Get New or Returning with Toastmaster Resolutions

From: Roger Brown, D53 Webmaster
Date: Dec 29, 2006
Subject: Get New or Returning with Toastmaster Resolutions

January is an excellent time to launch a membership building program. Some people make New Year's Resolutions and others simply say - "After the hectic holidays - I'll get organized."

Take the effort to contact former or inactive members and all the guests for the past 6 to 12 months. Send them an email or snail mail invitation with words of encouragement and tout the communication and the leadership benefits of the Toastmaster programs. A sample message is provided below. Edit the message below and provide the specific information for your club.

But we must ACT NOW! If you or your Club is going to catch the wave of New Year's Resolutions, you need to get the word "Toastmasters" placed before the public eye! You need to let people know that your Club is meeting in January and guests are welcomed!

And if your Club has a public web site, make sure that it is up to date ... clearly indicating that your Club is alive, meeting in January, and welcoming guests.

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The Central City Toastmasters Club would like to invite you to attend a regular meeting in January. Our organization, i.e. the dynamic Toastmaster members, will provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment. Every member has the opportunity to develop and improve their

communication and leadership skills.

Join us on Thursday, January 4th or January 18th , or on any 1st and 3rd Thursday at the Central City Library, Room X, 555 Main Street, Central City, CT. We gather for conversation at 5:30 PM. The meeting and educational program starts at 5:45 PM prompt. Meeting adjourns at 7:15 PM .

Our new Club web site is available with more information about the Central City Toastmasters Club. Please visit: http:// www.centralcitytm.org

We would be happy to answer any questions you might have about Toastmasters either before or after the meeting. Or feel free to reply to this email with any immediate questions.

Consider the definition of resolution \Res`o*lu"tion\ , n. The state of being resolved, settled, or determined; firmness; steadiness; constancy; determination.

Become a better speaker. Put more confidence in your presentations. Enhance your leadership skills through informative and persuasive communications.

Toastmasters International is the leading movement devoted to making effective oral communication a worldwide reality. Check out the TI website at http://www.toastmasters.org/

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Area A1 Holiday Luncheon

Toastmaster Clubs from Area A1 had their holiday luncheon on Friday Dec. 15th, 2006 at Umberto's in Poughkeepsie, NY.

Division A Governor, Dave Wheeler was the speaker for the event and he talked about "The meaning of life ... your one thing".

The Holiday Luncheon also featured the "Area A1 Holiday Singers!" who led the audience in the singing of some Christmas Carols ! A great time was had by all !

A New Club Web Page in Area A4

A new Toastmaster Club Web site has been Discovered!
Let's welcome Cartus Magnus Toastmasters Club of Danbury, CT and their new Club Web Site at http://cartusmagnus.freetoasthost.net//

Bravo! Great picture of the Club members.

submitted by Roger Brown, the District 53 webmaster, who has also added a link to their web site, see http://www.district53toastmasters.org/diva/index.html

Fall 06 Conference Photo Gallery - more PIX

From: Roger Brown
Date: Dec 18, 2006 8:14 AM

Subject: Fall 06 Conference Photo Gallery

I recently received photos from our D53 Photographer, Don Logie, and thus we have new photos to enjoy. Check out the following links.

The Fall 06 Conference Photo Gallery Index

http://web.mac.com/rogerbrown/iWeb/D53/PhotoIndex.html

Pictures from the District 53's 50th Anniversary

http://web.mac.com/rogerbrown/iWeb/D53/50th_Anniversary.html

Pictures from the District 53 Evaluation and Humorous Speech Contests

http://web.mac.com/rogerbrown/iWeb/D53/D53_Contests.html

Picturesof the Educational Seminars and Networking

http://web.mac.com/rogerbrown/iWeb/D53/Fall06Conf_Education.html

Pictures of the Hall of Fame and other Toastmaster Recognitions

http://web.mac.com/rogerbrown/iWeb/D53/Fall06Conf_Recognitions.html

Pictures of the Fall 06 Conference - Saturday Daytime.

http://web.mac.com/rogerbrown/iWeb/D53/Fall06Conf_Day.html

Pictures of the Conference Banquet and Humorous Speech Contest

http://web.mac.com/rogerbrown/iWeb/D53/Fall06Conf_Banquet.html

December 18th Evening with Two Champions

On Monday December 18th why not treat yourself to an early holiday gift?

Our members will have the unique opportunity to be coached by two World
Champions of Public Speaking. This is a unique chance for everyone that
attends to receive expert and proven techniques to make them a better
communicator immediately. All of the information that is needed to
attend is on the attached flyer. Please reply to
"areab4@district53toastmasters.org" to save your seat. We are limited to
200 people and for security purposes you will need to pre register to
attend.

We would like to personally thank Marsh Kiley and her team for all of the
work that they have done to make this event possible for our members.
Pass this message on to all of the clubs in your area and anyone that
you feel can benefit from this program.

WHQ transactions postponed due to Inventory 12/16/06 - 01/07/07

Subject: WHQ Transactions Postponed for Inventory 12/16/06 - 01/07/07

IMPORTANT NOTICE!

World Headquarters–Transactions Postponed for Inventory

Add new members, file new club charter forms, file educational award applications, and order all supplies for mid-winter Club Officer Training, etc BEFORE December 15, 2006 (i.e. received at TI WHQ in California).

As part of TI's inventory process, which is required by law, we will be unable to process the following transactions between Saturday, December 16, 2006 through January 7, 2007.

This includes submissions online and/or by mail:

• Supply

• New member kits

• Charter kits

• Education award certificates (including free advanced manuals)

Submissions received by Friday, December 15, 2006, 11:59 p.m., PT, will be

processed and shipped, with one exception – orders that require engraving

must be received by Wednesday, December 13, 2006, 11:59 p.m., PT.

Between December 16 and January 7, supply orders, applications for

educational awards and applications for new members cannot be

entered online. Any of those items, as well as new club charter forms

received by mail will be held and processed after January 7.

We suggest you hold your submissions until January 8 and then enter

the information online. This is the fastest way to get your materials.

HELPFUL HINTS:

If you know you will need materials during this time, place your order

in early December so you will have the materials you need and you

won't be disappointed. Have some Competent Communication and

Competent Leadership manuals on hand to give to new members if

they join your club during this time. Once they have submitted their

application and check and have been voted into your club, you can

give them a set of manuals to get started. Then, when they receive

their new member kit they can turn the manuals over to the club.

The club can then give the manuals to other new members as they

join while they are waiting for their new member kit.

FREE EVENT..Toastmaster World Champions - Monday, Dec. 18

"An Evening With Toastmaster World Champions"

or

"The Champions' Edge ... Live!"

How much would you pay to be coached by a World Champion Speaker? How much would you pay to be coached by TWO?

If you want to improve in any skill, it pays to seek the advice of others who have already "been there; done that." The fact is, if you want to improve your skills you need a coach -- someone to teach you to think, act, and perform at a higher level. Even Tiger Woods has a coach.

On Monday, December 18th (7:00 pm til 9:30 pm) , you'll get a chance to experience the magic of coaching from two World Champions of Public Speaking. Our Toastmaster Champions David Brooks (1990) and Darren LaCroix (2001) invite you to a special free program at The Hartford, Tower Bldg, T22, 690 Asylum Ave, Hartford, CT.

http://members.instantaudio.com/postcard/?4469408X1413

Dave and Darren have taught, coached, and mentored thousands of business communicators around the world. Here's your chance to be coached by two of the best in the

business.

After a short opening presentation from Darren and Dave, volunteers from the audience will be given a rare opportunity to deliver a short presentation, and then receive instant feedback

from the champs. If you're one of the volunteer speakers, you'll experience the kind of coaching Darren and Dave give finalists in the World Championships.

And even if you aren't a volunteer speaker that evening, you'll learn just as much by watching how we coach. In short, whether you're sitting or standing, as long as you're there, you'll learn!

To read and know more about Dave and Darren, please visit their websites: http://www.davidbrookstexas.com/ and http://www.humor411.com/

Listen (with your audio speakers on) to Darren's personal invitation, an audio postcard ... click

http://members.instantaudio.com/postcard/?4469408X1413

Email Your RSVP to champions@district53toastmasters.org .

Reservations are required by Monday, 12-18-06, 11:00am. We're sorry, but due to space limitations and security requirements, walk-ups (or walk-ins) can not be admitted.

Questions?
Call 860-547-6337, or email Area B4 Gov, Judith Chambers

areaB4@district53toastmasters.org

Keep your Web Eye on

http://www.district53toastmasters.org/champions.html

Spring Contest Scheduling

The spring contest season is on the horizon ....

And before we all get too busy with holiday shopping and parties, it might be a good idea to put our Area and Division Contests on the schedule for 2007. This will also help the clubs in your area plan their club contests.

The deadlines are:
Club contests by March 17th, 2007
Area contests by April 7th, 2007
Division contest by April 28th, 2007
District Contest ON May 19th, 2007 at the Sheraton Hotel in E.Hartford, CT.

I can probably get a location for the Division A contest in the Danbury, CT area, but if there is someone who would like to host it somewhere on the NY state side of Div.A (and have the "home court advantage"), I would be happy to work with them to make it happen. We just need to get it on the schedule SOON.

Please let Dave Wheeler, Division A Governor, know when you have a date for your contests and he will post it on our Division blog at www.areaA4.blogspot.com.

Best wishes for a great holiday season !

Dave Wheeler
Division A Governor, 2006-7

Div Govs Offer The Leadership Exchange

Leadership Exchange and Officer Training - Winter Dec 06 , Jan/Feb 07

Division Governors Offer The Leadership Exchange
by LGET Will Ryan, DTM

Here comes winter training.

Between December 1, 2006 and February 28, 2007, the Division Governors will be hosting biannual training and development sessions for club officers. This year we have a new name for winter training - The Leadership Exchange - inspired by a suggestion from Jim Parsons, Area F1 Governor. Thanks, Jim.

Webster's online dictionary lists these definitions. (My interpretations relative to The Leadership Exchange follow the definitions):
Exchange = Reciprocal giving and receiving.

We will share winning leadership strategies and in so doing, all attendees will give and receive. Something offered, given, or received in an exchange. Leadership Exchanges will work well when club officers attend with a give attitude and come to the event prepared to share their experiences in club leadership. A place where things or services are exchanged.

Our winter gatherings will surely be places to exchange ideas that work. In the same time frame, Area Governors will be conducting make-up Exchanges for those club officers who are unable to attend the Division sessions.

Each year Toastmasters club officers gather twice for training and development. During the summer, we assemble an expert faculty to offer many courses designed for all club offices. We call this annual gathering the Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI). The breadth and depth of subjects is impressive, and feedback indicates that we're on target, offering courses that club officers need and want.

The Distinguished Club Program (DCP) identifies ten goals that 80 years of experience indicate, when achieved, result in very strong clubs. Goal #9 says, "A minimum of four club officers trained during each of two training periods." If your club was not able to have four officers trained during the summer, your club is ineligible for a DCP point for training. But remember, it's the learning that really counts, and statistics show that well-developed club officers lead strong clubs. So attend your Division's Leadership Exchange, and be prepared to give and receive by sharing your experiences with fellow club officers.

If you're a club officer or a club leader, put your Division's Leadership Exchange on your calendar and BE THERE!

Editor's note: You may want to "exchange" your questions and your ideas on Officer Training, The Leadership Exchange, or any Toastmasters educational programming with your Lt. Governor Education & Training, Email Will Ryan, DTM . Don't be shy.

The dates for the two Division A Leadership Exchange events are:

Jan.24th, 2007 at 7:30pm
Hosted by Socially Speaking Toastmasters, Brookfield, CT
at Brookfield Congregational Church (basement, door in back)
160 Whisconier Road, Intersection of Routes 25 & 133, Brookfield, CT, 06804,

Jan.27th, 2007 at 9:30am
Hosted by Marist Toastmasters, Marist College, Poughkeepsie, NY
3399 North Rd, Poughkeepsie, NY, 12601 (building and room TBD)

Contact your area governor for more information or questions.

Feb.& March Membership Drive (and an added bonus)

District 53 is putting their money where their mouth is ... and for an organization that is based on communications that is pretty important !

As part of the "Talk Up Toastmasters" membership drive that Toastmasters International runs in Feb/March, District 53 will award any club that adds 5 or more new members a credit for $10 toward Toastmasters materials !

If a club meets this target in Feb/Mar and achieves Distinguished status by April 30th, the total credit would be $60 ! (Which would go a long way toward a full sized banner for your club or other valuable Toastmaster materials.)

Do you think you can do it?
Of course you can!
Now is the time to put your marketing and public relation ideas in motion so that they can bear fruit by the Feb/Mar timeframe. For example, some clubs are running SpeechCraft workshops to draw in new members while others are reaching out to their local newspapers or TV stations to get their meeting times announced. And, of course, if you don't already have a club website, be sure to create one! (FreeToastHost.com is a great resource!)

If you have any questions on this program or need more ideas to boost membership, feel free to contact your Area Governor or myself at the email address below:

Dave Wheeler
Division A Governor, 2006-7
Email: theshot92@gmail.com

P.S. Did you know that Division A was tied (with Div.D) for the most clubs receiving Smedley Awards in all of District 53? The Smedley Award is given by TI for adding 5 or more new members in the August / September timeframe and it was achieved by IBM East Fishkill Speakers Club, BI and Cartus Magnus. Can we do it again in Feb/Mar? Can we do better than Division D? (I bet we can!)

Fall Conference 2006 - Humorous Contest

Division A was represented by Bruce Goulart in the Humorous Speech Contest and he did a GREAT job !

Pictures below show Bruce during the contestant interview session. (There was no flash photography permitted during the speeches so we could not take a picture of his speech.)



After the contest, Bruce went home, got a few hours sleep and then ran the New York City Marathon on Sunday, Nov. 5th. His time was 4 hours, 45 minutes for the 26.2 mile race.

Wow! Congratulations Bruce ! I'm sure you now have material for the next speech contest !

Fall Conference 2006 - Pat H. places 3rd in Eval Contest

Division A was well represented at the Fall Conference held on Saturday, November 4th, in Albany, NY.

In the Evaluation Contest, Pat Hendrickson placed third. (See photos below of the contestant interview and Pat accepting her award).



Congratulations to Pat for a job well done !

The Power of Enthusiasm ...

Seth Godin's blog post about enthusiasm (click here to read it) got me thinking about how much our attitude impacts our experience of Toastmasters.

For example, the Fall 2006 Conference last weekend was attended by a LOAD of enthusiastic Toastmasters and it was an incredible experience! (More on that in later posts). If you missed it, the next district conference will be held in May 2007!

What are you enthusiastic about? How can you bring more enthusiasm to your Toastmasters club? If you do, you will find that more things get done, they get done quicker and more easily and everyone has more FUN !

If you have some great examples of enthusiasm (or the opposite of enthusiasm) and the consequences / results of same, please email them to us at theshot92@gmail.com !

Speak UP !

Dave Wheeler
Division A Governor, 2006-7

Are you still "In the pool"?

I read a great blog post today that...

1) Highly recommended Toastmasters (which got it off to a good start) and

2) Presented a bit of wisdom that all Toastmasters could use. (After you read the post, the title of the entry will make more sense.)

Let me know what you think !

Click here to read the post at Scott Ginsberg blog, "HELLO, My Name is...".

Post by Dave Wheeler, Division A Governor, 2006-7

Press Coverage for Marist Toastmasters

David Gavin, Area A5 Governor, forwarded a copy of the following article about Marist Toastmasters that appeared in the Marist College newspaper.

click here to read it !

Note: Marist is already an official Toastmasters club, but they are working on becoming an official school club since that provides additional benefits and could attract more potential members.

Congratulations to David and Marist Toastmasters for getting this PR for their club!

Videos and other links...

WestConn Toastmaster's VP-Education, Croix Sather, forwarded the following links that you might like ....

http://www.fivestarspeakers.com/ Click a speakers profile and get an example of a presentation

http://andydooley.com/Comedy/videos.html
(this looks like a contest speech!)

Ideas for beginning your speech ...

The beginning of your speech is CRITICAL to its success. Either your audience "gets on your bus" or they don't. You have to interrupt their internal dialogue about all the other things going on in their life and get them to engage with you and your speech. Otherwise, they will be planning their shopping list or what to have for lunch and missing at least half of your speech (if not more).

Kathy Sierra posted a great article on her blog that really hits it on the head ...

Check it out by clicking here !

What did you find that you are going to use in your next speech? Is there something that you could even apply to a CONTEST speech? The contest that are coming up in the Spring are the Tall Tales and International Speech contests and they both would benefit from a strong opening!

Enjoy !

Dave Wheeler
Division A Governor, 2006-7

Fall Conference Update ....

Treat yourself to a celebration and conference on communications and leadership. Pay heed to Stephen Covey's 7th habit of highly effective people, namely Sharpen the Saw: Principles of Balanced Self-Renewal." Register for the 50th Anniversary Celebration and the District 53 Fall Conference. Do it Today and save!

What: 50th Anniversary Celebration
When: Friday, November 3, 2006
Join the 50th Anniversary Celebration - District 53's Fiftieth Birthday Bash!
There will be 50's music played throughout the evening, door prizes, continuous video displays of club memorabilia from years gone by, many surprises, and dancing to the hits of the 50's, 60's, and beyond.

Questions? Contact Frank Kane, 50th Anniversary Chair,
Phone: (860) 228-3261
Email: frankk53@sbcglobal.net

http://www.district53toastmasters.org/anniversary.html
http://www.district53toastmasters.org/50thAnniversaryRegistration.pdf

What: District 53 Fall 2006 Conference
When: Saturday, November 4, 2006

* Enhance your Communication or Leadership skills with a choice of 9 outstanding Educational Seminars
* Evaluation Speech Contest (10:00 AM)
* Hall of Fame Awards Luncheon
* District 53 Council Meeting
* Humorous Speech Contest and Dinner Banquet

Where: Holiday Inn Albany-Turf on Wolf Rd, Albany, NY

Stay Overnight: Call the Holiday Inn Turf before October 12 at (518) 458-7250 and mention "Toastmasters International Block" to get a special discounted room rate of only $99.00!
Visit Holiday Inn online at www.hialbanyturf.com/contact.asp

http://www.district53toastmasters.org/conferences.html
http://www.district53toastmasters.org/eduSessionsFall06.html
http://www.district53toastmasters.org/Fall06ConfRegistration.pdf

Conference Co-chairs:
Email: fall53conference@district53toastmasters.org
Jabbar Fagan Phone: (518) 447-8267 (w)
Sandra Buxton Phone: (518) 746-2560 (w)

Registration Chair:
Sarah Gebbie-Measeck
Phone: (518) 747-7390 (h)
Email: sarahgebbie@yahoo.com

Education Program Chair:
Jeff Sobel
Phone: (518) 355-3731 (h) (518) 356-7598 (w)
Email: fall53program@district53toastmasters.org

****** information provided by Rich Couture, DTM ************************

Division A Fall Contest results !

The Division A Evaluation and Humorous Speech Contests were held on October 11th at 7:30pm, hosted bythe WestConn Toastmasters at the Wooster School Library in Danbury, CT.

Humorous Speech Contest Results
1st place - Bruce Goulart, WestConn Toastmasters, Club #599
2nd place - Carole Hurst, Orange County Toastmasters, Club #9315

Evaluation Speech Contest Results
1st place - Patricia "Pat" Hendrickson, Catskill, Club #9542
2nd place - Geoff Crew, IBM Poughkeepsie Speechmakers, Club #315
3rd place - Cynthia Slater, Diversity USA Toastmasters, Club #3401

pictures will be posted soon.

Pictures from Area A1 / A5 Contest !

Area A1 Governor (and ContestMaster), Colleen Yarter with Area A1 Evaluation Winner, Geoff Crew.







ContestMaster Colleen Yarter with Area A5 First Runner-up, Toni Bass, Arlington Rotary Toast (5614), Evaluation Winner, Susan Doyle, Arlington Rotary Toast (5614) and Area A5 Area Governor, David Gavin.






This happy (and very humorous) group includes....
Area A1 Humorous Contest Runner-up, John "Gasbag" Paulus, IBM East Fishkill Speechmakers ( 9977), Area A1 Governor /ContestMaster Colleen Yarter, and "Cursed" Alison Easton, Richard "Changes" Bessner, Area A1 Humorous Contest Winner Adam "Stag Warrior" Izzo, Voices of the Valley ( 4396).