficult to get on the schedule? Think about it... isn't having too many people a good problem to have? Meetings with a lot of people are a lot more fun and exciting, and they make it easier to find new members. Meeting new people is one of the best things about Toastmasters. Attracting new members is always a positive.
Let's end the moaning about lack of new members, and build those clubs. Doing so will give us new friends, and our clubs will gain new life. I haven't even mentioned all the incentives ($$$) the district is offering this year to bring in new members. No arguments... just get 'er done!
 |
| Jim Miller, DTM |
While many of our clubs struggle to get eight new members per year, others soar past those numbers. New Horizon Toastmasters in Jacksonville is currently at 32 new members for the year, and we have four months left. Winn-Dixie Toastmasters (also in Jacksonville) went from zero to 44 members in just a few months. Indeed, most new clubs that charter go from zero to at least 20 members in less than six months. The goal is to maintain that growth every year.
What does it take to grow 20+ new members every year, and why would we want to do that? First, let's look at what it takes... focus. A club that is forming is focused on one thing; getting to twenty new members as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, upon chartering most immediately lose that focus, and few regain it. Given the nature of our organization, we need to refocus and stay focused on membership growth.
Find out what your base membership is by checking the DCP Reports, and focus on a net gain of at least 5 members each year. If this takes 4 plus 4 plus 4 or more additional, then so be it; whatever it takes! Make sure that interested visitors can find your club by insuring your club information is accurate at Find a Club. If it isn't, then you have permission to hound your club president until it is accurate. You won't sign 'em up if they can't find you.
Invite people to hear you speak, and encourage brand new members to do the same. Speaking of new members, they should be speaking early and often, or they'll be gone. Remember that they are excited to be a Toastmaster, and they have a whole new network of family and friends. Come up with new and innovative ways to attract guests to your club, and make sure those meetings are enjoyable. Like Past District Governor Ron Parpart would always say, "If it isn't fun, it isn't Toastmasters!"
Why would we want to build clubs to be 30 or 40 members and beyond? Won't that just make it more difficult to get on the schedule? Think about it... isn't having too many people a good problem to have? Meetings with a lot of people are a lot more fun and exciting, and they make it easier to find new members. Meeting new people is one of the best things about Toastmasters. Attracting new members is always a positive.
Let's end the moaning about lack of new members, and build those clubs. Doing so will give us new friends, and our clubs will gain new life. I haven't even mentioned all the incentives ($$$) the district is offering this year to bring in new members. No arguments... just get 'er done!
Saturday, February 4, 2012
“Missed” Communication
by Mary Carol Holbert, ACS, PRO
A few days ago, I was having dinner with the D84 Trio, the President of West Volusia Toastmasters, and Lance Miller, the 2005 World Champion of Public Speaking. Trust me, I'm not bragging, as you will soon see! This is more of a confession...
Lance was talking to us about his experience with his Toastmasters Club in Los Angeles, which he has been involved with for 20 years. The conversation was about a number of things, ranging from membership building to contest experiences.
At one point, I heard Lance say, “I lost my club for nine years.”
I'd like to say it was the wine, but I was drinking iced tea. Maybe it was the artificial sweetener attacking my brain cells? At any rate, my mind instantly locked onto the thought of ‘losing a club' for nine years! How could that happen? Did the club dissolve or disband for those years? Did it move to a new location too distant? Did it become a private, corporate club, not open to outside members? How could you lose a club? For nine years?
You'd think all those thoughts would take minutes, but they all flew through my head in a nano-second. I'm sure my expression must have been befuddled, but Lance appeared even more confused when I blurted “How did that happen?”
He took a second (I wonder what thoughts were spinning through his brain?) before he said, “Because people at my club were better than me.”
Huh? For an instant, that response made no sense to me at all.
Then, I realized my mistake. Lance had said “I lost AT my club for nine years.” He was talking about his early years competing in the International Speech Contest at his club level, and somehow, by missing the word 'at', I had missed that fact entirely.
Two letters, one syllable, one tiny preposition... and the meaning of the sentence was completely transformed. My confused question about the ‘lost club' must have sounded a little (a lot?) callous -- like pouring salt into a wound. (Or maybe Lance took it to mean I couldn't believe he could lose, which would be infinitely less inconsiderate.)
There was a moment of silence while all that sunk in, and then I gasped. “I thought you said you lost your club! I didn't hear the ‘at'!”
The whole table had a huge laugh at my gaffe, and there were no lasting repercussions from the misunderstanding. However, as I thought about the error, and the ensuing confusion, I reflected on how often one tiny mistake can change the course of relationships or events...
How many times have people been hurt, or disappointed, or angered because the message sent and the message received were not the same? As a communicator, when I get a reaction that seems out of line with what I expect, could there be a missing ‘at'? Could there be some small error in communication that would cause a big misunderstanding?
Be on watch for your missing ‘at' (whatever form it may take), so you won't experience a ‘missed' communication, too!
 |
| Mary Carol Holbert |
Lance was talking to us about his experience with his Toastmasters Club in Los Angeles, which he has been involved with for 20 years. The conversation was about a number of things, ranging from membership building to contest experiences.
At one point, I heard Lance say, “I lost my club for nine years.”
I'd like to say it was the wine, but I was drinking iced tea. Maybe it was the artificial sweetener attacking my brain cells? At any rate, my mind instantly locked onto the thought of ‘losing a club' for nine years! How could that happen? Did the club dissolve or disband for those years? Did it move to a new location too distant? Did it become a private, corporate club, not open to outside members? How could you lose a club? For nine years?
You'd think all those thoughts would take minutes, but they all flew through my head in a nano-second. I'm sure my expression must have been befuddled, but Lance appeared even more confused when I blurted “How did that happen?”
He took a second (I wonder what thoughts were spinning through his brain?) before he said, “Because people at my club were better than me.”
Huh? For an instant, that response made no sense to me at all.
Then, I realized my mistake. Lance had said “I lost AT my club for nine years.” He was talking about his early years competing in the International Speech Contest at his club level, and somehow, by missing the word 'at', I had missed that fact entirely.
Two letters, one syllable, one tiny preposition... and the meaning of the sentence was completely transformed. My confused question about the ‘lost club' must have sounded a little (a lot?) callous -- like pouring salt into a wound. (Or maybe Lance took it to mean I couldn't believe he could lose, which would be infinitely less inconsiderate.)
There was a moment of silence while all that sunk in, and then I gasped. “I thought you said you lost your club! I didn't hear the ‘at'!”
The whole table had a huge laugh at my gaffe, and there were no lasting repercussions from the misunderstanding. However, as I thought about the error, and the ensuing confusion, I reflected on how often one tiny mistake can change the course of relationships or events...
How many times have people been hurt, or disappointed, or angered because the message sent and the message received were not the same? As a communicator, when I get a reaction that seems out of line with what I expect, could there be a missing ‘at'? Could there be some small error in communication that would cause a big misunderstanding?
Be on watch for your missing ‘at' (whatever form it may take), so you won't experience a ‘missed' communication, too!
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