Lake County Toastmasters Making a Difference!

By Harry Fix & Cathie Catasus

The members of the Lake Toasters Club (990426) feel that it is important to use the skills that they have learned and honed in Toastmasters to give back to their community. One of the ways they do that is by being involved with the 4-H Tropicana Public Speaking Contest.

The program is an educational program aimed at teaching young people techniques of effective public speaking. It is coordinated and underwritten by the Tropicana Corporation and is delivered to schools, in our case through the Lake County 4-H Youth Development Program. The Tropicana/4-H Public Speaking contest is designed to give fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students experience in the preparation and delivery of a speech.

How does the Lake Toasters Club get involved? Each year members of the Club mentor students who are preparing for the contest. Other members serve as the judges for the contest.

This year the Golden Triangle Club (1152249) also participated by mentoring students and the Lake Harris of Leesburg Club (1336393) will be providing a judge for the County level contest. One of the goals of the Area Governor, Cathie Catasús, ACB, ALB, is to involve all of the Clubs of Area 73 in this wonderful endeavor.

“An important part of developing leadership skills is giving back to the community,” Cathie says. “The partnership we have established with our local 4-H Program affords us the opportunity to not only develop our leadership skills but mentor the young people in our community to become better communicators and perhaps even future Toastmasters.”

For the past three or four years Harry Fix has been a judge for the Tropicana Speech contest in Lake County. “Our Club meets in our County's Agricultural Center which houses the County's 4-H Program,” says Harry. “One year 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent contacted our Club and we've provided judges for the contest ever since.”

The Lake County Tropicana Speech contest is held in the Bob Norris Auditorium of the Lake County Agricultural Center. According to Harry, the auditorium is full of students, parents, and a few teachers. Most of the public elementary schools as well as a few private schools participate each year.

Harry's passion is evident when he speaks about his involvement with the program. “The energy and enthusiasm of the students is incredible. Each of these students has already won at their class level, their grade level, and then at their individual school level and are now competing at a county-wide level. The students are incredible not only in the delivery of their speeches but the crafting of them as well.

“Each speech is a minimum of two and a maximum of three minutes long with only a two second leeway. I could never imagine doing a speech in which I only had a two second leeway but these students do it and they do it amazingly well. Each year about a fourth of the way through the contest I'm mentally kicking myself. The students are all so good that it is extremely difficult to separate first, second, and third place winners.

“Because I actually work as an administrator for the school system I feel very proud not only to be a part of the contest, but also to know that I have had a part in helping these students in the daily work that I do as the Director of Planning for the School District of Lake County. This year I will not be participating as a judge so we can rotate other Toastmasters through and give them an opportunity to serve as a judge.

“I believe that all Toastmasters should clamor at a chance to help out in their local Tropicana Speech Contest. It is a perfect way for them to use their skills to help the youth of their community.”

Cathie Catasus talked a little about her own experiences. “I have judged it for the last 3-4 years as well,” she said. “I will be judging again this year too. I also had the opportunity to work with many of this year's contestants in a pre-contest workshop.

“About 15 students came in (during their spring break) and presented their speech in front of myself and a small audience at the venue where the contest is held. This was their chance to practice and also to receive feedback about their speech. I was able to give them pointers on how to improve their performance for the contest – imagine the opportunity to give 15 speech evaluations!

“These students really are an inspiration to watch! They create their speech on any topic of their choosing – in past years I have heard speeches about fishing, why smoking is bad for you, Michael Jackson, musical theatre, cancer, sibling rivalry, making cupcakes and many more unique topics! As we all know, public speaking is a great skill to have and these kids are learning it at the perfect age. They are confident and do a great job every year. As a parent it really feels good to be able to help mold our future Toastmasters!”

If you are interested in involving your Club(s) in this educational program, please contact your local County 4-H organization leadership. For additional information about the Tropicana Speech Contests, you can visit the following link: http://florida4h.org/news/public_relations/tropicana.shtml

Olivia Schofield, the 2011 European Champion of Public Speaking, Coming to District 84!

(She Will Present Educational Sessions to D84 Toastmasters On May 7th & 9th! Be There!)

Olivia Schofield

“Can you imagine having a speech impediment and ending up centre stage as a contestant in the world finals of a prestigious speaking competition and speaking in front of 2000 people in Las Vegas?”, asks Oliva Schofield, 2011 European Champion of Public Speaking. “That was me. My speech impediment had made me a thief, a failure and has given me a fabulous future.”

Save the evenings of May 7th and/or May 9th on your calendars! Olivia Schofield is visiting District 84. She will present educational sessions for any interested District 84 Toastmasters on those evenings.

On May 7th, 7:30pm, Olivia will present an educational session at Stetson University in the Lynn Business Center 1st Floor Auditorium. Address: 345 N. Woodland Blvd, Deland, FL.

On the evening of May 9th, the European Champion will present a second educational session. The final details are not available at this time, but will be communicated shortly to our membership.

It's said that “ Olivia shakes up your idea of self and inspires you to break through your boundaries to achieve more than you ever imagined!”

About Olivia

Olivia Schofield is a Londoner, living in Berlin. She studied dance and choreography at The London School of Contemporary Dance, and voice and stage at Arts Educational. Olivia however, had a speech impediment which hindered her stage career.

She retrained, and armed with a first-class honors degree in Communication and Linguistics, joined the BBC, behind the camera. Olivia went on to work for some of the great broadcasters in a variety of organizational and business roles: ITN, Granada Television, British Pathe and Ikono TV. In her role as Business Development Manager at ITN Source, one of the largest archive houses in Europe, Olivia looked after key accounts including ZDF, WDR and NDR. Still, 20 years after giving up dance, her anxiety for speaking had not lessened her passion for performing.

Toastmasters. The nurturing environment immediately appealed to her: a nurturing environment that would unlock her voice.

18 months after joining Toastmasters, Olivia went on to place first at the District level in the international speech competition. She competed in The World Championship of Public Speaking in Las Vegas in 2011 and out of 30,000 contestants; she placed as the top woman and the first District 59er ever to reach the finals.

Olivia says, “Giving a speech is just like creating a piece of choreography: it should have unexpected twists and turns that leave the audience inspired. It took me 25 years to find my voice and another 25 to realize I had something to say!”

DIVISION F KUDOS

by Fred Haley, Division F(red) Governor

Fred Haley, DTM
Division F Governo

At our Jacksonville Kollege of Knowledge in February, we were reminded that each of us inspires someone else through large or small acts.

There are many deserving Toastmasters in Division F who have led and continue to lead through example. This month I recognize a few of the unsung for their efforts.

Bob Wellington of Beaches Area and World Golf Village Toastmasters, each week reserves a room for several hours at the Beaches Public Library, and offers members to practice their speeches or receive help and advice on conducting their upcoming roles.

Peggy Johnson and Charlie Gaston of the Beaches Area Toastmasters continue the outstanding tradition of holding speechcrafts for inmates in the Duval County Jail. Their eight-week programs teach the convicts to better express their thoughts, and, indirectly, to gain more self-confidence.

Lisa Smith and Bridget Oliver of Beeline Toastmasters attended the Kollege of Knowledge. Not unusual until you recognize that Beeline Toastmasters was not chartered and had not even had its kick-off meeting yet! That is dedication.

David Sturgis, Patsy Heiss, BJ Sanghvi, Shari Cartwright, Nathan Sherrer and Kathryn Hatcher all participated in the Beeline Kick-off Meeting on February 20th. The meeting was so successful that the club chartered with 24 members on March 9th!

New Horizons Toastmasters, with President Linda Deshauteurs, has grown from a healthy 34 members in July 2011 to a phenomenal SIXTY-TWO (62) members in March.

Southside Toastmasters and President Jessica Hollo (first term) and Steve Dubois (second term) are the first in Division F to already achieved NINE of the ten DCP goals. They will have accomplished all ten when they get credit for the Spring officer training!

Extending to Division A, KUDOS to David Langley for being Programs Chair for the Kollege of Knowledge, and JEA Toastmasters for being exceptional hosts for the event.

I give special thanks and Future Kudos to the many members who are volunteering to help train or judge at upcoming TROPICANA SPEECH CONTESTS. These are fun times and inspiring elementary school students.

Several clubs have had all seven officers trained in one or both sessions of officer training. Next month we will recognize all clubs, after all training is completed and the reports are fully vetted.

A final, continued word of appreciation to my four dedicated Area Governors – who are here to help any and all clubs and club members to get the most out of Toastmasters: Tim Jones (Area 60),Jessica Hollo (Area 61), Patsy Heiss (Area 62) and Jason Edgar (Area 63).

An Electrifying JAX Kollege Of Kowledge

By Fred Haley and Linton McClain

The Jacksonville Division A and F Kollege of Knowledge is known for being entertaining, informative and inspirational. It enhanced that reputation on February 4th with the Spring 2012 edition.

The half-day event was held at a new location this term. Scheduling conflicts prevented us from using our perennial favorite site, Shands Towers. The dedicated members of JEA Toastmasters stepped up to offer their excellent training facilities in downtown Jacksonville. Phil Mattox, Aaron Curtis, Craig Smiley Bruce Warner and the team proved to be exceptional hosts, with members outside directing guests, and with staff and facilities inside meeting all our needs.

The theme was “WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS.” Graced with the presence of all three District leaders, all 160 guests were reminded that they are champions because of what they do. They inspire others to be better and to become champions by example.

We were reminded that we can apply what we learn in Toastmasters about becoming leaders. Linton McClain showed us our own potential when he related how he had taken his Toastmasters experiences to become a world-wide physical fitness coach. Pat Hoyt brought a teary-eyed crowd to its feet with her inspirational story about how a stutterer can find confidence and personal growth through the positive and supportive Toastmasters' learning environment.

The workshops brought new insights to the members. In addition to the recurrent officer training, a two-hour “advanced officer” training program was conducted by the District Trio. Other specialty sessions were offered on how to plan a contest, how to judge in a contest, how to compete effectively in a contest, and how to write a speech. To address current issues, training on how to migrate to FreeToastHost 2,0 was also given.

The closing session ended with the (mostly on-key) impromptu choir singing HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Lt. Governor of Education and Training Dennis Wooldridge and Program Chair David Langley.

Division Governors Linton McClain (A) and Fred Haley (F) extend our congratulations and gratitude to the Program Committee who planned and ran the event flawlessly: Chairman David Langley George Casey, Aaron Curtis, Bruce Warner, Patsy Heiss and Lori Bair, and the many volunteers who stepped in to assist.

The Great Debate

by Stephany Bonnie Byrne

Stephany Bonnie Byrne

It had never been done before. Could we really pull it off?

Oh, not to say it had never, ever been done; a couple of the local clubs had been known to do it, you know the big guys, the “Heavy Hitters”. But for certain Lake Mary Toastmasters had never done this. But finally deciding that we could, we should, Lake Mary announced it would hold its very first “Great Debate Contest” on the last day of January 2012. But what would we argue? Banning Pit Bulls? Socialized health care? Retesting older drivers? Seemed that the list of quality of life issues was endless.
So what were we to debate on?

Why, the answer rang out strong and clear. It was a subject so important that it impacts the lives of virtually everyone, everywhere. Lake Mary's teams were going to debate the proposed law to ban the usage of cell phones while driving. Toastmasters quickly signed up to be on a team: it was then that I found out just how passionate people were about their view point. Husbands and wives were polarized on this issue of talking while driving, even squaring off on opposite sides.

Soon we had the when, the where, the who, and the what; missing, though, was the how.
Just how were we to organize this new under taking into a regular hour meeting?
How would it flow? Would it be interesting enough? What are the rules? Who judges? What would be the criteria?

Luckily for us we had Deborah Delacy on board: veteran, parliamentarian, and toastmaster extraordinaire. She quickly came up with judging sheets, criteria, and the all important speaking order. We set the time allotments, coached the captains, and eagerly anticipated the fun!

Teams were organized into Team A-Affirmative (for the ban) headed up by Captain Scott Thomas and Team N-Negative (against the ban) lead by Captain Suzanna Letchford.

And great fun we did have on Great Debate Day! Set into our programs were judging sheets for all! (The teams decided to let everyone attending the meeting including guests could cast a vote!)

Both teams researched, presented, argued and rebutted, summarized, and held their ground. Either the Negatives were a wee more persuasive or the “judges” themselves disdained a ban on cell phones usage, but when the dust settled we had a winner!

Shot down was the proposed ban on cell phone usage while driving. All participants got certificates for competing; the Winning Captain Suzanna Letchford received the Toastmaster black- ribbon Gold Achievement Medal.

This new experience was so special, yet so typical of this great organization.
Toastmasters: a fun time of learning, stretching and growing in an interestingly profitable way; to launch into something different and leave the comforting harbor of sameness.

A good time was had by all!

He's Not Just a Test Speaker!

American Institute of Hydrology (AIH) Member, Distinguished Toastmaster Dr. Ashok Shahane, P.E., PhD P.H., receives American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Life Member recognition! 

You may remember him as our Test Speaker for last November's Toastmasters District 84 “Once Upon A Fairy Tale” Conference, but the American Institute of Hydrology had these words of praise for our own Dr. Ashok Shahane, DTM, Early Birds Club, in its recent newsletter:

Dr. Shahane is an outstanding engineer who has been an ASCE member for 36 years, and was honored at the 2010 Life Member Luncheon for his contributions to our profession. Dr. Shahane has worked for private corporations, governmental agencies and public-private universities in Florida for the last 37 years. During this tenure, he served in several technical, administrative, managerial, advisory, and teaching positions. He also served on several professional committees and statewide task forces in Florida. He received numerous awards for his meritorious professional work and service.

The following is a brief summary of his remarkable life-long contributions as an engineer, hydrologist, author, researcher, and professor:

As a Professional Engineer and a Certified Hydrologist, Dr. Shahane has expertise in planning, design, regulation, and operational aspects of Hydrology, Hydraulics, Water Resources Management, Environmental and Public Health Engineering, Land Development Projects, Pesticide Regulations, and modern Public Management concepts and issues. He developed extensive mathematical models for various river systems and water quality planning models for the Everglades. He also initiated a program for preparing isohyetal rainfall maps for the entire area of the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), used by the SFWMD, developers and consultants to develop the design storms for hydrologic and hydraulic computations for watersheds and subdivisions in South Florida.

Since February 2008, Dr. Shahane has held the position of Herbicide Registration Coordinator for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). As an environmental specialist, he serves as statewide coordinator and manager for pesticide (herbicide) registrations, experimental use permits and other special types of pesticide registrations. He has exercised independent initiative and judgment in the evaluation of technical issues, information needs, and in communicating and coordinating with affected and interested parties as related to the registration process for pesticide in Florida.

Dr. Shahane published over 150 reports and publications, as well as wrote two books. Most of his publications are available on the web. As a researcher, he contributed to advancements in hydrology and water resource engineering; for example, he developed a computerized simulation procedure for design of rapid sand filters used in water treatment plants, and also developed an interdisciplinary methodology for hydrologic analyses using atmospheric vapor transport data.

Dr. Shahane introduced and taught several undergraduate and graduate level courses as an adjunct professor at the University of Miami, Florida International University, and FAMU-FSU College of Engineering from 1979 to 1997. He also developed very useful refresher courses for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and the Professional Engineering (PE) examinations.

His current memberships include the following organizations: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE); Florida Engineering Society (FES); American Water Resources Association (AWRA); Association of Environmental Engineering Professors (AEEP); American Institute of Hydrology (AIH); National Ground Water Association (NGWA); and Toastmasters International.

Dr. Shahane and his wife Meena have been Tallahassee residents for 26 years, and are proud parents of one son, Dr. Amit Shahane Emory University, Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology).

The Tallahassee Branch of ASCE is extremely grateful to Dr. Shahane for sharing his inspiring contributions to our engineering profession, both through research advancements and his lifetime dedication to young engineers, as well as for the positive impact he has on the environment of our great state!

It's amazing to hear what our District 84 Toastmaster members have accomplished in their lives, isn't it? More often than not, success and the ability to communicate go hand in hand. When asked what role Toastmasters played in his tremendous success, Dr. Shahane responded with enthusiasm, crediting his Toastmasters education for developing his communication and leadership skills.

“I joined the Toastmaster Club in Palm Beach County in 1978 and I have been a Toastmaster for the last 34 years. I received DTM award in 1989. Toastmasters' training has performed miracles in my Personal, Professional, Social and Community activities in terms of confidence and honor in honing and growing my communication and leadership skills.

“I have been a contestant for three times at the District level in Humorous Speech contests. I am not as brilliant or as well known as Dr. Henry Kissinger and Late Albert Einstein, but I am very fortunate to be directed in my young age to the Toastmasters groups which unfortunately were missed by these two great people and many others like them. I can go on for hours to tell you all about the benefits I accrued from my participation in Toastmasters.”

Congratulations, Dr. Ashok Shahane, DTM! We can all aspire to make such an impact in our own corners of the world, using what we learn in Toastmasters to help us in our journey.

Mentor To All

by Elizabeth Muchow, DTM

Elizabeth Muchow, DTM

Toastmasters International has an excellent Mentoring program for New Clubs and promotes the assignment of a Mentor to the new Toastmaster, as well. As a Toastmaster over the course of fifteen years, I have served as both a New Club Mentor and the new member mentor many times. So, I have had first-hand experience in seeing the benefits and achievements, to both, when a Mentor is assigned.

I have also observed a decline in the processes and methods of the club’s practices over a period of time when the Mentor is no longer there to guide and direct. This problem has also come to my attention from other Toastmasters when attending conferences and officer’s training programs. Now, I am sure that this loss of continuity and established communication and leadership methods does not occur with every club or we would all have noticed it by now. But, it does happen to some and could be detrimental in keeping and attracting members. The following is my suggestion for correcting these occurrences and improving the Club’s effectiveness for every member.

Mentoring has a long history and has been used in many professions. Today mentors provide expertise to less experienced individuals to advance their careers, enhance their education, and build their networks. In keeping with the accepted value and importance of this activity, the idea of having an appointed, permanent mentor position ( a consultant) in each club should be considered at each new officer’s elections, and would change with each election. That position would most logically fall to the outgoing or past president. But, if not, then to the most experienced member in the club.

That more experienced person would be able to counsel and advise other members with things like running a meeting with an established agenda, explaining the different elements of the meeting to all in attendance (especially to the guest or new member), explaining the importance of the Communications and Leadership manuals to the individual member, and most importantly to the execution and performance of the Club contests. This individual would then be a “Mentor to All”. A mentor to all the activities within the club, a mentor to every individual, and a mentor to all the club’s officers. This Mentor will then promote the established, tried, and true methods given to us by Toastmasters International and will also maintain and continue the legacy of each club’s beginnings.

Toastmasters International has many resources for the Mentoring concept. In particular, I recommend “The Magic of Mentoring” written by an experienced (DTM) Toastmaster. Although its direction is to the “new member”, the basic premise demonstrates the value, benefit, and rewards for both the Mentor and the Mentee.

Consider this idea the next time you have officer elections, coming soon to a club near you!

Winter Haven Mayor Proclaimed April as Toastmasters International Month!

By Neha Jalan

City of Winter Haven Mayor J.P. Powell issued a proclamation on March 26, recognizing April as Toastmasters International Month . Dartha Shular, Toastmasters Area 90 Governor, accepted the proclamation. Division I Governor, Martha Malkowski, was also recognized.

Toastmasters International as an organization promises victory over one of man's greatest fears, the fear of speaking in public. In a nod to its home turf one of the local group calls itself the Winter Haven Toastmasters . The group has about 25 members and is always looking for more people interested in honing their public speaking and leadership skills.
The reasons for this recognition by the city are:

• Toastmasters International is one of the world's leading non-profit educational organizations devoted to communication, public speaking, and leadership skills.
• Toastmasters International gives valuable service to its members and the communities by helping them perform better in virtually every endeavor and profession.
• As the proclamation states, Toastmasters International boasts more than nine decades of outstanding achievement. It has more than 13,000 clubs with more than 270,000 members' worldwide and more than 400 clubs with 10,000 members in Florida alone.
• More than four million men and women have benefited from improved communication, meeting facilitation, and leadership skills, constructive evaluations and increased self-confidence.

Martha Malkowski and Dartha Shular accompanied by president of Winter Haven Toastmasters club, Brenda Poller and Villa club, Wanda Duncan as well as other members of Area 90 Toastmasters group met with Mayor J.P Powell, who joined with public officials throughout Florida proclaiming April as Toastmasters Awareness Month.
For those with a potential interest in the organization's program, Winter Haven Club atmosphere is friendly, supportive and professional. The Winter Haven Toastmasters, which was founded in 1996, has been “Presidents Distinguished” for several years, as recognition for its professionalism by Toastmasters International.

The Winter Haven Toastmasters “Soar with Synergy”
on 2nd, 4th and 5th Tuesdays of each month from 6:30 to 8:30 pm
at the Conference Room of Winter Haven Municipal Airport Terminal Building
2073 Highway 92 West

For more information on Winter Haven Toastmasters visit http://2104.toastmastersclubs.org/

With the recognition comes great pride and honor for all of Area 90 and Toastmasters International. We look forward to continued membership growth this year, and with it the ongoing mandate to meet our member's needs.