Newsletter Date May 2019
Downtown Toastmasters Club 4350 District 65 Area 15
TOASTMASTERS SPRING NEWSLETTER A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR: Stay true to yourself, yet always be open to learn. Work hard, and never give up on your dreams, even when nobody else believes they can come true but you. These are not clichés but real tools you need no matter what you do in life to stay focused on your path. Phillip Sweet This summer will mark my third year anniversary of Toastmasters. It will also mark my second year of holding the title VP of PR. There are certain concrete requirements that come with the title- this newsletter being one of them- but I didn’t take the role on because of the things I would have to do to fulfill my promise in my accepting. I took this role on because of the path I’ve walked in Toastmasters. I am on a quest, on the path you could say, to constant self-betterment. So are you. We walk this path together but, like pathways, there are many different roads to get there. And so I signed up for this role almost two years ago because when I showed up to my first meeting I was shaking. I didn’t know what to expect and I was scared to death of whatever it was. I was called on immediately- to answer a question, to participate in table topics, to give my thoughts on how I liked the meeting. And I hated every second of it. I hated getting up so early and I hated having to be anywhere at 7:30am, especially on a Friday! But I am stubborn and I was determined. Determined to get over this fear of standing in front of people. Determined to get over the fear of my own voice. I wanted to have the confidence to share my thoughts, to feel as though they were worthy enough to share. I didn’t know what to expect; but like many people, I had reached a crossroads where I felt change was necessary. What I found was a group I’ve come to rely on. A group that no matter how long it’s been or how many meetings you’ve ‘missed’ welcomes you back time and time again like an old friend. A group that encourages growth and getting out of your comfort zone and having fun while you do so. I found a group of people who enjoy each other’s company, who cheer each other on, who support each other no matter what. In short, I found something I wanted to talk about. I can’t tell you the number of people I’ve recommended Toastmasters to. I can tell you I’ve sent staff to meetings and even other managers’ staff to meetings. I’ve emailed our details and if our meeting doesn’t work for someone, I email about other meetings. I became the VP of PR because of the path I walk in Toastmasters. Because of the change I’ve seen in myself, and in many of you. Because when you find something that changes your life, you want to share it with other people. I have been honored to hold this title and I look forward to future years of service wherever our club might need me. We’re all starting Pathways together and I look forward to these new challenges and watching our members rise up to meet them. I look forward to walking this path with you and supporting you all as you walk your own path. Pave your own path and be fearless. Adam Draper Valerie Ingold, VP of Public Relations, Downtown Toastmasters Newsletter Editor
INSIDE THIS ISSUE A note from the editor ......... 1 Intro to Pathways ............... 2 How to Pathways ................. 3 Congratulations to Glenn! ... 4 Announcements .................. 5 Keeping the meeting flow .... 6, 7 35th Anniversary! ................ 8 Closing Remarks.................. 9 Word of the day Search........ 10
The only reason to give a speech, is to change the world. John F Kennedy
INTRO TO PATHWAYS Happy Spring to all you awesome Downtown Toastmasters! As your Vice President (VP) of Education, my role is to ensure that members are aware of their options for speech projects, are connected to mentors, and that everyone is working toward achieving their public speaking and leadership goals in Toastmasters. As many of you know, we have a new program called Pathways, which came out last May. If you haven't signed up with Pathways yet, check out Val Cronin's article on the next page "The How-To... Pathways." There are eleven different paths to choose from, including: Dynamic Leadership, Effective Coaching, Engaging Humor, Innovative Planning, Leadership Development, Motivational Strategies, Persuasive Influence, Presentation Mastery, Strategic Relationships, Team Collaboration, and Visionary Communication. There will surely be a path to fit your needs and goals! When you give a speech from your Pathways path, be sure to print out your evaluation pages from the project assignment to give to your evaluator. If you have already started your Pathways experience, yay! The website has a lot to explore, and it may feel a bit confusing. If you need help figuring out how to work through the website, contact any of the board members: Marty, me, Glenn, Christine, Jane, Val Ingold, or Val Cronin. If we can't help you, then don't hesitate to call or e-mail Toastmasters International at 720-439-5050 or membership@Toastmasters.org.
Of course, you can still keep working on speeches using the previous system, which means you can keep using your Competent Communicator manual or any other speech manuals you'd like! You can get credit for doing projects in these manuals for two more years. Remember that the Downtown Toastmasters board are all serving because we want to make our meetings a meaningful experience for everybody. So.... keep signing up for roles and enjoy the summer! Sara Jablonski, ACB, ALB VP of Education, Downtown Toastmasters
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THE HOW TO... PATHWAYS Next steps……..
When we reviewed the progress our club has made under pathways we see that a little over 75% have signed up for a path under Pathways…Congratulations to those members who have accomplished this!! For those of you that have not yet done so a few tips: You will need to log into Toastmaster International website at www.Toastmasters.org. To do so you will need your Toastmaster International password. This password is not the same one you use to log into our local Downtown Toastmasters web site (unless you specifically made them the same). Log into Toastmasters International log in with the correct password, and if you forgot your International password no problem. Just click on FORGOT MY PASSWORD and they will send you a link to reset it. Once you have your password take the assessment and see what Path they recommend for you, keeping in mind that you can always select another path if you so wish. So come on!!! Let’s get everyone to select a Path!!! Once you have your path, go to Base Camp and select ACCESS MY PATH THROUGH BASE CAMP. There under Educational Transcript you will see the path that you selected. Next to your path click on OPEN CURRICULUM and then hit LAUNCH. This will make available to you your project list, helpful ideas, your pre-assessment, your evaluation for your icebreaker and your post-assessment. Look for the arrow on the right to click through these steps. If you complete these steps you will be well on your way to complete Level 1. Good luck and don’t hesitate to ask for help. Completing these initial steps are critical to getting you on your way…. Val Cronin
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Our own Glenn Gordon has had quite a year! He has won numerous awards including Division Director of the Year! Awards: First Place 2019 International Speech Contest Toastmasters- club, area, division & district! District 65 Division A Area 15 and Division Director of the Year 2017 – 2018 For Outstanding Service and Exceptional Leadership!
Congratulations Glenn!
SUMMER IS AROUND THE CORNER! Announcements: Summer Picnic– July/August (stay tuned for details) Officers Swearing In– 6/28/19
HOW TO… HAVE A GREAT MEETING At downtown Toastmasters, we’re all responsible for having a great meeting and keeping our time on track! See below for some suggestions on all roles!
Toastmaster Encourage socializing at 8:30 If Sergeant of Arms is not ready, TM starts meeting at 7:30 Use easy to answer/short introduction questions Announces the introductions are brief to keep meeting going Remind members to write comments during speech Stop long speech – TM advises wrap up For voting, send basket around the table starting at the opposite end of where the sergeant of arms is sitting. Bring up all speakers at once to present them with awards Sergeant of Arms 7:25 call to move to seats Pre-set up name tags to be out and ready for regular attendees Remind role holders sit up front Presentations should be set up before meeting (use black slide as first screen) Provide additional AV assistance if needed Word of the Day Read the shorter list of who did or did not say the word. Table Topics Keep the Table Topic introduction /explanation shortened and concise. Briefly review who and what was spoken on for voting.
Send basket around the table starting at the opposite end of where the sergeant of arms is sitting.
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Timer Time the inspiration – 2 minute limit Timer gives a very brief description of their role. Not necessary to go into specific details ‘I will be timing the speeches, evaluations and table topics. The green, yellow, red lights will go on when you have reached minimal, mid and longest periods of your speaking role. After speeches, time 1 minute to complete comments.’ Timer states “8:15” Timer doesn’t need to announce actual times but writes it on their speech comment slip or for later reference if wanted. Ah Counter / GRAMMARIAN Combining Ah counter and Grammarian into 1 role. Give the number for how many dings at $.05 each for those who owe. Guests are exempt. Keep examples of crutch words, good and poor grammar to a minimum. Speakers Speaker sends information to evaluator in advance to prepare for introduction 7 minutes or longer speeches take up 2 slots Everyone When holding roles (excluding Timer), sit at the tables near the lectern. Sidebar guests and new members for filling in shortened explanations.
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35 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!
Dear Downtown Toastmasters Club President,
Congratulations on reaching your 35th anniversary! This is an important milestone in your club history that must be celebrated. This achievement demonstrates the ability of your club leaders to successfully fulfill the mission of empowering members to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth. Your club has provided many members with their first Toastmasters experience and has served as a gateway to a larger journey of selfdevelopment and enduring community. Every member should be proud of the invaluable service your club provides to individuals and your community as a whole. Keep up the outstanding work!
They don’t need a lawyer, they need a toastmaster. Edward Bennett Williams, American Lawyer
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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT:
Greetings Fellow Toastmasters: We are having a very eventful year. Please join me in welcoming our new members: Deu Awuck, Anthony Bonaventura, Charles DiMaria, Angela Falleta, Moyla Halimy, Amy Hartl, Melonya Johnson, Duncan Kirkwood, Malisa Kurtz, Joseph Lampard, Rayah Latiff, Shawn Loos, Jake Mabee, Sujith Narayanan, Thomas Quigley, Nicolas Sciandra, Satwant Singh and Kirthi Yeluripati. Many members have reached their latest goal. Laura Chestnut ACB (Advanced Communicator Bronze), PM 1 & 2 (Presentation Mastery), Paul Poenicke and Marty Schwab CC (Competent Communicator), Sara Jablonski Level 1 Dynamic Leadership. Kudos to Glenn Gordon our DTM (Distinguished Toastmaster). He received two awards - First Place 2019 International Speech Contest Toastmasters District 65 Division A Area 15 and Division Director of the Year 2017 – 2018 For Outstanding Service and Exceptional Leadership. We are on track to maintain our status of Distinguish Toastmasters Club. An update is forthcoming about our remaining goals for the balance of the current year. We are a welcoming club that specializes in fun and entertaining meetings. Marty Schwab President
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WORD OF THE DAY WORD SEARCH! BY JANE GAJEWSKI
M C L F N F Z E P A A A D M B
P E A J E A R S A L R I J H J
P V G D C E T A V R E N E T D
H O K A A K Q C O Z U Y V F M
S S C C L K M G A S Q P I X T
R U S Z Y O A Q C R Y B T Q K
T N O X S T M U M V X L I L W
Q O O I E R I A L A L G N K G
U F R Y R O T C N U F R E P Z
ARROGATE – To take or claim something ELUCIDATE – To make something clear, explain ENERVATE -To lessen or reduce energy HALCYON – Calm, Happy LENITIVE – calming or soothing, laxative MEGALOMANIAC – A person who has delusions of their own power MENDACITY – The act of not telling the truth ONUS – Duty or responsibility PERFUNCTORY – requiring minimal effort SALUBRIOUS – healthy, healthful
Downtown Toastmasters Blue Cross Blue Shield- Health Now 257 W. Genesee Street Downtown Buffalo contact-4350@Toastmastersclubs.org Friday mornings from 7:30 to 8:30
K S F I C B L H A I Z R L V N
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