Toastmasters Taking HOPE to The Prisons

by Donald Thompson, CC

At Liberty County’s Correctional Institution annex in Quincy, Florida, a team of toastmasters lead by Chuck Rabaut, DTM participates in a demonstration Toastmasters meeting. The theme for the day is “HOPE.” The toastmasters along with institutional staff make the journey through fences, locked gates, and razor wire to the Chapel. Traveling through the iron jungle; “hope” isn’t the first thing on the sojourners mind. It is evident from inmate body language and other verbal and nonverbal communication “hope” is recessed in the minds of those whose stay is more permanent. However, hope isn’t so recessed that an observer doesn’t notice the distinct need for programming within the fences, locked gates, and razor wire that institute “hope.”

Toastmaster’s Gavel Clubs are becoming a catalyst for “hope.” The inspirational ingredients of a Gavel Club meeting promote confidence, self-esteem, self-worth, and leadership. Thus, Gavel Clubs and Toastmaster volunteers become instruments of “hope.” 

Quincy Gavel Club

One such agent of hope is Chuck Rabaut, DTM. Chuck leads the effort to establish Gavel Clubs in Northwest Florida. His promotion and leadership has led to 3 active Gavel Clubs in Wakulla Correctional Institution, and one each at Calhoun, Liberty Quincy, and Jefferson Correctional facilities, as well as an all female Toastmasters club in the Gadsden Correctional Institution.

Mr. Rabaut noted that “prisoners, like anyone desiring to enhance their future, need to do all they can to improve their skills in the areas of communication and leadership.” He believes that Toastmasters provides these opportunities for growth. When asked what inmates receive from participating in Gavel Clubs? Chuck noted, “Inmates are particularly prone to suffer from lack of confidence and low self-esteem, which are some of the same reasons we became Toastmasters.

Hope radiates from each Gavel Club meeting as change is embraced. At the Calhoun Correctional Institution’s Gavel Club meeting on April 1st, the forty plus inmates formed the Radiant Phoenix Gavel Club. The name heralds the inmate’s declaration of hope as they are raised out of the ashes of despair, low self-esteem and lack of confidence.

When asked what is motivating this pursuit, Mr. Rabaut revealed, “The return on investment to you and I is a reduced recidivism rate! That means the knowledge, skills, and abilities gained by these inmates will be put into practice when they return to become contributing citizens.”  He further stated, “WE ALL BENEFIT.”

We may not all be able to personally participate in the Gavel Clubs. However, we can facilitate “hope” through alternative means, such as providing monetary support or donating educational or leadership manuals and recycled Toastmasters magazines. Gaveliers receive copies of the Toastmaster Magazine as a part of the continuing education process. Like Toastmasters members, they utilize the magazines to reinforce what they have learned during their meetings.

Mr. Rabaut spends countless hours encouraging Toastmaster Club involvement and seeking funding from individuals and local Toastmaster Clubs. These tasks are imperative to the success of each Gavel Club. Of course, the success of these clubs would not be attained without the help of team members like Riley Smith, who also devotes his time to this effort.

Speaker Spotlight: Ron “Mel” Melvin, DTM

by Esther Lenssen, ACB

Ronald E. Melvin, DTM, also known as "Mystic Mel", is a humorous speaker who combines his presentations and workshops with entertaining magic. In his speeches he tells unique stories that encompass life coaching, inspiration and humor. Mel has been a Toastmaster since 1992 and his public speaking experience spans more than 30 years.

Ron Melvin, DTM

Last year, Mel was one of the nine finalists of the Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking, which was held in Orlando, FL, in August. In April 2013, Mel joined Area 44 Governor Gene Kowalski, ACG, ALB, and EduSpeakers' VP Education Lynn Kruse, ACB, ALB, at Goliath Radio 1380 AM to promote the Division D International Speech and Table Topics Contest on the “Via Report” with host Roland Via. Here are a few of the questions Roland asked and Mel's answers:

Roland Via: Did you think, when you first joined Toastmasters, that you'd be there [at the finals of the Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking]?

Mel: I always wanted to be there. To say that I'd get there... It is always a struggle.

Roland Via: Yeah, the desire is one thing, the ability to do it another.

Mel: I knew I could do it. It's just getting there... It's taken a lot of time, it's not an easy task to do. It takes a lot of time, a lot of effort and you have to get a lot of support from the other Toastmasters.

Roland Via: And that's one of the reasons that Toastmasters is so successful. It's not a “me” group, it's a “we” group more than anything else. Would that be correct?

Mel: I'd say that you're absolutely right with that. We in Toastmasters want everyone to succeed. That's the whole idea. Each club was started by people like the new people who walk in the door each week. They're there to show that they did it, and now we can help you do that.

Roland Via: That makes all the sense in the world. So you had to work long and hard on that, but Toastmasters gives you the tools, the ability and the training to move yourself along. As long as you have that master ingredient—and that's the desire to want to do it.

Mel: Yes, and when you have the desire, along with that has to come the desire to get support from others. You can't do this alone. Speaking is not only you; you can speak to a wall and be very good...

Roland Via [interrupts]: I know, I do that every day between 2 and 4 o' clock.

Mel [laughs]

Roland Via [laughs]: I talk to a lot of walls... Sometimes I laugh at myself...

Mel [laughs]: But you know, the other part is... who's receiving it. If you can get other people to understand and receive and feel the emotions that you're putting into your speech—that makes it a good speech.

Roland Via: But what makes it a good speech is this—when you put the emotions and everything into it, people can tell when you're connecting with yourself, and that's a rare commodity sometimes. Whenever we look at politicians, for instance, and we're looking at their campaign speeches, sometimes their body language and the emphasis they put on words are probably more important than anything else. And here I am on radio moving my hands... But that does make a difference, right?

Mel: It does make a difference, but I'm going to tell you a secret about speaking. It is when you can make the receiver feel what you want. You see, I can feel anything, but if I can't transfer that to you—and that's what you were saying—it's not a feeling that you feel. And that's what I want to do. I want you to feel any emotion that I'm trying to share.

Roland Via: How do you get the listener to feel?

Mel: By telling them a story that they can relate to. You don't want to tell them a fully detailed story, because now they're trying to think of what you're feeling. Give them enough that they can feel from their own experience what it was like. […] For example, remember the time that you were scared when you were going down the street and all of a sudden a car veered off the street and onto the sidewalk. What was that like? That's what I'm trying to do. I don't want you to see exactly what I see, but what you see that makes you feel that way. I'm trying to steal your emotions, bring them up.

I was one of the listeners who called in to ask Mel questions live on the show. After I asked him for his advice about how to overcome any potential fears of taking part in a speaking contest and why he participated, Roland Via added the following question:

Roland Via: Do you encourage the failure points, where you say, “I cannot learn how to do it right until I'm doing it wrong and understand that I'm still alive, I'm still breathing and people are still smiling and listening to me?”

Mel: No...

Roland Via [interrupts, surprised]: No?

Mel: ...there's no failure. Every failure is a learning element. You learn not to do it that way. It's not a failure. You just say, “Oops, that didn't work, let me try this one over here.” I don't like to use [the word] “failure”. That's a long story. At Toastmasters I talk about how I was raised in a family as the failure. Therefore Toastmasters has been a way for me to build up my own confidence, because I'm a shy person in my own way. I don't feel that I'm up to the standards of other people. But let's get back to this contest...

Roland Via [interrupts]: He's wrong by the way, everybody, he's dead wrong, but nonetheless [laughs], if you feel that way, Mel, okay, you can feel that way...

Mel [laughs]: When you're in your own club, your club loves you and they don't want to do anything to stop you from coming back again. But are you growing? [...] Where I learned the most was when I took my speech for the contest and went to other clubs and they beat me over the head. Sometimes I went home almost in tears. How could they hate that speech? How could they find that wrong? But I took it and I said, “Wait a minute. If they're feeling that way, that means if I go to a contest, somebody else is going to feel that way. How do I change it?” And I kept getting better at it that way. So go to the contests. Compete. Take the things that you find that don't work, rewrite them. You'll make it.

40 years ago this month, everything changed!

by Karl Righter, DTM - District 47 Governor, '73 - '74

Vicki Wood - District 47's first female Area Governor
appointed by District Governor Karl Righter, DTM
in 1973

1973, the year I was elected District 47 Governor, was a significant year in our district’s history.

At the time, District 47 comprised the entire state of Florida, except for the panhandle, and contained 100 Toastmasters clubs. There were only four divisions (north, south, east, and west), and each division took turns hosting a district conference. That’s right, there were four conferences a year in those days! Our newsletter, The Sunshiner, was printed monthly and mailed to every member in the District. A directory of each club’s meeting information and officers was compiled, printed, and updated each term.

There were some historic milestones that year! First, the organization’s bylaws were changed to welcome women into Toastmasters, ushering in a period of explosive growth internationally. As District Governor, I had the privilege of appointing the first female Area Governor, Vicki Wood of Ft. Lauderdale. She was a pilot and flew some of us to the International Convention in Houston that August! The father of our recent District 84 Governor, Scott Hoehn, DTM, was one of my Area Governors in the Southern Division that year.

Additionally, 1973 was the year that the Bahamas became part of District 47, making us an international district! The Bahamian National Anthem was thus sung at every district conference thereafter along with our own. That year also saw the introduction of the Distinguished Toastmaster designation (DTM). Past District 47 Governor John Bowman (‘70-’71)  earned the very first DTM, certificate #1. A few months later, when I received mine, there were already 50 DTMs internationally!

During the second six months of my term, Toastmasters International began celebrating its 50th anniversary. District 47 was only 18 years old at the time.

It’s hard to believe 40 years have passed since that special year. It was an honor to be a part of it.

Parents without Partners International Convention

– I am neither a parent nor without a partner. 
by Ellen Onieal Little, ACS, ALB District 84 Education Chair, Girl Talk Toastmasters VPE, Social Media/Linked In corporal

Ellen Little, ACS

I was honored to represent Toastmasters International District 84 at the International Convention of Parents without Partners in Orlando on July 10th, 2013.  The requested topic was Volunteering and how to find and retain members.  I certainly know about that!

In my research of the topic, I learned that volunteer organizations across the board have the same challenges with keeping members. In fact, only 1/3 of the members stay after their first year.  Ironically there is no statistic that shows how many stay if they make it through 2 years or more.   There are a plethora of reasons why people stay, typically the top 10 reasons revolve around their satisfaction that they  are receiving what they came to the organization for.

I know why people come to Toastmasters.  It always made sense to me that typical profile of Toastmasters membership is a person who wants a growth opportunity, a way to improve their relationships and professional presentation prowess to get them recognized as a leader, and just a “notch” above.  I have to be honest, when I was asked to speak to Parents without Partners organization, I was a little nervous, fearing that their organization may be a little different.  I had to find the mission statement, that should tell me what I need to round out this presentation.

It was delightful to peruse the International website, which is where I found the mission statement. This well-constructed group of statements just said Family in a very loving community way.  Much like most organizations the benefit of the membership is the Educational component, they call their director the Vice President of Educational and Family programs.  This position in the organization has to follow guidelines that 60% of their programs must be educational or that help with personal and family dynamic growth.   The spirit and the support activities; and the camaraderie which makes up the other 40% of the programming, is designed to create a strong family community; in some cases this is the only family that this audience has.

I suppose you can say that of a lot of organizations.  You get a sense of belonging when you join a group that shares your same passions or struggles; the same expectations or disappointments, right?  With others and through the strength of an organization you can overcome a lot of obstacles in your life.

Let’s bring this all back to the topic that I presented at the conference.  This was the opening of the workshop.  The overview of the statistics, that all volunteer organizations lose 2/3 of their membership every year.  In fact,  if volunteer organizations were companies, we’d be firing our entire talent management team.  Sixty-Eight Percent 68% of the people (the 2/3) of the people, claim the reason why they left was because they didn’t feel like their contribution was valued; not connected to the group.

Ergo, the 64 million dollar question is (holding the mirror in your face while you repeat this next statements)  “Am I meeting the needs of the members of my club?” and “How do I know?”.   Statistically speaking if you are losing members quicker than you can get members; I’m going to venture a guess that there are some “missing need-meeters”.  I’m sure a grammarian will have a field day with this article. 

I wish we had a distribution list that spread to the Lions, Moose, Elks (you know all the Animal clubs), Eagles and all the civic clubs like Rotary or Masons; so we can all hear this message together.  When we meet the needs of our members they stay- to be fair, 68% may stay, potentially.  There will always be people that may get “bored” or distracted with other civic duties and etc. however, there is certainly an opportunity for all the non-profit, support, civic and the like organizations that are providing education, fellowship and personal growth to share in meeting the needs of the volunteers or members who are trying to improve something or just need some social advancement time. (speak to different people, expand their horizons, etc.)

This opportunity was like a sociology experiment.  I took statistics off the internet. I called a few past members of some clubs, I contacted my rotary friends; it was quite the experiment.  I learned so much, and was able to facilitate a great workshop with 50 or so people who just added more value to the content.  I was happy to share the slides with them, and a nice thank you email expressing my gratitude for looking to Toastmasters for great speakers.  I encouraged they do that in every city.

There are plenty of organizations that are looking for speakers.  I was hoping that someone in this audience was a Toastmaster, so that they could give me a written evaluation; ah, c'est la vie.  If you know of any organizations that are coming to Orlando for conventions, and are in need of good speakers, contact our Public Relations officer for District 84.

Reflections from a Haz Benz

by Dennis Wooldridge, DTM Immediate Past District Governor

Dennis Wooldridge, DTM IPDG

Wow, what a year it’s been!  I cannot believe it’s come and gone already.

First let me congratulate the no longer “elect,” “incoming” or “soon to be” District trio, but the new District 84 District Governor, Dee Melvin, DTM, Lt Governor Education and Training, Mary Carol Holbert, DTM and Lt Governor Marketing, Becky McGilton, DTM.  I suspect that the first District 84 all female trio (hurrah!) will be the best ever seen and the things we will see happen in District 84 will be breathtaking!

I wanted to take a moment to share with my fellow District 84 Toastmasters some of my thoughts as I look back on our year.  We had the most amazing team of District leaders ever assembled.  Yes, I know that’s what every District Governor probably thinks, but I will stand by my conviction to the end.  I spent a good bit of time interviewing Area Governors before our year started.  Each of them promised to be steadfast and hard working and the proof, as they say was in the pudding.  Nearly all were stellar in their attitudes, dedication and complete reliability.  Our Division Governors also worked very hard to make the District successful this year proving that the faith placed in them by those who cast their votes their way was not misplaced.  To all the Area and Division Governors, my deepest respect and heartfelt thanks!

Our Leadership Team was also incredible.  Sekennia Bell-Edwards, our District Treasurer, came into the office a couple of months into the year after our original Treasurer resigned for personal reasons.  I have never seen anyone dig in so hard and deep to get up to speed and get us on track financially.  Her assumption of the office was one of the best things to happen all year and I love her for all she brought to the table, especially keeping me on the straight and narrow...no easy task!

Paula Summa, our District Secretary and one of my favorite Toastmaster friends, was diligent, present and accurate in all she did...but anyone who knows her will not be surprised this is true.  We have worked together in many different capacities through the past few years and I am always amazed and inspired by her talent and warm nature.

George Kostopoulos, District Sergeant at Arms, was the hardest working human in the District this year.  Our District expects more from our SAA than any District I know and George unfailingly came through every time.  We could not have functioned this year without him (and of course Donna Lazarek, his better half!).  I so appreciate the humor and smiles that he carries with him everywhere he goes.

Jack Hoyt, District Parliamentarian, served the District two years in a row trying to keep both Jim Miller (PDG) and me on the right path.  He served with calm patience and good humor throughout the year and taught me a great deal.  We had great fun together.

When I asked Ellen Little to serve as Public Relations Officer, she wasn’t sure it was the right fit, but did the thing I believe we all should do if we wish to live truly fulfilled lives, she said yes.  She has had a tremendous impact on our District and our year.  I’m not sure how she managed to do everything and still run her business, but I am so glad she stepped up and stood out in so many ways.  I look forward to working closely with her on any number of future projects.

Lt Governor Marketing, Mary Carol Holbert (our new LGET) has been a dear friend for many years and she was invaluable to the team and to me personally.  Never afraid to question ideas and plans, she always sought what was best for the District and the members.  I love Mary Carol because she challenged me (always in a loving way, like really good friends should do) and I needed that.  She taught me a lot this year and I am a better person for having served with her by my side.

And what do I say about Lt Governor Education and Training, Dee Melvin (now District Governor).  I’ve known and admired Dee since we first met as Area Governors.  No matter the circumstances, she always had a smile and a kind word.  She is truly a lady in every sense of the word, but tough as nails when she needs to be.  I have never known anyone who is as dedicated or works as hard as Dee does.  LGET is such a tough job, if it’s done right, and believe me, Dee did it right.  Two great TLIs, two incredible conferences on the Orient Express and to Mardi Gras, and being the anchor for our Area and Division Governor training when I got sick the day before and was ordered by my doctor to stay home (it nearly killed me to not go to the training in person, but thanks to George and others I attended via Skype).  There are no words to truly describe my admiration and respect for Dee.  We have spent so much time together over the past two years we have become like siblings...except we really do get along with each other!  I would do it all again if I knew I could have Dee working by my side!

And one more bit of personal thanks, if I may be permitted.  I have had the most uncommon time in my three trios of any District leader I know.  Scott Hoehn (DG) and Jim Miller (LGET) 2010-11, Jim Miller (DG) and Dee Melvin (LGM) 2011-12 and Dee Melvin (LGET) and Mary Carol Holbert (LGM) 2012-13 gave me the gift of working in three trios where there were no conflict, no pettiness, no rivalries, simply deep, respectful and cooperative friends all working toward a common purpose for the members of the District.  I was surprised when I learned that not all Districts trios work so smoothly (in fact most do not).  I was privileged to work with friends who became family and I will always be grateful for the privilege of serving with these amazing people.  Thank you ladies and gentlemen.  I am a better man today for having had the honor of working closely with you and learning so much from each of you.

Every District Governor starts their year with the goal of leading the District to Distinguished or better status.  It was no different for me.  Unfortunately we were not able to bring it home this year.  Due to the economy and the government-imposed sequester this year, we suffered a devastating loss of membership, averaging a loss of 1100 members during both of the dues periods.  That is a huge hurdle to clear and we didn’t.  I am saddened to report that we actually have fewer members today than this time last year.  I honestly believe there is nothing more we could have done to overcome this loss.  We conducted the Membership Road Show in December, sharing with the clubs a foolproof way of increasing club fitness and membership.  Our membership incentives were aggressive and generous.  Our clubs worked hard to keep their rosters full.  It was simply not the year for growth and we missed the mark of 3% increase in memberships to be Distinguished.

Another challenge we faced when we started the year was that over ten clubs had shut down operations and were just waiting to fall off the roles of Toastmasters International (TI).  Add that to the five additional clubs that closed during the year, it all meant we had a very tall, steep hill to climb to increase our clubs by the 3% over the number we started the year with (179).  We added 9 bright and shiny new clubs, of which we are proud and dedicated to their success, but it just wasn’t enough to close the gap.

Our one, and most important victory is that we ended the year with 103 Distinguished or better clubs.  That means that nearly 60% of our clubs are meeting the goals set by TI for club fitness, membership strength and educational achievement.  Those 103 clubs lifted the District to President’s Distinguished level in this third category of the District Recognition Program and I am very proud of this achievement by our members and clubs.  To me this is the most important of the three categories because it is the best indicator that our clubs are serving the members well, and that is what we are here for.  Of course 100% would be ideal, but our 60% means we are among the highest of the world’s 88 Districts in club and member success in the programs of TI, ranking 24 and South America (of 68 Districts).  Well done clubs and members of District 84!

If I were to say I am not disappointed our District is not Distinguished, I would be lying.  However, I am not depressed!  Although this was not our year to be Distinguished, I am so proud of the entire District Leadership Team and the wonderful starting place we have left for the 2013-2014 Team.  It is an attribute of leadership that vision is long in range, always aware of the tasks at hand, but never losing sight of the larger picture.  What was accomplished in the District with our efforts last year will strengthen and enhance the efforts of this year, the same as was done for us in the previous year.  It’s all about legacy; ensuring that tomorrow is fuller than today may have been for everyone.

This has been the best year of my life. From becoming friends with International President John Lau during a week together in November to having the opportunity to renew friendships and create new ones across the District, it’s been an incredible ride.  I so appreciate the love and friendship I have experienced throughout the District this year.  You are the most wonderful people on the planet and I will never forget the year you gave me, holding memories in my head and heart for years to come! 

Now, it’s time to close the page on this chapter of my life and begin a new chapter.  What’s ahead...well, you never can tell, but I guarantee you, it won’t be boring and I won’t be lonely.  So for now, live long and prosper...may the force be with you...stay calm and keep moving forward!

`Till next time Dennis

Kalina Slavkova Gives Valedictorian Speech

by Esther Lenssen, ACB

West Volusia Toastmasters Club in DeLand, FL (Division D, Area 43), is proud to announce that their member Kalina Slavkova gave an inspiring Valedictorian Speech at DeLand High School. The top academic scholar of DHS and International Baccalaureate student is the daughter of West Volusia Treasurer Margarita Slavkova, CC. Together with Dakari Gray, son of West Volusia President Rodney Gray, ACB, ALB, Kalina is taking advantage of the Toastmasters International two-track educational program.

It has been a pleasure to see both Kalina and Dakari enhance their speaking and leadership skills and boost their confidence. Watch Kalina's speech in this video and you'll understand why her mother is not the only one who's really proud of this young woman. Kalina explained that Olivia Schofield inspired her—our keynote speaker at this past District 84 Spring Conference and top female speaker at The World Championship of Public Speaking in Las Vegas in 2011. Kalina wrote her speech herself and tweaked her presentation during several phone calls with fellow club member and District 84 Governor Dennis Wooldridge, DTM. As you will notice, she speaks without using her notes—thanks to her Toastmasters education—which is quite rare for any speaker at high school graduation events.

Kalina Slavkova and Dakari Gray

This picture shows Kalina and Dakari at a suprise party West Volusia Toastmasters threw for the two graduates. Kalina received a full scholarship from the University of Pennsylvania. Dakari graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Deltona High School Advanced Placement program and was able to secure a scholarship from Stetson University in DeLand. We wish them both well on their future path. We hope that Kalina will come visit us whenever she's not at UPenn or traveling the world and look forward to Dakari serving as our Sergeant-at-Arms in the near future. How convenient it is that Stetson is also West Volusia Toastmasters' meeting room sponsor!

“Ritzy Business” Wins Monty Ray Davidson First Place!

by Paul Peterzell, CC, CL, Reporters' Chair

Monty Ray Davidson, ACG, ALB
District 84 International Speech Contest winner

Those who attended the District 84 Spring Conference held in May in Orlando, may remember hearing many speeches that touched the hearts of some and inspired many. Monty Ray Davidson’s speech entitled “Ritzy Business” won him first place in the 2013 International Speech contest for District 84. Sylvia Deputy, CC, and Jean Jeune, DTM, made second and third place.

Monty's long road to the District Speech Contest began in January as first place winner at his World Toasters club contest at Walt Disney World. The idea for the speech came to him years earlier while in college. As a marketing assignment Monty had to take a commercial on television and speak about its message. Monty chose the Ritz Cracker as a foundation in life.

His message in the speech is simple, yet profound. “To reach goals you need to have a strong foundation. To have a plan is not enough, you have to commit,” he explained. “An icecream Sundae is not a good solid foundation. Add Jimmies, which represent self-doubt or negative voices, and you are kept from reaching your goals.”

Monty stressed that a solid plan or a solid foundation in life is a commitment to work your plan so that things won't fall off and you are more apt to reach your goals and fulfill your dreams in life.

When asked what gave Monty confidence to compete and advance as far this time, he stated, “I always admired the International Speech contestants in what makes a good speech. Orlando Advanced Toastmasters club has provided invaluable insight to me and I have watched other speakers deliver great speeches so I can learn from them.”

Everyone in District 84 is rooting for Monty as he represents our District at the International Speech Contest at the 2013 Toastmasters International Convention, which will be held on August 21–24 in Cincinnati, Ohio.