ToastTalk & eNews Archives
VP Public Relations Online Make Up Training
Join me on Monday, January 24th from 7:00 – 8:00 PM for VP Public Relations Make Up Training. In this interactive session you will learn
- How to get the word out about your Club
- What it means to protect the brand
- What other Clubs find successful
Are all the officers in your Club trained? Did you know your Club can earn $50 in certitficates to the Toastmasters Store when all seven officers are trained?
Leanna Lindquist, DTM Past District Director
Register here.
February eNews
Editor’s Corner. . . District 7 Toastmasters is always looking for better ways to help you grow. Until the end of June, we will be sending you tailored messages designed to provide you with tips to help you end the year strong instead of sending out the eNews. Whether you are a club officer or a member working on improving your communication and leadership skills, your success is important to us. Read more
Save the Date! D7 Training Event 2/22/2014 Join us on February 22nd at Frogpond Church in Wilsonville for a very special training event on Celebrating Membership. District Governor, Scott Alexander will lead us through a session on learning what the characteristics of a quality club are and the correlation between the Moments of Truth and the Distinguished Club Program. You will walk away with a clear understanding about how these two core programs are intertwined and lead to the success of members and their clubs. Member Connections – Creating a Stronger Community Over this past year, District 7 members have been connecting through social media in increasing numbers. If you want to know what’s happening, check out the District’s Facebook and Linkedin pages. Both have given us an opportunity to share our personal and club lives with each other, no matter where we live in the District. The eNews with it’s updated look, interesting articles, and event pictures is opened on average by 800 members a month. Our Facebook page has nearly 450 members and boasts some lively discussions, and Linkedin is slowing increasing with 284 members. The newest District 7 blog, Tips on Tuesday, has a steadily increasing open rate, and now is sent to 147 members. What’s your favorite way to spread the word? Let us know at pro@d7toastmasters.org. Club Officer Training . . . . . How are we doing? Twice a year Toastmasters Club Officer Training takes place in District 7. Members participated in two Toastmasters Leadership Institutes (TLI) in January. Between the two events, 262 out of 1,295 (20%) club officer positions were trained. If you are a current club officer or want to know more about what being a club officer entails and you did not participate in training last month, you can attend one of the divisional club officer training events happening throughout the district in February. Check the District 7 calendar for the date, time and place of a club officer training event near you. See photos from Athey Creek TLI. January Winners – Submit an Award, Earn a Reward Congratulations to all members who submitted advanced awards to Toastmasters International during January. An email went out this past weekend to all rewardees giving them a link to order a Toastmasters pin or manual of their choice. Check the list of winners here February/March – Submit an Award, Earn a Reward Incentive Continues Lets keep the momentum going, all members who submit a Competent Communicator or Competent Leader Award to Toastmasters International during February or March will earn a new manual or Toastmasters pin of their choice. Read more Congratulations to all 2013-14 Triple Crown Winners
Congratulations to everyone who has earned a Triple Crown award during the current Toastmasters year by submitting three different educational awards to Toastmasters International. Winners list Ruth’s Story Ruth Geislinger is a Toastmaster you have seen at conferences, trainings and networking events. This is all thanks to the support of her fellow Toastmasters who provide her with transportation. Ruth has a unique story, one of perseverance, opportunity and support. Take a few moments and read her story as told to David R. Johnson. Read more |
Call for Speakers:We are looking for speakers for the District 7 Spring Conference: Creative Communication.Are you a dynamic, engaging presenter? Do you have a topic related to communication that others can benefit from personally or professionally? Are you seeking exposure to a large regional audience? Speakers at the Toastmasters District 7 events are afforded the opportunity to speak to a diverse audience of 200. If you have what it takes, and agree to the expectations listed in our Speaker Submission Guidelines and Mutual Agreement, please fill out the form completely and click “Submit.”
Distinguished Clubs to Earn Special Reward District 7 has a special incentive program. All clubs earning the award of Distinguished, Select Distinguished or President’s Distinguished by April 15, 2014 will earn free admission to the Darren LaCroix Friday night event for all the club members. Registration opens April 16, 2014 for all members of qualifying clubs. The first 200 people to register by April 30, 2014 will be guaranteed a seat. May 1, 2014 all available seats will be on sale for $25. The evening includes appetizers and a no-host bar. District 7 Spring Conference: Creative Communication Do you strive to make your next speech better than your last? Do you struggle when writing your speeches? Darren LaCroix, 2001 World Champion of Public Speaking will help. Register now for the best price. Buttonmania “Ask Me about Toastmasters” buttons and marketing materials were distributed at TLIs. Be sure to post your “Button Stories” on the D7 website for the opportunity to win great prizes. Is your club using the buttons in a unique way? Please share on the D7 website or Facebook Group. If you are in the Portland area and need more buttons email pro@d7toastmasters.org Toastmasters for Aspiring Presenters Toastmasters for Aspiring Trainers (formerly Servetus) is in the process of reinvigorating itself. We have a series of guest presenters for the month of February, Cathey Armillas, Tom Cox, and Rose Wellman, who will present various training related workshops. Our inaugural presenter is Cathey Armillas on February 11th, 2014 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm, DeVry University. To find out about this presentation and learn more bout Toastmasters for Aspiring Trainers Read more
Oregon State Toastmasters Club Celebrates 50 Years The Oregon State Toastmasters Club is celebrating their 50th Anniversary. They are having special speakers and guests including Dr. Sastry G. Pantula, Dean of the OSU College of Science. Light refreshments will be provided. Everyone is welcome to attend this this once in a liftetime celebration on February 7th, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm. For details read more D7 Prison Trust Fund Recieves Donation January 18th Feedbackers Toastmasters Club hosted a workshop at the Beaverton Library. Dr. Randy J. Harvey, DTM, 2004 World Champion of Public Speaking presented the workshop Public Speaking 101: Messages That Matter. Based on his book by the same title the attendees participated in a five hour interactive workshop. Dr. Harvey donated the books and his time. $1150 was raised for the D7 Prison Trust Fund. Funds are awarded on a scholarship basis to inmates to pay membership dues. “Speak like each word you use cost a million dollars.” Dr. Randy J. Harvey, DTM 2004 World Champion of Public Speaking |
Distinguished Clubs to Earn Special Reward
Own the Stage
Darren LaCroix 2001 World Champion of Public Speaking
What’s the fastest way for a speaker to go from good to GREAT? One word: Coaching. Think you can’t be a great speaker? Think again. Darren’s first performance and his championship speech are absolute proof that presenting is a learned skill.
Before becoming the 2001 World Champion out of 25,000 contestants, Darren LaCroix studied ten years worth of World Champion contests over and over again. He discovered what separates the person who wins from the person who comes in second. The winner had three points in common. Want to know what they are? Earn your way to this event and hear it directly from Darren.
Participants will give 1 to 2 minutes of the opening of a speech and receive instant feedback from a master speaker coach! Objectives: To give you a champion’s perspective on common presenter mistakes, along with techniques and tips that anyone can use to correct them!
You’ll walk out with a coaching checklist and a whole new perspective on speaking. Go from good to GREAT! “Dareenteed”
Distinguished Admission for Friday Night, May 16th – Own the Stage
District 7 has a special incentive program. All clubs earning the award of Distinguished, Select Distinguished or President’s Distinguished by April 15, 2014 will earn free admission to the Darren LaCroix Friday night event for all the club members. Registration opens April 16, 2014 for all members of qualifying clubs. The first 200 people to register by April 30, 2014 will be guaranteed a seat. May 1, 2014 all available seats will be on sale for $25. The evening includes appetizers and a no-host bar.
Member Connections – Creating a Stronger Community
Over this past year, District 7 members have been connecting through social media in increasing numbers. If you want to know what’s happening, check out the District’s Facebook and Linkedin pages. Both have given us an opportunity to share our personal and club lives with each other, no matter where we live in the District.
The eNews with it’s updated look, interesting articles, and event pictures is opened on average by 800 members a month. Our Facebook page has nearly 450 members and boasts some lively discussions, and Linkedin is slowing increasing with 284 members. The newest District 7 blog, Tips on Tuesday, has a steadily increasing open rate, and now is sent to 147 members.
What’s your favorite way to spread the word? Let us know at pro@d7toastmasters.org.
District Realignment Committee Named
Each year, District 7 realigns clubs within its boundaries to allow clubs — and members — be more effectively served by the Area Governors. Although the vote for the new alignment occurs at the Spring Business Meeting, the new alignment becomes effective July 1, 2014.
The mission of the 2013-14 realignment committee is to conform to Toastmasters International guidelines as stated in Protocol 7.0 (1)(D) and (F) (areas must consist of four to six clubs and every division must have a minimum of 3 areas), and to provide members with better connections to assigned governors by realigning the division and area boundaries. This will be accomplished through study of the geographic and demographic structure of the District as it is today, proposals for realignment based on a set of standards established by the realignment committee, and communication with affected governors and clubs.
Each member is tasked with reviewing a division for possible realignment. Changes to the current structure will be presented to the Division Executive Council as soon as possible for review and comment. The current committee members are noted along with their assigned division.
Feedbackers Toastmasters Snags the Trophy
Second Quarter High Achievers Award goes to Feedbackers Toastmasters.
Feedbackers Toastmasters Club is the “monthly workshop series” that will help you sharpen your evaluation skills. At each meeting, speakers get a minimum of three evaluations (often more) honing in on vocal variety, body language, emotion, or anything the speaker desires. Then the evaluators are given detailed feedback on how they can improve.
- You will learn to listen better.
- You will learn to speak better.
- And you will always learn something new!
The club meets on the 2nd Wednesday of every month, at 7:30pm, at the Beaverton Library.
Buttons, Buttons, Here Come the Buttons . . . .
Do you want to be the proud owner of the latest and coolest tool for spreading the word about Toastmasters? Attend a Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI) or club officer training event this month and get your very own “Ask Me about TOASTMASTERS” button!
Rendered in Toastmasters branded colors, the “Ask Me about TOASTMASTERS” buttons are great conversation starters at your workplace, in the mall, or any place where you’ll meet people.
You’ll get a FREE button simply for attending TLI. You can also buy additional buttons while supplies last.
All club presidents attending training events will receive special membership building kits consisting of the “Ask Me about TOASTMASTERS” buttons, plus lots of marketing postcards, flyers, and other Toastmasters information. If your club president cannot attend, you or any other club officer can claim the membership building kit for your club.
Don’t miss out on this excellent opportunity to share the magic of Toastmasters with your colleagues, neighbors, and yes, even total strangers. Get your very own “Ask Me about TOASTMASTERS” button and start the conversation about Toastmasters.
NOTE: Check the D7 Calendar for training schedules http://d7toastmasters.org/calendar-2/.
December/January – Submit an Award, Earn a Reward Incentive
Members continue to submit their rewards to Toastmasters International rather than hold them until year end. So far, 280 educational awards have been submitted, an increase of nearly 8% over last year. When awards are submitted, both the member and their club benefit. The member receives the recognition they so richly deserve from Toastmasters International and the club members benefit by participating in member recognition ceremonies, inspiring them to work towards their own successes. Clubs can also count member achievements towards completing their distinguished club goals.
To keep the momentum going, all members who submit an advanced communication or advanced leader award to Toastmasters International during December or January will earn a new manual or Toastmasters pin of their choice. Last year, 44 advanced awards were submitted during December and January. Can we increase that number by 8% this year for the same time period? I believe we can – DON’T YOU?
Give the Gift of Success this Holiday Season
During this holiday season, as you compile your gift list for cousin Jane, brother Harry, or hair stylist Alex, think about giving the gift of success. We know that Toastmasters should be on everyone’s bucket list, right? The communication and leadership skills we learn are nothing compared to the confidence and knowledge gained every time we attend a meeting. Sure, most of us walked into our first Toastmasters meeting thinking we’d melt into the floor if someone asked us to speak, but we survived didn’t we? Remember the elation you felt after delivering your first speech when your fellow members congratulated you on a job well done? What about all the testimonials you’ve heard, that because of Toastmasters, jobs were gained and promotions happened? Think about it.
You can rock someone’s world, setting them on the path to becoming a great leader and communicator, by giving them the gift of success – all for the price of a six-month membership. What are you waiting for?
High Achievers Award Presented to Fortunate 500
Leanna Lindquist, District Public Relations Officer, and I attended Fortunate 500’s club meeting on October 29th. This high energy club followed a Halloween theme throughout the meeting. The evening was balanced with an ice breaker, where we took a journey from third grade spelling bee champion to a calling as a Salvation Army Pastor, followed by an inspirational project 10 where we experienced the angst of job loss and how Toastmasters played a role in helping the presenter find their next job. In Table Topics we spoke with ghoulies, ghosts, and witches. Everyone participated in the meeting, making it a lot of fun. Club president, Bob Kerr, accepted the 1st Quarter High Achievers award for the club, and agreed that Fortunate 500 is very fortunate indeed to have such loyal and hard working members. He wasn’t a bit surprised that the club achieved first place in the competition, as he believes they are Number 1 in all their endeavors!
Second quarter High Achievers award will be presented in January to the club whose members submit the largest percentage of educational awards in October, November, and December based on active membership at the end of the quarter. For October Servetus, Grants Pass, and Molalla Toastmasters were the front runners in the contest. With two more months to go, every club has the opportunity to walk home with the trophy.
October 2013 Earn an Award, Recieve a Reward Recipients
Congratulations to everyone who completed and submitted a Competent Communicator award during the month of October. The members noted below have earned either a new manual or a Toastmasters pin. Look for a personal letter from Phyllis Harmon, DTM, Lt. Governor Education/Training, containing a link to order rewards.
New Membership Rules Effective 4/1/2014
Beginning with the renewal period 4/1/2014 – 10/31/2014, clubs must have a membership base of 8 members, of which 3 must be from the prior renewal period, in order to maintain their standing at Toastmasters International. This is a change from the current rules, where clubs only needed to have 6 members with 3 from the prior renewal period.
There are currently 183 clubs in District 7. Forty-five clubs have eight or fewer active members. If your club is in danger of losing their active status because of low membership, now is the time to hold an open house, conduct that community speechcraft you’ve been discussing, and start ramping up your membership drives. If you want help with your campaigns, contact Michelle Alba-Lim, Lt. Governor Marketing at lgm@d7toastmasters.org. As a reminder, clubs with less that 12 members are eligible for the club coach program. Contact Leanna Lindquist, Club Coach Coordinator, clubcoach@d7toastmasters.org, for more information about how this program can help your club increase membership.
If your club isn’t affected by the upcoming rules change, please lend a hand as a club coach, part of the marketing team, or as an unofficial club mentor. Together we can help our smaller clubs thrive by partnering with them on their return to charter strength. Contact Michelle and Leanna asap, your Toastmasters family needs you.
Help Wanted: Club Coaches
Do you have the desire to help a struggling club succeed? Will your Toastmaster skills inspire members to turn their club around? Is an Advanced Leadership Silver Award in your future? If you answered yes to any of these questions then the role of club coach is for you.
District 7 offers training, conference calls with other coaches and support to help you be successful as a club coach. The goal of a club coach is to help club members to help their club reach the goal of Distinguished. The term as a Club Coach can begin at any time. It ends on June 30th. Visit the District 7 Home Page and check out the resources under Club Coach at the top of the page.
For more information or to sign up to be a club coach contact Leanna Lindquist, DTM, Club Coach Coordinator. clubcoach@d7toastmasters.org
September Submit an Award, Earn a Reward Recognition
Congratulations to everyone who chose to submit a Competent Leader award in September. The members noted below have earned either a new manual or a Toastmasters pin. Look for a personal letter from Phyllis Harmon, DTM, Lt. Governor Education/Training, containing a link to order their rewards.
During the first quarter (July 1 – September 30), members submitted 166 awards to Toastmasters International. Congratulations to everyone working towards their personal goals in the areas of communication and leadership. Here is a breakdown of the awards submitted so far this year.
“I’m excited to see so many members working towards their own success. By submitting their awards, they receive well-deserved recognition, and at the same time, help their clubs accomplish their Distinguished Club goals. Well Done!” from Phyllis Harmon, DTM, Lt. Governor Education/Training
And the Winner Is…
The District 7 1st Quarter High Achievers Award was captured by Fortunate 500 Club. Close competitors were Siuslaw Talespinners and Tabula Rasa. In addition to winning the 1st quarter trophy, Fortunate 500’s group picture will be displayed on the large screen at the Fall Conference, an article about the club will appear in the November E-news, and notices about their achievement will be forwarded to the local community papers for publication.
Congratulations Fortunate 500 Toastmasters Club!
The District 7 High Achievers award will be presented each quarter to the club whose members have submitted the highest percentage of communication and leadership awards during the quarter. The winning club is based on awards submitted divided by club membership at the end of the quarter.
Submit an Award, Earn a Reward Challenge Continues!
The August/September “Submit an Award, Earn a Reward” campaign was tremendously successful. Forty-five members submitted Competent Leader awards during the period and earned either a free manual or Toastmasters pin. The campaign continues, but with a new challenge! For every Competent Communication award recorded on Toastmasters International records during October and November, members can choose to be rewarded with a free manual of their choice or Toastmasters pin.
Lost Member Reactivation Campaign
September is membership renewal month. A great source of potential new members lies in your former members. Compile your list and schedule a special even just for them. Welcome them back with open arms. They will remember all the fun they had as a toastmaster. Table Topics will make them feel like they are back home. Current and former members will have a chance to rekindle old friendships. Many people leave toastmasters because life and schedules get in the way. Times change, a warm reception by you may be all it takes to encourage a former member to rejoin. As a bonus a goal in the Competent Leader manual can be fulfilled when an event is planned.
The 2013 Toastmasters International Convention
This year I once again had the pleasure of representing District 7 at the International Convention, an event that I would encourage all toastmasters to attend at some point in their Toastmasters experience. I want to share a few highlights with you from the event.
District Leader Training
The Convention
Wednesday the convention was in full swing. We had four days to learn and grow with Toastmasters from around the world . The educational sessions were packed as we took in everything that we could. As you can see from this picture, for some, there was no standing room left.
Packed into the schedule was the World Championship of Public Speaking. Rhonda Holdridge did a great job representing us on the stage. Her story and delivery were excellent and once again we saw how focusing on one speech can truly transform a great speech into an incredible one.
In the end Rhonda did not make it to the Saturday morning Finals. We need to find a time for her to share what she learned and allow her to inspire our members to strive to deliver their best speech.
The convention featured the Hall of Fame where districts were recognized for the success of their members and clubs. District 7 was recognized as a Distinguished District based on the successes that our clubs had in both achievement and membership. It was an honor to be part of the group that received the award on your behalf.
Our banner, with all the signatures from our members, stood out. You can find that photo in the District 7 Facebook group.
When I looked at the schedule of events it felt like there was lots of extra time, but it slipped away all too quickly. I reconnected with friends from previous years and online. Before I knew it the speech finals, the business meeting and the President’s Dinner and Reception were all behind me. As I suggested earlier, every Toastmaster should find time to attend an International Convention. While next year is in Malaysia, the 2015 conference is in Las Vegas, which is probably the closest venue for years to come. There are opportunities to volunteer at the event to save on registration fees if that is a challenge.
I look forward to seeing all of you at the District 7 Fall Conference: Passion to Purpose and I hope to see you at the International Convention in the years to come.
I Want You to Earn an Educational Award
Last year, 530 members in District 7 Toastmasters earned one or more education awards. This year, I want to see every member achieve at least one educational award if they have been a member for 12 months or more.
Lt. Governor of Education and Training Phyllis Harmon has great incentives coming out soon to encourage you to complete and submit your awards. I want to sweeten the pot. Throughout the year I will offer special incentives to members for succeeding in the education program. This is just a bit of extra recognition and reward for members to celebrate their growth.
Why am I so interested in as many of our members as possible being recognized? It’s because I believe that our educational system is the best way for members to grow as leaders and communicators. Members who are growing and reaching their personal goals are more likely to share Toastmasters with friends. Finally, members who are reaching their goals are more likely to stay in the program to continue their growth.
How do you hear about the programs? Watch the blog and the eNews for announcements. I’ll post every time there is a challenge and post the winners at the end of each special incentive.
Scott Alexander
District Governor
District 7 STAFF 2013-2014
July: Spruce Up Your Website
Internet plays a big role in attracting prospects to your club. Club websites are “Marketing 101”. Does your club have a FTH 2.0 Website? Does your home page reflect what your club is all about? What makes your club special? What will you offer prospective members? Are the time and location of your meetings easy to find?
- Visit the TI home page and enter your club number on “locate a club”.
- Make sure all the information about your club, it’s meeting time and location are accurate.
- Does the photo of your club reflect your current membership?
- Do visitors on your website know what makes your club unique?
Spruce Up Your Website Contest July 1, 2013 – August 15, 2013 Contest deadline extended to August 31, 2013. There are two categories for the contest. One winning club website from each category will be announced on September 10, 2013.
*Club does not have a current branded website.
*Club has a current website that has been “spruced up.”
Resources:
Free Toast Host 2.0
Easy Speak
To enroll your club’s website in the contest fill out the form. One winning club from each category will be announced on September 10, 2013. Each winning club will be treated to a cookie and lemonade party. Contact: pro@d7toastmasters.org