Public Speaking won't kill you .... will it?

Pat Wilson-Perkins, Area A4 Governor, (no relation to the person shown in the picture on the right) forwarded an article from msnbc.com titled, "Pulling back the curtain on stage fright ... Does your mind go blank in the spotlight?" by Patrick Enright.

The article is an interesting discussion about the biology of stage fright...

What's really going on when we get sweaty-palmed and sick to our stomachs?
Mary Fensholt, a consultant and author of "The Francis Effect: The Real Reason You Hate Public Speaking and How to Get Over It," puts it succinctly: "The fear of public speaking or performing is more than anything a fear of being eaten." Building on the theories of sociobiologist Edward O. Wilson, Fensholt argues that historically, being intently scrutinized and singled out was a prelude to being eaten by a predator, so human ancestors evolved a strong fear response against setting themselves apart from the protection of the group.

Clearly public speaking can initiate the "Fight or Flight" biology ... even though the audience is unlikely to attack the speaker (at least in the Toastmasters clubs I've been to).

The article includes some ways to minimize or at least manage the effects of stage fright...

While you may not be able to shrug off stage fright entirely, you can minimize its effects. Breathing exercises, visualization, focusing on relaxing your muscles and drinking a glass of grapefruit juice to stimulate the salivary glands all can help with the physical symptoms of stage fright, and, as Somjee
says, "If you can relax your body, your mind simply follows."

The article ends with a great way to put stage fright into perspective...

If you make a mistake, you may be embarrassed, but there are no real predators in the audience.

Again, your results may vary. (Especially if you are asked to speak at the lunch meeting of Predator Toastmasters.)

Click here for a sidebar to the article listing celebrities who have battled stage fright including Rod Stewart, Carly Simon and Barbara Streisand.

Fall Conference FLYER FISH !

The Fall 2007 Leadership Summit / Conference will be held in FISHKILL, NY on Sat. Nov.3rd (click here for the D53 conference page)

.... and to help remind people where it will be held, we have created ....

The FLYER FISH!

They are a combination of a traditional "Toastmasters conference flyer" (on the inside) and an origami fish (on the visible side). You can download PDF files of the pages and create your very own FLYER FISH by clicking on the links below....

Fish (side one)

Fish flyer (side 2)

Folding instructions (courtesy of tammyyee.com)

For the best effect, print out the PDF files in full color, two-sided, with different images on each side (the flyer is IN the fish)!

PRIZE NOTICE: Want to win a prize?
Send in your digital pictures of how you created "The best promotion using the "FISH FLYERs" at an Area or Division Contest (or within your club or workplace)" and you could win a "Fish-themed" prize to be awarded at the Fall Conference ... (The prize will probably a book, but we are working on other ideas too).

Send digital pictures of your entries to DivA@district53toastmasters.org.

P.S. Don't "Kill your Fish"... I heard that the "kill" in Fishkill comes from the Dutch word for "small running brook" so Fishkill is a river with fish (a good thing). I also found out that "the Dutch word for skimming stones is plimpplamppletteren"... now I just have to figure out a way to work it into a speech!

Club Contestant Criteria... who goes to Area Contest?

Steve Rock writes...

Hi Dave,
It is my understanding that a club can send any two of its club members to compete in either or both of the contests, regardless of how that club determines which two people it will be. Is that true?

One club in A4 wants to send someone to compete, despite the fact that they did not have a contest. A club in A2 had a contest with only two contestants, one of which cannot attend the Area contest, so they would like to send someone else.

Is there anything other than a person not being a member (of TM and the source club) in good standing that would prevent a person from competing in an Area contest? If so, could you please clarify the pre-requisites?

Thanks, Dave!

Steve

Steve Rock
BI Toastmasters
"Editor-elect", Yankee Activator

RESPONSE.....

Steve,

The club "decides" who will represent them at the area contest.

If they have more than two contestants for a particular contest, they should have a contest to determine which two will go to the next level. A club does not have to run a contest if they have less than the number of contestants they can send to the area contest... although a club contest is a good idea since it gives the contestant a chance to practice their speech and get feedback that will help them at the next level.

Please keep in mind that at the Area level, two contestants from each club are permitted for each contest. That means they can send as many as 4 contestants to the area contests (2 Humorous, 2 TableTopics).

I hope this helps clear things up!

Let me know if there is anything else I can do to help.

Dave Wheeler
Div.A Governor, 2006-8

P.S. We welcome suggestions or clarifications via the comments section of this blog... so if you have a similar problem or something else, please let us know!

What is your favorite excuse?

Since the theme of this year's Fall conference is "Set a New Standard", I have been thinking alot about what it means.

One area that we would benefit from"Setting A New Standard" is in the area of "excuses". We all have them and some of them even revolve around Toastmasters.

Who hasn't said...

"I can't give a speech tonight... I'm not prepared."

"I can't be a district officer/club officer / general evaluator / timer."

"I can't get my [fill in Toastmaster award here]. I don't have enough time."

"I can't go to the Fall conference. It is a long drive. It sounds like fun, but I don't know what I will get out of it. I don't know a lot of other Toastmasters and it is outside my comfort zone.

Wow, that's alot of CAN'T !

Now, how about this idea .... The York (PA) Daily Record reported recently about how the Emory H. Markle Intermediate School students held a mock funeral service Friday for the phrase “I can't.”

“We all have our 'I can'ts,'” sixth-grade teacher Carol Myers said to her class. “I have them, you have them.”

She shared a few of hers with the class: “I can't see without my glasses, I can't stop eating candy and I can't get my children to stop arguing about the computer.”

The class took a few moments and scribbled on note cards what they say they cannot do. One boy chewed pensively on his pencil eraser as he considered his shortcomings. Another tapped his fingers, finally jotting down a few sentences.

“I want you to think about this for yourself, because you are going to take ownership of your 'I can'ts,'” Myers said.

After all the "Can'ts" were written down, they were collected and dropped into a "casket" which was carried in a solemn procession to a spot outside the school and buried.

Principal Kevin Duckworth gave the eulogy.
“We are gathered here today to bid farewell to a dear friend,” Duckworth said. “Someone we've all known and grown to love whose companionship we will miss.” He acknowledged their
lives will never be the same without “I can't” to fall back on.

What a great concept! What if we all took a long hard look at our "Can'ts", the excuses that we use so often to add comfort to our daily lives, and simply threw away the ones that are holding us back.

You joined Toastmasters for a reason didn't you?
... to improve your speaking skills?
... to meet new people?
... to explore your leadership traits?

Have you gotten everything out of Toastmasters that you hoped you would when you joined? Have you let your favorite "can't" hold you back or stall your progress?

This Fall is time to "Set a New Standard". It is time to throw away and bury our favorite "Can'ts" and replace them with new ideas, new habits and new exciting opportunities.

Sign up now for the Fall Conference. Registration forms are available at www.district53toastmasters/conferences

"Excuses are totally fine if you want things to stay the way they are. However, excuses have no place on a journey to greatness."
- from Inspired: The Movie blog

Fwd: Toastmasters Fall 2007 Leadership Summit

Subject:
Toastmasters Fall 2007
Leadership Summit


Greetings Toastmasters !

The Fall 2007 Leadership Summit on Nov.3rd, 2007 in Fishkill, NY is taking shape. We have a super facility. We have dedicated conference co-chairs and an enthusiastic leadership team.

Now we need .... YOU !

More specifically, we are looking for volunteers (go to http://www.district53toastmasters.org/documents/VOLUNTEERS_Needed_Fall07.pdffor more info.) as well as presenters / speakers for the educational sessions (go to http://www.district53toastmasters.org/documents/Call4PresentersFall07.docfor info and application). The conference theme is "Set a New Standard" and we are looking for people who are willing to "take their game to a new level" in terms of enthusiasm, energy and increased value for all participants.

Don't let this opportunity slip by! Take action now!

To learn more, please contact the conference team via the email addresses on either the volunteer or presenter forms (links above) or via the District 53 conference webpage at http://www.district53toastmasters.org/conferences.html.

Of course, we're also looking for participants! For a conference flyer and registration form are available at http://www.district53toastmasters.org/documents/Fall2007_Conf_Registration.pdf

We look forward to seeing you at the Fall conference !


Colleen Yarter and Bruce Cornwell
Conference Co-Chairs

Conference Leadership Team:
Croix Sather
Facilities Chair and Acting Education Chair

Janice Parker
Registration Chair

Walter Beveridge
Volunteer Coordinator

Karin von Kaenel
Lt. Gov. - Educ.& Training

Dave Wheeler
Div.A Governor, 2006-8
Host Division
Div.A blog: http://www.areaa4.blogspot.com/

Clear and to the Point ... Presentations!

The Fall Conference Committee has started to receive donations for raffle prizes ... (there are going be to LOTS of prizes at the Fall conference on Nov.3rd in Fishkill, NY) and I would like to give you a preview of one of the raffle prizes ....

Stephen M. Kosslyn, chair of the Department of Psychology and John Lindsley Professor at Harvard University, has written a book to elucidate the process [of making Powerpoint presentations].

In Clear and to the Point: 8 Psychological Principles for Creating Compelling PowerPoint Presentations, Kosslyn presents eight simple principles, based on modern science about perception, memory, and cognition, that will make any presentation work.

More information about the book can be found at the publisher's blog...
http://blog.oup.com/2007/08/powerpoint/

Concepts from the book include ...

The Goldilocks Rule: Don’t give people too little or too much – give them just the right amount for the message you want to convey.

The Rule of 4: Don’t expect the audience to keep in mind more than four groups on a slide.

The Rudolph-the-Red-Nosed-Reindeer Rule: As Rudolph knew all too well, what’s different stands out, be it a red nose, a large graphic, or words in bold. Make what’s important stand out by being different from the surrounds. It can be larger, bolder, or a more striking color.

A word of thanks to another blog, Presentation Zen where I first heard about the book and, of course, the publisher, Oxford University Press USA, who provided the District 53 Fall Conference with two copies as raffle prizes !

It is a great book ... well suited to Toastmasters... so be sure to get in on the raffle by signing up for the conference TODAY ! Registration forms are available (click here) ... or visit the D53 conference page for more information.

Submitted by Dave Wheeler, Div.A Governor, 2006-8

Area A2 & A4 Fall Contest Schedule

On Tuesday, September 25th, 2007, Areas A2 and A4 will hold their combined Fall Area Speech Contests. The speech themes are HUMOROUS and TABLE TOPICS for the Fall contest.


It will be held at the STONY HILL FIRE HOUSE, 59 Stony Hill Road, Bethel, CT 06801. The contest will begin at 6:30 PM all participants are to arrive by 6:00. You can download a flyer in PDF format by clicking here.


A few volunteers are needed to serve as the JUDGES that evening. If you are interested in volunteering as a Judge, please contact your Area Governor (Pat Wilson-Perkins in Area A4 or Dan Legg in Area A2).


Reminder.... Clubs can send TWO Contestants for each contest (4 total participants) to the Area contests this year ! Don't miss out on this great opportunity !

Connections around the world....

The world is becoming more and more interconnected through the internet. Your ideas can spread across the globe in a matter of minutes and your suggestions have the power to help people in every corner or the world.

For example, I found "a short guide to effective public speaking" on a blog by someone in India. This post has lots of ideas ranging from basic to subtle to more advanced. The writer also has a number of good quotes mixed into his article such as...

... I might end a speech on becoming a better speaker with “As Cicero said
centuries ago, 'The skill to do comes with the doing.'”A more modern guide to
effective public speaking was penned by some unknown sage: "Know your stuff.
Know whom you are stuffing. Know when they are stuffed."

It always surprises me how common the English language is in countries outside of the USA. Each time I travel to new places I find that it is becoming easier and easier to find people who communicate in English and this is also reflected in the content of the internet.

This "common language" exposes people to new and different points of view and while you may not agree with everything, it stretches your mind. And, to paraphrase Oliver Wendall Holmes, "a mind that is stretched by a new concept or experience can never return to its original size". The world is becoming smaller and more intimate. Your next new friend could be next door or across the globe.

We live in interesting times !

An Interview with David Brooks, 1990 World Champion of Public Speaking

Steve Pavlina, a professional blogger and Toastmaster living in Las Vegas, recently interviewed David Brooks, the 1990 World Champion of Public Speaking. The first question is sampled below. Click here for the whole interview.

1. What overall strategy did you use to become the 1990 World Champion of Public Speaking? How did you do it?
The day I made the commitment to attempt a run for the Toastmasters’ title I told myself, “I may encounter competitors who can ‘out-speak’ me, but no one will ‘out-prepare’ me.” I then made the commitment to spend as much time as it took to be absolutely ready the moment I took the stage in the International finals. I promised myself I would not take the stage with the thought “If only I had a little more time” in my head. That was the most important strategy–Do whatever it takes to be the best prepared. Thereafter, it was merely a matter of choosing the right message, writing it well, and practicing it more than anyone else.

Our International Director Candidate

From: Will Ryan
Date: Aug 20, 2007 3:24 PM
Subject: Our International Director Candidate

Dear District 53 members and leaders,

I am thrilled to say that Rich Couture is now a candidate for International Director for Region VII. I had the distinct privilege of announcing his candidacy last week at the Region VII breakfast meeting at the Toastmasters Convention in Phoenix.

Rich is extremely well qualified for this position and although there are other candidates, I'm confident that Rich will be elected at the Convention in Calgary, Alberta, Canada next August.

Please join me in congratulating Rich and offering to help him with his campaign over the next year.

Will Ryan DTM
District 53 Toastmasters
District Governor
2007 - 2008 "Dare to Believe"

New website for Barnum Square Toastmasters !

Barnum Square Toastmasters, who meet from noon to 1pm every Tuesday at the Senior Center in Bethel, CT have a new website !

Check it out! I especially like all the pictures... it really gives a feeling for what goes on in a meeting and personalizes the club so that is not just a name on a website.

The web address or URL has changed so they will need to update their link from Toastmasters International. This can be done by going to http://www.toastmasters.org/ and clicking on the "Club Business / Update Info" link which is the left margin on the page.

Please check out the site at:
http://barnum-square-tm.com/default.aspx

...and leave any suggestions in the comments below (or with Pat Wilson-Perkins, Area A4 governor and Barnum's past president and current S-at-Arms ). I'm sure they would appreciate your insights!

Reminder: Adv. TM meeting at Ridgefield Library on Thurs.8/30

Just a reminder that the Advanced Toastmaster meeting is this week... on Thursday 8/30!

Members... don't forget your 1) Tip, 2) Speech and 3) Role play !

See you there !

Dave Wheeler
Div.A Governor, 2006-8

Here are all the details ... place, time and directions... for the upcoming meeting of the Div.A ADVANCED Toastmaster club ....

Place:
Ridgefield Public Library, in the "History Room"
472 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877
click here for a map showing the location.
Directions are also available on the library's web site:
http://www.biblio.org/rdgfldpages/direct.htm+

Date/Time:
Thursday, August 30, 2007
7:15 to 8:45pm (please try to arrive at 7pm so we can start on time)

Best Selling Author Plugs Toastmasters !!

Karin von Kaenel passes along a link to an article brought to her attention by Ute Brinkman...

Toastmasters was referenced in an article by Harvey Mackay (the author of "Swim with the Sharks without being eaten alive"). In the Aug 13 issue of the Hartford Business Journal he talks about skills for people who enter the work force, life long learning, public speaking and he writes:

... Be a good communicator. Writing is part of nearly every job, even if we’re
just talking about e-mails. Many people are terrified at the thought of speaking
in public, but I have found that good public speakers are better able to sell
their ideas and think on their feet. Take a public speaking class or join
Toastmasters ... you will never regret it.

Here is the link to the article: http://www.hartfordbusiness.com/news2414.html
You might be able to use this for your club's PR.
Thanks to Ute Brinkmann for sharing this information!
Best regards,
Karin

Editor's note (Dave Wheeler)...
I seem to remember Harvey Mackay also gave a "Money Back Guarantee" for people who buy his book and take his advice to join Toastmasters? Does anyone remember which book it was? It could be a great cross-promotion if we could publicize his book ... and the money-back guarantee.

Harvey is a long-time supporter of Toastmasters. He is also quoted on page 6 of the Toastmasters Media Kit (click here) where he says...

"I've never met anyone who didn't think Toastmasters was super valuable to their
career. We gain self-esteem, self-confidence, assertiveness. This makes us better salespeople, better managers, better leaders..."

Which came first... best selling author or Toastmasters? I would be curious to know!

Speech Contest Logistics

Steve Rock brought up some good questions about Speech Contests and the answers to his questions regarding Area & Div. contests (in Div.A) have been added to the text of his email below.

On 8/21/07, Steve wrote:

Hi,

Being new to Toastmasters service at the Area level I have a few questions for you regarding our fall contests:

Who orders, pays for and brings to the contests the:

1. 
   
   • Trophies for each contest in each Area? Out of which budget do the funds for them come? Is there a need for those ordering the trophies to coordinate their styles and sizes, as well as content engraved on the plates (for the sake of consistency)? Trophies for the Area and Div. Contests are provided by the District and paid for by the District's budget which comes from International based on a percentage of the dues paid to TI. (I think the District gets 25% of the dues, but I could be wrong.) The trophies are handed out at the monthly District meeting and since this month we are doing an online meeting, I would expect that the trophies would be handed out to the Area & Div. Governors at the meeting Sept. 15th (location TBD).
     
   • Certificates of Participation for each contest in each Area? Out of which budget do the funds for them come? Same as the trophies (see above).
     
   • Refreshments? Out of which budget do the funds for them come? Can we verify that refreshments are allowed at the contest venue? And, if so, to what degree? For the most recent Area A2 / A4 contests, the refreshments have been provided (free of charge) by the host club, WestConn Toastmasters. Since they will not be hosting, we may want to see who would like to bring refreshments (once we nail down the venue and date).


2. Is there a lectern and/or dais at the venue? Depends on which venue is chosen. I know that Socially Speaking, if chosen for the venue, has a lecturn (no stage or dais).
   
3. Is there a microphone and speaker system at the venue? TBD. Most Area or Division venues do not use microphones (which is why we set up the "Battle of the Border" last year to give our contestants an opportunity to practice with one.
   
• If so, do we require permission to use it? TBD.
  If not, do we need to secure one? TBD.

i. If so, who coordinates and pays for this? "Paying" is probably the reason why there aren't microphones at Area & Div. Contests. The microphone came with the room at the Battle of the Border and Anne Swartout paid for the room out of her own pocket (and the Advanced Club should pay her back as the host club). At some venues, like the Ridgefield Library, you are not allowed to charge for refreshments or sell anything which is why it could be problematic (but not impossible) to host the Division Contest there.

4. Is there a precedent for the person who I should ask about serving as the Chief Judge for the contests? Do I need two of them, or even four, because we're running four different contests, or can one Chief Judge serve all four contests? The Area Governor(s) decide who will be ContestMaster and Chief Judge for the Area Contest and I decide for the Div. Contest. Typically with a combined contest they split the roles, but there is no rule that says they can't ask someone else to do it. I would follow up with Dan and Pat if you are interested in being the Chief Judge. Re: other judges... in the past, we have had one chief judge for all four contests and used the same judges for all four contests. Since the judges are spread across different areas this arrangement helps to limit any possible bias.
   
5. Should the Chief Judge line up the judges, tie-breaking judge, timers and counters ahead of time, or must they wait until the night of the contest and select them from volunteers in the audience? Or something else? If you can get commitments from judges from all the different clubs prior to the contest meeting it would save alot of time running around that evening, but I have never seen anyone do it successfully. Although with ease of communication through email it might be possible (so I do not want to discourage you from trying).
   
6. Who provides the contest paperwork (contest rules, judging and counting sheets, etc.)? In past years, Area Governors have received a copy of the official contest rules from TI either directly through the mail or as part of their training package. I don't know what the plan is this year but I know that the rules can be downloaded in PDF format from TI's site by clicking here. I also have found that if you search the internet, you can find most of the paperwork that you would need. You can also order hard copies of the forms for each contest from Toastmasters International if you want.
   
7. What should I have asked but haven't? Excellent question. You probably were wondering if Dave Wheeler ever gave a workshop on how to run a contest and if you can get the handout / workbook in PDF format. ;) The answer is... Yes, he did and, Yes, you can by clicking here.) Other questions... Is it hard to run a contest... No, not really. You have to be organized and pull together a number of elements but if you can serve effectively as in the Toastmaster role at your club, you should be able to run a contest.

Thank you all very much!

Steve

18 Tips for Killer Presentations

Lifehack.org had a good post today on their blog titled "18 Tips for Killer Presentations". I especially liked the 14th tip (see below)...

14. Get Practice - Join Toastmasters and practice your speaking skills regularly in front of an audience. Not only is it a fun time, but it will make you more competent and confident when you need to approach the podium.

Click here to see all 18 tips from the original article !

Region VII--The Winner!

Official Results from the World Championship of Public Speaking....

2007-2008 International Speech Contest Winners

World Champion:
Vikas Jhingran, Cambridge, Massachusetts
(He is the speaker that District 53's Nana Danso was runner-up to at the Region 7 Contest).

Second Place:
Rory Vaden, Nashville, Tennessee

Third Place:
Mark Hunter, Albany Creek, Queensland, Australia

Comment from: Steve Rock
Date: Aug 21, 2007 9:08 AM
Subject: Region VII--The Winner!
And District 53's Nana Danso can now honestly state that he placed second to the World Champion! I'd say that Region 7 has a good shot at repeating next year!

Marilyn Jess, DTM, wrote:
First Darren LaCroix, now Vikas.....Simply Amazing!

Invitation to Adv. TM meeting at Ridgefield Library on Thurs.8/23

Greetings Advanced Toastmasters !

On the 4th Thursday of last month, (July 26th), we had a very productive meeting of the Division A Advanced Toastmasters club in Ridgefield, CT. At the meeting, we decided, as a group, to come to the next meeting (this Thursday, Aug.23rd ) prepared for a number activities that will improve our Toastmaster skills.

If we are going to grow as members of an advanced club, we need to challenge ourselves to improve and "raise the bar" for our communication and leadership skills. In particular, our plan is that each member of the advanced Toastmaster will come to the meeting with...

1) At least one "tip" for the group. This can relate to nearly any aspect of speaking and the idea is that the whole group can benefit from the experience or research that each member brings to the meeting. An example that came up in the meeting was "When presenting, stand to the left of your slides since people read left-to-right." After each meeting, we will publish the tips in the email meeting reminder (that is sent out

2) A prepared 8-10 min. Speech. There were some who, for personal scheduling reasons, could not agree to prepare a speech, but the following working titles / speakers have committed to be prepared to speak and be evaluated by the group.
* "Emotional Intelligence" by David Gavin
* "Life Lessons" by Croix Sather
* "How to Negotiate Anything" by Richard Hastings
* "Speaking to Investors" by Paul Tanner
* "Pump It UP! Taking your Marketing materials to the next level" by Dave Wheeler
We may not get to all speeches, but we will be prepared. If you have a speech title and would like to be added to the list of speakers, please reply to this email with your speech title and a brief description.

3) A prepared "role play" situation, preferrably written down so that each participant can read it. This is similar to TableTopics, but it is much more interactive and will help the members think on their feet and react to a changing situation ( i.e. the other person in the "role play").

We are looking forward to another exciting meeting this Thursday, Aug.23rd (see details below) and guests are definitely welcome. If you have your CC or CTM and are interested in becoming a member (or know someone who might be), please reply to this email or attend an upcoming meeting.

Hope to see you there !

Dave Wheeler
Div.A Governor, 2006-8

Here are all the details ... place, time and directions... for the upcoming meeting of the

Div.A ADVANCED Toastmaster club ....

Place:

Ridgefield Public Library, in the "History Room"
472 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877
click here for a map showing the location.

Directions are also available on the library's web site:

http://www.biblio.org/rdgfldpages/direct.htm+

Date/Time:

Thursday, August 23rd, 2007

7:15 to 8:45pm (please try to arrive at 7pm so we can start on time)

Please forward a link to this post to any Advanced Toastmaster who might be interested ...

If you or anyone in the clubs in your area are not able to make this meeting, please send me an email at [theshot92 at gmail.com] expressing your interest.

Please pass this post along and let me know if there are any questions.

Thanks,

Dave Wheeler

Division A Governor, 2006-8

Contestant for Humorous Speech contest?

I came across this picture of Bruce Potts "who was a teacher of Public Speaking at the University of New Mexico" and thought ....

"Wow! That "look" could make for an incredibly memorable speech!"

Last Spring we had Croix Sather in full scuba gear for his Tall Tale speech... I wonder if someone will do something even more visually unusual for the upcoming Fall contests? It is not required... but if done well, it can certainly add to the impact of your speech...

... although I'm not sure I would go as far as Bruce Pott's permanent tattoo !

Don't miss the District Humorous and TableTopics contest championships on Nov.3rd at the Fall Leadership Summit / Conference at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Conference Center in Fishkill, NY. Registration (and early bird discount) opens soon!

Division A make-up training, Aug.13

You have probably already heard about this from your Area Governor or via the District 53 website, but it does not hurt to get it out there once more .....

Division A Fall Officer Training - Make UP sessions

August 13,
Monday 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm atGardnertown United Methodist Church, 1191 Union Ave, Newburgh, NY [ Map ]

August 21,
Tuesday 11:30 am - 1:00 pm at Bethel Municipal Senior Center, 1 School St, Bethel, CT [ Map ]

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact your Area Governor or Dave Wheeler, Div.A Governor, 2006-8 at theshot92@gmail.com.

ALEX has left the building !!!!

Div.A's traveling gavel, named Alex, has been captured by a Toastmaster club ...

in another Division ...

Note: the pictures showing the presentation at Socially Speaking Toastmasters in Brookfield, CT started out nice and friendly...

until it was time for Alex to leave ! (see picture at the bottom)

----- forwarded e-mail ------
From: "Parla, John R"
Date: August 9, 2007

Yesterday, August 8, in a daring (the word of the day is brazen) raid, Club # 9617, CIGNA Lunchtime Toastmasters from Area B2, captured two Traveling Gavels:

(1)Alex from Area A4 at Socially Speaking Club in Brookfield, CT and

(2) Chris from Area C3 at Pfizer Pfearless Club in Groton,CT.

The CIGNA (or Lunchtime) crusaders that performed the raids were:

Steve Gondek, Wayne Botha and John Parla.

Both gavels, Alex and Chris, are now in the possession of CIGNA Lunchtime Toastmasters Club # 9617.

Come and get it.

We meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday at noon.
John R. Parla ACB

Congratulations to last year's Distinguished Governors

2007-08 Div. A-Team !

The email below from Immediate Past District Governor, John Lynch, shows what was accomplished by your predecessors (the 2006-07 A-Team) and I am confident that 2007-08 will be even more exciting and more successful !

For starters ....
We have a great team of Area Governors and new club officers.
We are hosting the Fall Conference which will Div.A a chance to really shine.
We have a Defending District champion in the International Speech Contest.
We have some GREAT clubs and a few who definitely could be GREAT.

Can you tell that I am looking forward to this year?
I hope you are as excited about it as I am.

Let's congratulate our predecessors (who continue to be a valuable resource) and look forward to what we are going to do this year !

Dare to Believe !

Dave Wheeler
Div.A Governor, 2006-8

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: John Lynch <johnl53@cox.net>
Date: Jul 23, 2007 11:16 PM
Subject: Congratulations to our Distinguished Governors

Congratulations one and all!

For the second year in a row the membership in District 53 has achieved Distinguished status. I would like to thank each and everyone of you that took on a leadership role this past year for having the vision to give back to our members. Even though your name may not appear on the list below your contributions are very much appreciated and without them none of this could be possible.


It was a truly an extraordinary year that I will remember for a lifetime. You all had role in a life changing experience for many of our members. Stand proud of your accomplishments, take a breath and set your next goal. I know that you will not only achieve that goal, but you will be very successful in the process.

Thank you again for such a wonderful and rewarding journey. I will never forget any of you as your efforts made it all possible.

Yours in Toastmasters,

John Lynch, DTM
Immediate Past District Governor
2007 - 08 "Dare to Believe"
mailto:JohnL53@cox.net
860-563-1714 (h)

Distinguished Areas for 2006-2007 Year Congratulations -- Distinguished Areas Area A2 - Szilvia Hadden, CTM Area A4 - Anne Swartout, ATMB, CL Area B1 - Katherine Stewart-Kelly, ATMG Area B2 - John Parla, ACB, CL Area B3 - Michael Aron, ACS, CL Area B4 - Judith Chambers, CTM, CL Area C2 - Jeffrey Borgio, CTM, CL Area C5 - Christine Lewis, ATM Area D3 - Russell Kenny, ATMB Area D4 - Kevin Finn, CTM, CL Area E2 - Freda Brown, CTM, CL Area F3 - Andrea Isaacs, ACG, CL Area F4 - Barbara Cardella, ATMS, CL Area F5 - James Zhang, CTM Congratulations -- Select Distinguished Areas Area A1 - Colleen Yarter, CTM Area C3 - Sharon Mercado, ACB, CL Congratulations -- President's Distinguished Areas Area D2 - Thomas Fitch, CTM, CL Area D5 - Raymond Durkin, CTM, CL Area F1 - Jim Parsons, ACS, CL

Distinguished Divisions for 2006-2007 Year Congratulations -- Distinguished Division Division C - April Hutchins, ATMB Congratulations -- Select Distinguished Division Division A - Dave Wheeler, ATMS, CL Congratulations -- President's Distinguished Division Division B - Marsha Kiley, ACB, CL Division D - Marvin Cross, ACB, CL Division F - Kendall Jeter, CTM, CL

Criteria for Distinguished, Select Distinguished, and President's Distinguished Area Distinguished Area (Meet all of the first 5 goals) Goal #1 - 75 percent of October semis submitted on time: Goal #2 - 75 percent of April semis submitted on time: Goal #3 - Average of 1.75 CTMs awarded per Club by June 30: Goal #4 - Average of 1 ATM for every two Clubs by June 30: Goal #5 - 60 percent of Area Clubs at 20-plus membership by June 30: Select Distinguished Area (Meet all of the first 8 goals ) Goal #6 - Submission of 80 percent of Area Report of Club Visit Forms, first round (by October): Goal #7 - Submission of 80 percent of Area Report of Club Visit Forms, second round (by April): Goal #8 - 60 percent of Area Clubs achieve Distinguished Club: President's Distinguished Area (Meet all 9 goals) Goal #9 - Net growth of one Club: Reference: www.toastmasters.org/fupload/media/1481all.pdf

Criteria for Distinguished, Select Distinguished, and President's Distinguished Division Distinguished Division Goal #1 - No Net Club Loss Goal #2 - 50 percent of the Areas in the Division achieve Distinguished, Select, or President's Distinguished Area. Select Distinguished Division Goal #1 - No Net Club Loss Goal #2 - 75 percent of the Areas in the Division achieve Distinguished, Select, or President's Distinguished Area. President's Distinguished Division Goal #1 - Net Gain of One Club Goal #2 - 75 percent of the Areas in the Division achieve Distinguished, Select, or President's Distinguished Area. Reference: www.toastmasters.org/fupload/media/1481all.pdf

2 Contestants per club for fall area contests - Change in D53 procedure

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Will Ryan
Subject: Contestants for fall contests - Please note a change in D53 procedure

The polls have now closed and your votes produced a quorum! Thank you very much. Of the 44 members of the committee, 32 voted.

The results are:
We will allow 2 contestants per club for Area contests in Areas with 4 or fewer clubs. Please check the attached alignment spread sheet for Areas (20) affected by this change.

We will allow 2 contestants per Area for Division contests in Divisions with 4 or fewer Areas (applies only to Division E).

Will Ryan DTM
District 53 Toastmasters
District Governor
2007 - 2008 "Dare to Believe"

What's your story?

I read this post and thought that other Toastmasters would appreciate it.

http://pos-psych.com/news/david-j-pollay/20070802359

What's your story?

Dave Wheeler

One-liners that stick ....

I picked up the following from a post by Mike St. Pierre on lifehack.org...

One liners are the stuff of effective communicators and though we are seldom aware of it, each of us can use them to our advantage. The “art of delivery” is not just for a skilled politician who is running for reelection but can be mastered, over time, by just about anyone.

A good one liner doesn’t click immediately but leaves its mark, silently accomplishing what the deliverer has in mind- results.
Sometimes these results are nothing more than memory. I
want you to remember my car dealer and so I develop a tag line that accomplishes my aim.

Other times, I want to build relationship with you and I use one liners to get to know you and follow up with you. My one liners are over the phone, in print material and in casual conversation. They are effective because they are used breathlessly.

The key of course is to figure out which one liner works best and when to use it.

What follow are some excellent one liners that, if delivered well, will make interactions memorable and help you get ahead.

* Susan, Susan Thompson. The repetition of your first name twice is very effective. This subtle repetition of one key name (and it might be your last name that you want folks to remember) plants it firmly in the mind of the person you are shaking hands with or speaking to on the phone.

* I’ve heard some great things about you. We all like to be famous, even if it’s fleeting or with a small group of people. Letting someone know that they’re liked by others is an
important way of getting them to like you. They become instantly curious as if to say, “Can I have a list of those great things?”

* I’m looking forward to that. Following up a conversation is very important and one of the easiest one liners involves leading your audience towards a goal. If it’s a follow up lunch
a week later, I’m looking forward to that. If it’s a negotiation before the end of the fiscal year, I’m looking forward to that. If it’s a family gathering at the beach, I’m looking forward to that. This simple one liner lets others know that you value relationships over routine acts.

* Leave your name and phone, speaking slowly enough for me to write it down. I’ve used this one in phone messages for years and while it sounds corny, it works.
Most people think they’re driving in a Nascar event when they leave a voice message so you need to slow them down. This one liner does just that.

* I’m not sure about that but I think we can do this. The that-this dynamic is effective not only because it acknowledges the other’s perspective but it gives them something concrete and doable. For example, I run into parents who want to negotiate a deal for a son or daughter who is in some sort of difficulty. Rather than giving in to an unreasonable demand for complete amnesty for their child, I offer them something that is both attainable and concrete. I’m comfortable with it and they usually warm to the idea. Just because something isn’t a person’s first option doesn’t mean it’s a bad one.

* I think we have something in common. Nothing forms bonds better than something held in common. Food, geography, people, cars- whatever it takes to find a connection. Don’t go overboard with your follow up but let the other person know that you have something in common and it’s ok to briefly touch on it.

* Let’s strike while the iron is hot! Rather than a lukewarm offer to get together “at some point”, strike while the iron is hot and put it on the calendar today. Few things speak
of productivity better than someone who can turn a wish into a workable situation.

* Let me see if I understand where you’re coming from. You may find yourself in the middle of a conversation, a debate or even a fight- slow things down with this great one liner. It works every time because it tells the other person that you care enough to report back what you’ve just heard.

George Bernard Shaw once said that “The problem with communication … is the illusion that it has been accomplished.” To be effective at home and at work, the use of one liners can get results, form deeper bonds and enable you to communicate on a higher level.

Mike St. Pierre blogs daily about productivity

Speech Contest Deadlines... start planning now!

The Deadlines for the Division Contests were moved to an

earlier date to allow more time between the completion

of the Division Contests and the District Contests at the Fall and Spring D53 Conferences.

-- Fall 2007 --

August 18
Area & Division contest dates to be set and published

September 21
Deadline for Club Table Topics and Humorous Contests

October 5
Deadline for Area Table Topics and Humorous Contests

October 19
Deadline for Division Table Topics and Humorous Contests

November 3

District Fall Conference and Hall of Fame Fishkill, NY

Hosted by Division A !!!!

-- Spring 2008 --

February 8

Area & Division contest dates to be set and published

March 21

Deadline for Club Tall Tales and International Contests

April 11

Deadline for Area Tall Tales and International Contests

May 3

Deadline for Division Tall Tales and International Contests

May 17

District Spring Conference Division E - MA

Toastmasters materials for upcoming contests

With contest season fast approaching, it might be helpful to know where to order paperwork, manuals and other supplies.

On the TI website you can order a "contest kit" for each different type of contest. Here are the links ...

Fall 2007 Contests:
TableTopics Contest Kit
Humorous Contest Kit

Spring 2008 Contests:
Tall Tales Contest Kit
International Speech Contest Kit

Additional Materials:
Evaluation Contest Kit (next Eval.Contest in District 53 is Fall 2008)

There are also a number of resources online (try a Google search for "Toastmasters Tabletopics contest" or similar).

If you have any questions, please contact your Area Governor or Division Governor. The names and contact information can be found at www.district53toastmasters.org or you can email Dave Wheeler, Div.A Governor, at theshot92@gmail.com.

It is also a good idea to let your Area Governor know when you schedule your club contests. This will help them as they prepare the Area contest.

Happy Contest Season !

The D53 Toastmaster Calendar... 2007-2008

Ever feel like you don't have the "Big Picture" for the whole Toastmaster year? Does it feel like there are lots and lots of details that you should be on top of as a club officer, area governor or district officer?



Well, here is a solution ...
The District 53 Graphic Calendar for 2007-2008.

(click here for a pdf version of the pages shown below).

Your first impression might be that it looks pretty cluttered (colorful, but cluttered)... but if you focus on a particular month (July for example) it is really pretty simple. The key activities are listed right there!

The year is also divided up (and color coded) into about 4-5 phases depending on what is going on and each is labeled across the bottom. The Red months are not labeled but I think we all know what RED means.

Over the past few years these months have been known as "Crunch Time" ! (Ask Past District Governors Paul Young and John Lynch about "Captain Crunch" the next time you see them!)

From the month you started with, you can look ahead a little bit or all the way to the end of the year. When is the deadline for dues? Look it up quickly and easily!

What do you think? Let us know in the comments.


Please note... if you print out the calendar, it was designed for Legal-size paper (8.5x14) so you will need to plan accordingly.

Congratulations to David J. Gavin, DTM

District 53 is proud to announce that David J. Gavin has joined the elite group of Distinguished Toastmasters or DTM's.

David recently completed all requirements for his Advanced Leader (ALS) award and received his DTM recognition on June 30, 2007. David Gavin served District 53 and Division A as Area A5 Governor this past year ('06-'07) and he was a Club Mentor for The Bureaucrats Club of Poughkeepsie, NY that chartered on 5/11/2005.

He is an active member of Arlington Rotary Toast Club #5614, an open community Club that meets in Area A5 at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY.

The Distinguished Toastmasters award or DTM is the highest level in the Toastmasters educational program and David's progress in the Communications and Leadership areas of the program has been exemplary.

Congratulations to David for a great accomplishment and I look forward to hearing about his progress toward his next CC or CL !

Career Advice & Speaking Skills ... Thoughts from a Cartoonist

Scott Adams, the cartoonist who makes the Dilbert Strip, had some Toastmaster-related career advice on his blog that I thought should be passed along ....

If you want an average successful life, it doesn’t take much planning. Just stay out of trouble, go to school, and apply for jobs you might like. But if you want something extraordinary, you have two paths:
1. Become the best at one specific thing.
2. Become very good (top 25%) at two or more things.

The first strategy is difficult to the point of near impossibility. Few people will ever play in the NBA or make a platinum album. I don’t recommend anyone even try.

The second strategy is fairly easy. Everyone has at least a few areas in which they could be in the top 25% with some effort.

Scott goes on to offer the following (Toastmaster-related) advice...

I always advise young people to become good public speakers (top 25%). Anyone can do it with practice. If you add that talent to any other, suddenly you’re the boss of the people who have only one skill.

Scott also adds...

At least one of the skills in your mixture should involve communication, either written or verbal. And it could be as simple as learning how to sell more effectively than 75% of the world. That’s one. Now add to that whatever your passion is, and you have two, because that’s the thing you’ll easily put enough energy into to reach the top 25%. If you have an aptitude for a third skill, perhaps business or public speaking, develop that too.

Sounds like great advice...

So Sign Up for Toastmasters IMMEDIATELY

(if you have not already done so) !

The oldest Toastmaster(?) 101 on 7/19!

Charlie Keane, DTM & PDG, of District 31 turns 101 on Thursday, July 19th! His District has a page on their website saluting this milestone and wishing him a very Happy Birthday!

We add our congratulations to Charlie and wonder if he is, in fact, the oldest active Toastmaster? Does anyone know of someone older in Toastmasters?

It is nice to know that Toastmasters is a life-long activity (that keeps you young at heart?) and there is always room to grow through Toastmasters .... no matter how old you are !

TLI # 3 - Third Successful Training Event !

On Saturday, July 14th, a bunch of Toastmasters gave up part of a sunny day to attend District 53's Toastmasters Leadership Institute session # 3 of 4 at the Mass Mutual Learning and Conference Center in Chicopee, MA.

LGET Karin von Känel, (ACB, ALS) provided some photos to show the success of the event - undivided attention and smiles all around.

Attendence was strong ... maybe not quite as many as when Division A hosted it at Marist College on June 30th, but still very good.

The general consensus was that it was a very worthwhile event and attendees took home some good information.

We hope to see you at TLI # 4 on July 28th in Manchester, CT ! Club officers are encouraged to attend and the event is open to any Toastmaster who would like to learn more about how to improve their club and their Toastmasters experience!

Introducing Toastie... The Automated Club Coach

I was visiting the District 31 website and I noticed a link they had to "Toastie... The Automated Club Coach" (see picture here from their web page). It seems to be hosted by FreeToastHost.org so I'm not sure who actually developed it... but I like the idea !

"Toastie" asks a series of questions and then generates a report that gives ideas that club officers and members can use to improve the strength of their club.

Hi. My name is Toastie. I have developed matrices based on formulations of algorithms dealing with the most successful Toastmasters’ clubs in the known universe.

Whether you are the president of your club, other officer, or a member, take this short survey and I will instantly give you detailed suggested corrective advice on how you can make your club stronger.

This survey is adapted from the "How to Rebuild a Toastmasters Club", Appendix A.

Check it out ... click here !

VoiceMail... the untapped speaking opportunity !

This post ( click here) by Brian Armstrong is titled "How To Instantly Sound More Confident The Next Time You Make A Phone Call" but it could just as easily be called... "How to apply Toastmasters Skills to Voicemail for fun and profit!" (Actually, I threw in the "for fun and profit" part... just to spick it up a bit.)

Brian's main idea regarding voicemail is ...

The next time you leave a message on someone’s cell phone, press ‘#’ when you’re done. On 99% of cell phone carriers you will then be given an opportunity to listen to your message, and if needed, delete it to record a new one.

He also has some very Toastmaster-like suggestions...

Some common problems you can try to eliminate from your speech are:

* Saying ‘um’ and ‘ah’ more often than you should

* Saying ‘like’, ’sort of’, ‘maybe’, ‘you know’ or other filler words which can make you sound unsure or immature

* Raising the pitch of your voice at the end of a statement (as if
you were asking a question), which sounds child-like (try saying “My name is [your name]” and raising the pitch at the end)

* Speaking constantly in the same tone of voice, which can make you sound boring and tired

Who would have guessed.... Voicemail... the untapped speaking opportunity!

The "vibe" for Fall '07 Leadership Summit....

I saw this blog post and I thought it applied to our upcoming Fall conference at the Fishkill Holiday Inn on Nov.3rd.
(from http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2007/06/the_vibe.html)

The vibe
Have you ever been at a banquet or in a boutique or at a concert or a meeting or a company where the vibe was incredibly positive?

I think you know what I mean. A time and place where there was an overflow of positive energy. You felt surrounded by possibility, or people who believed in you, or just felt like buying (or eating, or talking) a lot.

The vibe changes everything. It's a place you want to work, or a restaurant you want to come back to. .... If vibe is so important, why does it sound flaky to worry about it? Who's in charge of the vibe at your place? Could it be better? A lot better? Changing the vibe isn't always possible, but most of us rarely try. From physical layout to organization to what leaders say and do... it matters. Sometimes, it's all that matters.

We definitely want to "Set a New Standard" for the "vibe" of a Toastmasters conference !

I'm really looking forward to seeing what we can do to make the Fall '07 Leadership Summit the BEST ONE EVER !

GO [host division] A-Team !

Dave Wheeler
Div.A Governor, 2006-8

Some Rambling Thoughts on TM Growth

From: Roger Brown, D53 Webmaster and Past District Governor
Subject: Rambling Thoughts on TM Growth

What does it take to "grow" a District? or a Club?

Our District leadership team is asked each year to "grow" the District.

One measure of growth in a District is the steady increase in the number of paid-up Toastmaster Clubs on July 1st. The critical success factors of a Distinguished District ask for 3% growth in number of Clubs.

Another measure of growth in a District is the steady increase in the total number of Toastmaster members within the District on July 1st. WHQ measures Membership growth indirectly by looking at the number of dues payments members make during the district calendar year i.e. total per capita payments. The critical success factors of a Distinguished District ask for 2% growth in total per capita payments.

On the Club level, the Club leadership team is asked to "grow" their Club, which often means attract and add more members to the Club roster. The Club is challenged to add 4 members and then 4 more new members in one year's time; i.e. goals for the Distinguished Club program and Distinguished recognition.

A different facet of growth is measured in the "growth" of the individual member. That is, we (District, Division, Area, and Club) are providing (putting into practice) quality educational programs that allow the members to grow and meet their personal goals. In this case growth would be measured by the number of manual completions, i.e. the number of CCs, ACBs, ACSs, ACGs, CLs, ALBs, ALSs and DTMs.

Any significant measurable growth during your year as an elected District leader will take some leadership skills, a team effort and some luck.

Leadership Skills

* pay attention to the calendar. Follow time management principles.

* people are different. Ask questions and listen.

* Follow-up. Share your enthusiasm. Find ways to remove stumbling blocks or other impediments.

* Keep your eyes and ears open for talented Toastmasters with special talents.

* obtain your own personal mentor or coach; share ideas with a past district governor. Touch base with your International Directors.

* open all channels of communication; phone, email and personal handwritten notes. Keep in touch with your entire team.

* set the vision, growth has its benefits for all, share your values, your goals, and vision of the future.

Team Effort

* You can't do it alone. It is ineffective to try to do it all.

* Delegate authority and followup responsibly.

* Split big problems/tasks into smaller tasks.

* Every District leader, every Area/Division Governor, LGM and LGET can have an impact on growth in the district.

* Get many Toastmasters involved. Delegate some authority, allow your fellow leaders to be creative as long as they share common goals and visions for the future.

Luck

* Be prepared. Have demo teams ready to go. Walk the talk.

* Be prepared. Open your eyes and ears - opportunities will present themselves. Grab it!

* Always share your enthusiasm.

your thoughts?

Roger H Brown

Add Inches to Your Height with Toastmasters !

It sounds like an unusual claim, but Brian Armstrong makes a compelling case for "Why you need to be a Toastmaster" ... check it out !

http://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/why-you-need-to-be-a-toastmaster.html

(And don't forget to pass the article along to someone you know !)

P.S. I guess that's why Toastmasters have a "Tall Tale" contest ! (Sorry, I could not resist the pun.)