Newsletter   

District 6 Newsletter     November 2005

It is November, and while things are cooling down outdoors, they are heating up in District 6.

Club Success Plan

Now is a good time to check your club’s DCP progress. You will need your club number. I recommend sharing the results with your club to encourage all to participate. I hope your club will be recognized as a Distinguished Club at June 30^th.

Officer Training Round II Begins

The second round of officer training begins December 1^st. Your Area and Division Governors are planning multiple training sessions. These sessions are a great place to meet officers of other clubs. Learn something new. Will your club be a Magnificent Seven club? See Jeannette Bauch’s letter for details on how your club could win a full Spring Convention registration.

Directories

The District 6 Directories are out. The club directory is a resource of useful club and district information. Has your club officer team received copies? Directories are being distributed by our Area Governors. Each club officer team will receive one directory for each club officer (President, VP of Education, VP of Membership, VP of Public Relations, Secretary, Treasurer, and Sgt. At Arms). Club Presidents, when you receive your set, please make sure that every officer receives a copy. When you receive your copy, peruse it to learn something new about our community of clubs and members.

Fall Conference Recap

The Fall Conference was an unqualified success. The weather cooperated as Mother Nature put on a spectacular show of autumn colors. In a memorable setting, we enjoyed a bonfire storytelling session, learned from top notch educators, roasted a past district governor, and shopped at the Silent Auction and Merchandise Mart.

We were treated to a two entertaining contests, featuring twenty of our district’s finest speakers. The Friday evening Tall Tales contest occurred in the rustic Wilson Bay lodge. John Albright finished third, Roger Revak placed second, and Earl Roethke won the event.

On Saturday, we were treated to a laugh-filled Humorous Speech contest in the Governors Ballroom. Roger Revak took third place, Don Scott finished second, and Dave Oliver took first place honors, capping off a day of fun, friendship, and festivity. Please join me in congratulating all of our district contestants. Each inspired us all.

One of the highlights of the weekend was the Communication and Leadership Luncheon, featuring Bob Fisher, founder of Bob’s Sleepout. Bob touched us all with an inspirational and poignant message of finding your voice and serving your world. Learn more about our C&L Recipient and about Bob’s Sleepout at: http://www.bobssleepout.com/.

The Elusive Gilded Gavel

District 6 has a traveling gavel. Its purpose is to encourage clubs to visit each other. Visit the District 6 website to learn more about the gavel. Learn how easy it is to capture the coveted gavel.

Spring Convention

The Spring Convention dates and site has been finalized. The event will be held May 12^th and 13^th at the Minneapolis Four Points Sheraton. The theme will be Springtime in Paris. Please mark your calendars now for this very special weekend. We need assistance on several committees. If you would like to help out, please contact chair Susan Long or Past District Governor Mary Swanson.

Theo W. Black, DTM

District 6 Governor

Find Your Voice. Serve Your World.

SHARE YOUR SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE!

We are still accepting submissions from educational presenters for our TELI on February 18, 2006.  If you have interest, please contact me before December 1, 2005.  The slate of presenters is filling up quickly!

All ideas and submissions will be carefully considered.  Email them to lget@d6tm.org.

The next opportunity arises from a special need.  In the district we are considering developing some promotional material using video.  If you have knowledge and experience with video equipment we’d love to have you help us create some wonderful promotional videos.  Please send me a quick email.

OFFICER TRAINING

It’s almost time again!  We’re breaking records all over the district this year with officer training and anticipate the same enthusiasm during the second training round, which begins on December 1^st.  Please check the district website at www.d6tm.org for sessions already scheduled.

As in the first training round, we are again offering the Magnificent 7 Promotion.  Any club that trains all 7 of its officers will be entered into a drawing for a FREE spring conference registration!  The value will be over $100!  Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to attend the conference on us!

You’re probably asking yourself “why do I need to attend training again?”  The answer is simple…it helps enrich your experience as a club officer, enables you to build and improve your leadership skills, and allows you to prepare your club for the challenges they face.  Additionally, you will be part of your club’s success plan by helping them become a distinguished club.

Take advantage of this 3 part bonus!  On December 13, 2005, the Nomads will present officer training (check website for details).  If you recall, the Nomads have possession of the EGG (Elusive Gilded Gavel), which can be captured for your own club. 
Here is what we are suggesting for the triple bonus…

·        Send all 7 officers for the Mag 7 drawing

·        Capture the EGG for your own club

·        Complete a DCP point

E.G.G.  The Elusive Gilded Gavel

What is the EGG?  The EGG is a beautifully crafted and larger than life gavel that can be captured by club members who visit other clubs.  What a wonderful way to encourage visitors to your club, camaraderie within the district, and friendly competition.  To find out all of the “rules of engagement”, check the main page of the district website at www.d6tm.org.

BACK TO THE BASICS

Because we can’t stress some things enough, I’d like you to keep reading your Toastmaster Promise as it reminds us all of our responsibilities to our clubs.

As a member of Toastmasters International and my Club, I promise…

• To attend Club meetings regularly;
• To prepare all my speeches to the best of my ability, basing them on projects in the Communication and Leadership Program manual or the Advanced Communication and Leadership Program manuals;
• To willingly prepare for and fulfill meeting assignments;
• To provide fellow members with helpful, constructive evaluations,
• To help the Club maintain the positive, friendly environment necessary for all members to learn and grow;
• To willingly serve my Club as an officer when called upon to do so;
• To treat my fellow members and out guests with respect and courtesy;
• To bring guests to club meetings so they can see the benefits Toastmasters membership offers;
• To adhere to the guidelines and rules for all Toastmasters educational and recognition programs;

·         To maintain honest and highly ethical standards during the conduct of all Toastmasters activities.

EDUCATIONAL AWARDS

We continue to send out Toastmaster calculators each month.  Don’t miss out!  Each month, all those who submitted educational awards that month are entered into a drawing to receive a great calculator. 

Be sure to check the District 6 website often for updates on calculator winners!  The next one could be you!!

Jeannette Bauch, DTM

Lt. Governor Education & Training

Greetings Toastmaster Leaders & members!

Pat Croal, Lt. Governor of Marketing

pat@d6tm.org

You are doing some great things to bring members into your clubs. By bringing in new members your club benefits by strengthening your base & the membership stays strong to allow for the personal growth of each member. Our District goal is to help provide service & vision by encouraging every club to use the Distinguished Club Program…please pull it out & review your progress each month! There are goals specific to membership building that will benefit you if you work at them. If you are a club member, ask your club leadership where your club stands. YOU have a hand in the success of your club by helping to bring in new members & by working on your educational goals.

Congratulations to the following clubs for achieving the

Ralph Smedley Award – 5 new members during August & September:

Duluth Club, Voice of Leadership, Talking Heads, Eloquent Nooners, Word Merchants, Westerly Winds. Let’s all follow their lead & add new members to our clubs!

Autumn is proving to be a great time to be a member of Toastmasters. In the last couple of months we witnessed many people & businesses inquire about starting their own clubs (Eschelon Telecom, Inc, Grand Casino, St. Jude Medical, Marshall Fields and more). Thank you to the many people who have helped as members a “Demonstration team”.  A few members are: Lesa Kennedy, Harriet Beadell, Anne Groetch, Dennis & Gloria Chada, Judy Johnson, Steve Lockwood and more.

There are many guests visiting clubs and we have seen a flurry of activity around Toastmasters month with many toastmaster month proclamations sighted throughout the district. We witnessed special anniversary events, speechcraft, open houses, community leaders & company officials proclaiming “Toastmasters month”, print, TV & radio media recognition of local clubs. The flurry will continue because positive energy yields positive results. Go ahead…use the ideas of others to benefit your club & members. Visit the PRO page on d6tm.org for many ideas that will help bring guests & new members to your club…thanks to the leadership of our public relations officer, Lonnie Yohannes!

Welcome to the newest Toastmaster Clubs in District 6!

Ah-Ambient, a new Toastmaster club at Ambient Consulting in Minneapolis chartered their club on September 30^th. Thanks to club officers Paul Burke & Ron Brooks for recognizing the benefits of Toastmasters as a way to grow personally & professionally for their employees & consultants.

Mid-Range Toastmasters of Hibbing Minnesota also chartered on September 30. President & mentor Jojo Williams recently reported “Our town mayor (Rick Wolff) REALLY DID THE PROCLAMATION FOR TM TODAY... he said he had a grand time”.

Club Coach Program proves helpful to rebuilding clubs.

Sherman Kho, a past president of Talking Meds, asked how to “volunteer as a club coach” for a club in Minneapolis this past July. The club he wanted to coach had less than 6 members & was ready to loose their charter. Sherman Kho was named as Club coach and joined the club. With the assistance of club president Chris Solberg & Laura Hutt and with the collective help of the Metro Division Governor & Area governors, the club held a Speechcraft & recently graduated 15 members. The club, Stagecoach Speakers at Wells Fargo Bank in Minneapolis is now on its way to regular successful meetings that meet the needs of members & their community. Benefits you gain & polish as a club coach are: project management skills (High Performance Leadership project) and credit towards the Advanced Leader award. Volunteer to be a club coach today!

Contact Linda Larson & Brian Rohrenbach if you’d like more information on being a club coach… or are looking for the opportunity to be a coach: myrealtor@frontiernet.net.

Holiday meetings are a great way to invite colleagues, family members & neighbors to your toastmaster meeting. Use the time this November & December to personally invite people to your meetings that showcase your club & the fun that you have during the holidays.  A personal invitation is key. Use the “three-foot rule”: Invite people to your club anytime you are within 3 feet of them”.  Put your special events on your club website.

I encourage you to keep working at keeping your club base strong by inviting guests to your club.  More guests = more members! And when you have an idea for a new club, in a business or community, please contact me or Steve Lockwood, our Club Extension Chair (steve@d6tm.org).

Best regards,

Pat

Pat Croal
Lt. Governor of Marketing
612-396-9869

lgm@d6tm.org

November 2005 Public Relations Newsletter

Successful Toastmasters Month

Over 50 proclamations were received from cities across the District. Many of the clubs put the connection together and understood how powerful the Toastmasters’ anniversary proclamations were as they built awareness within their communities/companies, created excitement with current members and built club membership as they tied this all in with their PR and open house activities.

Club Milestone Anniversaries

VAMC /3334                          25 years

Local Vocals/814                     40 years

Mark your calendars: Upcoming Event

District 6 TELI - February 18, 2006 Toastmasters Under Construction

Park Plaza Hotel, Bloomington, MN (Near 494 and France), Cost TBD

Keynote Speaker: David Brooks, 1990 World Champion of Public Speaking "Magic Moments 2"
Learn what all great speakers know: the greatest speeches are built on a foundation of magic moments. Watch and learn from Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking finalists who demonstrate dozens of specialized speaking skills.
Learn more about David by visiting his website:
http://www.davidbrookstexas.com
David has more than 30 years experience teaching people to speak and write clearly, concisely, and confidently, and is a speaker who educates, persuades, inspires, and entertains.

Contests

Begin promoting the dates for your club International Speech contests and Table Topics Contests by creating and distributing flyers.  Division contests begin in March.  Club and Area contests need to occur prior to the division.

Featured Testimonial:

To enter and share your own Toastmasters Testimonial go to: Toastmasters Testimonials: http://www.d6tm.org/forms/SubmitTestimonials.php

Johnny Uy, Toastmasters International Senior VP 2005-2006
I like to joke that before I joined Toastmasters, I couldn't even lead a group of people in silent prayer. But now, after years of immersion in the Toastmasters program, every time I speak, people pray that I stop talking.

My Toastmasters experience has made me more confident. It has improved my self-esteem tremendously. The many friendships I have forged as a Toastmaster have made me a more open person; more trusting and more sociable. More than that, Toastmasters has helped me become a more patient person. Giving and receiving evaluations has helped me learn to look at the good side of a negative situation for a change, and to value other people’s ways as well as their opinions. The leadership skills I learned as a Toastmaster leader also enhanced my management skills at work.

Tips of the Month

Putting on a Public Access Cable TV Show by Bill Usher Area 24 Governor

      Recently I had the pleasure of producing a Local Public Access Cable TV show to try and promote a couple of Toastmaster Clubs. I would like to share my knowledge of doing something like this in case anyone else is interested in trying it sometime.

      So where do you start in this new adventure?  Well it helps to have Cable TV. If you have Cable, you are automatically a member of a Cable Company and can in most cases use their equipment to put on public access show. Not all cable stations have public access. Some cable stations are owned by cities as is the case in Coon Rapids and they can pick and choose what they want to air. . You will have to call your local station or Cable company to see if they offer public access, programming. Ask to talk to the Station manager and see if you can put on a show. Most likely they will be thrilled to have a new and different program to air. The Station Manager can let you know the training schedule and any other information you may need to know. They will help you in any way they can to put on a show. Once a show is completed, other stations often will air it so it can be shown in other areas. Just have your participants call their cable stations and request the show be aired in your viewing area.

     Remember this is a free service, the training and equipment usage are all free as is the actual airing of the show. Once a show is taped it can be shown multiple times or until you produce another one. .  As long as the shows content is not blatantly offensive and you sign off on a consent form you can quickly be in business.

     How do you learn to use the equipment?  Most stations offer free training with real production equipment. I am involved in a couple of shows out of the Northmetro 15 station in Blaine Mn. Five classes are offered including Introduction to Community Television, Basic Field Production, Basic Editing, Non-linear editing, and studio production. Depending on the type of show you produce, you may only need three or four classes. Most classes are two to three hours long and it is fun to learn to use the TV cameras and control room equipment. You can use your imagination and really have fun using your Toastmaster experience to star in your own production.

     We recently taped our first show at the Blaine studio and I think it went quite well. I was fortunate enough to enlist the aid and creativity of a couple of District Officers, George Kane and Pat Croal as Toastmaster and General Evaluator. We taped it live which really added to the excitement. My Frontier Division Governor Ann Sullivan gave a rousing version of Table Topics and our speakers included three very talented Toastmasters, Joel and Bobbi Varichak of King Websters and Frank Watson and Brian Perry of Four Seasons Toastmaster Clubs. We are anxious to tape again in early December. Bill Usher AG 24.

    If you want to learn more about Cable production go to www.northmetro15.com

Contacting your local news station by Tami Hjelmen/Tuesday’s with Toastmasters Club President

Our segment on the Channel six news was prompted by an invitation that I sent to Carla Johnson at Channel Six.  I had met and been interviewed by Carla in the past, and I noticed that she did a segment on the news called "Friday Finds" that is about unique organizations, clubs, and people.  I decided to take a chance and ask if they would be interested in Toastmasters.  At the time of my original request they turned us down.  I contacted her again before Mayor Reitz made the proclamation..  This time they were interested and wanted to tie the story to Brian's Humor Us club in Rochester.. They came and filmed our segment at the end of September and aired it at the end of October.  They showed clips of several members and a short bit of the interview that she did with me. I did not give them any information in advance.  I contacted Carla by email and she responded the same.  I was disappointed that they did not share more information regarding when and where we meet.  I felt like our interview was cut very short when it aired and they left out a lot of valid information... but they did achieve the purpose of letting people know that there is an active club in Austin... they just have no idea who to contact for more info... I was also confused as to why it took so long to air the piece when it was filmed the end of September until Brian explained the delay in filming his club

Contacting your local news station by Brian Hinton, Southern Division Governor

It all started with an email to a former member of a Rochester club who works at Channel 6.  From what we can deduce, he sent our request for news coverage to his colleague who called me wanting to do a piece on our club. I said yes and the rest is history.  Contact was via email & phone.  I think it is really great that the word is getting out about Toastmasters enough where reporters are calling us!

Well, it is a little more involved than that.  What I think happened was that the reporter got curious about Toastmasters after her colleague told her of our request for coverage in Rochester and after covering the proclamation presentation in Austin.  We originally asked to cover the Chamber club meeting but she must have looked at the Rochester clubs on the TI website and chose Humor-Us because it was a new club and a little different format.

For the interviews that Terry Ragan & I did, the reporter had prepared questions of her own with no prompting from us.  The questions were general & easy to answer, but seemed to me like an extended table topics session.  Only one of my answers was aired.  Terry got two of his aired.

Probably the hardest thing for me was the "affirmative response" that Channel 6 News was coming.  The news business is so dynamic that things change quite often.  I literally didn't know for sure they were coming until a few hours before the meeting was to start.

Bottom line for Humor-Us:  Knowing someone in the business definitely helps.

Annual Public Relations Contests:

Judges forms will be loaded onto the PRO website during the month of November.  Check out how your flyers, websites, newsletters, calendar insertions or blurbs that result in getting visitors, or displays and photos of events/presentations, signs, or other creative marketing strategies will be judged.  Submission deadline is 3/31/06.

Key Links

Toastmasters in the News: http://www.d6tm.org/District/Leaders/PRO/pro-index.html.        

Toastmasters Testimonials: http://www.d6tm.org/forms/SubmitTestimonials.php

Tell us about associations you belong to: http://www.d6tm.org/forms/Associations.php

PR Templates: http://www.d6tm.org/District/Leaders/PRO/pro-templates.html

District PRO Webpage: http://www.d6tm.org/District/Leaders/PRO/pro-index.html