High Plains Toastmasters Learning from the Best
Schedule of Events
News & Notes
Feedback and Fallout
Is Officer Training Always This Much Fun?
The Toastmasters Journey....
Local Toastmaster Hero to Youth in over 20 Cites
District Officers Nominations Form
Officer Agreement and Release Statement
TM Club News
Do it Because it is Hard
D26 Speakers Bureau in Full Swing
District Leaders Take TLI to Grand Junction
Editor’s Musings
Cheyenne, Wyoming. High Plains Toastmasters is a fun and focused community club that meets at 6 PM every Monday at the Laramie County Library. The only problem is those pesky holidays that land on Mondays: the library is closed. But we are Toastmasters and we will adjust, be creative and carry on!
January 16th, MLK Day, we held our meeting in the reception facility at Schrader Funeral Home. Yes, a FUNERAL home. A beautiful Victorian home built in 1890 that has served Cheyenne families since 1924. The owners opened the home to our club, at no charge and even donated the beverages.
Deb Dufficy, using her CL manual, organized this special event: World Champion of Public Speaking DVD viewing meeting. With a full kitchen, loads of seating, pizza and brownies; this was bound to be a success!
And it WAS! We watched the final contest from the 2011 International Convention held in Las Vegas, NV. Even though some members were unable to attend, we had an impressive turn out and two guests. This was an excellent opportunity for the members to watch winning speeches. There was lively discussion following each speech and everyone has a better understanding of what it takes to present a terrific speech.
There’s more good news! The guests will be returning. We will be using this facility again and having more fun, inviting more guests so we can ensure more people can benefit from what Toastmasters has to offer.
BackWe need a leader to coordinate this popular and fun event.
Contact pro1112@d26leaders.org or Tom Hobbs to secure this great opportunity! Previous chairpersons will fill you in on the duties. ▪
| #1965 — 56 | |
| #5899 — 31 | |
| #2136 — 11 |
Send a photo with your club name to pro1112@d26leaders.org and we’ll feature you on the D26 website. ▪
Check out this link about Toastmasters http://speakthemovie.com submitted by Maura Thompson of Simply Speaking.
What do YOU have to share?
TIP: Toastmasters manuals are frequently misplaced or left behind. To ensure prompt return, write your name, phone number, and club name on the cover or an inside page.
BackIt’s not every day that we get a boost so high that it lifts us to another level. I was one of those lucky ones. I had a champion. Actually, I had several. This led to a series of fortunate events. Given the opportunity by District 26’s leadership team to organize and present at Toastmaster Leadership Institutes was a big piece of the puzzle. It provided the framework. Officer training lifted me up! Educational sessions gave me Toastmasters tools. I found new friends.
Club officer training sessions revealed more pieces of the puzzle. Being club president can be compared to taming elephants. It is a task best not tackled alone. An astute leader uses all resources at hand, delegates wisely, and coordinates the efforts of team members.
This just in! Cheyenne’s pickpocket ring is thriving.
Presentation is everything. When you realize what it is that you really want; everything you do brings you closer to it! Is Your Hourglass Empty? Toastmasters teach time management. You can find more time for yourself, your family, and your business in thirty minutes with these three easy steps: Build an agenda. Write down your goals. Prioritize your actions. Make the minutes count.
In putting the pieces of the puzzle together, club officers define their roles and summarize their responsibilities. This makes a great 5 - 7 minute manual speech. As a district leader, I challenge club members to take this one step further. Ask each officer and each club member to use a 4x6 index card. On it write a brief explanation of their individual role in the club. Under that, list 3 – 5 measurable, time-based objectives. Use these cards to develop a club success plan.
Burning Toast!
"Our Toastmasters club was on fire tonight. It was so hot we thought someone was going to get roasted."
– A J Legault.
Excerpt from A SERIES OF FORTUNATE EVENTS – by Linda S Cone, DTM
BackToastmasters Leadership Institute for Denver and vicinity on January 7, 2012 was a blast! We not only had great educational sessions for all the club offices, we also had sessions on everything from evaluations and judging to using improvisational skills to jazz up table topics. And we were treated to two presentations by Ed Tate, the 2000 World Champion of Public Speaking: one called "Manage Things, Lead People" and the other called "Mindset Shifts." Both were outstanding.
BackIn December Kathy Barrett, the VP of Education for Front Range Toastmasters Club #2668 was presented a special Leadership Excellence Award by F4 Area Governor Lori High. For the past year Kathy Barrett commanded the role of VP of Education driving a sustained momentum for the Club. Kathy's Flair, Focus and Energy consistently inspired Members to establish goals, document their progress and stay motivated to reach for their goals. In January Kathy took over the role of President for the Club and is excited for the opportunity to lead the Officers Team of Front Range Toastmasters. Kathy's trademark e-mail tag: Growing Personally One Toastmasters Meeting at a Time.... really says it all! To you Kathy…A BIG THANK YOU for your devotion and Leadership to Front Range Toastmasters! Enjoy the next leg of The Journey!
BackRory Vaden’s Take the Stairs Tour is coming to town on March 4, 5 & 6 2012
Rory made it to the World Champion of Public Speaking finals twice. Starting his Toastmasters education here in Colorado he has grown to be a World Speaker & Educator. In conjunction with the release of his book, Take the Stairs: 7 Steps to Achieving True Success, Rory and his team are taking a tour bus across the country visiting 20 cities in 30 days. Taking this Directly to the Youth of our community he is challenging them and US with his powerful message.
Rory will be teaching all 7 Strategies from the book on improving self-discipline and overcoming procrastination LIVE.
The events will be free of charge to anyone who wants to come and he’ll collect a suggested $10 donation per attendee at the door. Then 100% of the proceeds will be immediately given back to the local youth program. Although no money is required upfront you must register online because seating is limited so sign up below and bring friends! We look forward to seeing you there!
District 26 Toastmasters is supporting Rory at each event with Greeters, a Toastmasters information Booth, event organizers and audience members. You can promote your own local Toastmasters Club too. Tell The Man In The Hat, Tom Hobbs how you will be there to support the Youth in our community.
Interview Questions with Rory –
We are excited for Rory Vaden and the Take the Stairs tour to come to Longmont, Denver & Aurora on March 4, 5 & 6. We’ve asked Rory some questions about the book and the tour.
What is Take the Stairs all about?
The last time you had the option of heading up the escalator or taking the stairs, did you take the stairs? If you're like most people then probably not. Unfortunately most people have an "escalator" mentality in all areas of their life. They are looking for the shortcut, the easy way, and the overnight success. Yet even in this instant age, success in anything simply comes down to discipline; the discipline to do things you don't want to do. The book is about the psychology of overcoming procrastination, how to simplify the process of improving our self-discipline, and how to get ourselves to do the things we know we should do when we don't feel like doing them.
What can people expect when they come to the event? Who should come?
Everyone! From high school students and their parents to professionals in the community, everyone can benefit from improved self-discipline. I’ll be teaching the 7 strategies of simplifying self-discipline that are in the book. Plus by being there you’re supporting the local community’s Youth Character Education programs. I look forward to being there!
This event is for people who want a more fulfilling lifestyle—those who are looking to take a different approach in 2012. My goal with this event will be to change the way audience members look at their path to success—each dream is achievable, but short cuts are not an option. We’re going to talk about why taking the stairs is the only route to the top.
You can register for FREE but seating is limited. Here are the links to register. To learn more about Rory, please visit www.roryvaden.com.
We look forward to seeing you there!
www.takethestairslittleton.com
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Columbine High School
6201 S. Pierce St
Littleton, CO 80123
5-7:30pm
Charity Supporting: Carson J Spencer Foundation
www.takethestairslongmont.com
Monday, March 5, 2012
Lifebridge Church
10345 Ute Highway
Longmont, CO 80504
Charity Supporting: St. Vrain Valley School District Foundation
www.takethestairsdenver.com
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
University of Colorado Denver
If you are interested in nominating yourself or someone else for a district leader position for the 2012-2013 Toastmasters year (July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013), please complete the following form and submit it to the address below. If you are nominating someone, you may submit more than one person's name for each position. To be nominated or elected, a person must be a member in good standing of a Toastmasters club in good standing, meet the qualifications of the position, consent to being nominated, and must sign the Officer Agreement and Release Form.
I wish to have the nominating committee consider the following person for the office of:
Elected Positions
__ District Governor
__ Lt. Governor Education & Training
__ Lt. Governor Marketing
__ Division Governor (please specify division_________)
Appointed Positions
If applicable:
__ Area Governor (please specify area_______________)
__ Public Relations Officer
__ District Secretary
__ District Treasurer
Name _______________________________________________________
__ CC __ AC __ DTM
Address __________________________________________________________________________
City______________________________________________________________________________
State/Prov.___________________ Zip/Postal Code _________Country ______________________
Telephone (H) ________________ (B) _____________________(C) __________________________
E-mail: ___________________________________________________________________________
Home Club Name __________________________________________Club No. _________________
If there is additional information you would like to include about this candidate that you feel would assist the nominating committee in their deliberations, please attach it to this form. Please describe any club and district offices held by nominated individual (include dates of service if possible). Please share with the nominating committee why you believe the nominated individual should be considered for the specified position.
Submitted by: ________________________________________________Date:______________
Mail, fax or email to:
Julia Davis
PO Box 185
Firestone, CO 80520
Ipdg1112@d26leaders.org
Deadline for submitting this form: February 29, 2012 [Note - Form may also be submitted at the district open house on March 5, 2012]
BackThe nomination form and officer agreement, along with the requirements and officer duties, are on the district website under officer resources: www.d26toastmasters.org.
The election will be May 19, 2012. District Officer Candidates can also run from the floor as write-in candidates.
District leadership is a growth and leadership experience. If you haven’t been a district leader, and even if you have been, think about taking your Toastmasters experience to the next level. Become a District Officer.
Julia Davis
PO Box 185
Firestone, CO 80520
H: 303-833-0567 C: 303-775-1106
Ipdg1112@d26leaders.org
Directions: Toastmasters International requires that any candidates running for and/or holding office, whether elected or appointed, agree to and sign the Officer Agreement and Release Statement below. Please submit your signed form to the chair of the nominating committee. Completed release forms will be submitted to the district governor, and then to District Services at World Headquarters (districts@toastmasters.org), to be kept on file.
Officer Agreement and Release Statement
Consistent with my desire to take personal responsibility for my conduct, individually and as an officer of Toastmasters International and as a member of a Toastmasters club, I agree to abide by the principles contained in "A Toastmaster’s Promise" and the governing documents and policies of Toastmasters International and my club. I will fully comply with my fiduciary duties to Toastmasters International under its governing documents and the law of the land. I will refrain from any form of discrimination, harassment, derogatory, illegal, or unethical conduct, and I understand that if I engage in such conduct, I may be responsible to reimburse Toastmasters International, my club or other clubs, or other individuals involved with Toastmasters, for any damages, losses, or costs resulting from my conduct. Understanding that Toastmasters programs are conducted by volunteers who cannot be effectively screened or supervised by Toastmasters International or its clubs, I release and discharge Toastmasters International, its clubs, governing bodies, and representatives from any liability for the intentional or negligent acts or omissions of any member or officer of my club or other clubs, or any officer of Toastmasters International.
Confirmation
I have read and agree to the terms and conditions of the Officer Agreement and Release Statement.
Full Name (please print) _______________________________________________________________________
Member # _________
Officer Position ________________________________________________
Area (if applicable) ___________
Division (if applicable) ________________
District ____________
Signature:______________________________________________________ Date ______________
BackNot chartered yet
Grand Junction VA Medical Center
Room 3204, Conference Room, Bldg 1(Main Hospital)
2121 North Avenue
Grand Junction, CO 81501
4:45 PM-5:45 PM every MON (except holidays)
Contact Bill Frazier at 970-314-6030 wmjfrazier@juno.com
Club open to all
Not chartered yet
(Delta-Montrose area)
USFS Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison NF
Headquarters Office
2250 Hwy 50, Delta, CO 81425
12:15 PM 1st & 3rd WED
Contact Levi Brannon at 970-209-0021 levibrannam@hotmail.com
Tom Condos at 970-874-6667 tcondos@fs.fed.us
Club open to all
► Visit the recently updated website of Summit Toastmasters and read about Toasting Season on their blog.
► Area speech contests will be conducted in April and you will find the schedule on the website (Google calendar.) NOW is the time to get your members competing at the club level.
"Here’s a place where you can learn, grow, develop – and where other people are doing and feeling the same thing."
~ Debbi Fields Rose (Mrs. Fields Cookies)
"We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard."
These immortal words by John F. Kennedy in his famous speech at Rice University in 1962 defined a new mindset for America that would eventually lead to the landing of a man on the Moon.
But these words were also spoken during a time of intense fear. Fear of a formidable enemy who threatened to annihilate us with nuclear weapons. Yet, we conquered the fear, simply because we made the decision to do so!
As we enter a new year, many of you may still wonder what your vision is for your speaking ‘career’ in Toastmasters. Are you still intimidated by certain members in your club who seem to be such extraordinary speakers that it makes you feel small and insignificant? Maybe you would like to take on a leadership role, but you don’t seem to be able to conquer the lingering doubts and uncertainties about yourself.
It’s time to get that fire in your belly! A fire that makes you say "enough is enough, I want to be somebody! I have something to say! And now the world is going to listen to me!"
How about finishing that CC manual and leaping into the fascinating projects of the advanced manuals? Most of them require only 5 to 7 minutes, but they will challenge you at a higher level. Are you ready to go where you’ve never gone before?
Are you prepared to join other leaders, so you can reach YOUR next level?
Do it! Not because it is easy…but because it is hard!
The District 26 Speakers’ Bureau is advertising with the service clubs, schools, senior centers, and associations and it is paying off. Many of the Toastmasters registered with the Speakers’ Bureau are getting requests to speak. Now is the time for you to dust off your speech, register with the Speakers’ Bureau and begin giving longer speeches.
Toastmasters is about giving. The Speakers’ Bureau is your opportunity to share your experience and learning with others to help them develop – and perhaps avoid some of the pitfalls you found. Giving an entertaining speech brings happiness to all people, especially those senior who have limited mobility.
Toastmasters is about receiving. As you give your speech, you receive practice and experience. You receive feedback in the form of smiles, applause – or not. Frequently, you will receive a meal or a token gift. How often you are called is feedback on how well your topic fits the groups to which we are advertising.
The Speakers’ Bureau is about Toastmasters. Each speech you give as a member of the Speakers’ Bureau gives you the opportunity to apply what you learned in Toastmasters: speaking skills in the Competent Communicator manual, speaking content from the advanced manuals, personal relationships in the club meetings, and leadership skills learned in the Competent Leadership manual, as a club officer and as Toastmaster of the meeting.
If you have a message and are ready to take your speaking to the next level, please contact the Division Speakers’ Bureau representatives and volunteer. You will be glad you did.
►Darryle Brown (Denver Division) DBrown7733@Yahoo.com
►John Higgs (Eastern Division) FrontLineResearch@earthlink.net
►David Lampe (Foothills Division) David@WebSavvyRealEstate.com
►Amy Brown (Metro Division) Amy-Joyce@hotmail.com
►Niki Moore (Southern Division) TimeFlies@q.com
►Hugh Curley (Speakers Bureau chair) Hugh@HughCurley.com
BackOn January 14, Bea Macliz, Lt. Governor Education & Training, Carol Harris, PRO, and Yvonne Bryant, F1 Area Governor were warmly greeted by officers representing Grand Junction Sayre’s Toastmasters Club, Talk of the Town Toastmasters, Eagle Valley Toastmasters, and Summit Club.
This was the first time district officer training had ever been presented in the F1 area and approximately 25 people turned out for the opportunity to receive training and network with other club officers.
Attendees had pointed questions and some great ideas to share.
BackToastmasters International provides us with a wealth of resources. Besides the myriad manuals available, the books on speaking and leadership, and online training materials they also record and make available the International speech competition. The speakers that reach that level really are world class. They are the best, and we can all learn from them.
Consider this: the spring contests are just around the corner. I’ve noticed over the past few years that some clubs haven’t bothered to advance contestants to the area level contests. I don’t know the specific reasons, but I suspect that motivation is one factor.
Relatively new Toastmasters are likely to question their own ability to compete and therefore not even try. Participation in the contests at any level, win or lose, helps improve our skills as speakers. I suggest that watching the top level speeches from the World Championship can serve more than one purpose. First, it exposes whoever is watching to the facets of quality speeches, especially how to reach out and touch your audience. In other words it’s a great learning experience.
Second, it can help motivate members who don’t think they can compete, if for no other reason than the speeches themselves are highly inspirational. "I want to be able to do that." If you do, you need to start somewhere. Why not try it this contest season?
Whether you have a video of the International contest or not, it’s a shame not to at least compete if you’re eligible. You may lose, but if you do, look how much you can learn. And maybe you can go all the way.
Life is a competition not with others, but with ourselves. We should seek each day to live stronger,
better, truer lives; each day to master some weakness of yesterday; each day to repair a mistake; each day to surpass
ourselves.
~ David B. Haight
Publisher / Governor
Norman Frickey, DTM
Home: 303-833-0567
Cell: 303-775-1106
Email: dg1112@d26leaders.org
Editor
Gordon S. Savage, DTM
36923 Forest Trail
Elizabeth, CO 80107-8126
Phone: 303-646-0547
Email: gordonsavage@msn.com
Public Relations
Layout & design
Contributing Editor
Carol A. Harris, ACB
Email: pro1112@d26leaders.org