tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85033672562432323192024-02-18T21:24:50.953-06:00Toastmasters District 54Toastmasters District 54Toastmasters District 54http://www.blogger.com/profile/17141547750293492565noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503367256243232319.post-81902541191718375272013-05-15T10:25:00.001-05:002013-05-15T10:32:36.434-05:00Bradley Toastmasters Club Meeting May 23, 2013<br />
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<strong style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">CLUB MEETING:</span></strong></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bradley chapter of Toastmasters International is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping its members develop confidence and leadership strengths; overcome the fear of public speaking while enhancing their communication skills.</span></span></h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">We meet at the Peoria Public Library, Downtown on the 4th Thursday of the Month for networking at 4:00pm club meeting at 4:30pm</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For more information call or email Martie Ogborn, President at 309-359-8753 or </span></span><a href="http://bradley.toastmastersclubs.org/">http://bradley.toastmastersclubs.org/</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Hope to see you soon!</span></div>
Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08359315019689981617noreply@blogger.com0Peoria Public Library, 107 Northeast Monroe Street, Peoria, IL 61602, USA40.6951888 -89.59238060000001315.173154299999997 -130.9009746 66.2172233 -48.283786600000013tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503367256243232319.post-86931344703235451252013-02-23T20:00:00.003-06:002013-02-23T20:00:35.388-06:00<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">MARCH 2nd - PEORIA, IL Peoria Area Toastmasters will present the film SPEAK on Saturday March 2 at the Peoria Public Library, Downtown (107 NE Monroe) Main Auditorium. Public is invited. Doors will open at 9:45am screening at 10:00 am and again at 2:00 pm. Admission and refreshments are FREE.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Reservations are requested but not required by calling 309-359-8753, emailing</span><a class="ot-anchor" href="mailto:SpeakPeoria@gmail.com" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3366cc; cursor: pointer; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: initial;">SpeakPeoria@gmail.com</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> or registering online at</span><a class="ot-anchor" href="http://speakpeo.eventbrite.com/" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3366cc; cursor: pointer; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: initial;">http://speakpeo.eventbrite.com/</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> The screening will be followed by a Q&A with members of local clubs.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">SPEAK follows six characters as they overcome life’s hurdles while participating in the largest speech contest in the world, the Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking. Funny, inspiring and moving, SPEAK tells a story about hope, perseverance and transformation – a story everyone can relate to. . </span><a class="ot-anchor" href="http://www.speakthemovie.com/" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3366cc; cursor: pointer; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: initial;">www.speakthemovie.com</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> |</span><a class="ot-anchor" href="http://www.facebook.com/speakthefilm" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3366cc; cursor: pointer; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: initial;">www.facebook.com/speakthefilm</a>Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08359315019689981617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503367256243232319.post-17950655024377616742011-09-10T05:53:00.001-05:002011-09-10T05:54:45.815-05:00It's Speech Contest TimeIf you have questions ask them here.Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08359315019689981617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503367256243232319.post-55850177217445088422011-01-11T17:34:00.015-06:002011-01-11T18:42:16.713-06:00Toastmasters Speech Contest Judging Criteria for the Spring Competition<span style="font-size:180%;">INTERNATIONAL SPEECH CONTEST</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">CONTENT (50%)<br /><em>Speech Development</em></span> - Structure, organization, support material - 20%<br />Speech development is a way the speaker puts ideas together so the audience can understand them. The speech is structured around a purpose, and this structure must include an opening, body, and conclusion. A good speech immediately engages the audience's attention and then moves forward toward a significant conclusion. This development of the speech structure is supported by relevant examples, illustrations, facts, and figures, delivered with such smoothness that they blend into the framework of the speech to present the audience with a unified whole.<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>Effectiveness</em> </span>- Achievement of purpose, interest, reception - 15%<br />Effectiveness is measured in part by the audience's reception of the speech, but a large part is your subjective judgment of how the speech came across. You should ask yourself such questions as "Was I able to determine the speaker's purpose?" "Did the speech relate directly to that purpose?" "Was the audience's interest held by the speaker?" "Was this speech subject appropriate for this particular audience?"<br /><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Speech Value</span></em> - Ideas, logic, original thought - 15%<br />Speech Value justifies the act of speaking. The speaker has a responsibility to say something meaningful and original to the audience. The listeners should feel the speaker has made a contribution to their thinking. The ideas should be important ones, although this does not preclude a humorous presentation of them.<br /><span style="font-size:130%;">DELIVERY (30%)<br /><em>Physical</em></span> - Appearance, body language - 10%<br />Physical presentation of a speech carries part of the responsibility for effective communication. The speaker's appearance should reinforce the speech, whether profound, sad, humorous, or instructional. Body language should support points through gestures, expressions, and body positioning.<br /><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Voice </span></em>- Flexibility, volume - 10%<br />Voice is the sound that carries the message. It should be flexible, moving from one pitch level to another for emphasis, and should have a variety of rate and volume. Good voice can be clearly heard and the words easily understood.<br /><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Manner</span></em> - Directness, assurance, enthusiasm - 10%<br />Manner is the indirect revelation of the speaker's real self as the speech is delivered. The speaker should speak with enthusiasm and assurance, showing interest in the audience and confidence in their reactions.<br /><span style="font-size:130%;">LANGUAGE (20%)<br /><em>Appropriateness</em></span> - to speech purpose and audience - 10%<br />Appropriateness of language refers to the choice of words that relate to the speech purpose and to the particular audience hearing the speech. Language should promote clear understanding of thoughts and should fit the occasion precisely.<br /><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Correctness</span></em> - grammar, pronunciation, word selection - 10%<br />Correctness of language ensures that attention will be directed toward what the speaker says, not how it is said. Proper use of grammar and correct pronunciation will show that the speaker is the master of the words being used.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">EVALUATION CONTEST</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">ANALYTICAL QUALITY (40%)</span> clear, focused<br />Analytical quality refers to the effectiveness of the evaluation. Every evaluation should carefully analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the speaker's presentation. Were the evaluator's comments clear and logical? Did the evaluator identify specific strengths and weaknesses of the presentation?<br /><span style="font-size:130%;">RECOMMENDATIONS (30%)</span> positive, specific, helpful<br />Recommendations are an important part of an evaluation. An evaluator not only points out the strengths and weaknesses of the speech, he/she also offers specific recommendations for improvement. Recommendations should be practical, helpful and positive, and they should enable the speaker to improve his or her next presentation.<br /><span style="font-size:130%;">TECHNIQUE (15%) </span>sympathetic, sensitive, motivational<br />Technique refers to the manner in which the evaluator presents his/her comments and recommendations. An evaluator should be sensitive to the feelings and needs of the speaker, yet inspire and encourage the speaker in his/her future speaking efforts.<br /><span style="font-size:130%;">SUMMATION (15%) </span>concise, encouraging<br />Summation is how the evaluator concludes the evaluation. The conclusion should briefly summarize the evaluator's comments and suggestions, and be positive and encouraging.Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08359315019689981617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503367256243232319.post-25477160578595450012010-08-20T16:43:00.000-05:002010-08-20T16:43:20.658-05:00Toastmasters District 54: Humorous Speech Judging Criteria<a href="http://toastmastersd54.blogspot.com/2009/09/humorous-speech-judging-criteria.html">Toastmasters District 54: Humorous Speech Judging Criteria</a>Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08359315019689981617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503367256243232319.post-87204469526753632512010-05-26T16:39:00.001-05:002010-05-26T16:41:41.211-05:00Required Club Officer Training ScheduledPlan NOW for 2010-2011 Required Club Officer Training scheduled:<br />TLI– South July 10, 2010 Bloomington, IL Dean, Nicole Shake<br />TLI– West July 17, 2010 Moline, IL Dean, Jeffrey Carl<br />TLI– North July 31, 2010 Delnor Hospital Dean, Ron Jones<br />Watch for additional details and registration information on the District 54 website:<a onmousedown="'UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this)," href="http://www.toastmastersd54.org/content/club-officer-training" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.toastmastersd54.org/content/club-officer-training</a>Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08359315019689981617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503367256243232319.post-20656041930145265142010-05-05T09:03:00.001-05:002010-05-05T09:03:59.051-05:002010 Spring Conference Photos<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/ToastmastersD54/2010SpringConference?feat=blogger" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Chp1UESIluY/S9Neyi3PHII/AAAAAAAAAKQ/-hIKpcqicsE/s512/20100417-110226-edit-0424.jpg" /></a>Photos from the 2010 District 54 Spring Conference are <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/ToastmastersD54/2010SpringConference">now online in the District's PicasaWeb photo gallery</a>.Sean Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04056042998214423987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503367256243232319.post-8608177929965696262010-04-06T20:04:00.001-05:002010-04-06T20:05:12.617-05:00District 54 Dispatch Now AvailableThe District 54 Dispatch for April 2010 is now available at the following link:<br />
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<a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/5929599/2010-03Mar-D54Dispatch.pdf">http://dl.dropbox.com/u/5929599/2010-03Mar-D54Dispatch.pdf</a><br />
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This issue of the newsletter features information about the upcoming <a href="http://potential2010.com/">spring conference, April 16-17 in Peoria</a>. Please take a few minutes to read and enjoy!Sean Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04056042998214423987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503367256243232319.post-21475132387174931302010-03-29T23:47:00.000-05:002010-03-29T23:47:42.142-05:00Speech-a-thon March 31<br />
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The Timely Talkers Toastmasters would like to invite all clubs to participate in our Speech-a-Thon to be held March 31, 2010 at the Valley Community Bank, 75 S. Randall Rd, North Aurora from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. Any Toastmaster is welcome to attend. Refreshments will be served.<br />
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A Speech-A-Thon is a night filled with speeches and evaluations only. The best one I attended had 11 speakers from 6 different clubs. You get to hear speakers you may not otherwise here.<br />
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Do you have a hard time getting on the schedule to speak? Then come join us. Do you want to step outside your comfort zone and speak before a friendly audience, but a group you've not been in front of before? Then come join us. Do you just like to try new things. Then come join us. Even if you don't want to speak you can be an evaluator, or part of the audience.<br />
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We plan to have 8 speakers and I've reserved 4 slots for other clubs. This will be on a first come basis. If you reserve a slot, please make every effort to attend. Last time we started with 8 speakers, but ended with 2. Please limit speeches to 5-10 minutes.<br />
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More information is available at <a href="http://www.timelytalkers.org/">http://www.timelytalkers.org/</a>.<br />Sean Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04056042998214423987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503367256243232319.post-60036184929365533302010-03-08T11:05:00.000-06:002010-03-08T11:05:42.711-06:00Preview Advanced Manuals Online<i>by Sherri Scott</i>
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Have you ever wondered what projects are in the Public Relations Advanced Manual? Or the Specialty Speeches? How about the Technical Presentations or the Speeches by Management? Now you can find out without having to purchase the manual first! As you are close to completing our Competent Communicator or one of the Advanced Communicator designations you will need to choose 2 advanced manuals for your next designation. You are shown a list of 15 titles, but it is hard to tell just what is in each manual from the title alone. When I proposed a project to be placed on the district website to help answer all of these burning questions, I was told I think that there is something like that available now. Martie Ogborn used her keen detective skills to find what I was looking for on District 4’s website. Here's the link: <a href="http://www.d4tm.org/Education/manuals_AC.html">http://www.d4tm.org/Education/manuals_AC.html</a>
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Within this link the 15 Advanced Manuals are listed. When you click on the title of a manual, it opens up a list of the projects in that manual. It includes the title of the project, the time frame, and the objectives.
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I think this will be an awesome tool to help all of our members make informed decisions. I know it would have helped me when I purchased the Public Relations manual, only to learn it was not what I was thinking it would be. It is a great manual, but not one that I plan to work on anytime soon as it does not fit my needs. Please don’t let this happen to you! Check out this new link and you can choose wisely!Sean Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04056042998214423987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503367256243232319.post-87227995801102566492010-02-21T08:00:00.001-06:002010-02-21T08:00:02.491-06:00Setting YOUR Potential Free!<div><i>by Erika Arnhart, Spring Conference Chair</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Mark your calendars now! The District 54 2010 Spring Conference will be held April 16-17, 2010 at the Par-a-Dice Hotel Casino in East Peoria, IL! </div><div><br /></div><div>Your Conference Committee is excited to bring you Dr. “Chief” Donald Grady, Ph.D., as our Keynote Speaker. Dr. Grady, our Spring 2009 C&L Award recipient, inspired and challenged us in ways that we never imagined during his brief acceptance speech last year. We are fortunate that he has agreed to come back to District 54 to share more of his life story and experiences with us, addressing our theme “Setting Your Potential Free.” Dr. Grady will undoubtedly have much to share, having had a long and impressive career including time in the Army, law enforcement, and most recently, as the Chief of Police and Public Safety at Northern Illinois University. </div><div><br /></div><div>Rest assured, this is going to be a Conference you will not want to miss! Between the Friday “Game Night for Bragging Rights,” the District Executive Council meeting, the International Speech and Evaluation Contests, and engaging educational sessions, there’s bound to be something of interest for everyone! In addition, the Conference Committee is planning a special first timers’ reception Friday evening and a club attendance promotion! For every club in our district with three or more members in attendance, an entry will be placed into a drawing. The prize will include a pizza gift certificate (from a local pizza establishment) and a gift certificate to the Toastmasters International store. We truly desire everyone from within the District to come to the Conference, but, if this is not the case, this promotion will allow attendees to take back a small part of the event to their local clubs. Five pizza and TI store gift certificates will be given away, one for each Division. We will buy the lunch; you share the story of what you experienced! </div><div><br /></div><div>As you can see, everything on the weekend’s agenda is being planned with you in mind! It is our sincerest hope that this Conference will help you reach your full potential as a communicator and leader within Toastmasters and your community. Plan now to attend – and bring your family, friends, and guests, as well. Complete event details, including online and mail-in registration information, can be found at <a href="http://potential2010.com">potential2010.com</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>Clubs and area businesses also have another unique opportunity to be a part of the Conference experience by advertising and/or placing messages in our program. Interested parties can find additional information on the Conference website under the “Sponsors” tab or may contact Laurie Heermance, the Spring Conference Marketing Chair. Deadline for ad submission is March 1 to be included in the program. </div><div><br /></div>Sean Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04056042998214423987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503367256243232319.post-26951085343057868332010-02-18T08:00:00.001-06:002010-02-18T08:00:03.818-06:00Four Steps to Continuous Success<i>by Joseph Wilhelmi District 54 Sergeant at Arms, Division E Governor</i><br />
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Personal, individual success is what each club is chartered for. That is its mission statement. Each club has the responsibility to create an environment conducive to education. Education is what each of us needs, both in communication and in leadership. It is the responsibility of club leadership to have and further develop the atmosphere in the club, both at the executive committee level, and within the club to exist cohesively to attain that perfect setting to allow individual success.<br />
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<b>1. Each Successful club had 5 or more officers trained with all seven trained at the mid term TLI.</b> By successfully training each new officer, whether they have served in that office or not previously is vital for each member to understand fully their responsibility to the club. I have personally seen in failing clubs, each Executive Committee tries to re invent the wheel and re design each role of each officer. Most often these are items that the officers involved see as their weakness, and look to work within their strengths, rather than address their weakness and work to improve.<br />
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<b>2. Each club that was in fact successful, with full honors, had separate Executive Committee meetings with reports from each member of that committee.</b> Each report spoke to what they had accomplished, or not…..Then spoke to what they needed to accomplish. I can assure you, when you have an Executive Committee meeting, and you are not able to give a comprehensive report that speaks to the work you have done to insure your contribution is productive, you will be on it for the next month. This is called accountability. Each member is accountable to ourselves.<br />
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<b>3. Each club should have a written Club Success Plan.</b> This is the first order of the first meeting in July, as an Executive Committee that should be on the agenda of each club President. If you do not do this you already have a plan to fail. Success is a choice not a dream. Each individual, Club, Area, Division and District must have a plan to succeed.<br />
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<b>4. Each club should have a fully functional website from FreeToastHost.</b> Why FreeToastHost? Because it is directly designed to help the individual succeed from offering education to the Duty Roster, which if used properly, each person can schedule their success into their lives. This is done with duty roster meeting dates on the website far into the future to allow personal planning. <br />
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Also your website page should have as much information as possible about your club, where you meet and times that people are interested in. I have seen many websites, but the most productive are in fact those with less clutter. <br />
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For example, in 2005 ,when I began in Real Estate, only 40% of the buyers would visit a website before contacting an agent. When I left Real Estate in August of 2008, 97% of the buyers would surf the web before calling an agent. Also the amount of time spent at each site varied due to the amount of information and ease of use related to that website.</div>
</div>Sean Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04056042998214423987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503367256243232319.post-8010704000027698202010-02-17T09:37:00.001-06:002010-02-17T09:38:51.223-06:00February Newsletter Now AvailableThe February, 2010 edition of the District 54 Dispatch is now available <a href="http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0ByEwgVQgcuZ6MDUyMzQxNjUtNjE1MS00MzUwLTg3OTEtNTEzYmQ3Yjc1ZWFh&hl=en">at this link</a> (Google docs). Enjoy!Toastmasters District 54http://www.blogger.com/profile/17141547750293492565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503367256243232319.post-78499962762228172442010-02-15T21:54:00.000-06:002010-02-15T21:54:18.927-06:00Rock On!<i>by Karl Herbst</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.leaders-speakers-forum.com/">The Toastmasters Leaders and Speakers Forum</a> has announced that <a href="http://www.rockontoastmasters.org/">Rock On!</a> has been voted the best website of Toastmasters clubs in Illinois and Indiana. See <a href="http://www.rockontoastmasters.org/">http://www.rockontoastmasters.org</a><br />
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This took teamwork and is a great milestone for the club and the start of many good things to come. Thanks to all who helped make it possible.<br />
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<br /></div>Sean Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04056042998214423987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503367256243232319.post-17436042861585634282010-02-15T21:48:00.000-06:002010-02-15T21:48:32.561-06:00Educational Goals<i>by Martie Ogborn, Lt. Governor, Education and Training</i><br />
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Where will you be at the end of this year's Toastmaster season, June 30, 2010? Stay focused on your goals to finish your Toastmaster year strong. Go to <a href="http://www.finishstrongmovie.com/">http://www.finishstrongmovie.com</a> to watch a 3 minute movie and be inspired. The message turned the switch "on" for the New Orleans Saints at the beginning of their season. The rest, as you probably know, is history! As of February 7, the New Orleans Saints are first-time Super Bowl WINNERS!<br />
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Not only do you and your club have goals, so does the district. Please review the table below and keep in mind each one of the numbers represents a life that has been changed. Work with your fellow club officers and Toastmasters, strive for 9 or 10 of your Distinguished Club Program goals, and see your club reach “President’s Distinguished” status no later than June 30, 2010.<br />
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<td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt; width: 33.05pt;" valign="bottom" width="44">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: right;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Needs<br />
more</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt; width: 46.95pt;" valign="bottom" width="63">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: right;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Percent<br />
complete </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt; width: 54.4pt;" width="73">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.9pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Paid clubs</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt; width: 33.6pt;" width="45">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;">76</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt; width: 32.65pt;" width="44">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;">77</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt; width: 33.05pt;" width="44">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;">1</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt; width: 46.95pt;" width="63">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;">98.7% </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt; width: 54.4pt;" width="73">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.9pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Mem payments</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt; width: 33.6pt;" width="45">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;">1583</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt; width: 32.65pt;" width="44">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;">3082</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt; width: 33.05pt;" width="44">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;">1499</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt; width: 46.95pt;" width="63">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;">51.4% </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt; width: 54.4pt;" width="73">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.9pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;">CC awards</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt; width: 33.6pt;" width="45">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;">48</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt; width: 32.65pt;" width="44">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;">105</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt; width: 33.05pt;" width="44">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;">57</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt; width: 46.95pt;" width="63">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;">45.7% </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt; width: 54.4pt;" width="73">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.9pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;">AC awards</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt; width: 33.6pt;" width="45">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;">20</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt; width: 32.65pt;" width="44">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;">30</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt; width: 33.05pt;" width="44">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;">10</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt; width: 46.95pt;" width="63">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;">66.7% </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5;">
<td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt; width: 54.4pt;" width="73">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.9pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Leadership awards</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt; width: 33.6pt;" width="45">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;">43</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt; width: 32.65pt;" width="44">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;">75</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt; width: 33.05pt;" width="44">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;">32</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt; width: 46.95pt;" width="63">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;">57.3% </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 6; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt; width: 54.4pt;" width="73">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.9pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Member retention rate</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td colspan="4" style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt; width: 146.25pt;" width="195">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;">78.5% </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>Sean Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04056042998214423987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503367256243232319.post-25179477623701795792010-02-15T21:39:00.000-06:002010-02-15T21:39:26.746-06:00Elections at Spring ConferenceThe District's election for 2010-2011 district officers will take place at the spring conference, April 17, at the Par-a-Dice Hotel/Casino in East Peoria, Illinois. For more information about the spring conference, see the <a href="http://potential2010.com/">spring conference website</a>.<div>
<br /><div>
All voting members of the District Executive Council have the opportunity to vote in the annual district elections at the spring conference. Voting members include club presidents, vice presidents education, division governors, area governors, and the district-level officers.<br />
<br />
If you are eligible to vote, but cannot attend the election, please make sure that you send your proxy with someone who will be present and able to vote in your place. The proxy is <a href="https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B_P-KpQpIKq_YjAyYWNlOTktZTY3OC00MjAzLThjMDctZDlmMzA0MmZlMTU1&hl=en">here</a> (42K PDF).<br />
<br />This proxy is only necessary if a voting member of the District
Executive Council is not able to vote but wants to assign a proxy.</div>
</div>Sean Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04056042998214423987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503367256243232319.post-89532721935229891832010-02-15T21:13:00.000-06:002010-02-15T21:13:51.843-06:00Nominations for District Officers<div>
Nominations for District Officers are now open! Please see the following documents (Google docs) for details:</div>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AfaKCocHUrNjZGZiZ3c5ZGdfMjQwZDJucjh0Y2I&hl=en">2010 Call for District 54 Nominations</a></li>
<li><a href="https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AfaKCocHUrNjZGZiZ3c5ZGdfMjQxcnJtczI3aHA&hl=en">District 54 Officer Nominating Form</a></li>
<li><a href="https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B_aKCocHUrNjMGYyYjRhY2QtMTY0MC00YTM4LWFjMTAtOTZlZDdjNjZlNjQ0&hl=en">Officer Agreement and Release Form</a></li>
<li><a href="https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B_aKCocHUrNjYzFiN2U1ZWQtNGQ2Ny00MDNiLTgzZjYtMTkyZDE2ZTBkOTcz&hl=en">District 54 Job Descriptions</a></li>
</ul>Sean Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04056042998214423987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503367256243232319.post-39543777913214258702010-01-31T20:01:00.007-06:002010-02-05T10:27:33.051-06:00Club Officer Training - Feb 20, 2010The last opportunity for club officer training at a Winter Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI) is scheduled for Feb 20th in St. Charles, IL at 2 E. Main Street, the St. Charles Municipal Bldg. (<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=2+E.+Main+St+st+charles+il&sll=41.501561,-90.526591&sspn=0.036255,0.077162&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=2+E+Main+St,+St+Charles,+Kane,+Illinois+60174&ll=41.914232,-88.313065&spn=0.072046,0.154324&z=13">link to map on Google</a>)<br /><br />Registration begins at 8:30 AM<br /><br />Opening Ceremony 9:00 AM<br /><br />Required and Optional Training at:<br />9:30, 10:30, and 11:30<br /><br />Closing Comments 12:30 pm<br /><br />For More Information:<br />Contact TLI Dean: Chuck Stickney<br /><a href="mailto:Chuck_Stickney@Toyota.com">Chuck_Stickney@Toyota.com</a><br /><br />C (630) 240-1145<br />W (630) 353-4747<br />H (630) 377-6462Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08359315019689981617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503367256243232319.post-85696739355258262892010-01-28T22:44:00.002-06:002010-01-28T22:48:18.500-06:00Leadership Training Jan 30 and Feb 20<br />
Upcoming Winter Toastmasters Leadership Institutes (TLIs) are scheduled for Jan 30th in Moline, and Feb 20th in St. Charles.<br />
<br />
<b>Moline</b><br />
Date: January 30, 2010<br />
Location: Butterworth Center<br />
Street: 1105 8th Street (<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=1105+8th+Street+moline+il&sll=42.256028,-89.079028&sspn=0.008957,0.01929&g=1105+8th+Street&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=1105+8th+St,+Moline,+Rock+Island,+Illinois+61265&ll=41.501561,-90.526591&spn=0.036255,0.077162&z=13">link to map on Google</a>)<br />
City/Town: Moline, IL<br />
<br />
<b>St. Charles</b><br />
Date: February 20, 2010<br />
Location: St. Charles Municipal Bldg. (<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=2+E.+Main+St+st+charles+il&sll=41.501561,-90.526591&sspn=0.036255,0.077162&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=2+E+Main+St,+St+Charles,+Kane,+Illinois+60174&ll=41.914232,-88.313065&spn=0.072046,0.154324&z=13">link to map on Google</a>)<br />
Street: 2 E. Main St.<br />
City/Town: St. Charles, ILSean Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04056042998214423987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503367256243232319.post-43506924317601985812010-01-28T20:02:00.001-06:002010-01-28T20:02:00.139-06:00District 54 Website Temporarily DownThe District 54 website is temporarily out-of-order, so we have redirected traffic here, where we will be posting announcements and critical documents that are needed for district business. We will have the website back up as soon as we are able.Sean Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04056042998214423987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503367256243232319.post-65806196317289715952009-10-11T08:05:00.039-05:002009-12-02T08:35:39.972-06:00Toastmasters Scarecrow: Stop Freaking about Public SpeakingFox Valley Toastmasters had a very creative entry in the St. Charles <a href="http://www.scarecrowfest.com/">Scarecrow Festival</a>, which takes place every October. Pat Reisdorf, president of the club, gives the following report:<br /><table style="width:auto; float:right; border:1px solid black; margin:1em;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/X3NgVeqcKXfHZsYcQ0oaAw?authkey=Gv1sRgCLHJj_vXzuHOMQ&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHBfcB-GHdzLFekSDG4b6tlkKWZHlHMEJaYrU_xoMYr0agTdAHhE67-rdP3VNaZu2Lt0uJk8yWsluT4VDOJsYbOBlUHHuW7_NyZoU-i2kOx2CAaaK5stue6895-15H1_KiWJIh2YupJQvi/s288/DSC04369.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/ToastmastersD54/ToastmastersDistrict54?authkey=Gv1sRgCLHJj_vXzuHOMQ&feat=embedwebsite">Toastmasters District 54</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><blockquote>Attached is a color picture of “Stop Freaking about Public Speaking”, a whimsical display created & sponsored by Fox Valley Toastmasters 3399 for the community in the 25th Annual St. Charles Scarecrow Festival, October 9-11, 2009. The Scarecrow Festival typically attracts 60,000+ visitors every year, so members thought it would be a great way to publicize Fox Valley Toastmasters 3399, as well as support and promote Toastmasters clubs in the surrounding area.<br /><br /><b>Agenda (guarded by a Crow)</b><br />7:30 Welcome<br />7:35 TMOE: Jack O’Lantern<br />7:40 Motivator: Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater<br />7:45<br /><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Speech #1 Don’t Get Stuck with a Pumpkin by Cinderella<br /><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Speech #2 Who’s Afraid of Virginia Crow by Ida Raven<br /><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Speech #3 How to Get A Head in Business by the Headless Horseman<br />8:15 Break<br />8:20 Table Topic Theme: Which Came First: The Pumpkin or the Pumpkin Seed?<br />8:25 General Evaluator: The Great Pumpkin<br />8:45 Awards<br />8:55 Concluding Remarks<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Listening, Confidence, Communication and Leadership</span><br /><br />Treasurer JoAnn Cassell and her husband, Tom, came up with the design concept, and shared it with club members, who then contributed ideas for a general theme. The decision was made to use “Stop Freaking about Public Speaking”. JoAnn, Tom and family took the leadership on assembling the display and were assisted by long time members, Jim Enockson and Glen Heller, who contributed overall expertise and woodworking savvy to build the podium and the wooden/tin gavel from scratch.<br /></blockquote><blockquote>Although the club did not win a cash prize, based on Festival votes from the crowd, it was a display that won the hearts of many passersby. Comments from the crowd included, “Gee, I was always going to try Toastmasters out sometime” and “I wonder if we should both visit a meeting” and “I think there’s a Toastmasters that meets near where we live - we’ll have to check it out!”<br /></blockquote><blockquote>As a member commented on the rainy Thursday evening prior to the official start of the Festival, “I stood in front of the display for a long time so I got to hear a lot of comments from people stopping to take a look. The feedback was great and the exposure for Fox Valley Toastmasters and Toastmasters in general will be awesome. With the potential lift in membership from this project, we may have to move our meetings to the United Center!”<br /></blockquote>Congratulations to <a href="http://foxvalley.freetoasthost.com/">Fox Valley Toastmasters</a> for taking such a creative and enjoyable approach to publicity!Sean Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04056042998214423987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503367256243232319.post-76804872397255241402009-10-07T23:33:00.001-05:002009-10-07T23:34:33.281-05:00Peoria Times-Observer Human Interest StoryThe Peoria Times-Observer has <a href="http://www.peoriatimesobserver.com/lifestyle/x1128400152/No-fear-of-public-speaking-here">a nice human interest story</a> on one of our fellow Toastmasters in Peoria, Illinois.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.peoriatimesobserver.com/lifestyle/x1128400152/No-fear-of-public-speaking-here">http://www.peoriatimesobserver.com/lifestyle/x1128400152/No-fear-of-public-speaking-here</a>Sean Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04056042998214423987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503367256243232319.post-61177922531888571052009-09-30T22:31:00.001-05:002009-09-30T22:34:59.020-05:00Toastmasters International Recognizes District 54 Leaders<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsTEJFO7tlOOBsYHHdTE4geZ71BEcCYC7tRjGYiyWWTm25r3lIDu7HjYJuXyMk9o94kslc-zzm9lzgZ9nCBc3ab8skQAtYREpEgVDjEMJ4pff8AqD_YhlC6DwyWXEP0s8KI7ShvQupIZXo/s288/K20D2495.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 263px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsTEJFO7tlOOBsYHHdTE4geZ71BEcCYC7tRjGYiyWWTm25r3lIDu7HjYJuXyMk9o94kslc-zzm9lzgZ9nCBc3ab8skQAtYREpEgVDjEMJ4pff8AqD_YhlC6DwyWXEP0s8KI7ShvQupIZXo/s288/K20D2495.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Robert Grenier received the Excellence in Leadership Award from Toastmasters International. The award is given to District Governors of Distinguished Districts. District 54 received this honor for 2008-2009. Aloysia Mitchell received an Excellence in Education award, and Martie Ogborn received an Excellence in Marketing award at the International Convention in Connecticut. The awards were presented at the September meeting of the District 54 executive council.Sean Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04056042998214423987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503367256243232319.post-41033051007684708962009-09-14T08:00:00.003-05:002009-09-14T08:00:00.818-05:00Open House Walks the Talk<i>by Tom Nosal</i><br /><br /><i>N.B. Holding a club open house can draw new traffic and help your community know about your club and the benefits of Toastmasters. We asked Tom Nosal, President of Walker’s Talkers Toastmaster club, to give this report of the open house his club held this past Spring. Tom now reports that four new members have joined the club as a result of the open house. —Ed.</i><br /><br />As you requested, this is a summary report on the open house that Walker’s Talkers Toastmasters Club hosted on April 30th, 2009.<br /><br />Overall the open house was a huge success. We had 40 people register for this event, and 29 guests attended—not a bad ratio for a free event. As for the guests, some of them expressed an interest in looking further into Toastmasters. We are continuing to follow up with our guests to have them attend an actual club meeting.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXMiDu3l1kyQnc3OcCSBkNUk0q43kgQ114a8L3T5StM9iVaTrRyzjimzT5ey_9lpFkNqDhdgXDKBdMSxRZhjqcIZ26iuskxEICVDYX_1yu_eF-nYV1aJmR_nj-Z1nc5y7FFeCws9xaQzCu/s1600-h/toastmasters20090430003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXMiDu3l1kyQnc3OcCSBkNUk0q43kgQ114a8L3T5StM9iVaTrRyzjimzT5ey_9lpFkNqDhdgXDKBdMSxRZhjqcIZ26iuskxEICVDYX_1yu_eF-nYV1aJmR_nj-Z1nc5y7FFeCws9xaQzCu/s320/toastmasters20090430003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377308539218068002" border="0" /></a>The purpose of the open house was two-fold. To provide a public service to the community and introduce them to Toastmasters. Our club had been working for some time on trying to figure a way to get the message to job-seekers on the ways that Toastmasters can help them in their job search and beyond. Our club usually does some kind of special events throughout the course of the year where we invite the public through the media. When we started looking at an open house for April, we brainstormed on how we could reach out to job-seekers. It so happened that one of our members was working on a speech project that involved leading a panel discussion. So an idea was born.<br /><br />The format that the open house took on was a shortened version of a regular club meeting, followed by a panel discussion on topics of interest to job-seekers. The panel discussion was the “hook” to get guests more interested in attending. Once we decided on a format, we had to find a place to hold it because our usual meeting place could not accommodate more than a couple of guests. We were able to secure a meeting room at our Village Hall which worked out well not only for the size of the room, but also for its location and accessibility.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjryTyx_mmkPBMhFaJm0enl-iQBkeRxa1EFXpCN1Tubsb0MN8rMarCt60wwRBqfZFlGsJoeefxlEA5HLdBtPTFSXveTyO6am3jFLkVMkJGCIc42RuFx9Z9Wl4tBGEQwyZk7xvusDohfK9Uv/s1600-h/toastmasters20090430018.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjryTyx_mmkPBMhFaJm0enl-iQBkeRxa1EFXpCN1Tubsb0MN8rMarCt60wwRBqfZFlGsJoeefxlEA5HLdBtPTFSXveTyO6am3jFLkVMkJGCIc42RuFx9Z9Wl4tBGEQwyZk7xvusDohfK9Uv/s320/toastmasters20090430018.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377308081990099074" border="0" /></a>We then had to secure our panelists. We purposefully looked for panelists that were not associated with Toastmasters so that we could maintain a decorum of neutrality. Our panel experts talked on topics of resume writing, working with on-line applications, career transitioning, networking, using the public library, and COBRA & health insurance.<br /><br />Our marketing for this event was through various different means. We used local newspapers, radio stations, flyers, and direct marketing to job networking groups. We also distributed flyers to local churches and colleges. More than 90% of our attendees indicated that they heard of our open house through postings at local job networking clubs. Only one person indicated they learned about this event through the newspapers.<br /><br />We also secured some sponsorship’s from local businesses who provided refreshments, printing services, a registration website and also covered the costs of the meeting room. We also worked with a state senator’s office to gain some support. Unfortunately, the local congress people were unable to attend due to their being in session.<br /><br />At the meeting itself, our introduction of Toastmasters only lightly touched on the public speaking aspects. What we really focused on was the leadership and management training aspects of Toastmasters, linking the roles of club officers and beyond to their counterparts in a business environment. For example, V.P. of Membership = HR Director, Treasurer = Chief Financial Officer.<br /><br />We only had one speaker for the evening and one Evaluator. For our Table Topics, all topics were related to job-seeking or the workplace. And we had guests pick the speaker from cards in a basket and if their speaker won best Table Topic speaker, that guest also won a prize.<br /><br />We received great feedback from our guests on the meeting. Most of them had no concept of all the things that Toastmasters can offer them.<br /><br />This open house was a lot of fun and a lot of hard work. We learned a great deal from this experience and plan to do similar events in the future. And I earned a Competent Leader credit for chairing this event.<br /><br />I can provide more details on any aspects of the planning or of the meeting itself if you need it. Thanks for the support by District 54 and by Toastmasters International.Toastmasters District 54http://www.blogger.com/profile/17141547750293492565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503367256243232319.post-1583765165886682742009-09-10T21:41:00.000-05:002009-09-10T21:42:24.971-05:00Toastmaster's Speech Contest<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;">by Martie Ogborn</span><br /><br />Here are the Toastmaster's Speech Contest Judging Criteria for the Spring Competition.<br /><br />International Speech Contest<br /><br />CONTENT (50%)<br />Speech Development - Structure, organization, support material - 20%<br />Speech Development is a way the speaker puts ideas together so the audience can understand them. The speech is structured around a purpose, and this structure must include an opening, body, and conclusion. A good speech immediately engages the audience's attention and then moves forward toward a significant conclusion. This development of the speech structure is supported by relevant examples, illustrations, facts, and figures, delivered with such smoothness that they blend into the framework of the speech to present the audience with a unified whole<br />.<br />Effectiveness - Achievement of purpose, interest, reception - 15%<br />Effectiveness is measured in part by the audience's reception of the speech, but a large part is your subjective judgment of how the speech came across. You should ask yourself such questions as "Was I able to determine the speaker's purpose?" "Did the speech relate directly to that purpose?" "Was the audience's interest held by the speaker?" "Was this speech subject appropriate for this particular audience?"<br /><br />Speech Value - Ideas, logic, original thought - 15%<br />Speech Value justifies the act of speaking. The speaker has a responsibility to say something meaningful and original to the audience. The listeners should feel the speaker has made a contribution to their thinking. The ideas should be important ones, although this does not preclude a humorous presentation of them.<br /><br />DELIVERY (30%)<br />-Physical - Appearance, body language - 10%<br />Physical presentation of a speech carries part of the responsibility for effective communication. The speaker's appearance should reinforce the speech, whether profound, sad, humorous, or instructional. Body language should support points through gestures, expressions, and body positioning.<br />-Voice - Flexibility, volume - 10%<br />Voice is the sound that carries the message. It should be flexible, moving from one pitch level to another for emphasis, and should have a variety of rate and volume. Good voice can be clearly heard and the words easily understood.<br />-Manner - directness, assurance, enthusiasm - 10%<br />Manner is the indirect revelation of the speaker's real self as the speech is delivered. The speaker should speak with enthusiasm and assurance, showing interest in the audience and confidence in their reactions.<br /><br />LANGUAGE (20%)<br />APPROPRIATENESS - to speech purpose and audience - 10%<br />Appropriateness of language refers to the choice of words that relate to the speech purpose and to the particular audience hearing the speech. Language should promote clear understanding of thoughts and should fit the occasion precisely.<br /><br />CORRECTNESS - grammar, pronunciation, word selection - 10%<br />Correctness of language ensures that attention will be directed toward what the speaker says, not how it is said. Proper use of grammar and correct pronunciation will show that the speaker is the master of the words being used.<br /><br /><br />Evaluation Contest<br /><br />Analytical Quality - clear, focused - 40%<br />Analytical quality refers to the effectiveness of the evaluation. Every evaluation should carefully analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the speaker's presentation. Were the evaluator's comments clear and logical? Did the evaluator identify specific strengths and weaknesses of the presentation?<br /><br />Recommendations - positive, specific, helpful - 30%<br />Recommendations are an important part of an evaluation. An evaluator not only points out the strengths and weaknesses of a speech, he/she also offers specific recommendations for improvement. Recommendations should be practical, helpful and positive, and they should enable the speaker to improve his or her next presentation.<br /><br />Technique - sympathetic, sensitive, motivational - 15%<br />Technique refers to the manner in which the evaluator presents his/her comments and recommendations. An evaluator should be sensitive to the feelings and needs of the speaker, yet inspire and encourage the speaker in his/her future speaking efforts.<br /><br />Summation - concise, encouraging - 15%<br />Summation is how the evaluator concludes the evaluation. The conclusion should briefly summarize the evaluator's comments and suggestions, and be positive and encouraging.Toastmasters District 54http://www.blogger.com/profile/17141547750293492565noreply@blogger.com0