south cobb toastmasters - the art of speaking

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www.southcobbtoastmasters.com

JANUARY 2015PRESIDENT’S CORNER

www.southcobbtoastmasters.com April 2015

As I begin to deflate from this second term as president, I am left to compare and contrast the two

experiences. Meeting the established goals, experiences with other officers, and encouraging the club members in general are the focal points of a president’s year in Toastmasters. Ironically, my two experiences as president, while dissimilar in some aspects, were parallel in nature.

Smooth SailingThree years ago, I was elected president of another club in another part of town. The year began with an introduction to the Distinguished Club Program (DCP) via power point presentation. The members were invited to involve themselves in helping the club reach President’s Distinguish status by making a commitment to obtain personal designations.

After the commitments were made, the members relied upon the Vice President of Education to schedule and monitor their speeches. It was the members, therefore, who took ownership of the plan and made sure the plan came to fruition.

This year unfurled in the same manner with South Cobb Toastmasters. The only difference is that the agendas were published ahead of time leaving the members with even more autonomy. As I compose this article, we are one Competent Communicator’s designation shy of achieving President’s Distinguished status.

This speaks volumes to the effortless task involved in meeting goals when the stakeholders are motivated to begin with the end in mind.

TROUBLED WATERS

Most leaders want to have smooth terms without the hassle of dealing with divergences in personalities. The dream year is when all officers take ownership of their duties and responsibilities, come to meetings regularly and on time, and assist in other areas whenever necessary. However, I have learned that conflicts are inevitable.

They can come frequently, in waves, as torrential downpours at times, but they can also come in spurts.

Nevertheless, whenever one is dealing with people, differences will surface at some point or another. In my previous role, the divergences came frequently and as torrential downpours but from only one other officer.

While it was not an easy task, it was necessary to try to reason, compromise, and at times pacify the party from whom the conflict initiated. Nevertheless, the other officers took on their roles as champs and offered solace in meetings on a regular basis. This lessoned the impact of the conflict from the one officer.

This year has been most difficult. It has been as though the role of president was the center of a target with the task for the year being to create as many bull’s eyes as one could.

At the beginning of the year, the conflicts came as torrential downpours on a constant basis. Each meeting was met with another hit on the bull’s eye from not only some members of the executive board, but from other members of the club as well. One member of the executive board resigned and another moved to another state leaving the club to re-elect another pair of officers in December.

However, the trials presented themselves as an opportunity for me to develop a tough exterior. My belt has been extended allowing me to stomach more persecution with less aggravation. I have had much practice with managing myself in the midst of a storm. I’ve learned to put first things first and exercise greater integrity than ever before.

PLAYING THE GAME

It was evident that outside influences were prevalent in the actions of some of the members during this presidential year, and the goal was still to eradicate the target. But it was decided early on that although I am not impervious to pain, words are only painful if one relinquishes power to the person spewing the words.

My eyes are on the prize! If one quits in the middle of a race, he is sure to lose. However, if he continues to run and hurdles the blocks, he will eventually finish the race just as he began: with the end in mind! The exciting component of the race is continuing to encourage other members to finish the course while stomping out embers along the way.

And while we may not accomplish all of my previously established BHAGs, we WILL accomplish the main goal, which is President’s Distinguished status. After all, those who bought into the vision at the onset of the year have continued to persist and are on target to accomplish their personal goals.

As a leader, one should always understand that it can be very lonely at the top. Ergo, one must be armed with the proper skills and understanding that, “When a job has once begun, never leave it until it’s done. Be the labor great or small, do it well or not at all.” And that is why I stayed.

DODGING DARTS WHILE STAYING THE COURSE

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MEETING ADDRESS: South Cobb Regional Library

805 Clay RoadMableton, GA 30126

V.P., EDUCATION Tiffany [email protected]

V.P., MEMBERSHIP Chinye [email protected]

V.P., PUBLIC RELATIONS Herschel E. Chalk [email protected]

SECRETARY Alverro Brown ACB, [email protected]

TREASURER Tanya [email protected]

SERGEANT OF ARMS Lee [email protected]

EMAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITE: www.southcobbtoastmasters.com

PRESIDENT Elaine Swain ACB, [email protected]

OFFICERS

TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL MISSIONWe empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders.

CLUB MISSIONWe provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth.

TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL VALUES• Integrity• Respect• Service• Excellence

A TOASTMASTER’S PROMISEBeing a Toastmaster means more than simply making a commitment to self-development. Everyone who joins a Toastmasters club is making a commitment to the club, to its members and to the organization as a whole.

EVERY TOASTMASTER’S JOURNEY STARTS WITH A SINGLE SPEECH

Upcoming EventsSAVE THE DATE

5/16/ 2015MABLETON DAY

Mable House Complex5239 Floyd Road

Mableton, GA 30126

5/1-2/2015DISTRICT 44 SPRING CONFRENCERenaissance Concourse Atlanta Hotel

1 Hartsfield Center PkwyAtlanta, GA 30354

8/12-15/2015TOASTMASTERS

INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONLas Vegas, NV

5/12/2015EXECUTIVE BOARD ELECTIONS

6/9/2015END OF YEAR CELEBRATION

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SOUTH COBB TOASTMASTERS TO HOST SPEECH CONTESTMableton Event to Prepare Speakers for

International Competition

The South Cobb Toastmasters are pleased to announce a free speech contest.

South Cobb Toastmasters “Club International and Table Topics Speech Contest 2015” will be held Tuesday, January 20 at 6:30 p.m. at the South Cobb Regional Library, 805 Clay Road in Mableton. The event will prepare competitors for the Toastmasters International Speech Competition, to be held in Las Vegas in August of 2015.

Speech contests are a Toastmasters tradition. At the event, participants will be able to listen to members compete using skills gained from the club. The competition will begin on the club level. Winners will then proceed competing at the area, division, and district levels.

“We’re thrilled to be able to organize this exciting public speaking competition right here in Mableton,” said Lee Louis, Contest Chair.

“Toastmasters is an invaluable resource to anyone wishing to improve their communication skills, and this event will allow some of the area’s best speakers to shine as they prepare for the international competition.” For more information about the event, contact

Toastmaster Lee Louis at [email protected].

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Speech contests are a Toastmasters tradition. Each year thousands of Toastmasters compete in the Humorous, Evaluation, Tall Tales, Table Topics and International speech contests. Competition begins with

club contests and winners continue competing through the area, division and district levels. The International competition has two additional levels — semifinal and the World Championship of Public Speaking.

South Cobb Toastmasters never disappoint and although the decision was difficult Angela Johnson walked away as the winner for the prepared speech contest and Patricia Veal was the winner for Table Topics. We would like to thank everyone who participated to make this contest a success.

CLUB LEVEL SPEECH CONTEST

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SEVERAL SOUTH COBB TOASTMASTERS volunteered for the 13th Annual Spring Chicken Run---A Race Against Hunger to benefit Sweetwater Mission. All

participants received a free t-shirt and goody bag from local race day sponsors.

Sweetwater Mission is a coalition of local churches, businesses, civic groups, and caring individuals representing the local community.

They are committed to battling the effects of poverty head on to stabilize families and help move them into a more abundant life. The truth is that many families are just one life crisis away from being propelled into poverty and it is the actions of volunteers and fundraisers like the Spring Chicken Run which will continue to help those in need.

South Cobb continued its tradition in turning out first place winners, as Angela Johnson took first place in the Area11 International Contest, and Pat Veal took first place in the Table Topics Contest.

AREA CONTEST WINNERS

13th Annual Spring Chicken Run

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ONE HUGE LEAP FOR SILVER

Our very own Angela Mayartis Johnson has stepped up in the ranks of Toastmasters' elite as she has recently obtained Advanced Communication Silver status. She has

continued to amaze in her ability to capture audiences with her vivid stories and engaging personality.

Advanced Communication Silver is recognition in the Toastmasters Educational Program, signifying successful completion of the third stage of the Communication Track.To qualify, an Advanced Communicator Bronze completes the speech projects in two further manuals selected from the Advanced Communication Series, each manual involving five speech projects.

Advancement also requires completion of two modules selected from among the nine in the Better Speaker Series and the six in the Successful Club Series.

Angela credits the leadership and support of her home club South Cobb Toastmasters for encouraging her to keep striving for excellence in speaking. This excellence has led Angela to represent the South Cobb club as she competes in the International Speech contest at Jackson Memorial Baptist Church, on March 28th, 2015 at 1pm EST.

"It is a great feeling to have achieved my ACS. But my true motivation for completing my speeches was not for status, instead to become a more powerful and impactful speaker," explained Angela. "And Toastmasters gives me the perfect opportunity to do so."

Next on the agenda is the coveted Advanced Communicator Gold where she expects to continue to hone her craft as a professional speaker. "I guess when I complete my ACG, I will push for platinum status," she jokingly remarked. But if there was a platinum level she would not be far from achieving it.

"It is a great feeling to have achieved my ACS. But my true motivation

for completing my speeches was not for status, instead to become a more

powerful and impactful speaker,"

explained Angela. "And Toastmasters gives me the perfect opportunity

to do so."

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Here are a few of the Runway Highlights that you can expect to enjoy:• Festive Banner Parade• Grandeur Opening Ceremony• Salute to Distinguished Toastmasters• First Timers Orientation• Historic Hall of Fame Luncheon• Exciting Education Sessions• International & Table Topics Speech Contests• Hospitality Suite & Connectivity Lounge

Connect with us on the Runway to Success

Starts on May 01, 2015 at 1:00pmEnds on May 02, 2015 at 11:59pm

Renaissance Concourse Atlanta Airport HotelOne Hartsfield Centre ParkwayAtlanta, GA 30354

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In 2001, Darren LaCroix, the World Champion of Public Speaking, out-spoke 25,000 contestants

from 14 countries to win that title. That was just a benchmark. Since that victory, Darren has traveled the world demystifying the process of creating a powerful speech.

He has roused audiences in faraway places like Saudi Arabia, China, Oman, Malaysia, and Taiwan with his inspirational journey from first-rate chump to first-class champ, proving anything is possible if you are willing to work for it.

Darren may have been “born without a funny bone in his body,” but he possessed the desire to learn and the willingness to fail necessary to achieve his dream. The self-proclaimed “student of comedy” is living proof that humor is a skill that can be learned.

As a keynote speaker since 1994, he brings his incredible story to conferences around the world. He is consistently the top rated speaker at conferences.

He changes the way people think about challenges, humor, and presentations… forever. His clients include IBM, Fidelity investments, and numerous associations too long to list! He is known as the person who helps speakers launch their careers in professional speaking. His trademarked program Get

DARREN LACROIX

Paid to Speak by Next Week® has helped many speakers launch their very first checks. He also supports speakers doing business coaching through his Internet program, Get Paid to Speak TV.

Now, Darren is in high demand as a speaking coach. The new standard for advanced presentation skills was created when he co-created How Professional Presenters Can Own the Stage. There is no other program on the market that even comes close to this transformational program. Viewers witness exactly how coaches can create lasting significant improvement in just two days.

His successful book, Laugh & Get Rich: How to Profit from Humor in Any Business (6th printing), contains interviews with corporate executives who share his philosophy. Now translated into three languages, it is a mainstay on business bookshelves.

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The Distinguished Toastmaster award is the highest award the organization bestows. The DTM recognizes a superior level of achievement in both communication and

leadership. To be eligible for the award, you must have earned the following: Advanced Communicator Gold Advanced Leader Silver

Hissie has been able to accomplish this task and has earned the designation of DTM. She currently serves as a Division Governor and has more than 6 years of progressive experience with Toastmasters International. She currently serves as a member of three clubs and credits her experiences at developing rapport within professional relationships with managerial experience as a retired IT manager in the government arena, which led her to challenger herself to grow. She was introduced to Toastmasters and is now a member for life. Her reason for joining the Toastmaster organization was to connect with other individuals that had the same like mind in addition to enhancing her communication and leadership skills. This is by far one of the best decisions she has made in her life because it has caused her to become more committed, more connected and to stretch beyond her personal limits. Through Toastmasters she has met some of the most interesting and amiable people. As an effective communicator, who leads by example, with strong organizational and problem solving skills plus an ability to work with a diverse population in any environment she has learned to pause, listen and breathe by being a member of the Toastmaster organization. She encourages everyone to promote the Toastmasters organization and South Cobb TM club which is her home club.HISSIE JOHNSON

SOUTH COBB TOASTMASTERS HAS A NEW DTM

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GREAT READS FROM OUR CLUB MEMBERSBRIAN BARTON – MindsetHave you ever thought for a moment about the effects that everyday life has on you? Do you feel that these effects have an overwhelming impact on how you live your life? The environment that surrounds us every day influences the decisions we make and the way we think a multitude of ways.

Brian Barton, a former major league

ANGELA JOHNSON Brand Legacy: Make Your MarkBrand Legacy is a guide for those who dream of something more than their current occupation, and are considering a change from their present (physical and/or mental) circumstances to their intended future. Through the

HERSCHEL E. CHALK IIIOnce Upon A Time: The Art of Storytelling Everything begins with the impulse to tell a story. This is not a luxury, but an essential part of our genetic makeup. We need stories. In some cultures, a person’s story is considered his greatest treasure, his most sacred resource. LEND AN EAR AND

TUNE-IN-COFFEE TALKCoffee Talk with Soy is an inspirational talk show designed to empower our audience to live a healthier lifestyle. Dialogue is encouraged to motivate and challenge listeners to search passionately within themselves to learn about themselves.

Your attitude determines your altitude and positive thinking is necessary for success. Start your day with “Coffee Talk with Soy.”

The show airs every Saturday morning at 10:00 am Eastern Time.

Available at: www.coffeetalkwithsoy.com

baseball player with the St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Braves, puts aside the bat and ball to debut his book, Mindset: Awareness and Action. The Los Angeles native was motivated to write this book through witnessing the perilous effects that everyday life has on the mindset, especially in impoverished communities. Mindset is written to be a thought provoking commentary that promotes awareness of these effects while promoting guidance and action for developing a healthy and enhanced mentality. His philosophy is that exposure eliminates mental enclosure.

This book will bring insight to the effects of a social mentality being adopted as part of a personal mindset. The decision then becomes our own to empower our thinking and strengthen our mentality.

Available at: www.brainbartonaccess.com

use of Brandercises (branding exercises), vivid real life stories and

key transitional tips, Brand Legacy, educates you on how to understand your value proposition in order to accomplish your dreams. It instructs you on how to live a passion-filled, purpose-driven life that leaves a legacy that communicates your narrative.

Available at: www.mayartis.com

Without stories, how would we live?

Niche marketing success is all about two basic fundamentals traffic and conversion.

You need to get targeted visitors to your website and you need to be able to convert those visitors to customers.

One of the most powerful weapons in your arsenal is STORY…

You should be telling stories that share your personal experience with the products you are promoting…stories that demonstrate how existing customers benefited form what you are offering prospective ones…stories that help your prospects to get to know you and trust you…even imaginary tales that help them to visualize what their lives will be like after buying what you’re selling or promoting. There’s no better way to make a human connection and communicate the features advantages and benefits of doing business with you than by telling a good story.

Available at: www.onlinedollarscholar.com

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INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION

The 2015 Toastmasters International Convention will be held in one of the most exciting cities in the world—Las Vegas, Nevada! Join your fellow Toastmasters August 12-15, 2015 at Caesars Palace Hotel and Casino.

SATURDAY ONLY REGISTRATION PACKAGE $170.00 on or before June 14$220.00 between June 15 and July 19$270.00 between July 20 and August 15

PACKAGE DETAILSFull Convention Registration Package includes the following: • Access to all education sessions, Opening

Ceremonies, Hall of Fame, Annual Business Meeting

• Speech Contest Semifinals - includes admittance to all semifinal contests (Thursday)

• Golden Gavel Event (Friday)• Toastmasters International World Championship

of Public Speaking (Saturday)• President's Inauguration Reception (Saturday)• President's Inauguration and Celebration -

dining and dancing (Saturday)

FULL CONVENTION REGISTRATION PACKAGE $525.00 on or before June 14$575.00 between June 15 and July 19$625.00 between July 20 and August 12

PACKAGE DETAILSSaturday Only Registration Package includes the following:• Annual Business Meeting• Toastmasters International World Championship

of Public Speaking• President's Inauguration Reception• President's Inauguration and Celebration -

dining and dancing

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HELP SOUTH COBB TOASTMASTERS

WIN A GRANT South Cobb Toastmasters is participating in the

Community Spirit Points Challenge.

If we earn the most points our club can possibly receive a grant of $1,000.00, $750.00, will be

awarded to the organization with the second-highest points total, and $500 to the group with the third-highest total. There are numerous ways to earn points and fun for everyone.

The mission of Mableton Day is to bring the community together to have some fun, celebrate the end of the school year, and raise funds to help build or expand non-profit programs that enrich our South Cobb County community.

The day is packed with fun things to do for the whole family!

The day begins with the Mableton 5K and Mableton Jr. Fun Run, and then continues with a Car Cruise-in, Entertainment, Arts and Crafts, vendor booths, food, Kids Corner and more.

COME OUT AND CELEBRATE WITH US.

MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS. LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR

COMMUNITY.

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CAR CRUISE-IN VOLUNTEERSClub members from South Cobb Toastmasters

participated in various car cruise-ins to bring further awareness within the community about Mableton Day. Car enthusiasts and those who dream of owning a classic, classy ride were in attendance showing off their ride hanging out with fellow enthusiasts and enjoying a great day.

Car shows are fun for everyone and serve as a great opportunity to expose the youth to American automotive history. Each car has amazing history and a pheonomenal story.

DYNAMIC DUO AT DISTRICT 44March 28 is the day that fellow South Cobb Toastmasters

Angela Mayartis Johnson and Pat Veal competed in the Toastmasters International Speech contest and Table Topics

contest, respectively.

Angela competed for the first time at the District 44 level as she has made two impressive presentations at the club and area levels. She rode the momentum and continued her quest to go head-to-head with the very best of Toastmasters in Las Vegas, Nevada. Unfortunately, she didn’t bring home the coveted first place trophy but the experience she gained was priceless in preparation for next years competition.

Pat Veal is a veteran and champion to the Table Topics contest as she also competed at the District 44 level. As always, Pat amazed the crowd with her wit, charm and humor.

This dynamic duo are exciting to watch on the stage and we were proud to root them on as representatives of South Cobb Toastmasters where we are “FIRED UP!”.

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CONNECT WITH US VIA SOCIAL MEDIA

LIKE US – www.facebook.com/SouthCobbToastmasters

FOLLOW US – www.twitter.com/SouthCobbTM

WATCH US – www.youtube.com/user/SCobbToastmasters

MEET US – www.meetup.com/SouthCobbToastmasters

GOOGLE US – www.plus.google.com/+SouthCobbToastmasters

JUSTIN JONES STUDENT

NEW MEMBER ALERT

TRACY CHAMBLEE BRAND MANAGER

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south cobb toastmasters - the art of speaking

Presentations & Public Speaking