Have you ever stopped to think about the enormous number of people who are Toastmasters? People from all over the world seek out this organization to improve their speaking skills and leadership skills.
What is it about Toastmasters that keeps people coming into the fold? The people. That's what I think! It's the people. Toastmasters are people who have a common goal of self improvement in the area of speaking and leadership.
I have asked members of Toastmasters why they joined, and why they remain members for long periods. Some tell me that they continue to hone their skills; others tell me they like the people. I like the organization because each club has a personality but all clubs have a common goal. Practicing speaking and helping others practice speaking is why I enjoy the Toastmasters organization. It doesn't hurt that I continually meet some awesome individuals at Toastmasters meeting, contests, and conventions.
Why do you like attending Toastmasters club meetings?
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Monday, December 3, 2012
Speechcraft
Speechcraft. What is it and what does it have to do with Toastmasters? I'd often wondered this...I looked it up on the Toastmasters.org website and I asked more experienced members of my club. What is this "Speechcraft" thing? I was told that Speechcraft is like a mini-version of Toastmasters, ran inside the club or outside the club by members who are willing to put in the extra time. The participants are then invited to join the club once they've completed the "event". Apparently it's a rare event as no one in my area seemed to be hosting one. (And just why is it called an "event"?)
When my club's new president proposed hosting a Speechcraft event, I eagerly jumped on board. The event was to be held at Alliant Energy (our president is an employee) for interested employees. To say I was nervous would be an understatement. Yes, I've been a Toastmaster for about three years, and yes, I've completed both my Competent Communicator and Competent Leader levels. Yet, I still felt like this was it--how would my new skills hold up in front of a room full of business professionals?
Speechcraft is aimed at a select group of people to help them improve their basic speaking skills. I was there to teach and to mentor. After eight weeks of leading and critiquing and cheering, I realized that I learned just as much as I taught.
Unlike the club environment, this was "real". This group of people were counting on me to show them the way. Every time I spoke to this group, I was painfully aware of every mistake I made. When I came unprepared (and I did) I felt like I let this group down. I let myself down.
This experience taught me where my weaknesses still lie. I have the basics; I can prepare a speech and include all the essential elements. I can lead a meeting and get things done. None of this matters in the face of my greatest weakness--procrastination. Unlike in college, I can't stay up and prepare anything of worth the night before it's needed.
Preparation is key. Time to pull my information together--to create a spell-binding presentation that will not only hold my audience's attention but move them as well, takes preparation. I'm learning this. Every time I give a speech, I can hear and feel the impact time and preparation leave on my speech. It's true: practice makes perfect.
Our "event" ended today. The skills our "Speechcrafters" learned were evident in the successful final meeting in which I was able to sit back and watch them shine. Eight weeks of dedication from all parties. I will miss it.
So I thank Karen, my club president for initiating this event. I thank Jim and Stephanie whose presence and participation made eight weeks possible. And I thank the six warm bodies who allowed me to hone my craft that much more. I encourage you to participate in Speechcraft should you be lucky enough to encounter this "event". Whether you participate as a Toastmaster, there to mentor, or as a newbie to public speaking. The rewards are substantial.
When my club's new president proposed hosting a Speechcraft event, I eagerly jumped on board. The event was to be held at Alliant Energy (our president is an employee) for interested employees. To say I was nervous would be an understatement. Yes, I've been a Toastmaster for about three years, and yes, I've completed both my Competent Communicator and Competent Leader levels. Yet, I still felt like this was it--how would my new skills hold up in front of a room full of business professionals?
Speechcraft is aimed at a select group of people to help them improve their basic speaking skills. I was there to teach and to mentor. After eight weeks of leading and critiquing and cheering, I realized that I learned just as much as I taught.
Unlike the club environment, this was "real". This group of people were counting on me to show them the way. Every time I spoke to this group, I was painfully aware of every mistake I made. When I came unprepared (and I did) I felt like I let this group down. I let myself down.
This experience taught me where my weaknesses still lie. I have the basics; I can prepare a speech and include all the essential elements. I can lead a meeting and get things done. None of this matters in the face of my greatest weakness--procrastination. Unlike in college, I can't stay up and prepare anything of worth the night before it's needed.
Preparation is key. Time to pull my information together--to create a spell-binding presentation that will not only hold my audience's attention but move them as well, takes preparation. I'm learning this. Every time I give a speech, I can hear and feel the impact time and preparation leave on my speech. It's true: practice makes perfect.
Our "event" ended today. The skills our "Speechcrafters" learned were evident in the successful final meeting in which I was able to sit back and watch them shine. Eight weeks of dedication from all parties. I will miss it.
So I thank Karen, my club president for initiating this event. I thank Jim and Stephanie whose presence and participation made eight weeks possible. And I thank the six warm bodies who allowed me to hone my craft that much more. I encourage you to participate in Speechcraft should you be lucky enough to encounter this "event". Whether you participate as a Toastmaster, there to mentor, or as a newbie to public speaking. The rewards are substantial.
Thursday, November 22, 2012
The gift of experience
Thanksgiving time gets me thinking about the mountain of gifts I've received. The gifts I appreciate most are those which offer memories of good experiences. 1 1/2 years ago I gave myself a gift which I did not expect to be as important to me as it turns out to be. I signed up to improve my speaking skills. I feared standing in front of a group. I saw this as a huge responsibility and feared I would let my audience down. Toastmasters has been and continues to help me be a better speaker and a better leader. I was just looking for a way to become a better speaker. What I got back was improvement in speaking AND the opportunity to practice my leadership skills with a group of amazing people.
Thank you, Toastmasters.
Respectfully your student,
Karen Staebell
President Eastside Madison Toastmasters
Club 1366
Thank you, Toastmasters.
Respectfully your student,
Karen Staebell
President Eastside Madison Toastmasters
Club 1366
Saturday, November 10, 2012
My adrenaline is up!
Every first and third Monday of the month my adrenaline increases. Actually every Sunday evening before these Mondays it begins. Planning. Thinking. Looking forward to the big event.
Eastside Madison Toastmasters gets my enthusiasm going. I'm excited about attending these meetings. WHY?
It isn't about me, really. It must be about helping others and others helping me become a better leader and speaker. I like my co-members. Each and EVERY person has qualities I admire. I look forward to listening and interacting with members of club 1366. I like the smiles, the jokes, the relaxed atmosphere, the conversations.... I like Eastside Madison Toastmasters.
What gets your adrenaline up, you enthusiasm going, your excitement rolling? I told you. Now it is your turn to tell me. I'm eagerly awaiting your feedback.
Karen Staebell
President
Eastside Madison Toastmasters
Club 1366
Eastside Madison Toastmasters gets my enthusiasm going. I'm excited about attending these meetings. WHY?
It isn't about me, really. It must be about helping others and others helping me become a better leader and speaker. I like my co-members. Each and EVERY person has qualities I admire. I look forward to listening and interacting with members of club 1366. I like the smiles, the jokes, the relaxed atmosphere, the conversations.... I like Eastside Madison Toastmasters.
What gets your adrenaline up, you enthusiasm going, your excitement rolling? I told you. Now it is your turn to tell me. I'm eagerly awaiting your feedback.
Karen Staebell
President
Eastside Madison Toastmasters
Club 1366
Friday, November 2, 2012
I am working on it, but more practice is in store
Some things are natural. Some things take practice.
The other day as I was transitioning from one meeting to the next, I was reflecting when I looked at the person approaching me. A smile spread across his face. Right behind him another smile spread across her face. I realized I had been smiling. This flitted my thoughts to another train, I must smile a lot. I find people smiling at me, people I do not know. I often have to do a personal check: is something hanging from my hair? is my zipper up? is something on my face? THEN is when I realize I am smiling at the other person.
Smiles are contagious. Why is it when I stand in front of a group that the smile disappears? Nervousness? Focusing on getting other things right? This is an aspect I need to work on. Relax, be myself, smile, speak.
Nothing ever happens by itself. I do not become a better speak unless I practice. Speaking is difficult for me, but I am getting better. I have my ups and downs, but I keep plugging away at this skill.
Take some time and think about what you need to do to meet your personal goals.
Feel free to share. Maybe if I know what you're working on, I can help encourage that habit or skill.
The other day as I was transitioning from one meeting to the next, I was reflecting when I looked at the person approaching me. A smile spread across his face. Right behind him another smile spread across her face. I realized I had been smiling. This flitted my thoughts to another train, I must smile a lot. I find people smiling at me, people I do not know. I often have to do a personal check: is something hanging from my hair? is my zipper up? is something on my face? THEN is when I realize I am smiling at the other person.
Smiles are contagious. Why is it when I stand in front of a group that the smile disappears? Nervousness? Focusing on getting other things right? This is an aspect I need to work on. Relax, be myself, smile, speak.
Nothing ever happens by itself. I do not become a better speak unless I practice. Speaking is difficult for me, but I am getting better. I have my ups and downs, but I keep plugging away at this skill.
Take some time and think about what you need to do to meet your personal goals.
Feel free to share. Maybe if I know what you're working on, I can help encourage that habit or skill.
Friday, September 7, 2012
In your opinion, what makes a good leader?
I was speaking to some friends yesterday afternoon. One of them received a job opportunity to lead a team of individuals. He was talking about the differences in his current position where he manages projects and his new position where he leads people. This got me to thinking about what I think makes a good leader.
I believe a good leader is a good listener. You have to understand where your team is coming from. Knowing how the team members work and feel helps you make better decisions. Understanding your team also helps you develop a communication strategy that builds buy-in when change is required.
Second, I believe a good leader is a good communicator. If you have all the best ideas and plans in your head, but cannot explain to people why the plan is good, you will have difficulty getting people to follow. Leading becomes less challenging when your team understands and follows.
What, in your opinion make a good leader?
I believe a good leader is a good listener. You have to understand where your team is coming from. Knowing how the team members work and feel helps you make better decisions. Understanding your team also helps you develop a communication strategy that builds buy-in when change is required.
Second, I believe a good leader is a good communicator. If you have all the best ideas and plans in your head, but cannot explain to people why the plan is good, you will have difficulty getting people to follow. Leading becomes less challenging when your team understands and follows.
What, in your opinion make a good leader?
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Contests : another way to improve
Successful professional speakers repeatedly tell us that stage time is key to improved speaking skills. Every time you participate in a Table Topics session, give a speech at a regular meeting, fill the role as an evaluator or as a Toastmaster, you are giving yourself stage time. Another speaking opportunity exists in the speaking contests. This fall, two contest opportunities are available to all Toastmasters. The Humorous Speech and the Evaluation contests. Details about our contest opportunities are listed below.
Humorous Speech and Evaluation Contests
Club Contest
Participation.
All members are requested to attend so we have enough participants and judges. Your participation, whether as a contestant or as a judge will create a successful event.
Eligibility requirement
All members of EastSide Madison Toastmasters are eligible to compete in either or both of the contests.
Guests are welcome to observe the contests.
Sign up.
Using the on-line sign up by navigating to our site : http://1366.toastmastersclubs.org , and logging in by clicking on Member Login. Click on Meeting Agendas. View the September 17 Agenda. At this point you can sign up as a contestant or a support person. If all the roles appear to be filled, post a meeting note telling us what role you'd like to fill. The more contestants and judges, the better!
An alternative option to the on-line sign up is to send an e-mail to Victoria Frank advising your intentions.
Winners will be EastSide Madison Toastmasters' representatives at the Area Contest
Area contest
A member of District 35's area C-4, our area contest will be held on the same day as the area C-2 contests.
When: Thursday, Oct. 4th
Winners will be Area C-4's representatives at the District Contest
District Fall Conference: Holiday Inn Riverwalk - Neenah
Humorous Speech and Evaluation Contests
Club Contest
The EastSide Madison Toastmasters will hold both the Humorous Speech and Evaluation contests on September 17, 2012.
Participation.
All members are requested to attend so we have enough participants and judges. Your participation, whether as a contestant or as a judge will create a successful event.
Eligibility requirement
All members of EastSide Madison Toastmasters are eligible to compete in either or both of the contests.
Guests are welcome to observe the contests.
Sign up.
Using the on-line sign up by navigating to our site : http://1366.toastmastersclubs.org , and logging in by clicking on Member Login. Click on Meeting Agendas. View the September 17 Agenda. At this point you can sign up as a contestant or a support person. If all the roles appear to be filled, post a meeting note telling us what role you'd like to fill. The more contestants and judges, the better!
An alternative option to the on-line sign up is to send an e-mail to Victoria Frank advising your intentions.
Winners will be EastSide Madison Toastmasters' representatives at the Area Contest
Area contest
A member of District 35's area C-4, our area contest will be held on the same day as the area C-2 contests.
When: Thursday, Oct. 4th
5:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m. - Contestants' and Judges' Briefings
6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. - Contests/ Awards
Where: Strand Associates, Inc.
910 W. Wingra Dr., Madison, WI 53715 (Google Map of Location: http://goo.gl/maps/aXtQM )
District Fall Conference: Holiday Inn Riverwalk - Neenah
WhenFri, November 2, 8am – Sat, November 3, 10pmWhereHoliday Inn Riverwalk Hotel, Neenah 123 East Wisconsin Avenue, Neenah, WI (map)DescriptionDistrict 35 Fall Conference: Holiday Inn Riverwalk - NeenahJoin us in Neenah, WINovember 2-3, 2012Enjoy the Humorous Speech and Evaluation Contests, take in the educational opportunities and reunite with your Toastmaster friends at the beautiful Holiday Inn Neenah Riverwalk Hotel.
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