D47 Sunshiner - May, 2008

www.Toastmasters D84.org

www.ToastmastersD47.org

The Sunshiner Spring, 2008

Dancing With The Stars

Amazing Beginnings

l

Presidental Visit

l

l

l

Dancing With The Stars Showcase

l

Email and Cell Phone Savvy

Enriching Lives Intriguing Accomplishments

l

47 ATHS TO

GR E

84

Leadership ~ Character ~ Attitude Responsibility ~ Mentoring ~ Courage

We have had a wonderful year together. Together many people have become better communicators and leaders. Together we started the transition into the new northern and southern Districts (District 84 and 47). We also had the honor of hosting the President of Toastmasters International, Chris Ford. Our leadership team had more work cut out for them than usual. We should all be proud of what we have achieved together.

As District Governor, I lent a hand to all where appropriate, encouraged the team and imparted mentoring to upcoming officers. To hang on to my sanity, there were several slogans that I relied on at one time or another: Be enthusiastic as a leader because you can’t light a fire with a wet match. I found this expression particularly true when holding DEC meetings. It was important to stay focused and elevate the team. The top highlights were learning about others thru the luncheon Icebreakers.

Always do right. I believe our district was caught up into doing things the “district way” versus doing things the right way. It took courage to say “no” to old styles and “yes” to authoritative sources.

Clear your mind of “can’t.” This is a perpetual phrase. There were occasions of my wanting to “give up” that were outweighed by the joy of a small accomplishment.

The rainbow of life follows a storm. This was oh so true when dealing with delicate situations of clubs or when enforcing the procedures of the district and the policies of TI. My listening and negotiating skills were also tapped during these times.

What you mainly see depends on what you look for. Negative energy is ubiquitous. I looked for perfection at every opportunity. I also looked for positive ways to aid others. There was no down side without thoughts of an upside.

47

A

VE CHIE MENTS RA TE

Wanda Brown, DTM District Governor

AL P DU

The Sunshiner Publisher Wanda Brown, DTM PRO Jonathan Moyd, ATMG/CL Editor Leinesa Adams, DTM

Division 47 Executive Officers District Gov. Lt. Gov. Education-South Lt. Gov. Education-North Lt. Gov. Marketing-North Lt. Gov. Marketing-South Parliamentarian PRO Secretary Treasurer Sgt. At Arms The Sunshiner Editor Web Master Immediate Past Dist. Gov. Dist. Gov. Advisor

Wanda Brown, DTM Antoinette Fox, DTM David Hollingshead, DTM Ron Parpart, DTM Kristina Kihlberg, DTM Bill LeClere, DTM Jonathan Moyd, ATMG/CL Sandy LeClere, DTM Beth McCullough, ATMG/CL open Leinesa Adams, DTM Judd Spitzer, ATMS Loretta Sandy, DTM Bob Blakeley, PIP, DTM

Division 47 Committee Chairs Club Coach-North Club Mentor-North Membership-North Membership-South New Club-South Fall Conference Spring Conference Credentials Audit Nominating Realignment Policies Committee

Nga Nguyen, DTM Pim Love, DTM Kathy Emerson, ATMS Pamela Rolle, DTM Delia Arcelus, ATMB Jeanne McIntosh, ATMS Jennifer Asaro, ATMS Leigh Ann Rassler, DTM Renee Moyd, DTM James Martin, DTM, PDG Manny Costa, ATM/CL Eileen Sarris , DTM Bob Blakeley, PIP, DTM Loretta Sandy, IPDG, DTM

Division 47 & 84 Contact Info District 47 Mailing Address 1374 Mallard Landing Blvd N

Hard work spotlights the character of people…some turn up their sleeves, some turn St. Johns, FL 32259-5253 up their noses and some don’t turn up at all. Bottom line is if you make a com- District 47 (South)Website www.ToastmastersD47.org District 84 (North) Website www.ToastmastersD84.org mitment, do your best to stay the course and fulfill the responsibility.

There is no failure….only feedback. This saying was thrown into play when navigating through DEC and council meetings. By the end of the year, my parliamentarian style of chairing meetings improved significantly.

It was an honor and a privilege to lead District 47 from July 1, 2007-June 30, 2008. Some of the district’s goals were met, some were not. Many members earned educational and leadership awards. Many leaders have come forth. I am hopeful I played a small part of their experience.

Serving as District Governor has definitely changed my life—positively, professionally and personally.

2

Article submission SunshinerToast@hotmail.com Change Mailing Address www.Toastmasters.org

The Sunshiner is a publication of District 47 Toastmasters. Reproduction of articles is strictly prohibited without the express permission of the District 47 Governor. Toastmasters International and the Toastmaster International Emblem are trademarks of Toastmaster International registered in the United States, Canada, and many other countries.

47 ATHS TO

GR E

84

A

VE CHIE MENTS RA TE

New District Leaders

AL P DU

Wanda Brown (center) presents our incoming leadership 47 teams for the new District 84 (North) and the District 47 (South) to better serve our members. You may have heard about changes happening to our District this summer. As of July 1, 2008, District 47 will serve South Florida and The Bahamas, while District 84 will serve North Florida. (Please refer to the county map below to see which district your club will be in starting in July.)

Contents Features: 8-11 Dancing With The Stars

Full coverage of the District Spring Conference in Jacksonville, Florida.

12-13 Amazing Beginnings

The inspiring history of District 47.

Leadership Corner: 2, 4 & 6 District Vision Top leaders share their goals.

5 Enriching Lives

A fellow Toastmaster provides leadership to troubled youth.

14 Presidential Visit (left side) District 84 (North) leaders, (l-r) Scott Hoehn, Ron Partpart, David Hollingshead. (c) Wanda Brown. (right side) District 47 (South) leaders, (l-r)Antoinette Fox, Kristina Kihlberg, Rick Furbush.

International President Chris Ford visited several business leaders and clubs.

Speakers’ Corner: 15 Email & Cell Phone Savvy Practical tips better communication.

Club Corner: 7 Accomplishments

Read about Bahamian Table-Tennis, Business Woman of the Year and Mrs. Florida.

15 South Dade’s 50th Year!

Meet them and learn how they accomplished this fantastic feat!

Upcoming Events: 16 Attend Fall Conference “Working together to help the members of District 47 achieve their personal and professional goals”

Jonathan Moyd, ATMG/CL Public Relations Officer

Judd Spitzer, ATMS Webmaster

D47 and D84 will hold separate conferences.

16 Toastmaster Calendar. Please note the important dates affecting your club and District.

Leinesa Adams, DTM Sunshiner Editor 3

Dave Hollingshead, DTM District 84 Governor, Elect (North)

Fellow Toastmasters, I want to express my deep appreciation for the support I received in my election as the very first District 84 Governor. I am humbled by the honor you have bestowed on me, but I am equally mindful of the great responsibility you have entrusted to me. We are at an historic moment, one which will establish a pattern for the future for all of us. More than anything, I want to ensure we set District 84 up on a path for success! To that end, our motto for the next Toastmasters year will be “Raising the Bar”!

My most important function as District Governor is to serve all of you. I constantly remind myself that we operate in Toastmasters with an “inverted pyramid”, meaning all of you (clubs and members) are the ones with the power and my function is to ensure I do all in my power to help you succeed. I have a personal goal to treat everyone fairly and with the same respect I would like to have afforded to me. I may not always agree with you, but I will listen to your point of view and respond to you respectfully. Likewise, that same treatment will be the expected manner of operations for everyone when we are in a public setting.

Going forward, we will operate according to published Toastmasters guidelines. One of the things I most like about Toastmasters is that excellent documentation exists for almost everything we are called upon to do! There will be few situations where justification for decisions will not be supported by TI documented procedures.

I expect everyone who is a district officer to fulfill their role to the absolute best of their ability.

I am one who works hard and I expect no less from every elected or appointed District Officer.

Those appointed by the District Governor will be held accountable for their performance. All will be required to give regular accountings of their accomplishments.

I recognize I cannot do all that is needed on my own. I also realize how fortunate I am to be surrounded by many talented and willing people with wonderful attitudes for service! Together, we have the chance to build a solid foundation upon which District 84 can become a strong, dynamic, and vibrant district. I am excited about the opportunity which lies before us, and I am confident we have the talent and commitment necessary to build the best district in the world! I invite you to join with us on this exciting, momentous, and historic quest. Let’s Raise the Bar and make District 84 a distinguished district in our first year of operation!

Ron Parpart, DTM Lt. Gov. Education, Elect (North)

“Spread the word, Toastmasters. They can’t join if they don’t know!”

4

Scott Hoehn, II, DTM Lt. Gov. Marketing, Elect (North) As I saw the new District 84 banner being unraveled, I felt it represented an open canvas for all of us. Even with all the experience of leadership and the history of our clubs, the “newness” is quite exciting! I look forward to letting Central and Northern Florida know that our doors are open for business and fun! Here’s to OUR future!

Enriching Lives

by Dave Hollingshead, DTM Speak Up America

If a person is very fortunate, on occasion they personal funds, Peggy purchases and physically encounter someone who personifies all the brings a wonderful meal to them and conducts very best things Toastmasters has to offer. I a formal “graduation” ceremony. had one of those opportunities earlier this year I had the privilege of being invited to address when I met Peggy Johnson of the Arlington one of the recent graduating classes. I have Toastmasters Club in Jacksonville, FL. Peggy, to admit to some degree of nervousness as I an educated, refined, and polished lady who passed through various levels of security and owns and operates an upscale boutique in heard the doors locking securely behind me.

Jacksonville, would seemingly be With some trepidation, I stepped the last person you would expect into a room filled with young to conduct an outreach to incarmen in prison uniforms. Seated cerated young men. However, there, right among them, was you would be greatly mistaken!

“Miss Peggy”. They may be crimiSeveral years ago, Peggy began nals, but they treated her with a an outreach to young men in the level of respect and courtesy I’ve Duval County jail. Three times a rarely seen afforded anyone in year she conducts a Toastmasters recent years! These young men class for these men. During each politely asked her permission, of these eight week programs, responded to her with “Yes young men are allowed to at- Peggy Johnson receiving a token of apMa’am” or “No Ma’am Miss tend provided their behavior preciation for her vital participation in Peggy”, and were seemingly meets standards established the Jailed Juvenile Program. Her outlike puppy dogs nuzzling by the penal system. These standing commitment has significantly their mother. Observing the are not polished and sophis- improved the lives of many youth in the way these young men reticated men, but men concommunity. Presentation by Jay Plotkin, sponded to Peggy, I realized victed and serving time for Assistant State Attorney and Keto Porter, the power that comes when drug offenses, armed robbery, Juvenile Justice Administration. one person chooses to step and even murder. During outside their comfort zone the course of the eight week and give graciously of themsession, Peggy teaches them how to present selves. themselves in an effective manner. Each week I personally came away from that meeting far includes a formal Toastmasters meeting where richer than when I entered that jail. I came prepared speeches, table topics, and evaluaaway encouraged, and proud beyond belief tions are offered. In addition, Peggy provides that the Toastmasters message can be used in coaching tips on how to dress, table manners, such a positive manner to help shape all of our and many other normal social skills that most futures. Most importantly though, I came away of us simply take for granted. At the end of the with a profound respect and admiration for one eight week sessions, the young men who have very special lady affectionately referred to as completed the work “graduate”. From her own “Miss Peggy”. d 5

Antionette Fox, DTM District 47 Governor, Elect (South)

Fellow Toastmasters, I am elated to have been given the opportunity to serve the new District 47 for the 2008/2009 Toastmasters Year. I am indeed humbled and wish to thank all of your for your support and confidence in me, to elect me to serve you the members of this great district. I know that only with a Team we will achieve success. “Together Everyone Achieves More” and I know that team will achieve the goals that are set out before us. I have chosen as a theme for the year “United…We learn with Toastmasters.” Remembering that we are a part of one organization, united as one we will learn from each other and achieve our goals.

Commitment, dedication and the willingness to succeed is the order in which we will operate for the new Toastmasters year, being aware that Toastmasters is a voluntary non-profit organization, the members have all joined with a goal in mind to achieve and the District leadership is here to serve you and help you map out a plan to achieve that goal. We want to equip you to lead from a position of strength and knowledge. My expectations are great and I will hold each and everyone, elected or appointed accountable to report on their specific roles and tasks. We plan to keep the entire District informed of all the happenings throughout the District as a whole and reward as necessary our high achievers.

As a team, we want you to focus on the four critical success factors to making a district successful: achieving Competent Communicators, Advanced Communicators, Membership Payments and Paid Clubs at Toastmasters International. Many goals will be accomplished by helping our members achieve Competent Leaders, Advanced Leaders and Distinguished Toastmasters awards. We are seeking to achieve excellence in District 47 and to surpass the goals given to us by Toastmasters International. To meet this challenge, as a team we must all work together towards one common goal. It all stems from the membership. When a member is successful, the club, the area, the division and by extension the district will ultimately be successful.

District 47 will no longer be the District 47 that we all knew as of July 1, 2008; this by no means should deter our vision and the mission of the Toastmasters Program. We are privileged to have this awesome opportunity as the first team and membership to take a newly realigned District 47 through a successful year beginning July 1, 2008. I look forward to serving you.

Kristina Kihlberg, DTM Lt. Gov. Education, Elect (South) I recently completed my journey to the destination of Distinguished Toastmasters. What a trip!

As English is my second language, along the way my vocabulary has improved as well as my grammar. These were two of the reasons I originally joined Toastmasters. I look forward to working with you.

6

Rick Furbush, ACS/ALB Lt. Gov. Marketing, Elect (South) I first joined Toastmasters in Canada. It was such a professional and inviting group - I knew that this was a very special organization. I rejoined in 2006 after my wife, Kathy, needed just one more officer trained the next day. Since then I have had so many wins as a speaker and an officer. It has changed my life.

Business Woman of The Year

The Bahamas Table Tennis Results

by JC Sweeting, ACG/CL

First Bahamas Branch of Toastmasters

The 26th annual JC Sweeting’s Table Tennis Tournament and Family Fun Day was held at the YWCA’s Hall, Dolphin Drive. On hand was Ms. Rosaline Fawkes, daughter of the late Sir Randol Fawkes. Bishop Errol McLaughlin, a player, opened in prayer. Mr. Carl Minns, president of the Bahamas Table Tennis Federation hit out the first ball to start the event.

Jane Strong of St. Petersburg Toastmasters was named “Business Woman of the Year” by the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce for 2007. A multifaceted approach to business and people lead to this award. Jane co-founded Happy Feet Plus, a local shoe store chain with nine stores and a thriving online business. “The best advice is to find something you really enjoy doing, preferably something that feels good and helps people. It is the passion that I have for what I’m doing that has kept me going!” Jane recently commented.

Innovative ways of reaching the community are used

by Strong and her team. Jane works with podiatrists and chiropractors to help their patients improve their overall health by sharing information and referrals. She has invited physicians to join her on education TV programs.

Part of business success is people skills. 10 years is the average employee tenure - an unusual feat in Floridian retail. The team is encouraged to be ‘individuals’ and are placed where their talents shine.

Ladies: Pam Rolle the defending ladies champion retained her crown.

Children’s: George Harris, winner; Christopher Godet, finalist.

Friends of Toastmasters: Everette Sands, winner; Bissop McLaughlin, finalist Division C: Shawn Adderley, winner Division B: Pedro Young winner; Craig Ferguson, finalist.

Division A: JC Sweeting, winner; Marvin Bethel, finalist.

Last year’s champion Clement Foster and finalist Godfrey Springer, did not compete in this year’s tourney. d

When the Master of Ceremonies announced Jane’s award, she was honored and surprised. She said the practice of Table Topics and the confidence gained in Toastmasters allowed her to enjoy the moment and joke with the audience. d

Mrs. Florida

by Scott Hoehn II, DTM On March 29, 2008, Area 39 Governor Shiela Vitiello, ACG/ALB was crowned “Mrs. Florida 2008” in West Palm Beach. She competed against nearly 30 contestants representing various counties throughout the state. In addition, Sheila was awarded the awards for “Best Interview” and “Most Inspirational”. The contestants were judged heavily (40%) on their interviewing skills as each woman was given a series of questions by the panel. Later, the final question on stage was worth another 10% of the points. Sheila attributed her success to the skills she has attained in over ten years of being a member of Toastmasters. In fact, she placed a half page ad in the pageant’s program to tout the importance of Toastmasters. d 7

District 47 Spring Conference Our historic Spring Conference was SOLD OUT! Toastmasters from all over Florida and The Bahamas did not want to miss out on the last time our current District would get together. The conference was hosted by District Governor Wanda Brown and graced by International President Chris Ford. Many people have made friends from all over the district as they have participated in district events over the years. Sharing the same goals and ideals is a great foundation to strong friendships.

Together many have served to help others along the way.

The Parade of Banners signifies the joining together of clubs from all over Florida and The Bahamas. Clubs represented are recognized as they carry their club’s banner displaying the ribbons that have been earned by the efforts of the club.

Toastmasters get some down time before dinner.

Patty Miller and Sandra Murphree, ACB/CL Deerwood Toastmasters.

Rick Furbush, ACS/ALB, of the Tampa Bay Toastmasters

(l-r) Shari Cartwright, Bill LeClere, and Karyn Phillips have a few 70’s flash backs.

Partners Carole Campeau and Chris Ford, International President share some stories with Bob Blakeley, Past International President and David Hollingshead.

Division B gets the party started in the hospitality suite.

The Bahamian Toastmasters delegation add spirit to our conference.

8

Table Topics Contest What is the importance of the Table Topics contest?

Being able to quickly form ideas and present a view point “off the cuff” can help people in business and life. The contestants responded to the phrase, “If I were...” Hopes, dreams, and living from different vantage points were shared. Ralph Wells laughed with the audience, “If I were a woman every thing would be all right.” Heather Ballmer shared that, “If I were skinny, I would dance all night long” and provided a brief demonstration.

Frances Mae Powers and Jerod Powers break out in disco fever.

Emcee Phil Mattox, ACB (pictured) directed the event.

Congratulations to the eleven contestants who competed in the Table Topics Contest.

The winners are pictured below.

Horace Freeman gets the party started.

Barbara Strasdas is greeted by alien Linda Deshauteurs. (l-r) Justin Montandon, 2nd Place; Heather Ballmer, 1st Place; Ralph Wells, 3rd Place.

Toastmaster conga line!

Larry Mobley and Rosemary Takacs of JEA Communicators enjoy the contest.

(l-r) Melissa Brown is disguised and shown with would-be cousin, Wanda Brown.

Robert Brown struts his stuff on the dance floor.

9

International Speech Contest

Beautiful fish, magic tricks and chickens crossing the road were a few of the topics presented during the speech contest. Eleven speakers competed for the honor of representing District 47 at the Regional Convention. The International Speech Contest is where all the skills of presentation can be wielded by the speaker to inspire or entertain the audience. Many wonderful speeches delighted the full house.

Special thanks to the all the people who helped make this conference memorable. Leigh Ann Rassler and Renee Moyd delivered a professionally coordinated conference that was entertaining and educational.

Leigh Ann Rassler and Renee Moyd

Karl Righter, Past District Governor peppered the audience with wit as he guided all through the contest. The winners are pictured below.

Herb Weiss and Gary Roberts ask where the rest of the rat pack went.

Toastmasters from around the district dine in style. (l-r) Chris Ford; Jodi White, 2nd place; Pim Love, 1st place; Tammyla HarrisReed, 3rd Place; Wanda Brown.

Fred Haley, DTM and Shari Cartwright, DTM reminisce about the budding District 84.

James Martin, Past District Governor, on an official credentialing mission.

Kristina Kihlberg, Jeanne McIntosh, Katherine Cockrel and Delia Arcelus are styling and profiling.

Laughing and learning in Chris Ford’s workshop.

10

Singer Ray Addair croons into the night hours.

Melissa Stephens, Gary Moss, Tara Evans, Kay Hunter and Dorthy Hudson enjoy a fun filled evening.

Communication & Leadership Award

Professional dancers Megan Lee and Robbie Cox from A Social Affair in Jacksonville wowed the luncheon audience.

Improving the health and lives of others has been a life-long service of Dr. James McLamb.

Interestingly, this year he was the recipient of the Communication & Leadership Award.

This award is presented by the (l-r) Chris Ford, Pres. of Toastmasters, district to an individual who Wanda Brown, Dist. Gov. and Dr. has demonstrated outstanding McLamb award recipient. communication and leadership.

After practicing medicine in the Navy and training physicians at University of Florida, Dr. McLamb applied his skills in a new way.

He had strategic and direct leadership in the 350 physician group practice at University of Florida, College of Medicine in Jacksonville.

Thank you, Dr. McLamb, for using your talents to benefit the lives of others.

Kathy Furbush, DTM is congratulated by her Toastmaster friends.

Congratulations go all around to our new Distinguished Toastmasters.

Amir Gamliel, DTM receives hearty congratulations from Diana Loy, DTM as he runs the DTM Gauntlet .

Pamela Rolle, DTM and Delia Arcelus celebrate accomplishment.

11

Amazing Beginnings

by Ira Callman (deceased),

Provisional Governor #1, 1955

Iva and Ira Callman: The Sunshine State Toastmasters DisFounder and 1st trict 47 was born as a result of curiosity. District Governor.

Curiosity may kill the cat, but in this case it catapulted members of a few Toastmasters Clubs in Florida to Action! Being assigned to the Marine Corps Air Station, Miami, in 1952, MSgt Ira Callman was responsible for forming the Staff NCO Toastmasters Club

#1423. In August, 1954, Sgt. William Kuck and Callman decided to attend the International Convention in Washington, D.C. Not being wealthy Toastmasters, they decided to hop a Marine Corp plane to Quantico,

ment, the flight was cancelled and the two Sergeants were able to find an Air Force flight from Miami to Washington.

In Washington, their luxury hotel was the local YMCA. At the convention, the two met B. M. Wherrette from club #28 in Orlando. Incidentally, that club was the first Toastmasters club East of the Mississippi, and it was a very active club. The three chatted for awhile about Toastmasters. That is where curiosity took over. They learned about District organizations and asked themselves why Florida didn’t have a district. They spoke with Ted

Blanding, Executive Secretary of International, who was President of Toastmasters in 1942-43. When the question “Why doesn’t Florida have a district” was posed to Virginia, only 30 miles from Washington. At the last mo- him, he replied with the question “Why don’t you do

12

something about it?� Ted explained that ten clubs had to petition Toastmasters for District status. The District then must be in a provisional status for one year, with no funding from International. Talk about operating on a shoestring...without the shoestring!

After the convention, Sgts Callman and Kuck returned to their positions as NCO in charge of the Public Information Office and Motor Transport specialist respectively. Sgt Callman ended up handling all correspondence and contact about forming the district. With fourteen clubs in the state, it was a job getting the ten petitions. Support was always there from Secretary Blanding. The decision was reached to have a western boundary at the Apalachicola

ready assigned to District 29.) The Tallahassee club wrote that they thought that they should be in District 29. The response acknowledged that point but stressed that it seemed logical that a club in the state capital should be included in the Florida district. They returned the petition immediately. The Board of Directors met in February, 1955. The tenth petition arrived during the second week and the Board voted on February 15, 1955 approving provisional status for District 47. The District organizational meeting was in Orlando in March, 1955 with Ira Callman becoming District Governor and B. M. Wherrette, Lieutenant Governor. The District was started and new clubs started to spring up. The first new club of the District was the Coral Gables Club, chartering in July, 1955.

River (as the rest of the Panhandle of Florida was al-

13

Presidential Visit

by Jonathan Moyd, ATMG/CL Public Relations Officer

The District was honored with a visit from Toastmaster’s International President Chris Ford this spring. To make his visit to District 47 memorable, we rolled out the southern red carpet. The Visitation Committee consisted of District Governor Wanda Brown, Parliamentarian Bill LeClere, and PRO Jonathan Moyd. Chris was taken on an exciting tour of several Toastmasters locations in Northeast Florida.

The tour started Thursday at Kennedy Space Center – NASA, FL. Toastmasters Welmon Speed Deborah Bencich, and Jack Jamba took us on a behind the scenes tour of NASA. The tour was capped with Chris presenting a plaque to Special Operations Manager Col. Joe Dowdy, USMC after a very informative discussion on how Toastmasters has helped improve the leadership and speaking skills of NASA’s leadership team.

Friday started with a bang. Chris was introduced to over 150 top executives at JEA. Leading the tour were Toastmasters Phil Mattox, Larry Wagner, and Kent Mathis.

Chris recognized JEA for their major contribution to District 47. JEA has graciously held numerous Toastmaster contests in the JEA Tower overlooking beautiful downtown Jacksonville, FL at no expense. Chris presented Paul McElroy, CFO, JEA a plaque for their continued support to Toastmasters.

The tour continued to Bank of America where Gregory B. Smith greeted us. He serves as the Jacksonville and Northeast Florida Market President for Bank of America. Gregory was presented a sponsor plaque for their many years of support given to Toastmasters and acknowledged them as a company that appreciates what the Toastmasters organization has to offer each and every employee at Bank of America.

The Visitation Committee received a rare tour of one of five Proton Beam Centers in the United States. Thanks to University of Florida Jacksonville Healthcare and Jacksonville Physicians, Inc. They are the proud sponsors of Toastmasters at UFL and Shands. Chris presented a plaque to Nancy Frashuer, CFO UFJHI & Senior Vice President of UFJPI for her continued support of the Toastmasters program at their facility.

Finally we concluded our tour at the Clay County Chamber of Commerce where we were greeted by President Kellie Jo Kilberg and Chairman of the Board Greg Moorehead. The Clay County Chamber of Commerce has over 900 members and the Chamber is interested in introducing Toastmasters to its members as a tool which can teach its members presentation skills. Chris presented a Toastmasters pin to both Kellie Jo Kilberg and Greg Moorehead and set a date for their kick off meeting. d

14

Email and Cell Phone Savvy

by Phyllis May, DTM

Key West Toastmasters

Cell phones and emails are tools that most people use frequently.

We embraced the new technology together, learning as we went and, in our enthusiasm, manners and etiquette apparently were never considered as part of the learning curve. A few tips can elevate your professional image while not ruffling feathers of others.

“Netiquette” or email etiquette is easy to control. Four keys to good email are: •

Never use ALL CAPS! As often as we hear this, people continue to do it. It’s perceived as shouting and is considered RUDE! Unlock your Caps Lock.

•

It is seldom appropriate to use Reply to All. Reply to the person who needs an answer instead of cluttering the Inbox of many who did not need your response.

•

Create a “new” message instead of adding to a long email chain. Have you ever had to click through a multitude of attachments to get to the important content? If you want to forward this to someone, do not just use Forward. This will make it hard for your reader to get to the good stuff. Instead, forward only the original email. Here’s how: cut and paste the original message into a new message. You will make it simple for your reader to quickly understand your meaning.

•

Please don’t carelessly continue to forward hoaxes that often are years old. Bill Gates/Microsoft is not going to give you money; I promise. Hoaxes are easy to check. It is irresponsible to forward wrong information. Two favorite sites to help detect a hoax are www.snopes. com and urbanlegends.about.com. If it is a hoax, it is appropriate to “reply to all” and send the link which tells the accurate information. Hopefully, this will prevent more people from propagating the hoax.

“Netiquette” is intrusive one quiet keyboard/monitor at a time. On the other hand, improved cell phone etiquette, “Celliquette”, effects every one.

Minimizing the intrusive nature of cell phones is one that will only improve - one thoughtful user at a time.

Cell phones are handy and provide security. How did we ever get by without them? Few would want to do without cell phones, but most would appreciate thoughtfulness and consideration.

•

Unless you are really important, it’s not necessary to answer the phone immediately every time it rings. When you’re

in public, let your voice mail get it. Return the call when you’re in a more private location.

•

Better yet, put your phone on silent or vibrate when in a public location; or turn it off. As Toastmasters, you should be especially thoughtful to prevent your cell phone ringing during any meetings or any performance.

•

Most people are forgiving if you have a call that you are expecting and know you must take, if it rings, during a meeting.

Tell everyone before you start and apologize ahead of time. When it comes, excuse yourself to take the call. NEVER sit in a meeting, restaurant, or other public location and talk when you know that your conversation is distracting others around you.

•

Cell phones are sophisticated. Many still have the mentality that you have to talk loud to be heard.

You don’t. Speak in a normal tone and be cognizant of the language you’re using.

E-mail and cell phones are vital components of our communication world. Using them effectively are necessities for most of us, but using them with consideration is imperative. Their appropriate use might make or break a business deal or a personal relationship - as can poor cell phone etiquette. Think of yourself and answer honestly - are you part of the problem or part of the solution? d

Kennedy Space Center Celebrates 30 Years!

Congratulations to Kennedy Space Center Toastmasters Club for 30 years of developing personal and professional skills. “KSC Toastmasters is a fun loving club that consistently draws new members. We are one of two clubs on the Space Center campus and is the strongest in our Area with a membership of 28,” Welmon Speed, ACS/ALS, VP of Education reports. The club is a diverse group of people but they are united in the same mission. The club has achieved President’s Distinguished designation in four consecutive years. That means that many people are developing talent in communication and leadership.

Congratulations Kennedy Space Center Toastmasters. May you enjoy continued success as a club and as individuals.

15

The Sunshiner

1374 Mallard Landing Blvd N St. Johns, FL 32259-5253

Non Profit Org U.S. Postage PAID Quincy, FL Permit No. 404

Calendar of Events

47 AL P DU

ATHS TO

GR E

District 47 (South) June

47

VE CHIE MENTS RA TE

84

A

District 84 (North)

July

Toastmaster Leadership Institute Training June 14 - Tampa & Fort Lauderdale June 21 - Miami June 28 - West Palm Beach

www.ToastmastersD47.org

Toastmaster Leadership Institute Training in Gainesville.

Date to be announced.

November D84 (North) Fall Conference. Date to be announced.

www.ToastmastersD84.org

(Please see the appropriate website for full details and other events.)