Leadership Through Service
Schedule of Events
News & Notes
Happy Hour With Ed Tate And Joe Sabah
Toastmasters Lift As They Climb
The Coach’s Corner
Join Us at the District 26 Conference
Lessons I Learned from Ed Tate
Aurora’s Celebrated Red Carpet Event
Foothills Division Contest is a Huge Success
What Is Your Club Doing?
Advanced Clubs – A Powerful Expert Resource for Your Club
Wry Toast Celebrates 20 Years!
Cherry Creek Toastmasters Hit a High Note
District 26 Updates
Editor’s Musings
The D26 conference theme this year is Leadership Through Service in honor of the military and all the toastmasters who have ever assumed a leadership position.
Since I’m speaking to members, I won’t waste time extolling the benefits and opportunities found in Toastmasters. Instead, I want to focus on the "why" and "how" we serve.
I have been a club VPPR and secretary, area governor, district secretary, and currently district PRO. Each was a unique experience that I pursued for a specific reason. I succeeded in some and failed in others. Why did I fail? Because I was
A broad range of experience (to include Toastmasters, corporations, politics, church, and my own actions) has taught me there is a human tendency among some who have gone before to want to lend their experience by holding the reins for their successor. Sadly, this deprives the "newbie" of his opportunity for leadership and service. He simply goes "through" the motions and comes out empty on the other side.
The new tagline, "Where Leaders Are Made," is a reference to the training we receive. Leaders are not made through manual speeches and regular club attendance. Leaders are those who step up to engage in projects that are challenged by team dynamics, conflicting objectives, lack of people/time/commitment/skills, insufficient communication, tight deadlines, trial and error, etc.
As we move forward with the TI brand refresh, I encourage everyone to remember that
"There is nothing more difficult to undertake, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in it’s success than introducing change. Resistance to change is universal. It invades all classes and cultures."
Leaders are productive agents of change and change equals growth. ▪
If you are a current or aspiring leader, read *Developing the Leader Within You by John C. Maxwell, as well as books written by Peter Drucker, Tom Peters, and Zig Ziglar to help identify your style and hone your skills. Leadership Secrets from the Executive Office by George Hathaway is a quick and inspiring read.▪
BackWELCOME LUC MOENS VPPR for Evening Stars, an advanced club. Luc has reached the CC level and is also a member of Dawn Yawn Toastmasters. As a senior scientist at NREL, Luc regularly reviews manuscripts for a number of international scientific journals. He has volunteered to contribute his trained eye to serve as proofreader for the district website and newsletter.
A member of the Civil Air Patrol - Jeffco Squadron, Luc produces the squadron newsletter (Airwaves) as part of his duty as Assistant Public Affairs Officer and aircrew member for emergency services. ▪
Send a photo with your club name to pro1112@d26leaders.org and we’ll feature you on the D26 website. ▪
Attend the Humorous Speech Contest at the district conference on Saturday, November 12.
BackSometimes the stars align and amazing things happen. Such was the case on Oct 12 when Ed Tate and Joe Sabah presented to an audience that exceeded the room capacity at Beau Jo’s Pizza in Denver.
It took fancy footwork by Lt. Governor Marketing Tom Hobbs, the "Man in the Hat" and dance instructor, to pull it together, but when the details were announced, people quickly responded.
Ed, the 2000 World Champion of Public Speaking, found his spark in the Cherry Creek Toastmasters club. Now a trainer, author, world-wide keynote speaker, and executive, Ed has remained true to his roots and continues to support District 26.
He shared speaker tips with the audience, such as how to deal with crowded conditions, background noise, and the sudden crash of a dropped tray try full of dishes.
"Go with what happens; don’t try to ignore it," Ed advised.
The name Joe Sabah is spoken with enthusiasm and reverence among local Toastmasters. A nationally know writer, speaker, author, and consultant, Joe served as the first president of the Colorado Speakers Association (a chapter of the National Speakers Association.)
Like Ed, Joe has made a career of teaching others how to achieve success. Countless D26 toastmasters have attended his training sessions, which don’t end at the conclusion of the presentation. People are made to feel like "family" and encouraged to remain connected. Joe generously co-sponsored the event, to include dinner, making it irresistibly affordable.
Sometime ago, D26 awarded Joe Sabah an impressive plaque for his contributions, which he proudly carries everywhere he goes.
".A smile on his face, a song in his heart, and a speech in his pocket – Joe is an exemplary leader." —Carol A. Harris
Google these accomplished and generous leaders to learn more facts about their careers. Sign up for a seminar, attend Joe's MeetUp or read some of their books. -cah ▪
BackNewly-published "LIFT AS YOU CLIMB" was co-authored by 53 District 26 toastmasters and friends who represent 23 Toastmasters clubs. For more information, contact one of the co-authors to purchase your very own, autographed copy of this book ($12.99 per copy) filled with warm-hearted and insightful stories, inspirational poems, and positive thoughts on various subjects that are guaranteed to capture the hearts of the young, the old and in between.
The foreword is penned by Joe Sabah, founding president of the Colorado Speakers Association, now the National Speakers Association of Colorado. To check us out online, go to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Tattered Cover or click on this Link.
The economic recession has hit hard and we all know someone in need of employment. For those clubs who are actively seeking to recruit new members, why not compile a list of job openings and make the list available to members and guests?
To take us to yet another LIFT AS YOU CLIMB level at the fall conference, I propose that each member send the conference chair a listing of available positions with your employer or other local employers who are hiring. NOTE: This can be done by most of us even if we don’t work in Human Resources or plan to attend the conference.
For those who bring info about 10 or more jobs, perhaps business cards could be placed in a sealed bottle to qualify for a gift basket (valued at $100 or more). ▪
BackTop 10 Club Coach Benefits
Many who become a coach, or belong to a club with a coach, are happily surprised to discover what a great experience it is. They grow with their fellow toastmasters and learn so much along the way. Isn’t it time you let yourself join the learning and fun? District 26 has two coaching co-chairs — Niki Moore (timeflies@q.com) covers the Southern Division. Linda Rhea (d26coach1112@d26leaders.org) covers the Denver, Eastern, Foothills, Metro and Northern Divisions. If you have an interest in the Coaching Program get in touch with Niki and Linda. Join the coaches’ huddle at the District 26 conference. You’ll be glad you did! ▪
There are some great ideas in the Club Coach Weekly published by John Murphy DTM of District 8.
BackSince our conference opens on Veteran's Day, District 26 is honoring all U.S. military personnel as well as Toastmasters leaders at the fall conference on NOV 11-12. If you have not yet registered, HURRY and get on board! The clock is ticking.
We have an exciting lineup with multiple keynote speakers to include Johnny Campbell, the youngest person in the world to earn the esteemed title of Accredited Speaker. Known as The Transition Man, Johnny was inducted into the Speaker Hall of Fame in 2007.
Friday evening includes
Saturday begins with the Color Guard and keynote address by Norm Frickey, D26 governor and his wife, Sharon Frickey.
There are several educational sessions, each presented in the morning and again in the afternoon. Topics include
The bookstore will be open and the PRO and webteam will be on hand to answer questions and discuss the vision for 2011-12.
Branding will be a HOT topic!
The all important business meeting convenes at 3:00 PM and your attendance is vital. Be sure to bring your proxies.
Saturday evening is dedicated to
The Auction Committee is in need of donations. Contact Linda Rhea at 303-758-6641 or E-mail d26coach1112@d26leaders.org.
Visit NEWS & EVENTS on our website for further details and updates. ▪
BackOn Wednesday Oct. 12, 2011 Ed Tate, the 2000 World Champion of Speaking, gave a couple hours of his time to educate some toastmasters; yours truly was in attendance.
I want to share with my fellow toastmasters (this means you), some of the great tips that Ed shared with us.
The most important point Ed shared is that you have to focus on your AUDIENCE. Remember that no matter the topic, the speech is always about them, not you. Therefore, don’t worry if you’re polished, or how good you look on the stage; it’s not important.
Another very important bit of wisdom is that we must practice, practice, and practice our speeches. Write them out word for word, record yourself giving the presentation, transcribe it, then cut it in half. This will add power as you become more focused on what you’re trying to say, and how you say it. Also, make your last words really count, because your last words will linger in their minds the longest.
Ed told us to remember to focus on the KFD (know, feel, do) of your speech. Think about what it is that you want your audience to know, feel, or do after you finish. All else really doesn’t matter, as long as you focus on this.
He also mentioned that there will usually be tension between you and the audience, the workbook, or the environment, and you have to break this up. One way is to meet your audience in advance. I remember one professional speaker telling me that he meets everyone personally as they enter the room.
In summary there were a few more things that Ed shared with us, but these are key points that you can integrate now for your next speech.▪
White-Eagle Perry L.Ac., Dipl.Ac.
Opportunity Talks VP Education
BackIn late September, Aurora Toastmasters gathered to view two incredible videos about Toastmasters International. The first video was created by AURORA8, a local government sponsored television station. Danielle Kreuter from Aurora8 started with a story idea suggested by Deborah Frauenfelder, D6 area governor. Danielle was the creative artist behind the powerful Toastmasters video. Danielle interviewed multiple toastmasters, visited Orbiting Toasters twice, recorded & edited the video, then wrote the story which she narrated during the video debut on August 17, 2011.
The second video was created by 9News, a Colorado news station. 9News started with an idea submitted by Vanessa Thomas-Jones, president of Absolutely Articulate. Vanessa suggested 9News visit Absolutely Articulate to record a "9News Morning Wakeup Call" about Toastmasters International. 9News visited the club twice before the segment debuted on September 19, 2011. Both videos are powerful tools which all Toastmasters clubs can use on their websites, blogs, and emails.
The viewing, dubbed a Red Carpet event, drew toastmasters from five clubs in Aurora, including our local TV stars Ian Humphrey of Simply Speaking and Elinora Reynolds co-founder of Absolutely Articulate. Even Bea Garcia-Macliz, District 26 Lt Gov of Education, drove up from Colorado Springs to celebrate the public relations achievements. The magnificent success of the Red Carpet event was due to superb planning of our gracious hostess, Billie Jo Roach, secretary of Simply Speaking, and co-planner Linda Bierman, president of Defenders of Speech. They planned a 2½ hour open house running the video clips every 30-minutes. Between the viewings, guests were encouraged to engage in conversations by a wonderful ice-breaker game ending in a raffle of three delightful gift baskets. Our photographer (and video co-star) Darryle Brown, president of Aurorators, captured many memorable moments for Aurora clubs to post on the websites, blogs, and facebook pages.
As with all major public relations initiatives and High Performance Leadership projects, many people provided mentoring, guidance, directly helped, or were prepared to help, with the creation of the video clips, the Red Carpet event, and this very Dialogue article. To all of you, "Thank You for your leadership and commitment to Toastmasters International." ▪
BackSome of the best speech performances and examples of leadership I have ever seen took place at the Foothills Division Contest on Oct 22. The contest began PROMPTLY at 2:00 PM!
Conveniently located at the Lakewood Library, the room was filled to capacity and those who quickly grabbed front row seats soon found themselves sitting in the second row as more chairs were added in the speaking area to accommodate everyone.
The contestants bravely stepped out of the box with hilarious and creative topics, props, and "zingers." David Lampe served as test speaker while his parents, visiting from Alaska, sat in the audience.
Numerous district officers were present to include the district trio, PRO, IPDG, division, and area governors. ▪ _cah
BackThe TI brand refresh has most clubs scrambling to a create a brand-compliant image and develop new promotional projects. What is your club doing?
Many of us toastmasters have experienced it. For months, we worked diligently through the first ten projects of the basic speech manual to finally reach the coveted CC level. Very often at this point, if not earlier, some members start to ask themselves what might lie beyond the horizon of their club, or whether they should even continue on the path toward DTM. An infusion of new inspiration can raise the overall energy level of a club, but where can that inspiration be found?
To explore new options, some toastmasters step outside the box by becoming a member of advanced clubs. Not surprisingly, these clubs tend to bring together a number of exceptionally ambitious and passionate toastmasters who have countless years of experience. Many are members of multiple clubs, and have even worked at the district or international level. Not to mention those who have reached the CC and DTM levels more than once! It’s no surprise that most of these toastmasters have become exceptional leaders who can share a wealth of expertise with other clubs in the community. Therefore, advanced clubs provide additional support to the terrific leadership that governs D26.
If you have reached the CC level, and you feel a need to expand your vision for your Toastmasters career, consider joining an advanced club as an additional club to help you grow toward your ‘next’ level at a quicker pace. With that new confidence and inspiration you may then be able to better serve the needs of your home club!
Finally, members of advanced clubs are willing to help you through coaching, mentoring, and even by providing speakers, e.g. during educational meetings, new membership drives, or any other speaking opportunities. Consider your advanced clubs a powerful expert resource for helping you and your club!▪
Advanced Clubs
Evening Stars
Exempla Healthcare
2420 W. 26th Ave, Lakewood
2nd & 4th Wednesdays at 6:45 PM
Excelsior
Lutheran Church of the Master
14099 W. Jewell Ave, Lakewood
3rd Saturdays at 9:00 AM
Speak Up
Rockrimmon Library
Rockrimmon & Vindicator, CO Springs
3rd Mondays at 6:15 PM
Spirited Speakers
Microsoft Store
Park Meadows Mall
2nd & 4th Tuesdays at 6:00 PM
Wry Toast #8358 chartered in August of 1991 and since then we have been a Distinguished Club 18 out of 20 years. We earned Select Distinguished six times during those years and President's Distinguished twice.
We are home to the District 26 Toastmaster of the Year for 2000-01, the District 26 second place finisher in the 2000 Table Topics contest, the Metro Division winner of the 1999 Humorous Speech contest, and the 1997 District 26 Evaluation contest winner. The 2008-2009 D-5 area governor is a member and past club president. ▪
BackThe Right Place, "The Write Time"
You are in the "Right Club for You"
How do you go from a club member to being a leader who changes the community?
You write your experiences, you practice saying what your wrote, and you share it with the community around you. You build your skills, discipline yourself to meet your goals and you take the "stairs". That is just how the members of Cherry Creek Toastmasters have been taught.
When Randal Shelton founded a club in the famed Writer’s Manor Hotel of the 70’s, the foundation of hundreds of people was set to be exemplary leaders and speakers in our community. Recently District 26 had the opportunity to wish a happy 30 years to Cherry Creek Toastmasters. This club has generated political leaders, beauty queen representatives, world champion speakers, district leaders, and powerful community leaders.
Yes, exactly what YOU are doing in your club too!
The only difference is that the universe has chosen them to do this in a very short period of time. Two of this club’s representatives have traveled the globe exhorting Toastmasters membership for the improved speaking skills they gained from the club. Both Ed Tate and Rory Vaden have touched thousands of lives since starting in a simple speaking club in south Denver Colorado. They both returned to their roots in Colorado recently, teaching, speaking, and demonstrating their growth since joining a Toastmasters program in the past two decades. With great appreciation for this beginning each has given back to our community.
Ed Tate conducted an evening of one on one answering questions during a pizza party at Beau Jo’s Pizza. Rory Vaden taught the ways of building discipline that improve our life and how to use the social media at a meeting of the National Speakers Association.
New leaders are growing from this club. New district speaking champions, hilarious stand-up comedians and district leaders are blooming from this group. Yes, they still learn from each meeting on Thursday morning at 7AM in the Cherry Creek area of Denver.
I tip my hat to this group that has a great history and an evolving future.
Cheers,
Tom Hobbs, DTM
Lt. Governor Marketing
Some of you have said "thank you for starting this club." Actually, two very savvy young men, Ralph Smedley and Dale Carnegie – back about the time I was born—started it. And – equally savvy men astutely recognized the value of their ideas and joined them.
Today, you and I are living in the truth of the statement, "the rest is history."
Fortunately, no longer just members of the male gender but, quite obviously, women are now able to recognize the truth and value in Toastmasters.
We all know that, to learn and become a really good swimmer, one must get in the water. And practice, practice, practice.
We are each participants in this Workshop-in-Relationships called Life on Earth. Not everyone recognizes the value in, nor [is] willing to go the extra mile to become proficient in, the areas of leadership and communication.
You good people simply realize you—and only you—create your own reality. Congratulations to each of you as you continue to hone your skills.
Congratulations and special thanks to that wonderful group of core members who remain active and instrumental in this ongoing Cherry Creek gift to all of Denver.
It's interesting: the building in which the club initially catapulted onto the Southeast Denver scene – Writers Manor – is long gone. A few of you remember those times.
The spirit, purpose and accomplishments of the Toastmasters organization – now worldwide – truly, quietly, and simply embodies what it takes to outlive untold numbers of buildings.
"Human assisting his fellows" is what this whole thing is all about.
Congratulations Cherry Creek 2977........
Thirty ..( 30 ) !
Heck. You're probably just approaching your adolescence.
Thanks for keeping me on your list and allowing me to be a part of your program today!
And remember - the ABSOLUTE BEST GIFT you can give a person...
is to have them join you in visiting Club 2977 in Denver.
Mr. Toastmaster.
Randall C. Shelton
Author and Speaker
"Life on Earth: THE GAME a manual for those who didn't bring theirs".
Now available at: www.onlyuno.com Blog: www.onlyuno.blogspot.com ▪
It is the web team’s goal to have the content developed and organized by the conference. Thanks to Hugh Curley and the web team for their time-consuming efforts.
Send your
We’ll feature you in the Dialogue and on the website.
The second session will be held in December. Check the website under Education/Training for announcement of the date__coming soon.
Oh, what a challenge it is!
We want member feedback and are logging all the suggestions/requests we receive. Please be aware that the web team consists of three people who are working with a template; not a magic wand. This is an extraordinarily time-consuming project and team members have a life outside of Toastmasters. Family, jobs, emergencie …
Every action has a (sometimes unintended) consequence and occasionally you will see a glitch as we strive to expand the content and maintain a consistent flow.
The landscape of the website is going to change dramatically as we perfect our skills so sometimes we won’t take time to fix something we intend to delete. We appreciate your patience.
Please take time to acquaint yourself with the layout. Once you learn to navigate, you’ll value the clean lines and logical flow.
Hopefully, you have noticed ongoing changes. This month we incorporated more photos and the branded color palette issued by TI.
Over time we have addressed the issue of the sight-impaired and those who use electronic readers. Recent feedback has been positive.
We’re still in need of a reporter; someone who keeps their ear to the ground and knows what’s happening in the district. We also need someone to research/ confirm/ clarify specific information.
WORD COUNT and DEADLINE are vital for more reasons than can be listed here. Please check the Dialogue home page on the website for submission guidelines. Contact the editor with questions. We’re flexible when time and space allow.
An ongoing initiative, contact Tom Hobbs, Lt Governor Marketing to assist with his ideas or offer some of your own.
Tom is funny, creative, enthusiastic, and energetic. You never know what he’s going to have up his sleeve (or on his shoulder.)
We’re placing more emphasis on total communication to make our members well-rounded leaders. If you have suggestions that would expand or enhance our training programs, please contact Bea Garcia, Lt Governor Education & Training.
BackWarren G. Bennis said, "The most dangerous leadership myth is that leaders are born – that there is a genetic factor to leadership. This myth asserts that people simply either have certain charismatic qualities or not. That's nonsense; in fact, the opposite is true. Leaders are made rather than born."
Dr. Smedley recognized that leaders in Toastmasters are made out of necessity, and he recognized it as an opportunity. He encouraged leadership experience in all club members. Officers held formal leadership roles. Meeting officials held informal leadership roles. And they were all learning opportunities.
Over the years, training for many of our leadership roles has been formalized and expanded, but experience is where leadership is learned. The formal training provides a framework, and experience in the roles helps us assimilate and apply that training. You know what that means, don’t you? Learning leadership requires practicing it. You can’t just sit back and absorb it by watching someone else. And while performing the meeting jobs is valuable experience, it’s not the full integrated experience. To get the most out of your leadership opportunity you need to take the training and you need to take on the leadership positions.
What’s that? I hear some excuses, "I don’t want to be a leader," "I don’t have time for a leadership job," or "I’m uncomfortable with taking on that responsibility." Those first two can be true, but that last one makes sense. Think about it though, isn’t that exactly why most of us joined Toastmasters. We were uncomfortable with our ability to speak in front of people. And how did we overcome it? By doing it.
Your club needs leaders. Your district needs leaders. Are you practicing leadership? If not, what’s your excuse? More important, what are you going to do about it?
"The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority."
~ Kenneth Blanchard
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