Date/Location Set for Free Judge Training
Judging differs from evaluation. Learn how to pick and deliver winning speeches.
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Evaluation Workshop Announced
A Year End Interview with the District Director
by David Premo
“…and the creek don’t rise….” That centuries-old quote was popularized in a Johnny Cash song. The colloquial meaning is “we will succeed if all goes well.”
The creek did rise in District 58, along with all the rivers, streams, lakes and ponds as a 1000-year flood threatened to wash out the 2015 Toastmasters’ Fall Conference and the humorous speech finals. Nevertheless, the District succeeded in spite of the adversities of nature. As the fiscal year draws to a close at the end of June, District 58’s performance reached the level of Distinguished District. “We have not done that in the last four years,” explained 2015-2016 District Director Sharon Durgin. “We are very close [with two days to go at this writing] to reaching Select District status, and President’s Distinguished is a real possibility.”
The district rose to the challenge issued by District Director Durgin, who made the district theme for the year “Take the Challenge.” She challenged her colleagues in the Trio, Kimberly Love and Dana Swarner, and they in turn challenged the members of the District Executive Committee (DEC).
“We wanted to turn the District’s momentum around,” Sharon recalled. “So we challenged ourselves and every Toastmaster to do more: reach an education goal, start a new club, increase participation in contests, raise conference attendance, and have more club officers and members engaged in Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI).”
To keep the challenge spirit alive, Sharon instituted a requirement to earn seating assignments at the regular DEC meetings. “Using the educational award data from Toastmasters International, we calculated the success of every division before each DEC meeting. The divisions with the highest scores got the front row seats, and as performance numbers declined, lower scoring divisions sat farther in the back. It was competitive and fun,” she explained.
She further enlivened the DEC meetings by having divisions take turns hosting the meeting including setting up, cleaning up, providing refreshments, and filling the last educational segment of the meeting with a fun, creative approach to some training point.
“Next year (2016-2017) I will still be on the DEC, but just sit quietly in the corner unless called on,” she quipped. Boredom won’t be a problem for the outgoing District Director. Sharon just published a children’s Christmas book and will be promoting her book wherever possible.
There may still be another trip. It was exactly 10 years ago when District 58 last made President’s Distinguished, and the district leaders walked the red carpet at the International Convention in Washington. The convention is back in DC this year. District 58 is close with a couple of days for more points to come in.
Maybe…if the creek don’t rise….
Judge Training Takes Your Toastmaster Skills to a New Level
In just three hours, this free session will cover all you need to judge a speech contest, understand judging to compete more effectively, and simply become a better speaker and evaluator by knowing what makes a world-championship speech.
This free judge’s training seminar will be held in the Low Country on July 30. Please indicate your interest by replying with an email by June 24.
____Plan to attend ____Would like to on a different date _____Not really interested
Thanks for your response.
Janette Brown
MUSC Toastmasters Club
In Support of Clubs
“The role of the district is to support the clubs,” explained Kimberly Love, District Director-Elect of
Toastmasters District 58, as she opened the training session for the 2016/17 District Executive Committee (DEC). The DEC comprises all district office
rs plus area and regional directors.
The day-long session in Columbia was held on June 11 so everyone would be ready for the new fiscal year beginning July 01. Training was conducted by current District 58 Director Sharon Durgin and the incoming “trio” of Kim Love; Dana Swarner, Program Quality Director; and Bob Swarner, Club Growth Director.
The day’s wide range of subjects included heightened focus on club growth and success planning, Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI) summer sessions, and the upcoming humor and evaluation contests.
How Would I Prepare if Competing this Year
How would I Prepare if Competing this Year by Brian Woolf
Tips on creating a winnable speech
- The more personal your speech, the more universal its reach
- What want them to Think, Feel, or Do? —Write Closing (draft)
- Grabber opening — Question (or Curiosity-Arouser)
- Format: 1 or 3 stories? (Tell a Story, Make a Point)
- PTS (Phrase That Stays)
- Dialog with Audience
- Satisfy the Senses
- Twists (Titillate the mind; mentally amusing; creates humor)
- Vary VSH (Visual Speaking Height)
- Differentiation: Besides PTS, anything else they’ll remember from your speech?
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This speech contest workshop was hosted by the Advanced Communicators Toastmasters club. They provide opportunities for experienced Toastmasters to experiment, expand and excite your Toastmasters’ journey.
Join them the 2nd and 4th Saturday from 2-4 PM at the Mauldin Public Library 800 W. Butler Road Mauldin, SC 29607
What You the Speech Contestant Needs to Know
What You the Speech Contestant Needs to Know by David Fillion
Reduce your nerves by following these important rules. Understand the difference between judging and evaluating an International Speech Contest.
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More resources: toastmasters.org/Leadership-Central/Speech-Contests
This speech contest workshop was hosted by the Advanced Communicators Toastmasters club. They provide opportunities for experienced Toastmasters to experiment, expand and excite your Toastmasters’ journey.
Join them the 2nd and 4th Saturday from 2-4 PM at the Mauldin Public Library 800 W. Butler Road Mauldin, SC 29607
D58 Fall Conference – Scheduled Breakout Sessions & Agenda
Conference Schedule
| 9:00 – 9:15 | Opening Session | Salon A/B |
| 9:15 – 9:50 | Keynote Address
CELEBRATE! Jana Barnhill DTM, PIP, AS |
Salon A/B |
|
10:00 – 10:50 |
Education Session 1
Yes You Can! Live the Life You were Destined to Live Schrendria Robinson CC
|
Classroom 3/4 |
| 10:00 – 10:50 | Education Session 2
Work Smarter not Harder – Road to DTM in 2 Years Earlena Brown DTM
|
Salon C |
| 11:00 – 11:50 | Evaluation Contest | Salon A/B |
| 12:00 – 1:20 | Lunch (Hall of Fame, DTM Ceremony) | Salon A/B |
| 1:30 – 2:20 | Business Meeting | Salon A/B |
| 2:30 – 3:20 | Education Session 3
Jim Hatchell, CC The Value of Club Leadership! Education Session 4 Which Way Did They Go? I’m Their Leader! Jana and Bob Barnhill DTM, PIP, AS |
Classroom 3 /4
Salon A / B |
| 3:30 – 4:00 | Division Networking | Classroom 1 & 2 |
| 4:00 – 5:30 | Humorous Speech Contest | Salon A/B |
Conference Logistics
| 8:00 – 12:00 | Registration | Front Reception Area |
| 8:00 – 8:50 | Networking | Classroom 1 & 2 |
| 8:00 – 8:50 | Credentials | Front Reception Area |
| 10:00 | Contestant Briefing | Salon A/B |
| 10:00 | Judges Briefing | Boardroom |
| 10:45 – 11:00 | Credentials | Front Reception Area |
| 3:00 | Contestant Briefing | Salon C |
| 3:00 | Judges Briefing | Meeting Room 1 |
http://www.toastmasters-d58.org/district-58-fall-conference/
District 58 Fall Conference
Whenever anyone thinks about the District 58 Fall Conference, the first thing that typically comes to mind is the District Humorous Speech and Evaluation Contests, but the Fall Conference this year comes with not one, but two, special guest speakers!
District 58 is proud to present Jana Barnhill, Past International President and Accredited Speaker, as our Keynote Speaker, and her husband, Robert, who is also a Past International President and Accredited Speaker.
Jana will open the Conference with the keynote, “Celebrate your Greatness” and then will team up with her husband, Robert, to present “Which Way Did They Go? I’m Their Leader!” These presentations will focus on, how Toastmasters is not only an amazing organization, but it is also a journey. A journey in which you will be able to do things, and go places, which you could never imagine. You not only become skilled speakers, but you also become skilled leaders, which others will want to follow.
But wait, there is more!!! Did your club earn a Distinguished Status? Did you earn a Triple Crown? Did you recruit 5 or more new members last year? Are there any newly minted Distinguished Toastmasters who are ready to receive their Hugs? Get ready to WALK THE RED CARPET and ‘Celebrate Your Greatness’ during our Hall of Fame Luncheon!
But wait, there is EVEN More!!! YOU the member will have an opportunity to attend break out sessions that help you personally in your daily journey through life. We have sessions that will engage you, energize you and leave you wanting for more!
But wait, there is EVEN MORE MORE…Each Division will host a CELEBRATION STATION where you can check in and find out what’s going on in your neck of the woods. This is a great opportunity to network with members that live near you, work near you and Toast On near you!
District Leaders, even though we are planning a lot of fun, we still have work that needs to be done! Our District Business Meeting will also be held and we encourage our District Leaders to attend so that you can ROCK THE VOTE!
The District 58 Fall Conference this year will be a conference that you will talk about for years to come. Sign up now and enjoy your journey.
How to: Land a Speaking Gig at the Conference of Your Dreams
Carmine Gallo: Public Speaking Secrets That Moves Audiences | Lewis Howes podcast
Public Speaking Secrets From TED Talks Top Stars with Carmine Gallo
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5 Secrets of Powerful Speakers | Inc.com
When you’ve got this skill, it’s a powerful thing: You can persuade listeners to change their point of view, accept a challenge, or stay the course. Here’s how the best speakers do it.
5 Tips to Great Public Speaking | Inc.com
Inspiring. Confident. Humorous. Motivational. Honest. Engaging. Powerful.
These words are used to describe great speeches. If you are preparing to give a presentation or a speech, you’ll need to hone your speaking skills before that day comes. Follow this easy recipe for great delivery.
Read the full article.
Fantastic Educational Sessions for YOU!
The educational sessions during the Fall Conference on October 18, 2014 are definitely worth attending. During the morning session, Guest Speaker David Brooks WCPS will be presenting “The Essentials of Effective Presentations”. In the afternoon you will pick between two high energy presentations.
First from our visiting Region 8 International Director Dennis Wooldridge, DTM, “2014 International Speech Contest Review: Who won, why and what you can learn from it!” and also in the afternoon from Dana Swarner, ACS, ALB and Diana Hardy ACS, ALB is “How you can be a ROCK STAR as TMOD!”
These sessions will teach you how to improve your presentations, speaking style and how to make your club meetings a go-to event. Register today and don’t miss out on learning from the best!
David Brooks, Dana Swarner, Diana Hardy
Fall Conference Sneak Preview
David Brooks
District 58 is excited to announce that a Toastmasters Fall Conference call Sneak Preview with David Brooks will be available Tuesday evening September 30, 2014 at 9:00 pm and YOU are invited to call in and listen to what David will bring to South Carolina. The call is limited to the first 125 participants so don’t be late.
The toll-free number to call is 800-868-1837 and the participant code is 351213#. (*4 = volume control and *6 = mute/unmute).
Don’t miss this opportunity to find out why David is coming to Columbia, what you will learn from him, and how his proven techniques that have helped champions win on the big stage will take your skills to levels you never expected!”
District 58 Final 7
District 58 Toastmasters is approaching May Mayhem. On May 2nd and May 3rd, District 58 will have the District Finals for the 2014 Table Topics and International Speech Competitions. How will you fill out YOUR bracket?
On Saturday, March 29, 2014 at Carolina One in Charleston, Divisions A and B held their semi-finals and the contestants that advanced are shown below.
On Saturday, April 5, 2014 at the Hughes Library in Greenville, Divisions F and G held their semi-finals and the contestants that advanced are shown below.
On Saturday, April 12, 2014 at the BCBS Tower Auditorium, Divisions C, D, and E will hold their semi-finals. Who will be part of the District 58 Final 7?
2014 District 58 Final 7 – Table Topics Contest
| Division A | Heather Collins | ||
| Division B | Rose Marie Thompson | ||
| Division C | __________________ | ||
| Division D | __________________ | District 58 | _____________________ |
| Division E | __________________ | ||
| Division F | Alecia Brewster | ||
| Division G | Geneva Anderson |
2014 District 58 Final 7 – International Speech Contest
| Division A | J. Marc Diaz | ||
| Division B | Bob Helmrich | ||
| Division C | ___________________ | ||
| Division D | ___________________ | District 58 | _____________________ |
| Division E | ___________________ | ||
| Division F | Dana Swarner | ||
| Division G | Geneva Anderson |
The Final 7 will compete in the District 58 Tables Topics and International Speech Contests at the District 58 Spring Conference. HURRY HURRY – There are only a limited number of tickets available for the District 58 Spring Conference. Register for the Conference by clicking on District 58 Spring Conference Registration.
To reserve your hotel room at the Greenville Marriott to take advantage of all the District 58 Spring Conference has to offer, Reserve Your Room Here.
HURRY, HURRY, HURRY, Early Bird Discounts End April 17th.
LOCO Announces Special Moments of Truth Presentation
The Low Country Officers Club (LOCO) announces a Special Presentation of the Moments of Truth. This presentation will be done by Immediate Past District Governor, Phil Woody, DTM.
In a very rural area of South Carolina there was an old logging trail that only the most avid of hikers dared to travel. The trail was very remote, rugged and far away from civilization and most importantly a decent water source.
One day a very seasoned hiker, who dared to walk desolate trail, came across an old, run-down pump-style well. Around the cobweb laced pump he found a rusty tin can tied to the handle; inside the can was this message written on a piece of faded brown paper:
“This pump was fixed as of July 1981. I put a new sucker washer in it, but the washer dries out in the weather and the pump has got to be primed. Under the white rock, located right next to this pump, I buried a bottle of water. There’s enough water in the bottle to prime this pump, but not if you drink some first. Pour in about half the water in the primer hole and let it soak into the leather washer (about a minute). Then quickly pour in the rest of the water and pump away. You’ll get all the water you need. When you get your water , please fill-up the bottle and put in back like you found it for the next person…P.S. don’t go drinking the water first…Primp the pump with it and you’ll get all the water you’ll ever need!!!!
As leaders we must remember, we must remember this story. We must give before we can receive…
How many “leaders” do you know who would drink the bottle of water before priming the pump?
We have all heard we get out of Toastmasters what we put into Toastmasters. I have seen many clubs falter because one or two people are doing all the work in the club. The other members in the club, who are suppose to be learning and practicing how to become leaders are not being afforded the opportunity, and worst, not offering any assistance. This individuals are paying their dues but or nor gaining the leadership experience we, Toastmasters International, advertise.
If you’re tired of paying dues and not getting the leadership experience you think you should. If you are a leader and feel like you’re doing all the work. If your club is not providing you a quality service. If you club cannot attract visitors. If visitors do not join your club. If you want more out of your club than you’re currently getting — then 12 April will be a great day for you.
Toastmasters International has a program called “The Successful Club Series”. This series has 11 different presentations to assist you and your club at providing a quality product and assist YOU on how to become a better leader…
On April the 12th our Immediate Past District Governor Phillip Woody DTM will be presenting “Moment of Truth”. This will be an educational session you do not want to miss.
Please come and be enlightened on what you can do to help your club provide a quality product and hold your elected officers accountable for helping, teaching, guiding, mentoring, sponsoring and making you the leader and oral communicator you want to be.
LOCO meets at the Ryan’s on 829 St. Andrew’s Boulevard, Charleston, SC. The meeting begins at 8:30 AM. Arrive early to purchase your breakfast or stay after for conversation and breakfast.
Revitalized Education Program Coming to Your Club
Pat Gann, DTM, PDG, is District 58’s Chief Ambassador for the Revitalized Education Program. Pat is leading a group of Ambassadors who will be visiting your club over the next several months sharing details of the Revitalized Education Program as they released by Toastmasters International.
The Revitalized Education Program is the most significant change to the Toastmasters’ Education Program in many years.
What I learned with Ryan Avery
D58 members enjoying Ryan Avery’s presentation
Ryan Avery presented ‘How to make it a Great Speech’ in Columbia. He demonstrated exactly how we can be more compelling.
Much of his content focused on connecting with the audience. Of course we’ve all heard that advice. Ryan laid it out step-by-step.
Focus on the message you want your audience to remember when you are done speaking. Will they remember your words, your slides, your props? Not really. They will remember how you made them feel.
Notice the audience taking notes in these photos. The advice he shared was valuable. The attendees of this event have some excellent knowledge on improving their presentation skills.
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One of Ryan’s entertaining slides
 Ryan making a point |
 And another point… |
 Taking notes |
Taking lots of notes
Ryan taking a photo of the D58 audience
Revitalized Educational Program interview
Toastmasters is performing an in-depth review of the Toastmasters educational program. This comprehensive review started back in 2009. The goal is to modernize Toastmasters.
The program will roll out in the second half of 2014.
Pat Gann is District 58’s Chief Ambassador. She is doing a special presentation about this program at the Winter TLIs.
In this podcast Toastmasters International Chief Executive Officer Daniel Rex and Past International President Pat Johnson discuss the organization’s Revitalized Education Program with Bo Bennett and Ryan Levesque.
Listen to the podcast (26:06)
This is the official podcast of Toastmasters International.
Winter TLI Dates
The Winter TLI dates have been announced:
- January 25, 2014 – Charleston, The Citadel register
- February 8, 2014 – Columbia, Palmetto GBA
- February 22, 2014 – Greenville – TBA
In addition to the training sessions for the seven clubs officers, we will also have sessions on Speech Contests, Marketing – How to find ’em, How to keep ’em, Club Central, and Life After DTM.
We will also have a presentation by Pat Gann, DTM, PDG, Revitalized Education Program Chief Ambassador about the Revitalized Education Program. This latest update to the Toastmasters Program will be available in July 2014.
Registration is NOW OPEN
How to avoid filler words, ya know, like, um.
Steven D. Cohen is an award-winning speaker who teaches Oral Communication in the Workplace at Harvard Extension School.
He says one key tip is: Pause, Think, Answer.
Read the full article and watch this quick video.
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Ryan Avery – 2012 World Champion Public Speaking in District 58
Ryan Avery
During the 2012 International Convention in Orlando, Florida, Ryan Avery won the Toastmasters International Speech Contest becoming the 2012 World Champion Public Speaking.
A little footnote, Ryan was only 25 years old when he won.
Ryan will be bringing his message about public speaking to District 58 on November 26, 2013 in Columbia, South Carolina.
Mark your calendars for the evening of November 26, 2013 in Columbia, South Carolina for Ryan Avery 2012 World Champion Public Speaking.
5 Secrets to Looking Confident While Speaking in Public | Nikki Stone
Nikki shares some excellent confidence tips.
In the past 19 years as a speaker, I’ve found that there are five tools I’ve used to demonstrate the strongest level of confidence when I’m on the stage. Regardless of whether I’m in front of a few business clients or thousands of audience members, these five tips have helped me communicate presentations that I can always be proud of.
My favorite is tip #2 Focus on people who are nodding.
Keep reading and get all her tips: Full article
Courtesy of Nikki Stone
Great Leaders: 8 Steps to Make a Great Speech | Inc.com
After spending years as a Toastmaster speakers’ club member and speaking to a wide range of audiences, I enjoy coming up with topics that will appeal to a group, developing the flow of talks, and interacting with audiences.
I was recently asked to give a presentation to a group of product managers about how to give a great presentation–and both the Republican and Democratic conventions have the art of speechmaking on my mind–so I developed a plan that could help anyone.
Here are eight basic tips every presenter should use: Great Leaders: 8 Steps to Make a Great Speech | Inc.com
2013 World Championship Winner Highlights
Presiyan Vasilev wins Toastmasters International’s 2013 World Championship of Public Speaking.
Two-minute highlight video.
ARVE Error: need id and providerIntl Speech Contest live stream viewing
The attendees at the 2013 Toastmasters Intl Convention live stream were treated to some superb speeches. Seeing the performers on the big stage was a real treat.
The group had lively conversations during the pause between each speech. A good education seeing what others see in each speech.
This was held at the Greenville Downtown library and organized by John Rodgers and Steve Marquis. So a big thank you goes out to these go-getters who organized this live stream.
To hope is we can do this again so stay tuned about this time next year.
Attendees enjoy world-class speeches
Proxies for International Business Meeting
Club Presidents and Club Secretaries
Each Toastmasters Club has two votes at the International Business Meeting during the Toastmasters International Convention. You are the voting members.
Most Club Presidents and Secretaries do not attend the International. You vote can still count by assigning your proxy to someone attending the International Convention. Many people just assign their proxies to the District Governor.
To assign your proxy, logon to www.toastmasters.org. Go to Club Central and select your club. Find the link near the bottom for assigning the club proxy.
If you have questions, please contact District Governor, David Fillion at d58governor@toastmasters-d58.org
The Results are In!!!
The results for the 2012 – 2013 Toastmasters year are in.
On July 1, 2012, District 58 had 119 clubs. On June 30, 2013, we had 124 paid clubs. Our goal was to finish the year with 123 clubs. Great Job!!
District 58’s goal was to have 48 Distinguished Clubs by June 30, 2013. We finished with 49 paid clubs. Another great job.
District 58 had a goal of 4642 member payments for 2012 – 2013. We finished the year at 4379. We were short of our goal by 263 member payments.
District 58 did not achieve Distinguished District status because we missed out member payment goal.
HOWEVER, District 58 will be recognized for Excellence in Education and Training. We had 85% of our Area and Division Governors trained and 49 Distinguished Clubs. This achievement will be recognized at the International Convention during the Hall of Fame Luncheon.
GREAT JOB EVERYONE!