January 2019 Magazine District 71, Toastmasters International

http://d71Toastmasters.org INSIDE THIS ISSUE Club Growth Report

Page 2

#OpenNight Incentive

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#Norwich2019 conference

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Xmas Party Photos

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Division Contest Photos

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Division C News

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Diverse Community Outreach

Page 17

Prize Crossword,

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DISTRICT 71 MAGAZINE January 2019 Welcome 2019 Patricia O’Reilly, DTM District 71 Director 2018-19 “What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals”, Zig Ziglar (recognised as one of the greatest motivational speakers and recipient of the Toastmasters International Golden Gavel award in 1999).

Happy New Year and welcome to the second half of the toastmaster year 2018-19. Whatever your toastmaster goal is you have just under six months to achieve it. My wish for all members and all clubs is that you achieve your goals this toastmaster year.

A healthy club means more members and a better toastmaster experience for all. Lark Doley, International President of Toastmasters International, has introduced the 1.

#WowFactor program for clubs for 2019.

Goal: To increase the quality & performance of every club and to get members to think and say “Wow!” when they attend a meeting.

2.

How: In January/February use the Club

Quality Checklist or Moments

of Truth to carry out a deep analysis of your club’s health.

Find any gaps or areas of weakness. Club officers and members should work together to address any weak areas. Get on board with the District PR Manager Daniel Sandars’ incentives and hold Open House nights. Aim to make your club “the best club possible”.

3.

Video: Have fun and send in a one-minute video of your club’s unique

“Wow!” experience using #wowfactor.

Let’s put District 71 on the map internationally by sending in “Wow!” videos and copying them to Daniel Sandars daniel.pr_manager_d71@sandars.org.uk - so they can be put on the District’s Facebook page and website.

By March, every club should have achieved the “wow!” factor and should aim to ensure that every member and guest has a “wow!” experience when they attend your club.

Page | 1 Editor-In-Chief: District 71 Public Relations Manager Daniel Sandars daniel.pr_manager_d71@sandars.org.uk

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Club Growth Report News from Club Growth Director Gerard Mannix

LIVERPOOL - WELCOME Liverpool City Toastmasters club was chartered on the 7th January 2019. This club is in Area 31 Division N. Congratulations to all involved in establishing the club and every good wish to the members into the future.

FALL INTO WINTER REWARDS Congratulations to 54 clubs that were successful in adding 4+ members in the period 1st November-December 31st. The incentives involved were a choice of a PIZZA supper or GIFT CERT from the TI store.

SUCCESSFUL CLUBS Cork East

Belfast Tm

Talk Club @ Letterkenny

Dun Laoghaire

Talking Heads

Glasnevin Club

Athlone Club

Engineers Club

Cork Toastmasters

EI Toastmasters

Galway Club

Lucan Club

Ennis Toastmasters

Dungarvan Club

Tuam Club

Rathfarnham Club

Raheen Club

Tower Tm

Loughrea Club

Leeds City Tm

Nenagh Club

Clonmel Tm

Ballina Club

White Rose Speakers

Thomond Club

Kilkenny Club

Carrick on Shannon

Doncaster Speakers

Roscrea Speakers

Portlaois Club

Erne Speakers

Warrington Tm

Tralee Club

Gorey Tm

Cambridge Speakers

Chester Speaking

Killarney Club

Leicester Leaders

Anglia Communicators

Manchester Orators

Balbriggan Club

Bullring Speakers

Hertfordshire Speakers

Capital Communicators

Navan Club Tm

Walsall Speakers

Cranfield Speakers

Aberdeen TM

Drogheda Tm

Heart of England

Society Tm

Dundalk Tm

Godiva Speakers

Accentuators

I request the Club to let me know their choice of either pizza or gift cert and the address to which it may be forwarded. My contact germannix@gmail.com telephone 00353872193670 ENJOY Page | 2 Editor-In-Chief: District 71 Public Relations Manager Daniel Sandars daniel.pr_manager_d71@sandars.org.uk

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MEMBERSHIP GROWTH CAMPAIGN: TALK UP TOASTMASTERS

1st February -31st March 2019 • • • •

Add 5+ new members in this period and receive a Toastmasters recognition ribbon and 10% discount at the TI store.

Add 5+ new members and get a $25-dollar gift certificate per club for items in TI store.

Add 7/8 new members…$40 certificate Add 10+ new members…$50 certificate o PLUS Draw for 1 ticket to the Norwich Conference May 2019.

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS - APRIL Membership Renewals • •

80% membership renewals prior to 31st March…$15 gift cert for TI store.

90% membership renewals prior to 31st March…$25 gift cert for TI store.

CLUB GROWTH CAMPAIGN Clubs that charter prior to 31st March qualify for a free club banner valued at $100 and a free club ribbon set.

1.

2.

PLUS, Timing Lights or Stand for banner Each valued at $100 PLUS…PLUS A Club Starter Kit valued at $30

REQUEST I invite any member with a suggestion of a lead, which could be the seed that sprouts a new club, to contact me at germannix@gmail.com Enjoy your Toastmaster experience in 2019.

Sincerely Gerard Mannix

Page | 3 Editor-In-Chief: District 71 Public Relations Manager Daniel Sandars daniel.pr_manager_d71@sandars.org.uk

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#OpenNight Incentive – stock up your club with Pathways ribbons and badges

By Daniel Sandars, Public Relations Manager An open night (or Open House or Guest Night) highlights and engages an entire club and helps it grow. Open nights can have refreshments, decorations and a headliner speaker. They are an all-round fun night.

To claim: simply send your Open Night guest list, highlight those that joined, and tell me about the PR channel you used. daniel.pr_manager_d71@sandars.org.uk For Example: campus-based Cranfield Speakers (Division H) had a stall at two freshers fairs, did poster and leaflet drops around campus, created an Open Night event on Meetup and Facebook and gave additional social media publicity on Twitter and Instagram. They had 133 new enquiries of which 80 attended the open night and ten had joined within two months Support: The District 71 Website has a page full of tips and ideas. http://d71toastmasters.org/open-night/

Additional synergistic Incentives Club Firsts

Club Promotional Videos

External Event Grants

Is your club planning to start, for the first time, a website, get a press release published, produce a club newsletter, or any other novel public relations endeavour? Yes, then claim a club ribbon pack

Have you noticed how powerful YouTube is become with its addictively appealing visual media? The first twenty new club promotional videos will earn the club two pathways pins and feature on the District PR channels.

Have you got the opportunity to set up a stall at a public event?

There are grants of 125 euro towards promotional materials and or venue costs. The grants are competitive and will be based on the likely foot fall, how well you know your target audience and your plans to attract them as guests to your club

Page | 4 Editor-In-Chief: District 71 Public Relations Manager Daniel Sandars daniel.pr_manager_d71@sandars.org.uk

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District Conference #Norwich2019

By Red Skelton DTM, Conference Team Member What does Norwich, 1940s, May 2019, fun, educational and yourself all have in common? If you guessed the 2019 Norwich Conference you would be 100% correct. I am getting excited that we are only five (5) months away from what will be a fantastic and history making conference.

Fantastic? You bet. We will have two outstanding Key note speakers. Eldonna Lewis Fernandez, Accredited Speaker, Toastmasters International will be visiting us from the United States. Eldonna speaks all over the world and we are fortunate to have her come to Norwich for her Keynote and will also be presenting a workshop. Our own Marcus Hemsley, is our second Keynote speaker from Norwich. Marcus is the Founder of a Strategic Digital Marketing company, Fountain. Marcus has worked with many well-known companies but also enjoys working with start-up companies as well. Fountain has been awarded two prominent awards in 2017; Growing Businesses Online Award for Europe, Middle East, and Africa. Four weeks later, Fountain was a Global Google award winner. He will be presenting both a keynote and a workshop, so we are very fortunate to have Marcus at our conference.

Our theme for the conference is 1940s so please help us relive the 40s in both dress and attitude as we welcome the D-Day Darlings, from Britain’s Got Talent on the Friday night.

The Joe Ringer band will be entertaining us on the Saturday night after our Gala dinner.

History Making? You bet. For the first time in our history, we will be holding eight (8) Semi Finals and four (4) finals Speech competitions at one conference. Please come along and support your Division Contestant in each of the Semi Finals and for those lucky enough to make it to the final, they will need your support to help them win!!

Please go to https://www.norwichconference2019.com for more information and to book your place. Looking forward to seeing old friends and making new. If you have any questions, please email info@norwichconference2019.com.

Page | 5 Editor-In-Chief: District 71 Public Relations Manager Daniel Sandars daniel.pr_manager_d71@sandars.org.uk

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Festive party photos

Ballina Toastmasters (Division F)

Tallaght Toastmasters' 1st Xmas party meeting (Division M)

Castlebar Toastmasters (Division F)

North Herts Speakers (Division H)

Nottingham Speakers (Division E)

Clondalkin (Division M) Mary McHugh GE on the night, awarding Chief Elf & VPE, Mary Conlon, and TMD, Simon Breslin with 1st & 2nd resp. in the 'Best Christmassy Outfit'.

Page | 6 Editor-In-Chief: District 71 Public Relations Manager Daniel Sandars daniel.pr_manager_d71@sandars.org.uk

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Lincolnshire Speakers (Division E)

Northampton Speakers (Division H)

Luton Communicators 1st Christmas (Division H)

Cranfield Speakers Club (Division H)

Hertfordshire Speakers (Division H)

Page | 7 Editor-In-Chief: District 71 Public Relations Manager Daniel Sandars daniel.pr_manager_d71@sandars.org.uk

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Division Autumn Contest Photos We invited the Division Directors to send in a picture or two from their contest if possible. This is what they sent

Division A Humorous Speech 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Left to right: Humorous Speech winner: Laura Mehigan (Cork Douglas TM); Division A Director Phillip O'Brien; 2nd place - Holly Blake (Carrigaline TM) and 3rd place - Paula Kelleher (Guardian TM)

Division A Table Topics 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Left to right: Table Topics winner: Murt O Súilleabháin (Bishopstown TM); Division A Director Phillip O'Brien; 2nd place - John Keating (Republic of Work TM) and 3rd place - Eric Downey (Cork East TM)

The Humorous speech contest winner, Sean Dwan {“Roscrea Speakers” club}, with the Division “B” director, Larry Lyons.

The table topics contest winner, Pat Sexton {“Speak Easy” (Mallow) club}, with the Division “B” director, Larry Lyons.

Division C Stephen Morrow (Lagan Valley) 1st place Humorous Speech

Division C Deirdre Davis (Phoenix Tara) 1st place Topics

Page | 8 Editor-In-Chief: District 71 Public Relations Manager Daniel Sandars daniel.pr_manager_d71@sandars.org.uk

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Charles Shier (Contest Chair), Tom Murphy (Humorous Speech winner), Shaun Durkin (Division D Director).

Charles Shier (Contest Chair), Kae Slattery (Table Topics winner), Shaun Durkin (Division D Director).

Hello from Division E contest

Humorous Speech winner Rob Partridge congratulated by Division F Director Pat Croke

Table Toipics winner Gerry McNutty congratulated by Division F Director Pat Croke

Page | 9 Editor-In-Chief: District 71 Public Relations Manager Daniel Sandars daniel.pr_manager_d71@sandars.org.uk

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Division G Director Aleex Knibbs and Humorous Speech winner Peter Lawton

Division G Director Aleex Knibbs and Table Topics winner: AngĂŠline Chenu

Division H Tom Farrell (North Bucks Speakers) 1st Place Humorous Speech. Left to right: Steve Campion (Division H Director), Ryan Parke, Tom Farrell, Kat Anderson, and Faye Ritchie (Area 14 Director and Contest Chair)

Division H Vinette Hoffman Jackson (Bedford Speakers) 1 st place Table Topics. Left to right: Binal Sawjani (Area 44 Director and Contest chair), Samantha Fairclough, Vinette Hoffman Jackson, Clifford Hurst, and Steve Campion (Division H Director)

Division J Humorous Speech winner Dermot Carey

Division J winner of the Table Topics Contest was Elaine Page | 10

Editor-In-Chief: District 71 Public Relations Manager Daniel Sandars daniel.pr_manager_d71@sandars.org.uk

http://d71Toastmasters.org (Uncensored Club) being presented with his trophy by P.J. Claffey, Area 57 Director, who was Contest Chair

Gallagher (Dublin Toastmasters Club) being presented with her trophy by Mairead Murphy, Area 7 Director, who was the Contest Chair

Division M Humorous Speech Contest winners 2018/19. Left to Right: Jill McGrath (Greystones) 2nd, Chris Werner (Dublin South) 1st, Will Doyle (Wicklow) 3rd.

Division M Table Topica contest 2018/19 winners. Left to Right: Eoin Broin (Clondalkin) 2nd; Mary Burnham (Area 5 Director) Contest Chair; Carmel Wynne (Engineers) 1st; Patrick Byrne (UCD Smurfit) 3rd.

Division N Humorous Speech contestants. Kate Trafford of Warrington Toastmasters (2nd left) won

Division N Table Tropic contestants. On Right Division N Director John McFadzean and 2nd right winner Jonathan Carvell (Doncaster Speakers)

Division S Director Avril Stringer & Jim Boyd (Contest chair) – Humorous Speech contest winner – William Feek

Division S Director Avril Stringer & Pauline Dix (Contest chair) – Table Topics contest winner – John Wood

Page | 11 Editor-In-Chief: District 71 Public Relations Manager Daniel Sandars daniel.pr_manager_d71@sandars.org.uk

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Guest Division C

By Division C Director Barry Lane As I sit here at my desk on January 1, frantically trying to meet PR Manager, Daniel Sandars’ deadline, I find it incredible to believe we are at the halfway point of the season. Or as one of our VPE’s phrased it, “We’ve reached the summit guys, now we can start going back down!!”

Hard to believe, but we have reached the halfway point of another Toastmasters season.

I have been in a member for 14 years now and I’ve never stopped learning because Toastmasters never stops teaching. Learning does not conclude with the awarding of a pin, a ribbon, or a certificate. Every meeting is a forum to pick up on something new, be that a topics response, an evaluation, or speech.

As Division Director, I have had the pleasure of visiting several clubs, stretching all the way from Dublin to Belfast. In fact, I’m pretty sure my car knows the M1 motorway better than I do now. In each club I have attended, I have received a warm welcome and witnessed Toastmasters amazing hospitality to guests. I have learned (that verb again!!) much by observing the diverse ways meetings are run, while always adhering to the Toastmasters Core Values of Integrity, Respect, Service & Excellence.

The 2018 portion of the 2018/19 season has been a frenetic, furious and at times frazzled experience but never less than enjoyable and highly rewarding. Some memorable points

Club Officer Training A very enjoyable few hours with excellent hands-on presentations by our Pathways Champion (and Fingal President) Graham Dunne and Past International President Ted Corcoran

Autumn Contests The Division witnessed 4 Area Contests and 1 Division Contest, all of them highly entertaining. Congratulations to Stephen Morrow (Lagan Valley) and Deirdre Davis (Phoenix-Tara) who go on to represent the Division in the Humorous Speech and Table Topics respectively.

Pre-Chartered Clubs I was privileged to be invited to speak at the Division’s 2 pre-chartered clubs - Dublin 15 Toastmasters (Area 16) and Banbridge Speakers (Area 19). Both clubs are doing well and benefiting from support from neighbouring established clubs.

The Division Leadership Team Big thanks to the Division leadership team; Marian, Marie, Chris, Michael, and Laurence for keeping me on course.

Pre-chartered Club, D15 Toastmasters

By Tony McIntyre - Founder In February 2018 we started a new club Dublin 15 Toastmasters in St Mocha’s Parish Parochial Centre, Porterstown, D15. It was a success from the start. The club is being mentored by members from Phoenix-Tara Toastmasters and Castleknock Toastmasters. We have been growing steadily and we expect to charter in the first quarter of 2019. We also have had great support from many other clubs, the Area and Division Directors and this has been an immense help.

Dan Rex Presentation to EI Toastmasters

By Eileen O’Neill – President EI Toastmasters “Enterprise Ireland had a warm welcome for the team from Toastmasters International and was delighted to receive the Toastmasters International Corporate Recognition award from CEO, Dan Rex. EI Toastmasters hosts fortnightly lunchtime meetings and membership is open to all staff working in Eastpoint Business Park. The club was established in 2013 and currently

Page | 12 Editor-In-Chief: District 71 Public Relations Manager Daniel Sandars daniel.pr_manager_d71@sandars.org.uk

http://d71Toastmasters.org has 30 members with great cultural diversity represented by toastmasters from Ireland, the UK, Italy, France, Germany, Japan, the US and more

Assistant Director, Division C

By Marian Brennan; President Phoenix -Tara Toastmasters Seven years ago, while working in a Corporate Company I saw a sign that invited everyone to a Toastmasters open meeting. Suddenly looking at the poster I had an “Aha” moment. This is what I had been looking for, but little did I know that this was going to be one of the best decisions I had ever made. I remember thinking I have arrived! I had loved words all my life and writing short stories had been a secret passion of mine and now here was a place where a group of like-minded individuals were telling me how welcome I was, how I would be supported and encouraged every step of the way along this new journey.

Not too long afterwards I looked up a local club in my area Phoenix-Tara in Dunboyne. I remember so well the welcome I received at the door and the friendly encouraging faces that filled the room that night. Before long I realised I was sitting among some amazing people who were genuinely friendly and welcoming and from that night on I was hooked. I soon learned there was a lot more to Toastmasters than just getting the courage to stand up and speak. You also must learn to know what to say and how to say it. For the first time I learned how to craft my words into a speech that people would be interested in. I learned how to do this within a specific timeframe and through the amazing evaluations that were given each night. I have made friends of the very best kind and been encouraged, educated, and learned what true leadership is all about. From a business perspective it has given me the courage and self-belief to speak to clients and deliver a pitch with confidence. As an individual I have developed, grown, and learned wonderful skills that are invaluable to me. Socially I have made such amazing friends and whatever part of the world I am in I look up a Toastmaster Club that I can attend. This year I am honoured to be President of this great club and I look forward too many more years of remarkable story telling, camaraderie, fun and meeting wonderful people which is what Toastmasters is all about.

Area 10

By Director Michael Madigan Happy New year from Area 10.

This is a vibrant area with five clubs having a combined membership of 130 Toastmasters. Each club held their own Christmas party with the usual Toastmaster chats and fun – hard to beat a delicious meal with friends to round out the year. Now as we move into 2019 all five clubs are planning to achieve nine of their club goals. 2019 meetings are planned to start in early January with Page | 13 Editor-In-Chief: District 71 Public Relations Manager Daniel Sandars daniel.pr_manager_d71@sandars.org.uk

http://d71Toastmasters.org open days and a recruitment drive to support the many New Year's resolutions. Working with all clubs to keep social media sites up to date to attract new members. Focusing on one club to help grow membership back over 20 members.

Looking forward to a successful and fun year ahead and continue to learn by doing!

Area 16

By Director Marie McNamee The clubs in Area 16 are, Castleknock Toastmasters, Phoenix-Tara, Navan, and I.B.M. Blue. As Area Director I am witness to the constant teamwork the clubs in my Area have shown over the year.

Always willing, always steadfast, always a team in the bigger picture.

Friends and Toastmasters as we think about leaving behind all the successes, we have achieved in 2018 we focus on the challenges of the year ahead. We had an extremely successful Division C. Humorous Speech and Table Topics Contests in the Carlton Hotel, Dublin Airport on Sunday 18th Nov. Stephen Morrow and Deidre Davis won Division Humorous and Topics respectively. Gerry French and Regina Byrne were the runners up. These contestants will go forward to the District Contest in Norwich 10/12th May 2019. Well done to the Contest Chair, Laurence Kelly and Chief Judge, Teresa Redmond. Also worthy of mention, is our Division Director, Barry Lane for being the anchor of this major event.

Hopefully we will be welcoming a new community club into the Area early next year, Dublin 15 Toastmasters. I attended a meeting recently and the Toastmaster of the evening opened the meeting with a very inspirational quote about teamwork “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far go together”. How true this is. We are all very fortunate to have had the opportunity of becoming Toastmasters. It has given us all a voice and the skills to work as a team.

Two years ago, I joined a writing club. Before joining Toastmasters, it was just a dream. Words are powerful. Let us use them wisely. Mindful of the Christmas season on the horizon I wrote this poem for all those who do not have a voice.

The Gift of Time. ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖

The Old Man with his half empty shopping bag Making his way home to an empty silence The old woman in the window Who watches, watches, for movement Somewhere, anywhere – to fill the empty hours

❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖

A young boy sitting on the pavement, with his paper cup, begging He could be your son or mine A young girl with her new born baby crying, in the corner of a doorway Waiting, waiting, not for the coins, or discrimination But for just a simple smile We all notice but still we pass by

❖ ❖ ❖

We complicate our lives with wants and needs When all we need is time to hear, time to see the old man and woman And not walk by

❖ ❖ ❖

A friend whose sick and needs to talk A friend that’s troubled but knows not why All they need is time – your time to spare

❖ ❖ ❖

The bustle of the crowd I am not noticed Who are these people hurrying by

❖ ❖ ❖ ❖

Tired, troubled, lonely This could be you or me Let not this priceless gift of sharing time Be wasted by indifference or the pace of day.

Page | 14 Editor-In-Chief: District 71 Public Relations Manager Daniel Sandars daniel.pr_manager_d71@sandars.org.uk

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Area 19

By Director / VPE Newry Speakers – Chris McCabe It has been a fantastic year for area 19 with it gaining a new prospective club, a member from the area winning the division humorous speech contest and the area itself achieving select distinguished.

When I first thought about taking on the responsibility of being area director I never envisioned how hard of a role it would be especially when I set the goal for the area to achieve presidents distinguished.

It’s been incredibly rewarding to really see a different side of Toastmasters, as when you walk into your first ever Toastmasters meeting, you do not realise the level of organisation that goes on behind the scenes.

Part of the requirements for the area achieving presidents distinguished is to have a growth of one club which has led to some great experiences.

A new club is like a blank slate, you forget a lot of the stuff that brings a club together which your existing club takes for granted like a venue, evaluation forms and even lights.

I visited a few potential venues and finally landed at the Downshire Arms, a hotel in Banbridge. It was one of the few places that fit the budget in the three towns I had shortlisted.

Luckily, other clubs have pitched in and taken on roles which I’m truly in their debt for. Banbridge Speaker’s regularly pulls in 10 people a meeting and with the New Year focusing everyone on their resolutions, I fully expect the club to charter before the end of the Toastmasters year.

The proudest moment for me has been watching one of area 19’s contestants, Stephen Morrow, compete in and win the division’s humorous contest.

Stephen has been a pillar of area 19, not only starting the Lagan valley club, serving as Belfast Toastmasters’ president but also serving as Area director previously. I fully expect Stephen to do well and place when he competes in the district final in Norwich.

Over the festive period, clubs are having their Christmas parties, my own club Newry Speakers are meeting in the local bowling alley for a game of bowls and a Christmas dinner. Some clubs have an end of the year awards ceremony to present achievement awards to anyone who has excelled in their club in the calendar year.

As we return to our clubs in January, I am encouraging the clubs to hold open nights and really drive growth. My own club had a very successful open night in January 2018 and we are hoping to repeat the success this coming January.

Page | 15 Editor-In-Chief: District 71 Public Relations Manager Daniel Sandars daniel.pr_manager_d71@sandars.org.uk

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Area 22

By Director – Laurence Kelly Area 22 embraces a portion of north Dublin City. We have both community and corporate clubs and as Area Director this year, I am hugely impressed with what they both bring to their Toastmasters members.

What strikes me about corporate clubs is that by their nature they must make every minute of the TM meeting really count. They can hardly return to work late just because a lunchtime meeting overran. I don’t think their manager would be impressed by hearing an excuse such as “Sorry boss, but Larry or Patricia went over time on their speech……”

These meetings tend to be more focused and full of energy and maybe we could all learn a lesson from their approach.

Having visited both EI and Datalex TM clubs and attended several meetings of a promising prospective club, I have been wowed by their energy and participation. Corporate clubs attract members from several cultural, social, and educational backgrounds. The fusion of this diversity led to several interesting and enjoyable meetings recently. At one recent meeting the different nationalities and professions of the members led to a wide discussion of how Christmas or that season is celebrated or marked by various ethnic groups in Ireland. It was both interesting, educational, and inspiring to hear about the range of meals and family celebrations that were being held over the Christmas/holiday season.

The community clubs have a different approach and a broader range of membership. Those in Area 22, Glasnevin and Viking Voices are very welcoming and enjoyable. The social side comes more to the fore and this helps members to develop and feel comfortable as they explore and develop their speaking skills.

The recent Christmas TM night in Glasnevin club had members from other clubs also. A great night was had, and Santa took a break from his busy workload at this time to act as Toastmaster. Many “speakers tried to ingratiate themselves with him, especially a lady member who “claimed” to be 16!! (Even by reversing those digits you would still be kind to her). Seasonal topics, poetry, and stories with contributions from all present made a very enjoyable and festive meeting.

#WeAreToastmasters picks

Page | 16 Editor-In-Chief: District 71 Public Relations Manager Daniel Sandars daniel.pr_manager_d71@sandars.org.uk

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Special educational section: Diverse Community Outreach Activities Many of our members are actively taking their Toastmaster skills out into the community. Their endeavours raise Toastmasters International’s profile, attracting new members to our clubs whilst having fun and enriching their skills. Here a series of articles have been collated where they share their experiences and tips for best practice.

The articles are broken down into three main sub sections. One each for the two main community-based programs of Toastmasters International 1) the Youth Leadership Program (for young adults with safeguarding arrangements) and 2) Speechcraft (for adults). The final subsection is devoted to diverse examples that go beyond this, such as judging outside speaking competitions and training or presenting to non-members Toastmaster Isweri Pillay (Clonmel Toastmasters, Ireland) reviewed this section. Isweri was actively planning for a corporate Speechcraft that is now underway and summed it up better than I.

That is a wealth of experience in these pages. People have been so generous with their contributions. 3 take home messages for me. Be flexible, prepare well and network to get support from other Toastmasters.”

Due to the volume of submissions the Community Program section has been split into three separate print editions of the District Newsletter. This edition we see the final section on diverse community outreach case studies

Diverse Community Outreach Activities Outreach is an activity of providing services to any populations who might not otherwise have access to those services. A key component of outreach is that the groups providing it are not stationary, but mobile; in other words, they are meeting those in need of outreach services at the locations where those in need are. In addition to delivering services, outreach has an educational role, raising the awareness of existing services https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outreach Community outreach extends beyond the Youth Leadership Program and Speechcraft. This is an embryonic section at present, but so far includes: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Sam organizing two training days for the public based on the Better Speaker and Leadership Excellence series of educational speeches, Daniel describing how Area H44 has worked with redundancy re skill charity Careers Action to lay on educational demonstration meetings and a workshop, and Pat describes how Speakeasy Toastmasters Club (Mallow) spearheads an annual school speaking competition.

Unipart Rail threw down the challenge of organizing a Toastmasters Taster Session and Andy tells us how Doncaster Speakers took it up.

Hertfordshire Speakers’ Elizabeth Jordan describes how Toastmasters’ members teamed up to help deliver a recent Rotary Youth Speaks Competition.

Win-win-win-win-win-win!

Sam Warner DTM – Shropshire Speakers & Ludlow Speakers The thing about thinking creatively is that it sometimes takes you to places you didn’t expect to go.

To find an HPL (High Performance Leadership) project that would help more than just myself, I embarked on some research of the programmes offered by Toastmasters that were over and above the standard traditional education offering.

Lo and behold! I discovered the Leadership Excellence Series and the Better Speaker Series. I hatched a plan. To serve both my club and existing members I set about pulling together a team to help me deliver both series of presentations as two standalone days of training.

I was able to provide 10 and 11 opportunities (15 minutes for each project) for existing members to undertake advanced presentations that contributed to their Advanced Page | 17 Editor-In-Chief: District 71 Public Relations Manager Daniel Sandars daniel.pr_manager_d71@sandars.org.uk

http://d71Toastmasters.org Communicator Silver and their Advanced Communicator Gold. Plus, it provided a chance for new members to get a crash course in leadership or public speaking. It enabled me to deliver a project for my HPL, and for three people to be on my HPL committee. It helped individuals to help me with a PR campaign, and to entice non-members to come along to see what Toastmasters was all about. Win-win-win-win-win-win!

The first session ran in the October for the Leadership Excellence Series, we had 20 members and 4 non-members attend and we broke even charging £12 and £15 a head respectively for the day including a slap-up lunch. Everyone said they felt it was excellent value for money and nice to do something different in Toastmasters for a change.

The second day took place in the following March and included 14 Toastmaster members and 10 non-members at a different venue and ended up generating 4 new members for our club. Again, a slap-up lunch was provided, and the ticket prices and format remained the same.

I used my networking talents to help recruit non-Toastmasters for these events and I advertised it widely across social media, local radio, newspapers and at my place of work at the time, and in all clubs, I could reach out to (even in the neighbouring district).

It never occurred to me that we might get new members from the events and I didn’t realise how many people it would help all told when I first hatched the idea. So, it was a great revelation to learn its far-reaching positive outcomes.

I have since shared my agendas, PR campaign and methodologies with other Toastmasters and helped them to deliver the days themselves. It was a wonderful experience and I can imagine if a Toastmaster has never organised and delivered an event before it’s a fantastic way to dip their toe in the water with support and guidance, so they only have a positive experience.

I would recommend all Divisions (at least) to run one of these events annually to encourage members and provide opportunities to members to create an experience that might bring in new members and serves existing members too. If Toastmasters are struggling with ideas for HPL; this isn’t a bad idea.

I’m happy to help anyone who’d like to put one on.

“You can improve your value by 50% just by learning communication skills-public speaking. ”– Warren Buffett.

Daniel Sandars DTM, Public Relations Manager Milton Keynes (MK) Careers-Action is a charity whose aims are formed to get unemployed managers, technical and professional people back to work or helping them to start their own business.

Since its inception MK Careers Action and its predecessor MK Executives Action have reached out to established professionals in the Milton Keynes Area to supply skills training on the pro bono basis. Many of these individual volunteers have also been Toastmasters members leading to a situation three years ago where the then Area H44 Director (me) rallied the wider Area Toastmasters membership and organized a highly successful education demonstration evening meeting. This format has continued, and we are invited back again on the 28th of November.

We have also continued to find added value ways of interacting with MK Career Action.

Last year we delivered an additional Saturday workshop format to develop the skills many Toastmasters had learnt on a recent Toastmasters International “Speaker to Trainer” workshop held at Cranfield Speakers club in Area H44. Again, last year, the icing on the cake was the opportunity to invite our then Regional Advisor Aletta Rochat to deliver her workshop “how to deliver a GREAT speech with NO time to prepare” to MK Careers Action whilst on her tour of District 71.

John Dale Operations Director of MK Career Action and Past President of Eldergate Toastmasters sums up “The partnership with Page | 18 Editor-In-Chief: District 71 Public Relations Manager Daniel Sandars daniel.pr_manager_d71@sandars.org.uk

http://d71Toastmasters.org Toastmasters has helped people develop their needs on the unemployment trail, to improve their confidence of speaking in front of others and to help them answer questions asked in interviews. There are also other benefits such as helping them with preparation and research before the interview. We encourage members to try out Toastmasters as a model to help them gain confidence and training in impromptu speaking and many have at least been as a guest to Toastmasters groups in and around Milton Keynes. A number have become members over the years.”

A few examples of MK Careers Action members becoming Toastmasters include Ken and Mick who transited from sales-based career to become trainers and Carol who is just beginning to emerge as an International Motivational Speaker.

Speakeasy Toastmasters to host Schools Public Speaking Competition Pat Sexton, VP Public Relations (Speakeasy Toastmasters Club) Speakeasy Toastmasters Club are delighted to announce that their 13th Annual Schools Public Speaking Competition will take place on Thursday 29th November in the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow at 8.00PM. The inaugural Schools Public Speaking Competition was held in 2006 under the guidance of then President, Mary Buckley.

Participants came from Transition Year students (15/16 years old) in the three Secondary schools in Mallow – Davis College, Patrician Academy and St Mary’s School.

On that occasion, Emma Nyhan of St. Mary’s Secondary School, Mallow won the Perpetual Trophy for Best Speaker and her school was awarded the Best Overall Team prize. From the outset, we have been fortunate to have the kind sponsorship and support from Mallow Credit Union and the Hibernian Hotel who provided perpetual trophies for Individual and Team winners. We are extremely grateful for their continued support.

Since then the Competition has expanded enormously with participating schools coming from all over the North Cork region.

Schools in Boherbue, Buttevant, Charleville, Doneraile, Kanturk, Millstreet and Mitchelstown have graced this competition. Without exception, it is the highlight of our Toastmasters season.

Each year, students continue to inspire with their creativity, enthusiasm, and humour. Topics selected range from the serious to the sublime, from the issue of consent to the joy of rugby, from fashion to peer pressure, from bullying to the joy of being a “goth”.

Reflecting the diversity that now prevails in our schools, our competition reflects the diversity of a multicultural Ireland. We hold fond memories of Davis College student, Radek Zuk who talked himself to victory in 2009 with his hilarious account of his experiences as a young Polish immigrant in Ireland.

Each speaker delivers a 5-minute speech on a topic of their choice and are judged on their content and presentation. Each school is entitled to 2 participants. Last year’s contest was, arguably, the finest yet. The winning school was Scoil Treasa, Kanturk and the Best Individual Speaker was Darragh Healy-Fitzgerald of Scoil Mhuire, Kanturk with a wonderful presentation- “Birds of a feather stereotype together”.

As part of the Schools Public Speaking Project, members of Speakeasy, Marie Fitzpatrick, Michael Cronin, and Pat Sexton run Speaking Courses in Mallow, Kanturk and Doneraile. Moreover, members of the Club act as adjudicators for School’s Debating Competitions. A significant amount of adverse publicity is directed towards today’s youth. Our Schools Public Speaking Competition tells an entirely different story. It illustrates the positive contribution that young people make to our community. If you wish to be inspired by the leaders of tomorrow, the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow on Thursday, 29th November is the place to be.

Unipart Rail Taster Session – A challenge accepted!

by Andy Howell (Doncaster Speakers President) Six Doncaster Speaker Toastmasters, 11 Graduates, one intrigued HR Director and one night to prove what Toastmasters can do!

Page | 19 Editor-In-Chief: District 71 Public Relations Manager Daniel Sandars daniel.pr_manager_d71@sandars.org.uk

http://d71Toastmasters.org The challenge laid down by Lucy Weaver, HR Director of Unipart Rail (UR) was to run an onsite ‘taster’ session for her Doncaster based graduates. The aim was to back up all the claims that I had made regarding what Toastmasters can do for people. Who would back away from a challenge like that!

After agreeing a date in November, the challenge began. I am lucky in Doncaster to have a very active membership full of people who want to try new things and to promote TM. Help for the evening was never in doubt.

Basic roles/structure: • • • •

Graduates (11): o 3 Icebreakers and 8 Table Topics Doncaster Speakers (6): o Toastmaster, TT Master, Speech and TT Evaluation, Grammarian, Timekeeper HR Director of Unipart Rail: Ah Counter and General Evaluator

Part of the challenge was to make it a realistic meeting, so we stuck to the normal agenda, with a little more emphasis on the role explanations and some pre-talk guidance.

We had 11 graduates: • •

3 Ice Breakers who all had some prep time and advice in the weeks before they spoke 8 Table topics, who had an example of a Table Topic given by the TT Master (random topic chosen by a graduate)

All the speech evaluations were aimed at positive but real feedback, with each having a commend and recommend. The Graduates were also able to leave feedback for each other and had detailed feedback from Lucy Weaver who although not a Toastmaster is an accomplished speaker herself.

All speakers received first timer ribbons and the best speaker/TT speaker also received ribbons.

It was as close to a normal meeting as we could make it, with the only real omission was having the graduates try evaluation/roles.

This will be incorporated into the next session.

Before the meeting we had 11 very nervous people, who were wondering why they volunteered. After the meeting we had 11 very engaged enthusiastic people who now see the benefits of public speaking as a skill. The graduates also all learnt things about their own styles from the nervous stances to the overuse of complex wording. It was literally the talk of the office for the next week with nothing but praise from the graduates and the HR Director.

Front Row – Toastmasters with one hidden at the back 4th from left Editor-In-Chief: District 71 Public Relations Manager Daniel Sandars daniel.pr_manager_d71@sandars.org.uk

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http://d71Toastmasters.org Quote from Lucy the following day: “You nailed it TM! All was fantastic. Thank you”.

The challenge was successfully completed!

Unipart Rail are: 1.

2.

3.

Prepared to pay TM membership for any graduate who attended.

Sharing their experiences with the rest of Unipart worldwide.

Looking at ways to collaborate with TM (Corporate club?)

Additionally: 1.

2.

3.

We have at least one potential member.

TM Oxford are looking at linking with Unipart HQ. We tried something new and found it to be a total pleasure to share what we do and have learnt some lessons ourselves.

Hertfordshire Toastmasters in Community Outreach Program Elizabeth Jordan DTM Two Hertfordshire Toastmasters, Richard Rutty of pre-charter Stevenage Speakers and Elizabeth Jordan of Hertfordshire Speakers joined the Mayor of Harpenden, Councillor David Heritage as judges at the first round of the recent Rotary Youth Speaks Competition on 15th January 2019. Both are committed to using their Toastmaster skills in the wider community to support the development of effective communication and leadership skills such as the Rotary Speaks Competition.

This well-established competition is promoted by Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland. It offers young people aged 1113 (Intermediate level) and 14-17 (Senior) the following benefits: • • • • •

experience in speaking on a public platform as a member of a team, an incentive to formulate ideas on topical subjects, discipline in dealing with a topic in a limited time, the opportunity of learning and practising high standards of expression, presentation and appearance, and impartial feedback and assessment of performance by experienced adjudicators

Elizabeth Jordan with Mayor of Harpenden and Richard Rutty from East Herts and Stevenage Speakers. Richard, Mayor and Elizabeth were judges. Elizabeth was also Chief Judge.

The topics chosen were wide-ranging, including broad areas such as Politics, Philosophy, History of Science. The standard of speaking was amazingly high presenting the judges with a difficult task of choosing a winner from each age category.

Page | 21 Editor-In-Chief: District 71 Public Relations Manager Daniel Sandars daniel.pr_manager_d71@sandars.org.uk

http://d71Toastmasters.org The team from Beechwood Park School won the Intermediate Award with the topic ‘The World’s Greatest Invention’ and the team from Roundwood Park school won the Senior Award with the topic ‘Does Truth Exist Anymore?’

In her evaluation of the evening, Chief Judge, Toastmaster Elizabeth Jordan, shared commendations and recommendations with the competitors and told them that their speeches were amongst some of the best she had heard.

Last Month’s Crossword Results Winner: Robert Beauchamp (Camulodunum Speakers) December’s Answers

Christmas Word Scramble

dholrup

Rudolph

cmieyhn

Chimney

sgcoeor

Scrooge

olne

Noel

scsrtiamh eert

Christmas Tree

whaert

Wreath

seglhi belsl

Sleigh Bells

ksgnicto

Stocking

nsata clasu

Santa Claus

scsrtiamh gindudp

Christmas Pudding

storfy

Frosty

stnpeesr

Presents

mesoettli

Mistletoe

emcin eisp

Mince Pies

eendrier

Reindeer

Page | 22 Editor-In-Chief: District 71 Public Relations Manager Daniel Sandars daniel.pr_manager_d71@sandars.org.uk

http://d71Toastmasters.org

January 2019: Prize Crossword Guest edited by Elizabeth Jordan (Hertfordshire Speakers)

Instructions •

•

Win Mini Notebook and Pen Set

Email completed crossword to daniel.PR_Manager_D71@sandars.org.uk by Friday 15th February 2019

Item 6850K

All correct answers will be entered in a prize draw. Winners and Answers will be published in the February Edition

Across 4 Sporting metaphor used by 2018 World Champion of Public Speaking (6) 7 One of the Toastmasters Promises is to provide fellow members with helpful, ………………. evaluations (12) 9 Second name of D71 Toastmaster to have completed Presentation Mastery L5 (6) 10 Surname of International CEO of Toastmasters International (3) 11 Goals people aspire to achieve at the start of the New Year (11) 12 The ………… Speaker Program recognizes those Toastmasters members who have achieved a level of proficiency that enables them to be paid, professional speakers (10) 14 According to International President, Lark Dooley, who owns each toastmasters club? (7)

Down 1 ………………of Truth outlines how to create a positive first impression of your club (7) 2 Judge who remains confidential in club contests (8) 3 City where 2020 World Championship of Public Speaking will take place? (5) 5 The network of mostly navigable rivers and lakes in the English counties of Norfolk and Suffolk (3,6) 6 Final month of Toastmaster year (4) 8 Cathedral City where the D71 Spring Conference will be held (7) 13 City International CEO of Toastmasters visited in 2018 (6)

Page | 23 Editor-In-Chief: District 71 Public Relations Manager Daniel Sandars daniel.pr_manager_d71@sandars.org.uk