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Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Word of the Week: Perspective


Perspective - Point of view, interpreted by the viewer.
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SPEAKEASY NEWS
Online Newsletter of Toastmasters Club 1789
 
One more week, members, and we will have our club International Speech Contest and Tall Tales Contest.  That's March 13.  Any member who has completed at least 6 speeches is eligible for the International contest, and all members are eligible for the Tall Tales contest.
 
Take it from me, there is nothing as energizing as competing in a speech contest.  The nerves are a-tingle, there may be sweat, the eyes might blur, and the knees could knock, but when the introduction is over, there's no going back.  It's showtime!  Trust me, you'll love it.
 
We need the help of several members besides the competitors -- a Toastmaster, a Chief Judge, a few judges, a timer, a ballot counter, and a cheering section -- so there's something for everyone to do.  And by the way, it's possible to enter both contests even though it's rare.  I hope we can start signing up to fill those spots this week.  However, we can always add to the schedule at the last minute.
 
The International contest times at a minimum of 4:30 and a maximum of 7:30.  Under or over merits a disqualification, but that's a rule we are allowed to break if we have to.  Tall Tales are between 2:30 and 5:30, and the same rule applies.  In any event, we will send a contestant to the area contest on March 23 if we have to hog-tie and drag a couple of our members there.  We have never knowingly missed a contest.
 
I've attached the latest schedule again, as I think Don is still out of town.  Just be sure to note that everything changes on the 13th for the contests.  What's there now will likely be advanced a week to the 20th.
 
Visitors, you are cordially welcome to observe our contest night on the 13th, just as you are welcome any Wednesday.  Contests are just another part of the comprehensive Toastmasters program.  Come see.
 
Any changes this week?  To me, please no later than 1:00 Wednesday.
 
Gordon Andersen
Editor, Speakeasy News
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Friday, February 24, 2012


Online Newsletter of Toastmasters Club 1789
 
This is it, friends.  This is the big one, a contest that starts here and ends with a World Champion of Public Speaking.  It can happen to any member.  If you intend to enter the competition, please let me know by 1:00 Wednesday, so that I can prepare the contest program.  I swore up and down that we would send a contestant to the area contest on March 5.  Please don't make me be the one, although I will if I have to.
 
The Table Topics Contest is different.  Any member may enter, regardless of length of membership or of manual progress.  You can decide at the last minute to enter this contest, but it would be good to have you on the program, if possible.  Let me know.
 
The Area 93 contests are on Monday, March 5, at the Ridgedale Public Library.  Registration starts at 6:30 and the contests start at 7:00.  We need Speakeasy judges, as well as rooters in the audience.  I hope to see as many of you there as possible.
 
I'm attaching the schedule, even though the contests can be expected to take up most of the meeting.  At least you can see what's on the horizon for the next couple of weeks after this one.
 
Participating in Toastmasters events outside the club is an important part of the overall experience.  We are, after all, working toward not just being able to speak during our meetings, but being able to conduct ourselves with distinction in other situations, whether at work or in other volunteer organizations, or maybe even to speak up before the city council.  End of polemic.
 
Gordon Andersen
Editor, Speakeasy News
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Saturday, February 4, 2012

Word of the Week
Felicitous- Apt, fitting, well said.
The Toastmaster's felicitous anecdote set everyone at ease.

fe·lic·i·tous/fəˈlisitəs/

Adjective:
  1. Well chosen or suited to the circumstances.
  2. Pleasing and fortunate.
 
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Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Jan 29 (2 days ago)

SPEAKEASY NEWS

Online Newsletter of Toastmasters Club 1789


We had five guests last week, the most in a very long time.  Let's hope we impressed them enough to come again.
There's a lot of Toastmasters activity ahead, both inside and outside of our club.  Contests are due any week now, and in addition to the International Speech contest, the auxiliary contest will be Table Topics.  Whereas the speech contest requires contestants to have completed at least 6 manual speeches, the Table Topics contest is open to all members.  The Area 93 contests have not yet been scheduled, but we will have to have our club contest quite soon.  Will you be in it?  Good!
Another event is the District 6 Toastmasters Education and Leadership Institute (TELI) coming on Saturday, February 11.  There are 4 attachments regarding it, and I can tell you that attending a TELI is an experience you won't regret, especially this one.  Headlining the affair is Jana Barnhill, a former international president, who will conduct sessions before and after lunch.  You need not purchase the lunch in order to participate in any and all other sessions.  Have a look at the schedule and decide for yourself.
This week's Speakeasy schedule is also attached, and if anything needs changing, please let me know by 1:00 Wednesday, after which I run to the copy shop with the evening's agenda.
Remember to bring your Leadership manual to every meeting, so that you get proper credit toward the Competent Leader award.
Oops!  Change 2011 to 2012 on the schedule.  We should have seen it.
Gordon Andersen, Editor
Speakeasy News
2 attachments — Download all attachments  
JanaBarnhillannouncement_011012.zipJanaBarnhillannouncement_011012.zip
309K   View   Download  
Schedule_020112.xlsSchedule_020112.xls
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Monday, January 9, 2012

Fw: Toastmasters January 11

 
 
Sent: Sunday, January 08, 2012 10:12 PM
Subject: Toastmasters January 11
 
SPEAKEASY NEWS
Online Newsletter of Toastmasters Club 1789
 
If you haven't already, step up and introduce yourself to Kate MacKenzie, our newest member.  Kate visited twice, liked what she saw and heard, and made that decisive move.  Welcome, Kate, and may your Toastmasters journey be beneficial and pleasurable.
 
Special alert:  On January 25, two weeks from this coming Wednesday, our area governor, Colleen Hamilton, will be training our officers, and all members are welcome to participate.  If you haven't held office yet, or want to know more about offices other than your own, this is a terrific opportunity.  The session, which can take less than an hour, will be held right after our regular meeting.  If you wonder who does what, and what for, here's how to find out.  It's especially helpful if you're following the Leadership track.
 
Now that we're past the holiday season, it's time to get really serious about preparing new speeches.  If you need ideas for speeches, the Internet is loaded with them.  Just be sure to keep your goals in mind and not get distracted by YouTube, etc.  Use Google when needed, but that too is a minefield unless you know where to step.  I often get lost on the Internet and forget why I logged on in the first place.  Easily done.
 
And not incidentally, try to remember to bring your Leadership manual to every meeting.  Competent Leader and Advanced Leader are easily attainable goals, as well as boosts to our self-confidence, just as speaking is.  Use the whole program -- you won't regret it.
 
It was really nice to be back in our regular digs last week.  They had cleaned the room, brought the lectern down, and warmed up the room, in comparison to the one upstairs.  It was appreciated by all.  I told Ross Huseby, our host and the store's general manager, that we are very grateful, no matter where we meet, but he is aware of the lack of heat up there, and came this close to apologizing.  I shrugged it off.  We have one of the finest meeting places among all Toastmasters Club.
 
Leah's schedule is firmly attached as usual.  If you see anything that might need changing, e-mail me before 1:00 p.m. Wednesday.  After that I don't go online until late at night.  If you miss that deadline, you might try calling me at (952) 929-0502, but it may be too late to change the agenda.  I hope to see every member Wednesday night.
 
Gordon Andersen
Editor, Speakeasy News
 
 
 
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Monday, January 2, 2012

Fw: Toastmasters January 4

 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, January 01, 2012 11:23 PM
Subject: Toastmasters January 4

SPEAKEASY NEWS
Online Newsletter of Toastmasters Club 1789
 
As we return to our regular schedule and, we hope, to our regular quarters, I extend my wish for a refreshed and eager Toastmasters club to resume providing its benefits to all who attend, and for an influx of new members to replace those who in all likelihood will need to leave for other times and places.  It just happens.
 
So, for those on our guest list, please come give us a chance to prove our worth to you.  Trust me, it's not only painless, it's fun too.  As a group, we don't take ourselves too seriously, just enough to accomplish the Toastmasters mission, which is to aid all and sundry in improving speaking and listening skills.  Those of us who have been members for any length of time will tell you that's it's absolutely true.
 
There are activities in and outside the club that will keep us busy for the next several months.  The first is the International Speech Contest, and dates are beginning to be set.  Announcements will be made as soon as I have details.
 
A reminder:  Be sure to bring both of your manuals to meetings and get credit in both the Communication and the Leadership tracks.
 
Leah's schedule is attached, as promised, and if you have a change, please let me know by 1:00 Wednesday, if you possibly can.  If you can't, we'll figure something out.
 
Again, Happy New Year to one and all, and may 2012 treat you like royalty (unless there are demonstrations outside your door).
 
Gordon Andersen
Editor, Speakeasy News
 
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