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.

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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+

“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

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.

Toastmasters Is the Perfect Place to Hone Your Leadership Skills

Toastmasters Is the Perfect Place to Hone Your Leadership Skills
by Laura Orsini, VP Marketing/PR

There is an ongoing debate as to whether leaders can be made, or whether leadership is an innate skill. I tend to think one must possess some natural leadership ability to become a truly great leader. However, Toastmasters offers a phenomenal opportunity for building upon those skills and abilities. 

One reason Toastmasters works to foster leadership is that the members get to decide how much or how little they embrace the leadership track. At minimum, if they stay involved, members have the opportunity to serve in all the functionary roles, starting with simple, innocuous ones like Ballot Counter and moving up through the more leadership-oriented roles of Table Topics Master and Toastmaster. 

Another fantastic way members can develop their leadership skills through Toastmasters is by volunteering to serve as an officer. The officer roles require varying degrees of involvement, with President requiring the most consistent visible presence. 

Clubs and club members can also volunteer for other Toastmasters opportunities, such as:   

• mentoring new members
• mentoring newly chartered clubs
• participation in Toastmasters Leadership Institute as presenters and organizers
• hosting or other involvement in Club, Area, Division, and District conferences

Toastmasters is so dedicated to fostering leadership skills that it has an entire manual dedicated to it: Competent Leadership. Like the Competent Communication manual, it contains 10 projects, each of which builds on the strengths of the prior projects.   

1. Listening and Leadership (any 3 of the 4 following roles) 

• Speech Evaluator
• Grammarian
• Ah Counter
• Table Topics Speaker

2. Critical Thinking (any 2 of the 3 following roles) 

• Speech Evaluator
• Grammarian
• General Evaluator

3. Giving Feedback (all 3 of following roles) 

• Speech Evaluator
• Grammarian
• General Evaluator

4. Time Management (TIMER, plus any 1 of the 4 following roles)  

• Speaker
• Grammarian
• Table Topics Master
• Toastmaster

5. Planning and Implementation (any 3 of the 4 following roles)  

• Speaker
• Table Topics Master
• Toastmaster
• General Evaluator

6. Organizing and Delegating (any 1 of the 6 following roles)  

• Organize club speech contest
• Help organize club special event
• Help organize public relations campaign
• Help organize club membership campaign/contest
• Help produce club newsletter
• Assist club webmaster

7. Developing Facilitation Skills (any 3 of the 4 following roles)  

• Table Topics Master
• Toastmaster
• General Evaluator
• Befriending a guest at a meeting

8. Motivating People (any 3 of the 5 following roles, at least one of which must be Membership Campaign/Contest Chair OR Public Relations Chair)  

• Speech Evaluator
• General Evaluator
• Toastmaster
• Membership Campaign/Contest Chair
• Public Relations Chair

9. Mentoring People (any 1 of the 3 following roles)  

• Mentoring a new member
• Mentoring an existing member
• High Performance Leadership guidance committee member

10. Team Building (Both Toastmaster AND General Evaluator OR any 1 of the 6 following roles)   

• Chair a club speech contest
• Chair a club special event
• Chair a public relations campaign
• Chair a club membership campaign or contest
• Serve as club newsletter editor
• Serve as club webmaster

If you are interested in learning more about how Toastmasters can help you develop your leadership skills, Airpark Toastmasters will be hosting an Open House and Workshop Series entitled “Presentation Perfection” on Friday, April 30, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at our regular meeting place, Keller Graduate School. This is the same general time of day we hold our meetings, but on Friday, instead of Thursday. Join us for food, networking, and camaraderie. The seminars will be:

11:20 a.m.   Tips for Overcoming Your Public Speaking Anxiety

12:20 p.m.   Giving and Receiving Constructive Feedback for Best Results

   1:20 p.m.   Secrets for Running Effective Meetings

Please join us – and tell your friends! The event is free and open to the public, but we are limited to the first 100 people who come through the doors. Please call 602.518.5376 or e-mail OpenHouse@WriteMarketDesign.com to RSVP. If you’ve been thinking about stopping by, now’s your chance.

A Comment on Leadership and the “Lone Nut” Dancing Guy

by Laura Orsini, VP Marketing/PR

When most people think of Toastmasters, they conjure the image of someone fearful of speaking conquering that fear … or a good speaker honing their skills to become an outstanding speaker. The mission of a Toastmasters club is broader than that, though:

The mission of a Toastmasters club is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every individual member has the opportunity to develop oral communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth.

Did you see it in there? Leadership skills. Self-confidence. Personal growth. Toastmasters helps you develop them. Today I came across an interesting blog that contains a video, titled Leadership Lessons from Dancing Guy, by Derek Sivers.

The key points?

• Remember the importance of nurturing your first few followers as equals, making everything clearly about the movement, not you.
• Be public.
• Be easy to follow!
• There is no movement without the first follower.
• The best way to make a movement, if you really care, is to courageously follow and show others how to follow.

This is particularly true of Toastmasters. Not everyone can – or should – be club President. But all of us can be courageous followers by becoming active, vibrant members who encourage others to find a Toastmasters club, get involved, and begin to reap the many diverse rewards that come with activity in Toastmasters.

It’s an interesting question to ponder whether Ralph Smedley, founder of Toastmasters, would have considered himself a “lone nut,” but it seems pretty obvious that he would certainly embrace the significance of that first follower.

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