Tips for a First-Time Toastmaster

Tips for a First-Time Toastmaster

If you’ve signed up for the Toastmaster role and need some tips and pointers, this is the blog for you!

Today, you’ll read about 10 great tips!

Let’s get started shall we?

The Toastmaster‘s role is to serve as the meeting’s emcee, introducing the Functionaries, the Speakers, and the Table Topics Master. The Toastmaster is introduced by the President and gets the meeting underway by introducing the theme of the day and offering appropriate remarks about the theme. They make sure the meeting flows well, keep time, and most importantly, make the guests feel welcome.

A good Toastmaster will explain each step of the meeting so that all guests have as complete an understanding as possible so that they can participate, if they so desire, or simply follow the agenda without getting lost.

10 Tips to Help You Succeed Your First Time as Toastmaster

1. Relax and don’t let the role unnerve you.
2. Call a more veteran member to ask for advice or suggestions.
3. Choose a theme that is familiar or interesting to you.
4. Prepare some opening and closing comments about your theme that invite the audience to want to participate and learn more.
5. Keep your opening and closing comments brief — you are there to keep things moving, not to pontificate for long stretches of time.
6. Pay attention to the clock … you are largely responsible for keeping the meeting on time.
7. Make an effort to explain each step of the meeting for the benefit of guests who are first-time visitors to Toastmasters.
8. Smile and make eye contact with the audience. These are your friends and they’re all rooting for you!
9. Remember it’s your job to provide an enough copies of the Agenda for all members and guests in attendance.
10. Have fun!!!

The more relaxed you are and the more you enjoy yourself, the better meeting experience you will create for everyone.

__________________ 

If you’re reading this as a potential guest of Airpark Toastmasters, we sure hope you’ll visit us next week! We’re friendly and supportive – and we do lunch after almost every meeting! Hope to see you soon. 

That’s all for now, but before I leave you, one last thing… I get asked this question all the time!

“Does Toastmasters Really Help?”

Personally, I’ve witnessed transformation after transformation of those joining the Airpark Toastmasters family terrified to speak in public – but then turn into public speaking rock stars! Of course, past history doesn’t guarantee you that same success – you’ll have to make your own intelligent judgements about whether or not we are a fit to help you reach your professional goals.

But I can say this: despite the countless public speaking successes our members have experienced (including 5 media appearances) there are people who race to join Toastmasters, have revealed to them a ‘blue-print’ for public speaking success and yet a few months down the road are still stuck or parked in the same spot!

You do get what you put into it.

I don’t think this will be your experience. After all, you found our blog and read this far so you must be interested in furthering your personal and professional goals through public speaking. Congratulations on completing the first step.

Now, the next step is to stop by as a guest, introduce yourself and watch and learn as we all move forward overcoming our fears, growing professionally through better public speaking and having a great time doing it!

Scottsdale based Airpark Toastmasters, meets at noon every Thursday at the JCC building at 12701 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260. That’s on the SE corner of Scottsdale and Sweetwater Rd. Please click here for directions and feel free to drop in anytime as a guest.

Happy Speaking,
Dana – President | Airpark Toastmasters

Google+

Public speaking … Butterflies … and You …

By now I hope you’ve come to the same realizations about Airpark Toastmasters as I have –

First, we’re an atypical and stellar club – “outside the box” as they say – versus other Scottsdale Toastmasters’ clubs. And that’s a good thing.

Second, we’re growing nicely with great members and always have guests that are excited to be a part of us. Even better – every member is excited and committed to becoming a better speaker and leader – and that’s powerful …

It’s powerful because when everyone is on the ‘same page’, amazing things happen! I once watched hundreds of monarch butterflies gather over a single plant. Slowly, one by one, they perched themselves atop it … then, one stiff breeze spooked them and they dispersed like a puff of smoke high in the sky. Somehow, miraculously though, every butterfly returned atop their perch as if nothing happened – it was a bonding energy that kept them together – as if they were all on the ‘same page.’

Yes, there is strength in numbers. But, true bonds aren’t created if those numbers can’t or won’t commit to the same goals. Today, I feel that everyone here is committed to the same goals: respect, confidence and personal growth through better public speaking. In other words, we are all on the ‘same page.’

I know, I know … we’re not butterflies but the point still holds: like the butterflies, committed groups of people can accomplish incredible things. And it appears “miraculous-like” to those outside the group. (I promise you – those around you have already noticed a difference in you.) Have confidence that your sense of belonging and commitment to your personal growth is creating miraculous things – right now! Be proud in everything that you’ve accomplished so far … but don’t stop here – this is just the beginning.

For Members: Continue your growth right now, and sign up for a functionary role for our next meeting – what few roles are left.

For Guests: Stop in this Thursday and watch first hand how Airpark Toastmasters is helping its members become better speakers, leaders and communicators. There’s no obligation and we’d love to meet you in person! Here is a link to our directions. We all look forward to meeting you on Thursday.

It’ll be another great meeting this week – and that’s squarely because of you – the members and guests of Airpark Toastmasters!

That’s all for now, but before I leave you, one last thing…

“Does Toastmasters Really Work?”

I’ve personally witnessed transformation after transformation of people joining our family terrified to speak in public – but then turn into public speaking rock stars! Of course, you’ll have to make your own intelligent judgements about whether or not we are a fit to help you reach your professional goals.

But I can say this: despite the countless public speaking successes our members have experienced (including 5 media appearances) there are people who race to join Toastmasters, have revealed to them a ‘blue-print’ for public speaking success and yet a few months down the road are still stuck or parked in the same spot!

You do get what you put into it.

I don’t think this will be your experience. After all, you found our blog and read this far so you must be interested in furthering your personal and professional goals through public speaking. Congratulations on completing the first step.

Now, the next step is to stop by as a guest, introduce yourself and watch and learn as we all move forward overcoming our fears, growing professionally through better public speaking and having a great time doing it!

Scottsdale based Airpark Toastmasters, meets at noon every Thursday at the JCC building at 12701 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260. That’s on the SE corner of Scottsdale and Sweetwater Rd. Please click here for directions and feel free to drop in anytime as a guest.

Happy Speaking,
Anthony – Current Past President | Airpark Toastmasters
Author: Anthony Contreras
Google+

Public Speaking Rant and Happy Valentine’s Day!

Oh Will You Be My Valentine

Hi, something’s really been bothering me lately – and you’re going to hear about it. But first…

Happy Valentine’s Day!

And just in time … the new Love Poem Generator Smartphone app. Create and text a custom poem from your phone straight to that of your Valentine’s.

Like this one:

“The moment I saw you

my heart was sold

and the two of us

will never be cold.”

Yikes! Can it get any worse?

(I guess) I see why this is needed. Guys really do have trouble with this kind of stuff. And plus, it avoids embarrassing face-to-face rejections. Like when he’s holding a dozen roses in hand asking, “Will you be my Valentine?”

Only to be told, “I already have one.”

Ouch.

He should have use the Love Poem Generator app instead…

Why Rejection Matters To You

The bigger point is this: More and more I see too many professionals in the workplace looking for safety nets – hiding behind a text, or an email – instead of actively engaging colleagues face-to-face; hiding behind a smart phone app – instead of picking up the phone seeking real communication.

But for public speakers like you and me, we don’t have that luxury.

We speak to groups all the time KNOWING that we MUST be heard. That takes a skill that is hard to teach. But, there IS an “app” for that…

It’s called Airpark Toastmasters.

And unlike the Love Poem Generator app, our job as public speakers is to connect with a real, live, bona-fide audience … to engage them …and get them to take action on our point of view.

That is what we strive to accomplish at each and every TM meeting. And it’s impossible to do with a text, email, or … an app. If it were that easy then everyone would do it. But that fact is …

More people would rather die than overcome their public speaking fears!

Jerry Seinfeld says, “More people ‘wanna’ be the guy in the casket than ‘wanna’ be the guy giving the eulogy to the guy in the casket.”

Overcoming our fears … that too is what we strive to accomplish at each and every meeting.

In fact, we’re one of the few place around that allows you to practice your speaking skills in a safe and supportive environment, – no one passes judgment on you. We are, after all, in the same boat together.

I commend you for being a part of our speaking family … attending regularly … taking on roles and making this club the best one in the area.

In the last 3 weeks EVERY guest told me that

ours was the most enjoyable club they’d visited

EVERY guest!

That’s squarely because of you. And I can’t thank you enough.

Happy Valentine’s Day to you!

Anthony

P.S. – Oh, and for the men out there in relationships of ANY significance, I wouldn’t recommend using the Love Poem Generator. That’s like sending her a 140-character ‘Happy Anniversary’ tweet. As my uncle would say:

“Son, that ain’t gonna get you nowhere…

Instead, be above average and treat her the way she deserves to be treated. (Ladies, do the same for your ‘him.’)

And, be above average in your circles too – break from the norm of colleagues that hide behind emails, tweets, and posts. Get above that and become the most dynamic public speaker your organization has ever heard.

This adds more value to your company while cultivating your marquee status over and above your colleagues. Believe me, your superiors WILL notice.

That does matter to you, doesn’t it?

That’s all for now, but before I leave you, one last thing…

“Is Toastmasters All A Bunch of Hype?”

I’ve personally witnessed transformation after transformation of people coming into our family terrified to speak in public – turn into public speaking rock stars! And, you’ll have to make your own intelligent judgements about whether or not we are a fit to help you reach your professional goals.

So what I can tell you is this: despite the countless public speaking successes our members have experienced (including 5 media appearances recently!) there are people who race to join Toastmasters, have revealed to them a ‘blue-print’ for public speaking success and yet 6 months down the road are still stuck or parked in the same spot!

You do get what you put into it.

I don’t think this will be your experience. After all, you found our blog and read this far so you must be interested in furthering your personal and professional goals through public speaking. Congratulations on completing the first step.

Now, the next step is to stop by as a guest, introduce yourself and watch and learn as we all move forward overcoming our fears, growing professionally through better public speaking and having a great time doing it!

Scottsdale based Airpark Toastmasters, meets at noon every Thursday at the JCC building at 12701 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260. That’s on the SE corner of Scottsdale and Sweetwater Rd. Please click here for directions and feel free to drop in anytime as a guest.

Happy Speaking,
Anthony – President | Airpark Toastmasters
Author: Anthony Contreras
Google+

How To Add Humor To Your Speech – A Recent Airpark Toastmasters Meeting Case Study

Read This Only If You Want To Learn

How To Add Humor To Your Speeches

Here, are bits and pieces from a “gut-busting-good-time-of-an-Airpark-Toastmasters-meeting” we recently had. I discussed a couple examples from that day recently – but here a few more salient points from that infamous meeting.

Mastering public speaking is a challenging task, but to do so while injecting humor into your skills equation seems impossible at best for most Toastmasters.

You’ll hear cries of:

“I’m not funny…”

“I don’t know how to make someone laugh…” Or,

“I don’t know why people laugh at what I say, they just sometimes do.”

I’ve heard these claims before and I live them myself. The bottom line is: speaking with humor is tough, tough business.

Yet miraculously, somehow, every member attending this particular meeting was able to elicit at least one laugh from the group.

How…?

The answer is with surprise and callback – techniques utilized with great deft and skill by some of the top comedians in the world. And if you study comedy long enough, you’ll see those same two patterns emerge whether you listen to Johnny Carson, Rodney Dangerfield, or Kevin Hart.

But to use these techniques like the top comedians do, you’ll have to learn a few things about them first. And if you’ve ever wanted to learn how inject humor into your public speaking repertoire, you’ve come to the right place.

So let’s get started:

Callback refers to ‘calling-back’ to a phrase or word that was said or implied earlier in the meeting. And used correctly and tactfully, this is a phenomenal tool to help get your club’s “humor-o-meter” going in the right direction.

Here’s what I mean. The Toastmaster, Brad Taft gave us a brief introduction about the theme: Spontaneity. And here’s what he said, (paraphrasing):

“Spontaneity. When I say that I don’t mean you have to go out and…get a Brazilian way job or anything like that.”

That was humorous by itself. And that set up the tone for the rest of the meeting with just about everyone calling back to that word.

Me, as grammarian that day, I chose the word “wax” meaning to become – got a huge laugh for that.

Saba – “I’m leaving the research medical field for something bigger and better…perhaps I’ll start selling wax jobs,” – another huge laugh

Rick – “My truck could use a wax,” – another laugh from the crowd.

That’s funny. That’s memorable. That’s callback!

Surprise means just that: surprise! Taking our thoughts in one direction and changing course at the last possible moment. This creates tension in our minds for a split second because we expect to hear one thing, but are surprised when we hear something else. And more often than not this creates humor.

An example was my speech entitled, “The F Word.” Of course, we all “knew” what I was referring to. My intro:

“Raise your hand if you used the F word this morning? You hear it all the time, it’s ingrained in our fiber…why on my way in I heard a mother telling her little boy, ‘You don’t want to be a insert F word here’…I thought, that’s so cute!”

To the surprise of the club the “F” word was in fact, NOT the “F” word, but: “Failure.” My speech talked about what it is, how it controls us and how we can get control over it in our own lives, particularly as it pertains to speaking in public.

That’s the technique of surprise: get the audience to think a certain way and pull a surprise on them by saying something they didn’t expect. Every top comedian does this with unbelievable precision. Rodney Dangerfield, Sara Silverman and Anthony Jeselnick are three that come to mind. Go check out there stuff!

That’s pretty simple, huh? Simple – yes. Easy – no. Utilizing these two techniques requires thought and work. But your efforts will be well rewarded.

There you have it: two bona-fide, reliable tools (that the pros use) you can use to inject humor into your speaking and speeches. If you’re the president of your club, you could present a speech on this very topic urging your members to find ways to add humor whenever possible. Here are few tips to help keep your club humor on the right path.

• Always uncover the humor never add humor. It’s already there – the callback technique is proof of that.
• Never insult a member. When trying to uncover humor all too often this becomes the easiest way to get a laugh – at the expense of another member. Don’t do that. There are so many other opportunities to uncover humor if you look hard enough.
• Study the greats. Read books, transcripts, and interviews with comedians. Go to YouTube and watch their videos. Then watch them again. You’d be amazed how quickly you’ll come up with the right word or phrase during a meeting that generates a huge laugh. I know this from my own experience.

That’s all for now, but before I leave you, one last thing…

“Is Toastmasters All A Bunch of Hype?”

I’ve personally witnessed transformation after transformation of people coming into our family terrified to speak in public – turn into public speaking rock stars! And, you’ll have to make your own intelligent judgements about whether or not we are a fit to help you reach your professional goals.

So what I can tell you is this: despite the countless public speaking successes our members have experienced (including 5 media appearances recently!) there are people who race to join Toastmasters, have revealed to them a ‘blue-print’ for public speaking success and yet 6 months down the road are still stuck or parked in the same spot!

You do get what you put into it.

I don’t think this will be your experience. After all, you found our blog and read this far so you must be interested in furthering your personal and professional goals through public speaking. Congratulations on completing the first step.

Now, the next step is to stop by as a guest, introduce yourself and watch and learn as we all move forward overcoming our fears, growing professionally through better public speaking and having a great time doing it!

Scottsdale based Airpark Toastmasters, meets at noon every Thursday at the JCC building at 12701 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260. That’s on the SE corner of Scottsdale and Sweetwater Rd. Please click here for directions and feel free to drop in anytime as a guest.

Happy Speaking,
Anthony – President | Airpark Toastmasters
Author: Anthony Contreras

“Don’t Be A Turkey” Happy Thanksgiving!

An Important Message From Tony the Turkey:

A Story Of One Turkey’s Remarkable
Public Speaking Journey That Saved His Life!

Dear Valley residents,

Tony the Turkey here and do I have a story to tell you!

I have seen death and laughed in its face!

I cheated death.

I’ll tell you how in a minute. But first there’s something that’s really been ruffling my feathers as of late.

It’s about you.

You’ve paid your dues – many, many, many times over.

You’ve earned the right to have a financially and professionally rewarding job and career.

You deserve the peace of mind and stability that should come with a great job and career.

If you’re frustrated because you don’t have said job or career – because your current position isn’t what you thought it would be – or maybe the opportunity for advancement doesn’t look promising…

If you don’t trust your company to recognize and reward you the way you deserve – heightening your worries about job security, financial freedom and your ability to provide a quality life for you and your loved ones…

If you’re fed up being looked over for promotions, raises, job recognition or you can’t seem to get your team motivated to take action on your ideas…

I Tony the Turkey, feel your pain and understand your concern.

You see, at a time when most of my friends aren’t having a good month, to say the least, I have been granted a full pardon. I am alive and well and the reason for it: my ability to persuade the right people to my message with ease, confidence, and passion.

Yes, that’s right, I’m talking about my ability to speak in public, get my message heard and to get my audience to take action!

Here I am being called to the podium. I was so persuasive with my speaking one journalist approached me afterward to say, “You had me at ‘gobble.'” Who knew a turkey could speak in public? I admit I was a little nervous. But once I got over those initial fears I was able to get my point across and get the audience to act on my idea – To save me being the next Thanksgiving Day meal! Even though I’m a turkey I spoke like a true public speaking professional!

Do you remember the last time you were called to speak in front of your colleagues or co-workers and how nervous you were? The sweaty palms, jittery knees, you couldn’t even swallow it was so bad. I know because I’ve been there. I was so bad at public speaking they used to say, “Hey, he looks and sounds like a Turkey!”

Take it from a turkey…

No one wants to be a turkey. Especially not in front of an audience of your peers, colleagues or superiors – that could be career ending! But when your neck’s on the line (pardon the pun) and you’re trying to express a crucial idea but you’re so nervous you barely feel your own two feet on the ground, it’s tough to impress anyone under those circumstances.

But it’s not your fault. Public speaking takes a lot of skill, dedication and hard work. But even then, if you’re working hard on learning the wrong things the problem will get much, much worse.

There’s only one way I know to permanently rid yourself of the fear of public speaking and master the art of getting your audiences to listen to and act on your ideas. It’s an easy to implement step-by-step approach using proven methods to manage your fears while persuading audiences, and having a great support group to cheer you on with encouragement and constructive feedback.

I’m talking about Toastmasters.

Toastmasters is the most complete system for individuals and professionals at all levels – employee, mid level, c-suite; business owners, MBA candidates, parents looking to communicate better with their children or anyone with personal and professional goals that includes learning to get their messages heard and acted on. Toastmasters is the only system that lets you practice multiple leadership and call to action situations without fear of embarrassment or waiting years to climb up the corporate ladder. It focuses on only the core skills necessary to get your message heard and acted on. After all, it’s better to spend less time on the haystack and more time on the needles you want to draw from it, right?

Ooh, and I may be a turkey but I’m no dummy. I know what you’re thinking. You’re probably asking yourself:

“Is Toastmasters All A Bunch of Hype?”

Honestly, how should I know? I’m a turkey. But what I can tell you is this: despite the countless public speaking successes our members have experienced (including 5 media appearances this year!) there are people who race to join Toastmasters, have revealed to them a ‘blue-print’ for public speaking success and yet 6 months down the road are still stuck or parked in the same spot!

You do get what you put into it.

I don’t think this will be your experience. After all, you found our blog and read this far so you must be interested in furthering your personal and professional goals through public speaking. Congratulations on completing the first step.

Now, the next step is to stop by as a guest, introduce yourself and watch and learn as we all move forward overcoming our fears, growing professionally through better public speaking and having a great time doing it!

Scottsdale based Airpark Toastmasters, meets at noon every Thursday at the Copperstate building at 7725 E Evans Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85260. That’s one block north of E. Redfield next door to the Scottsdale Airpark Airport. Please click here for directions and feel free to drop in anytime as a guest.

“Hey, he sounds like a turkey when he speaks in front of the board.
I’m giving him a promotion and a raise!”

Said no CEO ever.

Don’t be a turkey. Learn to speak in public.

Happy Thanksgiving,
Tony the Turkey
Author: Anthony Contreras

The scariest “Happy Halloween” on record!

I went to the Desert Ridge Sandbar here in North Phoenix this past Halloween weekend and I don’t ever recall seeing so many zombies and dead people all in the same night. Maybe I won’t be giving out candy this year. Scary stuff indeed.

Now Here’s Another Scary Thought I Bet You Didn’t Know:

75% of us fear public speaking!

Let’s try this frightening exercise to put the above statistic into perspective: the next time you’re at work or even out amongst friends, look to your left and then to your right. The above statistic being true, that means the two people you see on either side of you each have a major fear of public speaking.

Worse yet, survey’s show that most people would rather die than speak in public!

Did I hear a “boo”?

If this is you, never fear. It’s okay to fear public speaking, do absolutely nothing about it and still live your life as happy and prosperous as it may be.

Here’s proof: computer geeks or research scientists who work in basements with no windows or outside contact with other people whatsoever, much less a need to speak publicly, etc. No offense to all the hard working computer and research folks reading, but the need for people and public speaking skills is probably not necessary for you to be successful.

But, for the rest of us, the need is unavoidable if we expect to move up in the company, get the next pay raise or sell our product/services. And, our hope is that this blog will contain the missing pieces in your search to improve your public speaking and leadership skills – read on below for tips, techniques and personal success stories.

You’ll read about some amazing transformations of members who started with zero public speaking skills successfully getting promotions, opening up their own businesses and even appearing on TV, radio and in the AZ Republic. All because of the power of Airpark Toastmasters.

Airpark Toastmasters really can help you to overcome the fear of public speaking. Really!

So read on! You’ll be glad you did.

Then, pay us a visit as a guest on any Thursday and see what Airpark Toastmasters can do to help you dramatically accelerate your personal and/or professional goals. Our North Phoenix Airpark Toastmasters meeting directions are here.

Ooh, and one last thing…

Is Toastmasters All A Bunch of Hype?

Honestly, I can’t answer that for you. Despite the countless public speaking successes our members have experienced (including 5 media appearances this year!) there are people who excitedly race to join Toastmasters, have information, know-how and a ‘blue-print’ for public speaking success revealed to them and at 6 months to a year down the road are still stuck or parked in the same spot!

I repeat, on the one hand you have multiple, successful Valley professionals and business owners making a difference for their lives and families because of their remarkable ability to communicate. And, then you have those who just can’t seem to get out of the gate.

You do get what you put into it.

But I don’t think that’s going to be your experience at all. You’re diligent enough to have found this blog and appear to be researching your options for personal and professional growth. That’s a great first step and one that’s more effective at overcoming fear than you realize.

Now, the next step is to stop by as a guest, introduce yourself and sit back and watch as we each move forward overcoming our fears, growing professionally and having a great time doing it.

Scottsdale based Airpark Toastmasters, meets at noon every Thursday at the Copperstate building at 7725 E Evans Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85260. That’s one block north of E. Redfield next door to the Scottsdale Airpark Airport. Please click here for directions. We look forward to meeting you soon!

He speaks like a pumpkin! Let’s give him a promotion. Said no one ever.

Anthony Contreras

Airpark Toastmasters Members Interviewed on TV!

If you ever wondered what good public speaking can do for your career then take a look at two of our latest member successes – Claudia and Joanie.  They make the 6th and 7th Airpark Toastmasters members to make a recent, big media splash!

Here’s the news clip, starring Claudia and Joanie and how Toastmasters prepares us to be ready for the big TV Interview. Joanie Simon and her husband did an amazing job. You guys were so relaxed and I couldn’t detect any filler words or pregnant pauses….

Also, Claudia Sawaf, Wealth Manager for Trilogy Financial did a fantastic job!

Congratulations to the both of you!

The segment recently aired on FOX News and I’m forwarding the below link to all of you for your review.

Great job Claudia Sawaf and Joanie Simon.

http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/story/19821623/2012/10/15/take-the-financial-compatibility-quiz

Airpark Toastmasters meets every Thursday at noon to 1:15. Stop by as a guest and introduce yourself. We all look forward to meeting you!

Happy Speaking!

Anthony Contreras

Airpark Toastmasters Shine at Area C2 Contest!

Airpark Toastmasters continued its’ strong tradition in competitive speaking as Michael Goldstein and Tom Otstot represented the club March 30 in the Area C2 Contest.

Michael brought the house down with his hilarious speech about his sugar addiction in the Tall Tales Contest. Michael evoked heavy laughter throughout his speech and after the contest many attendees approached to urge him to pursue a stand-up comedy career. Michael’s brand of subtle observational humor is unique and his connection with the audience is palpable. 

Tom brought home first place in the International Speech Contest for the third year in a row. Tom will advance to defend his two year reign as Cholla Division Champion April 4th in Scottsdale.

Airpark members Adele Blakey, Susie Goldstein, Anthony Contreras, Claudia Sawaf and Gwen McCaleb were in attendance to give Tom and Michael their fabulous support during this event.

New Year Resolutions

By Jackie Das,  Former Airpark Toastmasters President 

Dear Fellow Toastmasters,

I hope this message finds you well and that you all had a safe and peaceful holiday.

As we start the New Year, many of us turn our focus to goals and aspirations, otherwise known as New Year Resolutions.  Some of us have lofty goals such as finding a new job, starting a new company or winning the TM international speaking contest while others have goals such as increasing self confidence or improving communication skills.

Whatever your goals for 2012, it’s highly likely that Toastmasters can help you achieve them. The TM program is, quite simply, remarkable but like any goal, it only works if you stick with it.

Over the holidays, I brainstormed some areas where TM can be beneficial (yes, I did have too much time on my hands! :)) and I came up with the following:

• Speaking credibly and confidently in front of a group and learning how to connect with your audience
• Communicating with your boss and your team
• Listening skills
• Communication skills training
• Evaluation skills
• Speaking up at meetings
• Performance appraisals
• Time management
• Thinking on your feet
• Winning new customers
• Networking with a group of professional people

I am a passionate advocate of the benefits of TM and I am looking forward to helping you to achieve your goals. But it’s you, the members, who make the difference, not me.  I would like to reach out to all members who have not been to a meeting for a few weeks or months just to say that we miss you and want to see you back and we look forward to working with you to help you achieve your goals.

Please note that I am always on hand to discuss any concerns or issues you may have or to listen to ideas for improvement as are my fellow officers, Claudia Sawaf (President), Brad Taft ( VP Membership), Diane Busey-Bird (Treasurer), Anthony Contreras (VP Marketing), Chris Faulkner (VP education) and Gwenn McCaleb (Secretary)

We all want you to succeed – why not let Toastmaster’s help you with your goals?

See you in the New Year!

Jackie

Jackie Das Wins 3rd Place at Cholla Division Evaluation Contest!!!

From Left to Right - Anthony Contreras, Diane Busey-Bird, Jackie Das, Adele Blakey, Michael Goldstein, Tom Otstot

Once again, President Jackie Das showed her incredible evaluation and presentation skills as she won yet another award, this time at the Fall 2011 Cholla Division Contest!

Jackie was incredible in her evaluation of the test speaker, and her ability to offer support and constructive criticism while at the same time showcasing her marvelous presentation skills wowed the crowd as she placed third in a crowded and hotly-contested field of talented Toastmasters!

We were all very impressed and proud of Jackie, it was a great afternoon for APTM! Jackie epitomizes what the Toastmasters program can do for aspiring speakers at any level. Jackie has enjoyed not only the respect and admiration of her fellow Toastmasters but also continued professional success.

Congratulations, Jackie!And thank you for all you do for Airpark Toastmasters! You are a rock star to our club and we are proud to have you as our President and our friend!

-Tom Otstot

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