Allan's Announcements

Fall in Love with Toastmasters TELI Saturday February 14 at the DoubleTree Hotel Park Plaza!

2009-02-03T10:01:00.001-06:00

Attend officer training with our devoted division governors. Hear heartfelt ideas by fellow toastmasters during educational sessions on club excellence, personal development and leadership. Rekindle the romance with toastmasters at the “Building a Championship Club” and “Mastering Your Speech” presentations by World Champion of Public Speaking Lance Miller. Go “From Loser to Leader Searching for L.O.V.E”. with Luncheon keynote speaker Vitalia Bryn-Pundyk.

Register now at http://www.d6tm.org/TELI to register online or via mail and fall in love with toastmasters!

Every Speech is a Manual Speech

2009-02-03T09:55:00.000-06:00

Is every speech presented in your club a manual speech? Is every meeting role a project from the Competent Leader manual? If you answered no to either question, resolve that 2009 will be the year of the manual project. Every speech no matter the topic can and should be a manual speech. Every meeting role should be a competent leader project.

I’ve lost count of the number times someone has told me that their speech doesn’t fit any manual. Nuts! Any topic is a good fit for a manual. Just ask me if you are stumped for a project to match your particular speech. Toastmasters has 15 advanced manuals covering such topics as sales presentations, storytelling, humorous speaking, speeches by management and even speaking on television. Choose a manual that will help you develop the skills you need.

The same is true for the competent leader manual. Every meeting role is a project in this manual. I carry my copy to every meeting. Whether you serve as the toastmaster, evaluator or table topics target, you can earn credit for your role. All you need to do is ask a fellow toastmaster to evaluate you. Some successful clubs even assign evaluators for competent leader projects.

Contact me for advice on making every speech a manual speech.

Who May Conduct Officer Training?

2009-01-22T08:27:00.003-06:00

I'm frequently asked who is qualified to conduct officer training. Many people have the impression that the District Governor must authorize individual trainers.

This is not the case. As the Lt. Governor of Education and Training I decide who is and is not authorized to train officers. That sound rather pretentious doesn't it? My policy is that anyone who has held or is knowledgeable of the office they are training and willing to share their experience with fellow toastmasters is welcome and encouraged to train.

What must be covered in training? The only requirement is that the Distinguished Club Program must be discussed in every session. Other than that, the topics that may be covered during training depend on the needs of the officers. During this round of training you may discuss club building, quality meetings, succession planning and contests (see one of my earlier posts for more on this) and any other topics of interest. The Division Governors will conduct training for specific offices at the TELI.

The goal of the district is for every club officer in district 6 to attend officer training twice during the year. More than 1200 club officers participated in training during June, July and August and I expect at least than many to participate during December, January and February.

This level of participation is a tribute to the dedication of club officers and to our area governors, division governors and other leaders who train club officers. These leaders plan and lead dozens of training sessions during the year. You can find a time and location near you on the district training calendar at http://www.d6tm.org/OfficerTraining

Please contact me if you have any questions about training or leading training.

Remember: trained officers lead distinguished clubs.

Officer/Contest Training

2009-01-15T08:57:00.001-06:00

Learn the subtle science and exacting art of judging and toastmastering the international and table topics contests. We’ll examine the judging criteria for each contest, judging ethics, handling complaints, ballot counting, timing and other exciting topics. During the second half of the session we’ll discuss the finer points of being toastmaster: how to warm up the audience without overshadowing the contestants, preparing for the contest and interviewing the contestants.

Bring your questions, ideas and suggestions to make your contest experience the best.

This session will count as officer training. The session will take place Saturday January 31, 10-noon.

Check out the district 6 calendar for details.

Toastmasters in Tough Times

2009-01-14T10:08:00.000-06:00

We all know that times are tough. If we haven’t lost our job, we know someone who has. Those of us who have jobs have to work harder and longer to make up for those who have been laid off.

Times are tough.

What does toastmasters have to do with tough times? Everything! Now is when we need toastmasters more than ever. When I started teaching, my boss told me that he hired me because of my presentation skills and personality. Three months later another dean hired me in spite of my inexperience because of the zeal I demonstrated during my interview.

Where did I develop my presentation skills? Where did I learn my interview skills? Where else: Toastmasters. I wouldn’t have gotten either job without toastmasters. Toastmasters can give you the competitive edge you need to find a job, build your career or find new business.

Our clubs should be growing in these tough times. We just need to let people know how we can help them and how they can benefit by joining a club. During the next few weeks I’ll talk more about how we can spread the word about Toastmasters in Tough Time.

Please share your stories on how toastmasters has helped you in your career. Your story can inspire others and help your club.

Officer Training at Westside Speakers

2008-12-23T09:23:00.003-06:00

Westside Speakers offers officer training at our January 10 meeting. We meet at the Uptown Minneapolis Lunds located at 1450 West Lake Street.

Find more information at http://www.d6tm.org/OfficerTraining

Northern Division Governor Elizabeth Montgomery and Area 55 Governor Joan Milavitz will lead the session.

Inspiration for the New Year

2008-12-23T09:11:00.001-06:00

International Director POH Kim Siong sent some words of inspiration for the new year. Since the poem is copyrighted I won’t repeat it here, but I encourage you to read it for yourself at http://inspirelife-gelo.blogspot.com/2008/01/promise-yourself.html

Officer Training the Musical

2008-12-23T09:00:00.000-06:00

The second round of officer training is underway and Prairie Division Governor Mark Ziegler has created a tune to inspire us all to participate.

Check it out at http://www.d6tm.org/OfficerTraining

Pass Mark’s creative ideas along to your club officers.

Spicing Up Your Meetings

2008-12-18T09:42:00.002-06:00

Spice: “something that adds interest and relish” Merriam-Webster Dictionary

Could your meetings use some spice? Toastmasters provides us with an effective program. At our meetings we have speeches, evaluations, table topics and business meetings. The program has worked for millions of people for over 80 years.

Even the best recipe however can be improved with a little spice. Changing your meetings every so often can make them more exciting and renew member enthusiasm.

How could you spice up your club meetings? How about holding a backwards meeting? Start with the evaluation portion then table topics answers, then table topics questions, then speeches. How about drawing for roles at the start of the meeting? This is particularly challenging for speakers, but I bet most of us have given speeches without preparing in advance (some of us make a habit of it). This would be your chance to practice your impromptu speaking skills.

Evaluating a speech you haven’t heard or making up a speech with no notice is a challenge, but that’s the point of spices. They challenge your senses and inspire your imagination.

I’d like to hear your ideas for spicing up your meetings. Please send me your ideas or post them here. You’ll get full credit for your ideas.

HIRED is looking for speakers!

2008-12-17T10:43:00.000-06:00

The mission if HIRED is to help people with barriers to employment, and people in transition find meaningful careers. They are in the process of developing a speakers series.

This looks like a superb opportunity for Toastmasters to get speaking experience outside of their clubs and showcase what Toastmasters is all about.

The sessions would take place over the lunch hour at the Griggs-Midway building in St Paul. Linda Hoffman is the Coordinator and can answer any questions you may have. Contact me if you would like further information.

Contest Training Opportunities

2008-12-16T07:51:00.001-06:00

2009 is rapidly approaching and contest season is just around the corner. In response to multitudinous requests I will lead a session on contest judging and contest toastmastering. The first opportunity will be Saturday January 3. Check out the district 6 calendar at Officer Training Calendar I will provide refreshments. Please RSVP to me by December 31.

I’ll see you there.

Marshwinds Toastmasters

2008-12-11T16:07:00.000-06:00

RSVP for the Marshwinds 3rd annual colloquium led by Tom Schmid, DTM. (click on the flier above.) Tom is a Distinguished Toastmaster, former District 6 Toastmasters Governor, Historian, and Parliamentarian.

Members of Marshwinds Toastmasters share reflections in meetings, speaking and leadership tips and follow ups to their speeches here.

Marshwinds Toastmasters meet in Minnetonka, Minnesota at the Marsh on 15000 Minnetonka Blvd. on Thursdays at 9:15 a.m.

For more information check out the Marshwinds club blog at
http://marshwindstm.blogspot.com/2008/12/rsvp-for-3rd-annual-colloquium.html

Comedy Club Ha ha ha liday Party

2008-12-09T11:41:00.000-06:00

Toastmasters Comedy Club presents our

Ha ha ha-liday Party

December 15th
6pm
Shingle Creek Commons
46th and Humboldt in North Minneapolis

Featuring a showcase of food, interaction and all things Toastmasters

So join us to eat, drink and laugh

It’s what we do

See for yourself what Toastmasters is all about

And share some cheer

Better Speaker and Club Series

2008-12-08T11:34:00.002-06:00

These prepared modules are a great way to talk about topics important to every club. These modules are available through the toastmasters website or catalog and are a worthwhile investment for every club. These presentations could be scheduled in advance or for those meetings when no one has prepared to a speech.

Ask for volunteers to present the modules. Make sure your members know that these modules count toward their AC-S, AC-G or AL-B. While each module includes a script and support materials the speakers should make them their own. I suggest that they customize the program to meet the needs of the club and also their personal style: nothing is worse than listening to someone read someone else's speech (unless it is presenting someone else's speech).

Get Credit for Officer Training

2008-12-03T08:44:00.002-06:00

Make sure you sign in when you attend officer training. I record the results of every session with toastmasters international and I can't give you credit if you don't legibly sign in.

You can find the sign in sheet at the district 6 officer training page at http://www.d6tm.org/OfficerTraining

Officer Training has Begun

2008-12-02T00:01:00.002-06:00

December 1 marks the start of the second round of officer training. During the first training period you learned about specific officer roles. During the second round you can add to and share your experience from the first half of the year.

I bet you have questions (and answers) that never occurred to you in June. Now is your opportunity to ask them and also share your experiences with your colleagues.

When, you ask, may I participate in officers training? Why, just check the district training calendar at http://d6tm.org/Calendar

Contact me if you would like to host a training session or participate as a trainer.

Advanced Leader Silver

2008-12-01T11:05:00.002-06:00

The AL-S is the most challenging and exciting award in toastmasters! To earn this award you get to step outside your club and help fellow toastmasters succeed.

There are four steps to earning your AL-S. First you must earn your AL-B (see previous posts to learn how you may do this). Next you take the opportunity to serve as an area governor, division governor, public relations officer, district secretary, district treasurer, lt. governor or district governor.

How, you ask, could you serve in any of these roles? Why just ask your current area governor, division governor or talk with one of the lt. governors (I would be an excellent person to ask) or even our district governor. Any of us would be happy to talk with you about leadership opportunities.

You also get to help new or existing clubs grow as a sponsor, mentor or club coach. I’ll talk more about these roles in future posts.

Finally, you take the opportunity to choose, design and execute a High Performance Leadership project. This project is your opportunity to assess and grow your leadership skills. More about this later.

When you’ve completed all requirements, you’ll earn your Advance Leader Silver.

Advanced Leader Bronze

2008-11-25T08:53:00.002-06:00

The AL-B is the second award on the leadership track. You earn this award by serving as an officer in your club. That’s right; you earn your Advance Leader Bronze by helping your club succeed! President, VP Education, VP Membership, VP Public Relations, Secretary, Treasurer or Sgt. at Arms all fulfill one of the requirements for this role.

You also need to help prepare a Club Success Plan and attend district-sponsored officer training (but you are going to do those anyway aren’t you).

Last but certainly not least you conduct any two programs from the Successful Club or Leadership Excellence Series.

This award is a win-win. You help your club succeed and earn a leadership award. Take advantage of this great deal!

Officer Training is about to Begin!

2008-11-18T14:10:00.002-06:00

The second round of officer training begins December 1 and continues through Feburary 28. While we focused on specific roles during the first round of training the second round is an opportunity to discuss specific topics to market your club and make every meeting exciting.

Check the District 6 website at http://www.d6tm.org/node/46 to find times and locations. Attending officer training twice each year not only earns your club a distinguished club point: it also gives you information and tools to make your club even more dynamic.

Let me know if there are specific topics you would like covered at training. I'll work with our outstanding Division and Area Governors to include your ideas. Perhaps you'd even like to lead a training session?

Competent Leadership

2008-11-18T13:52:00.002-06:00

The competent leader is the newest toastmaster award. The projects in this manual give you the opportunity to develop and practice skills in thinking critically, listening, planning, organizing, managing time, facilitating, mentoring and team building. The best part is that you can develop these skills just by taking on roles at your club meeting.

That’s right. You can earn this award by participating in your club meetings. What could be easier? As long as you are doing the work, why not get the credit?

The challenge to earning this award isn’t doing the work: anyone who regularly attends club meetings is already doing that. The challenge is to remember to bring the manual to every meeting and ask another club member to evaluate you.

I’ve started carrying my manual wherever I go. I usually leave it in my car so that I don’t need to remember where I put it. That way I always get credit for any role I fill.
I’ll finish this project before you can say “Toastmaster, fellow toastmasters and welcome guests.”

Life After your Competent Communicator- The Leadership Track

2008-11-17T10:03:00.003-06:00

This week, I'll take an in depth look at the opportunities in toastmasters after you've earned your CC. We'll start with the Leadership Track.

Competent Leader (CL)
Complete the Competent Leadership Manual

Advanced Leader Bronze (AL-B)
Achieved Competent Leader Award (CL)
Served at least six months as a Club officer (President, Vice President Education, Vice President Membership, Vice President Public Relations, Secretary, Treasurer or Sergeant-at-Arms) and participated in the preparation of a Club Success Plan.
While a Club officer, participated in a District-sponsored Club officer training program
Conducted any two programs from The Successful Club Series or Leadership Excellence Series

Advanced Leader Silver (AL-S)
Achieved Advanced Leader Bronze Award (AL-B)
Served a complete term as a District Officer (District Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Public Relations Officer, Secretary, Treasurer, Division Governor or Area Governor)
Completed the High Performance Leadership program
Served successfully as a Club Sponsor, Mentor or Specialist

New DTMs

2008-11-13T08:32:00.001-06:00

Congratulations to the newest Distinguished Toastmasters! These people have presented more than 50 speeches, served as club and district officers, led a speechcraft or youth leadership program and completed a high performance leadership project. The DTM is the highest level of individual achievement in toastmasters.

12 of our fellow toastmasters have earned their DTM since July 1! Be sure to congratulate these outstanding individuals. You can spot them by the gold medals around their necks and ecstatic smiles.

TELI Presenters Wanted

2008-11-12T09:24:00.007-06:00

If you or someone you know is looking for a chance to strut stuff in front of 50 eager toastmasters, be sure to apply to present at one of the educational sessions. Do you have an idea for a 45 minute session? Are you willing to share your knowledge and experience with your fellow toastmasters? Are you looking for a chance for a 45 minute presentation?

I am particularly looking for people who have never presented at a TELI or convention.

Contact me or check out the district 6 website http://d6tm.org/TELI for an application.

February TELI is Just Around the Corner

2008-11-12T09:22:00.001-06:00

Mark your calendars for the morning of February 14 at the Double Tree Hotel Park Place in Minneapolis. In addition to officer training we will also have our usual outstanding educational sessions on club building, personal development and leadership. Our guest of honor and featured speaker will be Lance Miller, 2005 World Champion of Public Speaking.

Look for the registration form at the district 6 website.

2008-11-11T07:05:00.000-06:00

Congratulations on earning your Competent Communicator award! We change our lives in toastmasters through hard work and perseverance and you've proven your dedication by achieving your CC.

Think of how much you've grown since you gave your icebreaker. Remember how nervous you were? How difficult it was to walk to the front of the room? Did you watch the timer anxiously for the green card?

Think of how much you've grown with just ten speeches! Now you can't wait for your turn to present. You've learned to choose fascinating topics, organize your speech, and choose just the right words to make your point, use visual aids and gestures to add power to your ideas. In just ten speeches you've learned to persuade and inspire your audience.

Congratulations! You've built a solid foundation of speaking and listening skills that will enable you to present yourself professionally and skillfully. Now what? In future posts, I'll talk about the amazing opportunities available to you now that you have earned your Competent Communicator.