september/october 2006 volume 2, issue 1 district 58 ...€¦ · if you missed the toastmasters...

Palmetto Toastmaster, Volume 2, Issue 2 1

September/October 2006 Volume 2, Issue 1

In This Issue • Message From the

District Governor

• Message From the Lt. Gov. of Marketing

• Lamanda Gaskins, Honored for Community Service

• Douglas Wilson Wins 2nd Place in WCPS

• Benefits of Officer Clubs

• The Big Gold Box Contest

• Toastmasters in the News

• District Calendar

• Outstanding Member Program

• Fall Conference Agenda and Registration Form

• TI Photos

Other TM Resources

TI Website www.toastmasters.org

District 58 Website www.toastmasters-d58.org

District 58 Honored at International Convention If you missed the Toastmasters International Annual Convention from August 23-27 in Washington, D.C., you missed the opportunity to see your fellow Toastmasters and our District receive worldwide recognition for our outstanding communication and leadership skills!

• District 58 was recognized as a President’s Distinguished District. We were the #1 District in the U.S. and the #5 District in the world for the 2005-2006 year. Cat Angus, IPDG, received special recognition.

• Patricia Hill received a Presidential Citation for her dedication to the Toastmasters program and exemplary service to District 58.

• Douglas Wilson placed 2nd in the World Championship of Public Speaking (WCPS). This is the first trophy for District 58 since 1978.

South Carolina’s communication and leadership skills are making news and this time, it’s for exceptional achievement. Douglas Wilson was featured in an article in Sumter’s newspaper The Item and Douglas, Cat, Cat and Patricia will be mentioned in the Who’s News section of the October issue of the Columbia Metropolitan Magazine. Way to go!

Check out photos from the convention on page 10. Interested in learning more about Douglas’ winning speech? See an interview with Douglas on page 4.

Would you like to become a better speaker and have a great vacation at the same time?

You can. Attend the District 58 Fall Conference, October 20-21, in Myrtle Beach! Why should you attend the conference?

1. Meet other Toastmasters from around the state and see why we’re the #1 District in the U.S.

2. Attend great educational sessions and improve your speaking skills

3. Enjoy an exciting evening with the Palmetto MasterCrafters Meeting and Tall Tale Contest on Friday

4. Attend the District 58 Evaluation Contest and learn some evaluation skills you can take back to your club

5. Club Presidents and VPEs - represent your club by attending and voting at our Business Meeting. If you can’t attend, send a proxy (see p. 6)

6. Do you enjoy laughing? You’ll be in for a special treat at the Humorous Speech contest on Saturday evening.

Need more reasons? Visit the District 58 Website for more information and see the agenda on page 8 of the newsletter.


Contact Us

From the District Governor I have appointed Douglas Wilson, DTM, as the Interim Lt Governor Education & Training, pending final approval of the District Council at the Fall Conference in Myrtle Beach on October 21. Eileen Jago, DTM, resigned this position in late August, citing health reasons. Douglas is highly qualified to fill this position. After joining Saturday AM Toastmasters in November 1998, he was appointed to complete the year as the Area 22 Governor. He earned the Area Governor of the Year award in 1998-1999. He went on to serve

District 58 as an Area Governor for three additional years. He was elected to serve as the Division B governor for two terms and received the Division Governor of the Year award for 2000-2001. Douglas has been instrumental in chartering five (5) Toastmasters Clubs: Charter member- Sumter Area Toastmasters 4848 Feb 1999 ; State Farm (Florence) Jul 2000 (Sponsor); SCANA IST Power Rangers 666346 (Mentor) (President's Distinguished first full year); Rapid Fire III 834874 - Sept 2006 (Sponsor); and Shaw Afterburners 772402 - Sept 2006 (Charter Member & Mentor). He was selected as the Outstanding Toastmaster of the Year for 2003-2004 for his continued service to the District. As a speaker, he is continually working to be better. He has competed in multiple contests over the last few years. He placed second in the District Evaluation Contest in two consecutive years (2002 & 2003), Third in the District 58 International Speech Contest in 2003. Over the past year he has distinguished himself by winning the 2005 District 58 Humorous Speech Contest, the 2006 District 58 International Speech Contest and the 2006 Region 8 International Speech Contest. As a finalist in the 2006 World Championship of Public Speaking in Washington DC he finished Second in the World. I enthusiastically welcome Douglas as a member of our leadership team for this year and hope that the DEC and the members of District 58 will attend the 2006 District 58 Fall Conference and vote to accept this appointment.

… Fred Broughton, District Governor

From the Lieutenant Governor of Marketing This year is off to a Great start. During the District Executive Committee (DEC) meeting in August we discussed 34 potential new clubs in District 58. Several Area Governors and Division Governors will be working over the next few weeks to develop these leads and schedule kick-off meetings. Two new clubs have already chartered in September: one in Spartanburg and one in Greenville! Any Toastmaster member in South Carolina can charter a new club, so if you know of a company or community

that is a potential new club, please call me and let’s make it happen. The Ralph Smedley Award program continues through to September 30, so get those new members signed on quickly. Five new members between August 1 and September 30 will give your club recognition for this award. Enter your new members online if at all possible and be sure to verify receipt with International. New members REALLY do breathe new life into a club, besides offering mentoring opportunities for existing members.

Palmetto Toastmaster is the newsletter for District 58 (the state of South Carolina). The newsletter will be published quarterly, at a minimum. If you have information you would like to submit to Palmetto Toastmaster, please contact the editors. Publisher Fred Broughton, DTM District Governor Editors Donna Boyer, ATMS District 58 Asst. Public Relations Officer Chakisse Newton, ATMS District 58 Public Relations Officer


September is also membership renewal time. It is so important to the success of a club to get those memberships in on time or early, before October 1. Start working with your club members now to get their dues in and get your club on track for the DCP. The International Convention in Washington was very exciting for me. I was a First-Timer this year (they give you a ribbon for that) and everyone was so nice in directing you to meetings and luncheons and just anywhere you needed to go. I met people from Dubai, Singapore, The Kingdom of Bahrain, Seychelle Islands and even Ohio. It really was “Simply Amazing!” … Sharon Reshni, Lt. Gov. – Marketing

Columbia Toastmaster Honored for Service Lamanda Gaskins, DTM, Named Speakers Bureau Volunteer of the Year Sistercare, Inc. named Lamanda Gaskins, DTM, the Speakers Bureau Volunteer of the Year. Sistercare is a non-profit, United Way member agency which provides emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy services, a 24 hour crisis line, and many other services for abused women and their dependent children. Sistercare serves the 5 county area in and around Columbia: Richland, Lexington, Newberry, Fairfield, and Kershaw counties. Lamanda has been a Speakers Bureau Volunteer only a short time, but has spoken frequently to a wide variety of groups, including some very challenging audiences: many middle and high school classes, and prison groups. Lamanda received the award at the Sistercare Volunteer Luncheon on September 21, 2006.

Want Your Club to Get Better? Visit an Officers Club Are you familiar with OFFICERS CLUBS? Officers clubs are fabulous resources and District 58 is blessed with 3 clubs established to help officers become better, and in turn to help members like you reach your goals. Low Country Officers Club in Charleston, Officers Club in Columbia and Upstate Officers in Greenville all cater to those who are officers or who would like to become an officer.

Toastmasters officers clubs have a special aura about them. There is camaraderie and a special bond between fellow officers. They are marvelous places to meet past District, past Division, and past Area Governors. Get new ideas and find inspiration. If you have questions about officer duties, parliamentary procedures or solving club challenges, you’ll find answers at an Officers Club.

Low Country Officers Club meets at 8:15 a.m. the 2nd Saturday of each month at Ryan’s Family Steakhouse in Charleston.

Officers Club meets at 7 p.m. on the 2nd Thursday in Room 302 of the Irmo Medical Park on St. Andrews Road. For information contact: [email protected] or visit the website www.orgsites.com/sc/officers.

Upstate Officers Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the 3rd Monday at the Main Branch of the Greenville County Library.

Donald H. McGannon

We want your ideas!

Do you have an idea for an article? Do you have

great club news? Has someone in your club

been honored at work or in the community?

Please submit your ideas, suggestions and remarks

to:

District 58 PRO 7001 John Edward Street

Columbia, SC 29209 Or email:

[email protected]


Douglas Wilson Takes 2nd Place in the WCPS On Saturday August 26, 2006 Douglas Wilson captivated an audience of over 1800 people from around the world with his speech "Defining Moments" and won the second place prize in the Toastmasters International World Championship of Public Speaking (WCPS). Wilson’s achievement is the first time a South Carolina Toastmaster has placed in the event since 1978 when Lexington Toastmaster Michael Aun won the coveted title of World Champion of Public Speaking.

Wilson, a member of Toastmasters since 1998, has been participating in speech contests for four years, but this was the first year that he made it to the finals and had the opportunity to speak on the International stage.

The Palmetto Toastmaster interviewed Wilson to learn his insights on the contest cycle. Read on to learn about his whirlwind journey to compete in the WCPS.

Wilson says, "The Toastmasters' program can help anyone achieve their personal Communication or Leadership goals. If your goal is to become the World Champion, become a more effective speaker or leader, or to improve your relationships with family or co-workers, Toastmasters can help you acquire the skills to achieve it. It is a nurturing and supportive environment, where even the most timid and introverted can develop the confidence to excel.”

Excerpt from Interview with Douglas Wilson, 2nd Place Winner, 2006 WCPS

PT: You’ve competed for several years. How was this year’s competition different? DW: I think that I have been a lot more focused this year than in past years. I also had a deeper commitment and understanding of what was necessary, in the way of preparation and mind set, to make it all the way to the International stage. I spent as much time, if not more, on my 'thinking' as I did on my writing. I did a lot more visualization of the presentations and expected outcome, playing them over and over in my mind until I could see the audience responding favorably. Lastly, I was a lot more focused on the audience, and what I wanted them to take away from my time with them. PT: Have you discovered any new techniques on creating a “winning speech” that allowed you to progress so far this year? DW: There are many techniques that have been around for some time. (Put more humor in your speech, tell a story - make a point, personalize your speech, connect with the audience) I can't say that I have found any 'new' ones. One thing I did was to become

more “coachable”. I didn't let my EGO keep my coaches from pulling out the very best I had in me. That wasn't an easy process. At times, it was brutal. But I grew, as a person, through the process. I also became confident enough to know when to accept my own guidance (which wasn't as often as I hoped). PT: What have you gained from your experience this year? DW: Obviously, a tremendous sense of accomplishment. I have grown so much personally and in my relationships with others through this process. When you dig down to your very core beliefs and values, and tackle those that are self-defeating and limiting, and beat them back, you emerge with a much stronger sense of worth and purpose. This year of competition has helped me learn to connect more with others than I have before. For that, I will always be thankful.

PT: 2001 World Champion Darren LaCroix says that creating a championship speech is “a process”. Do you agree? If so, what was your process? DW: I absolutely agree! It is a process, and the one reason I was able to come back, year after year. I am more of an extemporaneous speaker. I work from a mental outline with key points. The problem with this is consistency and timing. I record all my speeches, and those that get a favorable audience response are set aside for rework, to make them better. My


winning Humorous Speech last year (2005) and my winning District Speech this year (2006) came from earlier Club speeches that I was assured had great potential. Then it was - rewrite - deliver - written feedback - rewrite - deliver - written feedback, etc. My Regional speech started differently. It came from an inspiration in a desperate hour (2 1/2 weeks before the contest) when everything else I had written, and tested, had been discarded. Most of the rewriting and changes came in the last week. Not a process I recommend for anyone. Unfortunately, for my nerves, the International speech followed an almost identical pattern. But it was a familiar pattern, and it worked. Plus, I had incredible coaching to keep me on track and focused. PT: Do you have any words of wisdom for other Toastmasters who dream of becoming the World Champion of Public Speaking? DW: Two things: 1. If you have an important message that you just have to share with others, and your "Why?" of competing is strong enough, the people, resources and ideas will be there to take you where you want to go. 2. Leave your EGO behind, because this process can be brutal!! David Brooks (1990 World Champion) told me to enjoy the 7+ minutes of the spotlight on stage in front of the very best audience in the World. But, quite frankly, the process of getting there is not necessarily any

fun. It is hard work. Which is why more people don't make it to the big stage. The sacrifices you will make to get there are worth it! PT: What was the best advice you received on competing/speechwriting? DW: My toughest advice came from fellow Club member Chakisse Newton (2005 World Championship finalist). Her incessant mantra was, "What is your premise and how do you show it? Don't tell me!! Show me!" It was the single most difficult thing I had to do all year. I don't know if I ever fully reached that, but it made me a better writer, speaker and performer by reaching for it. I'm still working on that.

PT: What was it like being on the “big stage”? Was it what you anticipated?

I have always had a thrill with being on stage, the larger the audience the better. I was actually less nervous in front of those 1800+ Toastmasters, than I have been in front of 12 Club members. I had seen myself in front of that audience so many times in my head that it was just as I had pictured it, only better. I really felt "in the zone" from all the hundreds of hours of preparation, and I didn't want it to be over. It was one of the highlights of my life, and certainly worth all the effort it took to get there..

Club-of-the-Year Program (aka The Big Gold Box Contest) Are you in a FANTASTIC club? Does everyone set educational goals and make them? Do your officers attend Leadership Training? If so, you may be in the District 58 Club-of-the-Year. This year, the top three District officers are sponsoring a Club-of-the-Year contest. It is very easy! The first club to complete all 10 of the 10 items of the Distinguished Club Program (DCP) will be the winner, as long as they qualify for the DCP. The winner will be awarded the BIG GOLD BOX at the summer TLI meeting in July 2007. So get busy and complete those speeches, sign those new members and turn your administrative paperwork in ASAP. If there is a tie, then the month that items are credited, according to the TI website, will be a determining factor in who is declared the District 58 Club-of-the-Year.

Now for the rest of the challenge….. the names of all clubs finishing the 2006-2007 year at President's Distinguished will be put in a hat and one club will be drawn and awarded a big blue prize box. Then the names of all clubs finishing Select Distinguished will be put in a hat and one club will be drawn and awarded a medium white prize box. And last, the names of all clubs finishing Distinguished will be put in a hat and one club will be drawn and awarded a small red prize box. And the bigger the box, the better the prize!

So when you see Sharon Reshni carting around the red, white, and blue boxes, as well as the BIG GOLD BOX, to District functions, just know that she is hanging on tight until she can award the BIG GOLD BOX to the one club, that “Dares to be Great” and is declared the District 58 Club-of-the-Year.


Important Notice for Club Presidents and VPEs If you are a club President or VPE, you have a vital role to play at our upcoming business meeting and District 58 needs your help. As President or VPE, you are a part of the District Council, the elected body that meets at District Conferences and makes decisions for District success. There will be an important District Council Meeting at the Fall Conference on October 21st in Myrtle Beach and the District cannot conduct business without your vote. We need a minimum of 34 clubs to vote at the meeting to achieve a quorum. Help SC Toastmasters by:

- Planning to attend the Fall Conference and voting at the District Council meeting, OR - Sending your vote by Proxy with another club member in good standing who is attending the

conference Remember that one person can carry up to two proxies and that if you are an officer of multiple clubs, remember to vote the proxies for each club for which you are President or VPE. It is vital that you either attend or send your proxy. Please download the form from the District Website or contact your Area Governor for more information.

ARE YOU AN OUTSTANDING MEMBER?

Toastmasters International introduced a Member Achievement Program last year that provides District 58 with a great way to recognize active members. District 58 will provide an Outstanding Member pin

to any Toastmaster who successfully completes the program criteria.

Involvement in Toastmasters activities inside and outside of the Club means that members are taking advantage of the learning opportunities available to them. This involvement benefits them because they learn, grow, and have fun. At the same time, it benefits the Club because Clubs with active, involved members have better meetings and more members than clubs where the members are less involved.

Recognizing those members who are involved is a great way for District 58 to show its appreciation. We hope it will motivate others to become more involved.

Participants who complete the program criteria will receive an Outstanding Member pin, presented by the District’s Lt. Governor of Education and Training.

How the Program Works: To be eligible for recognition, each member must meet the minimum point requirements in each of four areas: Communication, Leadership, Training, and Membership Growth. Members keep track of their achievements from July 1 through June 30, on a worksheet designed especially for this program. It is not necessary to complete every requirement in every area. The only requirement is that the specified number of points be earned. Once the member earns the designated points in the other areas BY JUNE 30, they are entitled to the “Outstanding Member” award. They just need to complete and sign the form, have it reviewed and approved by their Club’s Vice President of Education, and send it to the Lt. Governor of Education and Training.


Dress for Success — Tips to Avoid a Wardrobe Malfunction Kelli McDuff, ATMS/CL – District 25 Division C Governor 2006-2007 Do you remember the Super Bowl in 2004, when "Wardrobe Malfunction" became mainstream lingo? Make sure you don't pull a Janet Jackson at your next speaking engagement by following these tips: 1. Never "save" a new outfit for an important presentation. New clothing should have a "test run", so you can find out how it behaves during your full range of movement (including sitting and getting out of cars) and whether it remains comfortable. This is especially true of shoes. Not only do new shoes carry the risk of temporary pain and blisters, but they often have synthetic soles that can slip on pavement, carpeting, or polished services. 2. When buying a new suit or jacket, do not remove the basting which holds the jacket pockets closed. Basted pockets retain their crisp shape and prevent us from unconsciously slipping hands inside during a speech. They also help us avoid accidentally carrying keys, loose change or a cell phone into the speaking area. These items create unattractive bulges in clothing during a presentation, not to mention their potential for making noise. 3. Always confirm that you understand the dress code where you will be appearing. While some occasions (i.e. weddings) tend to be formal, some do not. There are always exceptions. Clarify what you are expected to wear for your presentation. 4. If the event is especially important or will be filmed, find out as much as you can about the color(s) that will define the speaking area and what other key presenters will be wearing. Make sure your outfit does not clash with your background or compare unflatteringly with that of the other speakers. 5. Remember to schedule your haircut or any other cosmetic treatment in advance, not on the day of the event. Select your outfit and all accessories the night before; if a major clothing item has not been worn for more than a month, try it on to be sure it still fits well. Check again for any tears, stains, or loose buttons. 6. Before leaving home, check your outfit under both natural and indoor light to make sure your makeup, suit, jewelry and shoes complement each other under both types of illumination. A truly prepared speaker will also bring along a small emergency kit (i.e., a comb, makeup, safety pin, extra hose) and arrive early enough to do a final mirror check in the restroom before entering the presentation area.

The last check we perform is to make sure we are wearing a beautiful, confident smile.

Other News Sharon Reshni, District 58 Lt. Governor of Marketing is featured in the September issue of Toastmasters International’s Toastmaster Magazine. If you haven’t read the article already, turn to page 5 of your magazine and read Sharon’s article in the “My Turn” Section. The Greenville 964 Club celebrated its 55 year anniversary in August. Mikhail Agrest, DTM, immediate past Division A Governor was featured in Charleston’s Post and Courier Newspaper for a speech he gave to the Daughters of the American Revolution. The Florence 1916 Club celebrated its 50 year anniversary in August. Do you have news to share? Submit it to [email protected].


District 58 Fall Conference Agenda The agenda is subject to change, but rest assured that the educational sessions will be both interesting and informative. To register for the conference, use the mail in form on the next page or register and pay online at the District 58 website (http://www.toastmasters-d58.org/conf.htm). Friday, 20 October: 5:00 or 5:30 District Executive Committee (DEC) (1 hour) 7:00 PM Palmetto Mastercrafters dinner Tall Tales Contest Invitational Saturday, 21 October: 8:00 AM Breakfast & Roast for PDG Cat Angus, DTM 8:45 AM Opening ceremony Parade of Banners Educational Awards Presentation 10:00 - 10:55 Educational Breakout Sessions. Sessions may include the following:

- "Take Me To Your Leader" - Get the answers about the new Competent Leader & Competent Communicator Manuals. Learn what they are and why you should use them Ned E Wallace, DTM PID & team

- "He Said - She Said" - Gender differences in Communication styles - "It's Alive" - Reinvigorate your Club meetings to insure continued excitement and

growth

11:05 - 12:00 Educational Breakout Session(s). May include the following: - "Seize the Keys to Success - The Three E's" Learn the proven keys to success.

Margaret Wan, DTM ID (Region 8 for 2006 - 2008)

12:00 PM Contestants & Judges Briefing - Evaluation Contest 12:15 - 2:30 Luncheon District 58 - 2006 Speech Evaluation Contest 2:30 - 3:30 District Council - Business Meeting Club Presidents & VPEs (or proxy bearers expected to attend) 3:40 - 4:35 Educational Breakout Session(s)

- "Who Moved My Gavel?" Learn how you can adjust and adapt to change to achieve your goals. "Who Moved My Cheese" with a Toastmasters twist. Will Snader, DTM PDG and International Director Candidate from Region 8 for 2007-2009

6:00 PM Past District Governors Reception 6:30 PM Contestants & Judges Briefing - Humorous Speech Contest 7:00 PM Dinner (Black Tie optional) District 58 - 2006 Humorous Speech Contest DTM Badge Presentation Other Special Recognition


FALL CONFERENCE

Mail this form and check made payable to:

District 58 Toastmasters c/o Deborah McCray, DTM

210 Long Ridge Road Columbia, SC 29229

Name: _____________________________________ Phone: __________________ Club: #_________ ________________________

This is my first conference: Yes No (circle one) Amount # of Persons Total Conference Registration Fee $20.00 x _______ $ _________ MasterCrafters Meeting & Dinner -Friday October 20, 2006 7:00 - 9:30 p.m.

PMC Choice 1

Salmon EnCroute - Fillet of Salmon wrapped in pastry and baked; topped with Victoria Sauce; served on wild rice with vegetables, Salad, Bread, Dessert $25.00 x _______ $ _________

PMC Choice 2

Roast Prime Rib with Au Jus Sauce, stuffed baked potato and vegetables; Salad, Bread, Dessert, Beverage $31.00 x _______ $ _________

PMC Choice 3

5-spice Vegetable Stir Fry – Includes Salad, Bread, Dessert, Beverage $22.00 x _______ $ _________

Breakfast - Saturday Morning, October 21, 2006

The Southern Coast - Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Hash browns, Grist, Biscuits, Orange Juice, Coffee $12.00 x _______ $ _________

C&L Luncheon & Evaluation Contest, Mid-day Saturday, October 21, 2006

C&L Choice 1

Chef’s Salad Supreme – Julienne selection of cold cuts including smoked turkey, cured ham and roast beef served on lettuce with cheeses, black olives and tomatoes, soup or appetizer, Bread, and Coffee or Tea $14.00 x _______ $ _________

C&L Choice 2

The Beach Croissant – Tuna, Shrimp or Chicken Salad served on croissant with potato chips or potato salad. Fresh fruit garnish, soup or appetizer, bread and coffee or tea $14.00 x _______ $ _________

C&L Choice 3

Steamed Vegetables on bed of Wild Rice – Includes soup or appetizer, bread, and coffee or tea $12.00 x _______ $ _________

Dinner & Humorous Speech Contest (Black Tie Optional, but Preferred), Saturday Evening, October 21, 2006

Dinner Choice 1

Stuffed Pork Chops – Two pork chops stuffed with apple chutney and drizzled with Apple Jack brandy sauce. Sides - garlic mashed potatoes, vegetables, Garden Salad, bread, dessert, coffee or tea $27.00 x _______ $ _________

Dinner Choice 2

Grilled Swordfish – Grilled swordfish steak with a la dijonnaise on tri-color fettuccini, vegetables, Garden Salad, Bread, Dessert, Coffee or Tea $28.00 x _______ $ _________

Dinner Choice 3

Vegetarian- Leeks, Portobello Mushrooms & Lemon Risotto Rice with classic Ratatouille - Includes soup or Garden Salad, Bread, Dessert, Coffee or Tea $25.00 x _______ $ _________

Event Total: $ _________ No meal registrations at the conference. Event seating not guaranteed without registration.

Any refund must be paid by D58 Treasurer - NO REFUNDS after October 14, 2006


Cat Angus, IPDG – At the head table for District 58 being #5 in the World

District Governor, Fred Broughton and Lt. Gov. of Marketing, Sharon Reshni

Patricia Hill, DTM receives a Presidential Citation from outgoing TI President, Dilip Abayasekara

The “Magical” District 58 Team receiving an award on stage at the TI Convention

New TI President, Johnny Uy presenting Douglas Wilson the 2nd Place trophy.

District Governor, Fred Broughton and Area Governor Diana Canady

PDG Cat Angus with the President’s Distinguished

plaque for District 58

OUR WINNERS: Past District Governor, Cat Angus, DTM, and Douglas Wilson, DTM

Douglas and Entourage: (left to right) Cat Angus, Patricia Hill, Douglas Wilson, Chakisse Newton

1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place Winners in the 2006 World Championship of Public Speaking

7755tthh AAnnnnuuaall TTLLII CCoonnvveennttiioonn

DG Fred Broughton and Margaret Wan, new International Director

Douglas Wilson giving “Defining Moments” in the World Championship of Public Speaking

How does the Distinguished Club Plan Help You?

Have you ever wondered how the Distinguished Club Plan (DCP) really helps you as an individual member? At face value, the DCP is a program that Toastmasters International uses to measure club achievements during the Toastmasters Year. But more than a simple measurement program, the DCP is a tool that allows your club to help its members to grow and achieve their communication and leadership skills. Have you ever seen a new member attend meetings regularly but never give any speeches? Have you visited a club that could really benefit from the energy and fresh ideas that new members bring? Or, have you attended a club where the officers did not efficiently handle club business and help club members? Following the DCP can prevent those problems by proactively planning to help members reach their goals instead of just hoping for the best. Have you seen your club’s DCP plan? If not, ask your club officers for a copy. You may even want your club to display a chart during meetings that shows your progress towards achieving the DCP goals. As a member, you can also ask to attend club officer meetings to learn more about your club’s plans of action. If you have questions about the DCP, ask your officers or contact your Area Governor (AG). AG contact information is provided on the D58 website.

10 for 10: 10 Ways the DCP Helps You!

1. You get your money’s worth from Toastmasters. The DCP helps the club meet your speaking/leadership needs.

2. Your club runs well because club officers are trained. 3. You have more fun! The influx of new members keeps

your meetings exciting and lively. 4. Your meetings are more interesting because you hear

speeches from many different manuals. 5. You may have an opportunity to speak more often and

improve your skills faster as a result. 6. Your club continues to improve because every member

actively works on improving their communication skills. 7. You receive recognition for your educational successes. 8. You improve your leadership skills by learning to

motivate a group of volunteers. 9. You have the personal satisfaction of knowing that your

club is changing lives and helping others achieve their dreams.

10. This year, if you’re the first club to reach 10 of 10 goals, you will win a “big gold box” with a special prize from District 58. If your club finishes President’s Distinguished, Select Distinguished or Distinguished the club will be entered into a drawing to win other prizes. Read more about the “Big Gold Box Contest” on page 5 of the newsletter.

Calendar of Events Division Contests

Division A&F: October 7th

October 20-21

Fall Conference & District Humorous Speech & Evaluation Contest Springmaid Resort, Myrtle Beach, SC (See pages 8-9 for more info)

April 2007

District 58 Spring Conference & International Speech and Table Topics Contest

June 2007

Region VIII Conference, Greenville, SC

August 15-18 2007

Toastmasters International Conference, Phoenix Arizona

Our Family Is Growing! District 58 Chartered Two New Clubs in September!

District 58 has just chartered two new clubs and we are going to share the proven Toastmasters model with even more people in South Carolina.

Please welcome the following new clubs to our family:

Uptown Toastmasters Club of Spartanburg Division E Area 51 - Sharon Reshni and Donna Sue LeJeune sponsored the club, and Donna Sue LeJeune will serve as club mentor

Smooth Talkers Club of Greenville (at Jacobs Engineering) of Division D Area 42 - Sharon Reshni and Bob Barnett sponsored the club, and Bob Barnett will serve as club mentor.

Mail To:

District 58 District 58 PRO 7001 John Edward Street Columbia, SC 29209

Visit the District 58 Website www.toastmasters-d58.org

september/october 2006 volume 2, issue 1 district 58 ...€¦ · if you missed the toastmasters...

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