D47 Sunshiner - September, 2013

TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL

THE SUNSHINER

District 47 News and Events

SEPTEMBER 201 3

THE TALENT ISSUE FEATURES

Taking Your Talents to New Heights Cover 201 3 International Convention 1 2 Fall Conference Preview 17 Sharing the Toastmasters Gift 19

AROUND THE DISTRICT News and Notes Contest Update

DEPARTMENTS

Contributors Member Comments Messages from the DEC - District Gov. - Lt. Gov. Education & Training - Lt. Gov. Marketing - Public Relations Officer The Digital District Memories and Milestones August Education Awards Got News?

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Using their super­powered registration talents at the Division A Evaluation and Humorous Speech Contests, from left: Michelle Washington, Yvonne Chuck Shing,

10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 20 23

Paulette Harris and Joset Simms.

(Photo by Paul Bonasia)

Taking Your Talents to New Heights

By Kate McClare, ACB/CL Editor, The Sunshiner

Toastmaster Tales Page 1 5

This month’s issue of The Sunshiner is dedicated to members who’ve found professional and personal success because of their participation in the Toastmasters program. In our theme feature, you’ll find several personal stories from people who were eager to tell us how the program has helped them to grow on the job and in life, including some who literally found their voice at Toastmasters.

But think about it: Couldn’t every article in this newsletter — every article in every issue — be about that very thing?

Visit www.toastmastersd47.org From the Division A and Division E winners of the Evaluation and Humorous and click Resources for Members Speech Contests to Kendrick Knowles’ insightful account of his performance on the homepage — or click here: at the 201 3 International Convention, this issue is all about taking talents to the next level — or finding talents you may not even know you have.

Get ready to be inspired. I know I was!

SEPTEMBER CONTRIBUTORS

Talent to Spare Kristina Kihlberg, DTM (“Do You Know

Someone in Central or South America?”), has been a Toastmaster since 2002, mainly in Broward County.

She is currently serving as International Director, Region 8, which covers Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, The Bahamas, the Caribbean and South America. She feels that our many members with heritage in South and Central America will be a valuable resource in our efforts to expand.

THE SUNSHINER Published by Toastmasters International District 47, Southeast Florida and The Islands of The Bahamas.

Submit articles, questions and comments to sunshiner@toastmastersd47.org.

DISTRICT 47 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

District Governor

Francis Molina, DTM

Lt. Governor Education and Training Anthony "Tony" Longley, DTM

Lt. Governor Marketing Damien Miller, DTM

District Public Relations Officer Douglas Shachnow, ACG/ALB

District Secretary

Gary Sharp, ATMG/ALB

District Treasurer Greg Henry, DTM

District Sergeant At Arms Thomas Plant, ACB/ALB

Immediate Past District Governor Kendrick Knowles, ACB/ALB (“The

Real Prize: Becoming a Better Speaker”), represented District 47 at the 201 3 World Championship of Public Speaking in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is President of Cable Beach West Toastmasters and has been in Toastmasters for seven years. Kendrick is married to Vanessa Knowles, Cable Beach’s Vice President Education.

Phyllis May, DTM (“Happy Birthday,

Conference Chair.

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Toastmasters!,” "Speak Up,” Fall Conference preview), has been known as “The Fiery Retiree” since publishing her latest book. She lives in Key West and is proud to be Fall

Matt Kinsey, DTM

Division Governors Div. A: Marlene Bryan, DTM Div. B: Johnny Segarra, ACB/ALB Div. C: Chim Francisco, DTM Div. D: Patricia Vallejo, ACB/ALB Div. E: John Lazar, DTM Div. F: Jason Springer, DTM Div. I: Curtis Bryan, DTM OTHER DISTRICT OFFICERS

TLI Training Coordinator: Antionette Fox, DTM Contest Coordinator: Shantelle Moxie, DTM Fall Conference Chair: Phyllis May, DTM Webmaster: David Clarke, DTM Parliamentarian: Michael Schoen, CTM/ALS Social Media Chair: Ruth Field Beck, ACB/CL Sunshiner Editor: Kate McClare, ACB/CL

Look for more district roles to be filled in the near future .

Copy Editor/Proofreader: Lisa Dunham Owers

MEMBER COMMENTS

Happy Birthday, Toastmasters!

Toastmasters International continues to grow as it helps more people worldwide develop the confidence and communication skills they need to become leaders in their fields. It is one of the few organizations that exist only for the self-improvement of their members.

By Phyllis May, DTM Key West Toastmasters

Is your club having a birthday party in October? If not, why not? If Dr. Ralph Smedley hadn’t had that first meeting on October 22, 1 924, in Santa Ana, California, we wouldn’t be reading a Toastmasters publication.

Dr. Smedley understood that effective communication skills often lead to success on the job and in life. His first group met in the basement of a YMCA. Everyone was there because they were interested in improving their speaking skills in a supportive, informal environment.

www.clipartguide.com

spread. New groups began forming in surrounding areas and it wasn’t long before people in other states began contacting Dr. Smedley to ask permission to start additional clubs.

Eighty-nine years later, membership is at an all-time high: approximately Eventually, the group was named 292,000 members at last count, in “Toastmasters." Word about the club over 1 4,350 clubs in 1 22 countries.

Want to See a Good Movie? Speak Up!

You can help your fellow Toastmasters see an inspiring movie about the World Championship of Public Speaking.

is a documentary on the 2008 World Championship (which happens to be the year our own Jim Bussey competed in the finals). It is available to buy for $25 for personal use, or to rent for $1 49 for a Toastmasters Club screening.

Speak

Here’s where I’d like to ask for your help. It is available to save in your Netflix queue when it’s released. However, it must be requested by at least 60 Netflix subscribers.

If you’re a member of Netflix, please request it so we can get 60 people to put it in their queues. Ask your neighbors, friends and anyone else you know who has Netflix to help us, so we can receive it in the mail and watch it at home. You can watch the trailer on the website: http://speakthemovie.com Thanks for your help, and enjoy!

— Phyllis May, DTM

So . . . it’s not too late. Plan that birthday party meeting. We all have a lot to celebrate. Drink a “toast” to Dr. Smedley — who, incidentally, passed away September 11 , 1 965, at the age of 87.

I doubt Dr. Smedley could have imagined that the original “basement brainstorm” would have the impact it has and that it would still be thriving 89 years later.

Guide your successor!

Transition meetings are a must when you are leaving your club leadership position. Your successor will appreciate it.

Keep good documentation and

step-by-step procedures to ease the learning curve. And always have your leadership manual handy so you can answer new officers' frequently asked questions.

— Francis Molina, DTM Governor, District 47 THE SUNSHINER

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MESSAGES FROM THE DISTRICT EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

DISTRICT GOVERNOR

Take Your Talents to New Heights!

This edition of The Sunshiner focuses on the impact that the Toastmasters program has had and continues to have on our members.

“Here’s a place where you can learn, grow, develop – and where other people are doing and feeling the same thing.”

- Debbi Fields Rose Founder of Mrs. Fields Cookies and a former Toastmaster Taking your talents to new heights also inspires courage and dedication by members who step out of their comfort zones, who choose to battle their fears and can give and receive constructive feedback for our mutual learning.

The Toastmasters program provides a mutually supportive environment that allows you to try new and different things. Ever thought of teaching a large audience? Competing in a contest? Serving as an officer? All of these are great opportunities to take your talents to the next level.

Francis Molina, DTM

Also in this issue, we cover more details about the International Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio, this past August.

Your District TRIO received leader training and participated in several of the activities at the convention. We enjoyed sharing with so many districts in the world ideas and knowledge to make us a better organization.

For those who are following the area and division contests, we bring coverage of all the winners as they fight for a place to compete in our Fall District Conference – "Heroes & Villains" – in Fort Lauderdale.

Our Fall Conference will take your talents to new heights with our packed agenda! Besides featuring two great speech contests, it will showcase two special guests — keynote speaker Mohammed Murad, Toastmasters International President-Elect; and Ryan Avery, 201 2 World Champion of Public Speaking — to provide a unique perspective about our organization and the benefits of being a member. Register early! Conference will be sold out!

Who is your Hero or Villain?

Francis Molina, DTM Governor, District 47

Francis Molina has been a Toastmaster since 2005, when she joined her Corporate Club as Charter Club President. She has held all club officer positions in her home club and has served District 47 as Area Governor (President's Distinguished Area Governor 2009­2010), Division Governor (President's Distinguished Division Governor and Division Governor of the Year 2010­2011) and High Performance Leadership and TLI Chair.

Contact Francis at fmolina@toastmastersd47.org.

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MESSAGES FROM THE DISTRICT EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

LT. GOVERNOR EDUCATION & TRAINING

Heroes — and Villains — Among Us

Heroes are all around us! We all can think of persons who, through their demonstrated acts of kindness or courage, have gained our respect and admiration. Some of these persons may easily qualify for the title of "Super Hero." In our mind's eye, even without a mask or cape, they stand taller or illuminate brighter than all the other heroes. The homeless man in the United States, who, in mid-September, found a bag containing almost $3,000 in cash and over $40,000 in traveler's checks and turned it into the police without a second thought, is by no small measure a super hero!

In District 47, we have lots of heroes and a growing crop of Super Heroes.

We believe our theme for the September edition of The Sunshiner, "Taking Your Talents to New Heights," will bring some of our unsung heroes to the forefront and produce even more "Super Heroes": persons who have been working in the trenches for years, mentoring members and coaching weak clubs, serving on committees, working at conferences or serving as an officer in a club. Many of these talented individuals seek no recognition for the sacrifices and contributions they make. They are the heroes of Toastmasters!

Tony Longley, DTM Sadly, wherever there are heroes, there also are "Villains." The reality is that villains do not exist only in human form but oftentimes are invisible to us as well as to others around us. Some of us carry our villains on the inside, in the form of doubt, lack of confidence, low self-esteem, fear of failure, procrastination, envy and malice. Is something stopping you from realizing the heroism in you? Could it be one of these, or is it something else?

Our Toastmasters training endows us with the skills and confidence needed to conquer the Villains that confront us daily. I implore you to constantly seek opportunities to test your leadership skills and to practice your communication techniques. You will find that it will not only result in your "Finding the Talent Within," but it also will cause you to "Take your Talents to New Heights."

I look forward to seeing you at Fall Conference. Register today! Maybe it is there that the "Super Hero" in you will emerge.

Toastfully,

Anthony "Tony" Longley, DTM

Lt. Governor Education & Training, District 47 Tony Longley joined the First Bahamas Branch of Toastmasters Club 1600 in May 1987. He has been a club officer in various roles and has served as a Club President, an Area Governor and a Division Governor. He was named District 47 Division Governor of the Year in 2009­2010. Tony was the District's YLP Chair for South Florida and The Bahamas in 2010­2011 and Public Relations Officer for 2011­2012.

Contact Tony at tlongley@toastmastersd47.org.

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MESSAGES FROM THE DISTRICT EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

LT. GOVERNOR MARKETING

Your Talent Is Within Reach!

Welcome to another informative edition of The Sunshiner! The District 47 Marketing Team has been busy planning and preparing for a rewarding and fulfilling fiscal period. But we cannot do it alone. We need YOU. If you feel that you are a model Toastmaster who can be the face of District 47 and your Division, please contact us to become part of our dynamic team.

Our marketing incentives are currently in full swing and they provide many opportunities for your club, Area and Division to grow and benefit from top achievement. We enjoy highlighting the successes of our winners, so please take a moment to review the many benefits available for your advantage.

OUR TOP PRIORITY at this moment is the fulfillment of our membership dues to Toastmasters International, all due by September 30. Will your club receive credit for settling dues on time? Settling your membership dues keeps our District strong and healthy, helps us meet your needs and supports a positive experience. Every member contribution is important, including yours!

Damien Miller, DTM

Finally, one of the most important events in the District will be happening in just another month and I am looking forward to seeing you there. The District 47 Fall Conference promises to be even more thrilling than its 201 2 predecessor. This year we are celebrating “Heroes & Villains,” a timely theme for all of us to reflect on. You do not want to miss this experience, especially since we will host Toastmasters International President-Elect Mohammad Murad, DTM, and 201 2 World Champion of Public Speaking Ryan Avery, ACB/ALB. Pair those special visits with the finals of the Evaluation and Humorous Speech Contests, and there is no doubt that November 8-1 0 will be packed with excitement, thrills and memorable moments. Under the direction of Conference Chair Phyllis May, DTM, the District Conference Team is bound to deliver a weekend that you are not likely to forget.

If you have not registered, please do so at www.toastmastersd47.org before the early bird special ends on September 30.

Our first quarter is now behind us and we are past our probation period. Now, let’s make it a sprint to the finish in June as we take our talented District to the top of the world!

Yours,

Damien Miller, DTM

Lt. Governor Marketing, District 47 Damien Miller has been an avid member of Toastmasters clubs in Florida and The Bahamas since June 2002. His leadership positions have included a term as a President’s Distinguished Area Governor for 2006­2007. Most recently, he served as Chairperson of the 2012 Fall Conference, which successfully returned to The Bahamas under his direction and that of a dedicated team of committee members from throughout the District.

Contact Damien at dmiller@toastmastersd47.org.

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MESSAGES FROM THE DISTRICT EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

Notes on Personally Speaking In this issue of The Sunshiner, you will read accounts from individuals crediting Toastmasters for personal growth and success in their personal lives and professional pursuits. What immediately captures our attention is the similarity of these personal stories. I don’t think it’s unrealistic to stop and ask ourselves how such an organization as our own came into being and what guiding philosophy shaped its future.

During my recent visit to Cincinnati for the Toastmasters International Convention, I ran across a book in the convention store titled Personally Speaking, a book I recommend to all Toastmasters. This is a collection of articles our founder, Dr. Ralph Smedley, had written for publication in Toastmaster magazine over a period of four decades, from the founding of the organization in 1 924 until his passing in 1 965. The articles touch on every aspect of what our organization is about, from his thoughts on club programs and leadership to speech style and language to Douglas Shachnow, ACG/ALB presentation itself. A short book at 11 0 pages (not including photos and 1 00 aphorisms and precepts at the end) Personally Speaking is long on revealing Smedley’s personal philosophy and profound commitment to the personal growth and development of his direct followers and the generations of Toastmasters who have followed.

A prefatory chapter carrying the book’s title lays out four principles that were key in Smedley’s thinking. While the third stresses that Toastmasters is participant-focused rather than demanding a member subordinate himself to the group — a characteristic common to other organizations — this language I think is the most telling: Ours is the only organization I know that is dedicated to the individual. We work together to bring out the best in each of us and then we apply our skills to help others.

Is this not the beginning of finding and developing the talent within?

Sincerely,

Douglas Shachnow, ACG/ALB Public Relations Officer

Douglas Shachnow, ACG/ALB, joined West Boca Toastmasters in February 2010 and has served that club as Vice President Public Relations and Vice President Education. He also has been an active member of Sensor Toast.

Contact Douglas at dshachnow@toastmastersd47.org.

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THE DIGITAL DISTRICT

Creative Promotion Although not a requirement for success, social media has become a part of the experience for many Toastmasters, who often are business owners or leaders in their companies or schools.

To remain cutting-edge, be aware of others traveling along the Internet highway such as those who practice "guerilla marketing�: creative, inexpensive marketing methods.

www.toastmastersd47.org

Facebook: Connect with large groups or single individuals Ruth Field Beck, ACB/CL

Toastmasters International endorses the use of social media as an opportunity to network with their fellow members.

Although our Toastmasters pages are not designed for sharing anything other than Toastmasters news and questions, the friends one makes in Toastmasters may be open to hearing about nonToastmasters business information and ventures.

Twitter: Quick connection with large groups. Fewer Toastmasters are using it.

One Toastmaster who is an author, for instance, shared his book with fellow members and received glowing reviews from them when the book was released on Amazon. Other members reached through social media have generously donated their products and services as raffle prizes for events. I was delighted to promote donations from members and friends of Toastmasters in a silent auction I held last year during my term as Area Governor. The auction itself utilized social media, being promoted primarily via Facebook and e-mail.

LinkedIn: Network with others in

Be comfortable with your options to promote your aspirations, and inspire others to be part of your success.

engaging people with videos of speeches and events.

Toasting you,

Ruth Field Beck

Social Media Chair Ruth Field Beck joined Toastmasters International in 2008 and is a member of NCCI Toastmasters and Boca Raton Advanced Toastmasters, both in Palm Beach County. She has served as an officer in various capacities and was Area 30 Governor in 2012­13.

Contact Ruth at rbeck@toastmastersd47.org.

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Toastmasters Channel Lineup

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your profession. Not as simple to use as Facebook and Twitter.

MeetUp: Easy way to promote

club events. Free for individuals, but groups must pay to use it.

You Tube: Good resource for

Vimeo: More professional image than You Tube.

Pinterest: Post photos and

images about interests. Not as intuitive to use as Facebook or Twitter.

MEMORIES AND MILESTONES

Honoring Moments on Life's Journey Please welcome Cathy-Alice Koyanagi, CC/CL, to the staff of The Sunshiner. Cathy will be writing a monthly column noting birthdays, anniversaries and other milestones of our District members. This column also will recognize those who pass away.

Cathy belongs to Palm Beach Advanced Toastmasters, where she is Vice President Education. She is an Adjustment to Blindness counselor and serves on the Palm Tran Service Board in Palm Beach County.

Cathy will arrange to have appropriate cards mailed to a Toastmaster who is ill and to the family of a member who has passed away. These simple acts help to remind our Toastmasters that they belong to a large family.

It is important to note that the assistance of club members, presidents and Area and Division governors will be important for this effort to succeed. Please e-mail Cathy at cakoyanagi@gmail.com to advise her of any birthdays, anniversaries, deaths, illnesses or other occasions. Provide the recipient's address if you want her to mail a card.

Condolences

District 47 sends heartfelt condolences to Contest Chair Shantelle Moxie and her family for the recent passing of her aunt, Lilieth Rivers, whom Shantelle described as "my second mother. "

Cathy­Alice Koyanagi, CC/CL

“The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.”

— Albert Schweitzer

Birthday

September 11 : Diana Loy, Palm Beach Noon Toastmasters and Talk of the Town

Club Anniversary

Hobe Sound Toasters celebrated their fifth anniversary with a special birthday meeting in September.

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AROUND THE DISTRICT: News and Notes

New Area 11 Governor Appointed District Governor Francis Molina has appointed Charles M. Taylor, CC, to serve Division A as Area 11 Governor.

A charter member of Universal Toastmasters, Charles is a spiritual teacher, a certified relationship and integrative coach professional, and author of The H.I.P. Factor — Choosing Your Way To Healthy, Inspiring, Purposeful Living. He is the father of five girls, affectionately known as Charlie’s Angels. He and his wife, Shakira Taylor — a former Area 1 4 Governor — are founders of Charles & Shakira Unlimited, a catalyst in the Healthy, Inspiring, Purposeful (H.I.P.) movement. He calls himself a Trekkie for life.

Charles is passionate about Toastmasters and all the benefits it offers its members.

Once a boy who seldom spoke because of a speech impediment, he now advocates, "You are enough."

"I look forward to working with the team and making this our best year ever," he says.

Contact Charles at ctaylor@toastmastersd47.org .

Club Presidents' Corner Columnists Needed: The Sunshiner is

Charles M. Taylor, CC

Stop the Sominex!

If your audience looks like they've taken a double dose of sleeping pills during your presentation, here's help: "Stop the Sominex," a full-day training on Saturday, October 26.

looking for club presidents to share Sponsored by Beacon Point Advanced Toastmasters, the training will Help writing a monthly cover seven topics: Wanted column of advice and insight about the Appearance important job of leadership.

Using Audiovisual Aids Content Club Presidents' Corner will present the Delivery guidance of a different president each month.

Promotions We're rotating it to add some variety and lend Mentoring and Coaching perspectives from throughout the District.

Evaluation

The feature will begin with the October issue, This groundbreaking training day was designed for those who want written by Boca Raton Advanced Toastmasters to become better presenters, trainers and speech contestants. It President Michael Thorn. costs $25, which includes lunch, a workbook and an e-mailed photo (upon request with RSVP). Limited space is available so RSVP Interested in writing the next column? Send an today to Debbie Kest at DKest@comcast.net. e-mail, with "Presidents' Corner" in the subject line, to sunshiner@toastmastersd47.org.

Want to attend for FREE? Just become a fully paid annual member of Beacon Point by September 30. Ask Debbie for details.

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AROUND THE DISTRICT: Contest Update

And the Winners (So Far) Are . . .

Division A was the first to choose its winners in the Evaluation and Humorous Speech Contests.

Left: Evaluation winner Maria Alexandra Sanchez with Contest Master Lydia Harris, Division A Governor Marlene Bryan and Lt. Governor Marketing Damien Miller. Right: Humorous Speech winner Jerrod Clersaint with Lydia, Marlene and Damien.

(Photos by Paul Benasio)

2 Down, 5 to Go: Division Finals Division E also has chosen its winners: Jordan Vichot (Evaluation) and Mike Babst (Humorous Speech).

They'll compete against the other Division finalists at the District's Fall Conference, November 8-1 0 in Fort Lauderdale.

Watch the October issue of The Sunshiner for full coverage of all Division competitions.

DIVISION B FINAL October 1 9

1 0 a.m. Oakland Park Library 1 298 NE 37th St. Oakland Park

DIVISION C FINAL October 5

9 a.m. Boca Community Center 1 50 Crawford Blvd.

Boca Raton

DIVISION D FINAL October 5

2 p.m. IRSC Wolf Center Stuart

DIVISION F FINAL October 9

6:30 p.m. Farquharson Conference Center, East Street Police HQ

DIVISION I FINAL October 1 0

7:30 p.m. Breezes Super Clubs THE SUNSHINER

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FEATURES: 201 3 International Convention

More Scenes from Cincinnati Our TRIO — District Governor Francis Molina, Lt. Governor Education & Training Tony Longley and Lt. Governor Marketing Damien Miller — rubbed elbows with some fascinating folks (clockwise from right): Mohammed Murad, International President-Elect; Jana Barnhill, Past International President; Deepak Menon, Region 1 3 International Director-Elect; Don Logie, Past District 53 Governor; and Past International Presidents Pat Johnson and Gary Schmidt.

Next page: Familiar faces

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FEATURES: 201 3 International Convention

Familiar Faces Gather Again District 47 (past and present) was well represented in Cincinnati. Clockwise from below, the TRIO with: Kristina Kihlberg, Region 8 International Director; Immediate Past President Matt Kinsey; Shawn Purvis, District 48 contestant in the World Championship of Public Speaking, who placed third in the semifinals; Kathy Furbush; and Margaret Wan, Past District 47 Governor and Past Region 8 International Director.

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FEATURES: 201 3 International Convention

The Real Prize: Becoming a Better Speaker

By Kendrick Knowles, ACB/ALB Cable Beach West Toastmasters

My experience at this year’s International Convention in Cincinnati was a magical one. I was overwhelmed by the excitement of networking and speaking with some of the best speakers in Toastmasters. The contest experience reminded me of the reason why speaking can be so magical and hopeful: I’ve found that sharing a message to impact lives while expecting nothing in return is a great way to speak and an even better way to live.

There are a few things that I learned competing in the semifinals of the International Speech Contest that I want to ABOVE: Kendrick share with my District — the best District — District 47. Knowles at the Although I did not place, I am filled with so many great 2013 World ideas, tips and techniques that I believe can be of value to Championship of us all. Here are two points: Public Speaking,

1 . Be natural, be different, be simple

with District 47

Every contestant worked really hard to get to this point. It would be a good idea to understand the components of effective speaking that we teach in our clubs, and then transcend the basics with originality. Use your everyday tone and dialogue; never adjust or change your identity as a speaker. As long as you are understood and not offensive, that “realness” is truly valued.

Governor Francis

Do something different on that stage that supports your message. Ensure it makes sense and is not gimmicky. If you can use your voice differently than others, or tell a story differently, you will stand out.

practices his

2. Don’t compete just for the sake of a trophy

Contest: Con sider how much you’ve improved, by testing your skills alongside others.

Molina and Lt. Governor Education & Training Tony Longley.

RIGHT: Kendrick speech at the Toastmasters Leadership Institute in The Bahamas in August.

Contests should be viewed as a way that you consider how much you have improved through testing your skills alongside others. I believe that competing just to win isn’t enough to enable you to actually win. Don’t get me wrong. You want to do your best, but never let the result distract you from the process. I am still training and learning the process of effectively connecting with my audience, while also learning to use humor, vocal variety and storytelling. My process may or may not result in a gift at the end of the day but it brings me closer to what I truly want: to be better as a speaker.

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FEATURES: Taking Your Talents to New Heights

Toastmaster Tales Richard Erschik President, Homestead Toastmasters I’m 68 years old. And while most of my club members are looking through the windshield at their careers, I’m looking in the rear-view mirror at mine.

In my business life at www.RichardErschik.com, I have made more than 250 in-person and online presentations, to anywhere from 1 0 to 300 people in the audience. As I look back, I was either SELLing something or TELLing something. However, until I joined Toastmasters, little did I realize that I was actually making speeches in every one of those presentations. I only wish I had heard about Toastmasters back then, at a time when success was attained by keeping your head down and running with the ball.

That was then. This is now.

I encourage everyone in Toastmasters to at least complete the requirements of their Competent Communicator and Competent Leadership manuals. The acronyms CC and CL after their names will differentiate you from other candidates when you apply for a job to advance your career.

My mission in Toastmasters is to give back, share some of my experiences and grow the membership of our club.

Chuck Field, CC/CL Vice President Public Relations, American Express Master Communicators Vice President Education, Beacon Point Advanced Toastmasters I work for American Express as an instructional designer. In late 2011 , I was going through a rough patch in my life and invited myself to visit the corporate club where I worked. I joined American Express Master Communicators at the next meeting! I did so mostly to meet new people. I did not expect to learn and achieve so much in so little time.

I have since completed my Competent Leadership and Competent Communicator manuals, as well as my High Performance Leadership project. Two of them were completed in time for my yearly performance review at work. My review reflects the fact that I have improved my communication and leadership skills. I don't think I would have achieved this without Toastmasters and the help I received from the members of our club and so many others in District 47.

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FEATURES: Taking Your Talents to New Heights Continued from Page 1 5 Rhonda Retterath De Garcia NCCI Toastmasters

Our Toastmasters Corporate Club has opened many a door for me. My friends and contacts hail from Regulatory, Finance, HR, Data, IT, CS, Corporate Communications, Information Publishing, Records… This list goes on and on.

As an added bonus, I get to refine my presentation skills. It’s a win-win in every direction!

Fasil Malik, ACS/ALB Coral Gables Toastmasters Gelfand Good Morning Toastmasters Before Toastmasters, I was afraid to say my name in public. I was speaking at a college and after I finished my speech, I looked at the audience and they were asleep. After Toastmasters, whenever I present a speech, not only are people looking at me, they are laughing.

Leah Von Leu, ACG/CL President, Boca Raton Toastmasters Public Relations Officer, Division C

Where can you hang out with an astrophysicist, a Realtor, a teacher, a business consultant, a stockbroker, a yoga instructor, a librarian, a professional clown, a CPA, an insurance agent, a writer, etc., etc.?

Toastmasters, of course!

As a writer, accurate character depiction is a must. The clubs I belong to have the most diverse characters who — get this — tell their personal stories each and every week! Ahhh, it's a writer's Mecca for sure.

Adele Kamnik Alexandre, CC President, Palm Beach County Storytelling Guild Ten years ago, I read my Ice Breaker, my hand shaking so hard I couldn't read the words. I quietly did not renew my membership. In 201 2, Toastmaster Vera Fried invited me to Boca Raton Toastmasters. On the eighth invite, I came.

I came, I heard, I fell in love. Take it from a storyteller: Toastmasters is the epitome of joy of the spoken word. Here is the place to grow as a speaker and storyteller. My 201 4 calendar is filling up with speaking and storytelling gigs.

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FEATURES: Fall Conference Preview

Finding the Heroes and Villains Within

By Phyllis May, DTM Fall Conference Chair

Our District 47 theme this year is “Finding the Talent Within,” and our Fall Conference theme is “Heroes and Villains.” Let’s celebrate our “heroes” and since we have no villains, we’ll enjoy our pretend villains in good fun!

What a weekend it will be, November 8-1 0 at the Sheraton Suites hotel on Cypress Creek Road in Fort Lauderdale. If it’s September as you read this, you still have time to register at the early bird rates.

Our International President-Elect, Mohammed Murad, DTM, will be joining us as keynote speaker — the first time in many years that a top Toastmasters International officer has been with us. Those who heard him speak at the International Convention in Cincinnati were so enthusiastic about his visit.

We also will have the privilege of learning from Ryan Avery, 201 2 World Champion of Public Speaking. His winning speech, “Trust is a Must,” is one you’ll see at the conference; many have already been able to watch a video version at club meetings or Division contests.

The conference will offer seven educational sessions, special events for first-timers and, of course….CONTESTS! Stay tuned! Check our D47 Facebook page for “hot off the press” info, and watch the October issue of The Sunshiner.

The countdown has now begun! Will we see you there?

Never waste a moment to talk up Toastmasters! Opportunities appear every day. The problem is, we may not recognize them until it is too late.

The next time you find yourself standing in line at the grocery store or sharing an elevator with someone, strike up a conversation with the person next to you. Ask: “What do you know about Toastmasters?” This could be the spark that sets ablaze the tinder of enthusiasm in your next new member. Will this conversation starter always be successful? No, of course not, but you can guarantee it won’t be if you never speak up.

Here’s a challenge for you: Try asking a stranger, “What do you know about Toastmasters?” every day for the next week, and bring a new guest out to your club meeting each week. Never waste a moment and find your talent!

— Damien Miller, DTM Lt. Governor Marketing, District 47 THE SUNSHINER

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FEATURES: Fall Conference Preview

Meet Two Special Heroes at Conference Keynote Speaker: Mohammed Murad, DTM International President-Elect Mohammed Murad, DTM, of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is an entrepreneur and managing director of three companies. He holds an MBA and a master's degree in quality management from the University of Wollongong in New South Wales, Australia. He is also a graduate of the City of Dubai’s Leadership Development Program and has received training at Harvard, the London Business School and the Singapore School of Government.

"People are often judged as heroes or villains by others, but little do they realize that they are only either of these to themselves at different times. The key to success is to be a hero to ourselves."

— Mohammed Murad, DTM , to The Sunshiner

A dedicated Toastmaster since 1 996, Murad is a member of the Toastmasters Dubai Chapter club in Dubai. He has held a number of high-profile leadership positions within the organization and has attained Distinguished Toastmaster designation — the highest level of educational achievement in the organization. Murad says Toastmasters will always be important in his life. “I am excited by the opportunity to give back to the organization that has given me so much," he says.

As International President-Elect, Murad is a “working ambassador” for the organization. He works with the Board to develop, support and modify the policies and procedures that guide the organization in fulfilling its mission.

— Toastmasters International

Special Guest: Ryan Avery, ACB/ALB 201 2 World Champion of Public Speaking At age 25, Ryan Avery became the youngest World Champion of Public Speaking in history. He competed against more than 30,000 Toastmasters from 11 6 countries to claim the 201 2 World Championship title.

Ryan is the co-founder of AveryToday, Inc., and managing partner at How to Be a Speaker, LLC. He helps aspiring speakers create and deliver their message.

Ryan enjoys working with students and young professionals who want to discover their true potential and communicate in a way that makes a difference. His clients include Nike, Toyota, Nissan, Safeway, Bank of America and more.

A graduate of Colorado State University, Ryan is an Emmy Award-winning journalist who has been featured on CNBC, FOX, the Epoch Times and other popular media outlets. He co-wrote the new book, Speaker, Leader, Champion: How to Succeed at Work Through Public Speaking, which is scheduled for release in February 201 4.

You can read his blog at www.howtobeaspeaker.com; and follow him on Twitter at AveryToday.

— Ryan Avery 18

THE SUNSHINER

Want to learn some of Ryan Avery's secrets? Take his workshop, "How to Make It a Great Speech." The District is offering it FREE to the first 150 people who register.

Sign up at: howtobeaspeaker.eventbrite.com.

FEATURES: Sharing the Toastmasters Gift

Do You Know Someone in Central or South America?

By Kristina Kihlberg, DTM International Director, Region 8 R8IDKristina@gmail.com

Help us spread the word about Toastmasters to our neighbors and friends in Central and South America!

Since the first Toastmasters Club was chartered in South America — 1 960 in Lima, Peru — only 20 more clubs have chartered in this vast continent to our south. The second club was chartered in 1 983 in Argentina.

As our mission states: “We empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders.”

We want to make sure our friends in South America get that same opportunity.

Toastmasters has clubs in Buenos Aires, Belize City, Curitiba, Porto Alegre, Rio de Janeiro, Bogota, Sao Paulo, Santiago, Belen, Panama City and Lima. Who do you know in these cities who could benefit from Toastmasters? Does your company have an office in South America where we can start a new club?

Kristina Kihlberg, DTM

I ask for your assistance. If you want to help spread the word about Toastmasters, please let me know; I will give you more details about the existing Central and South America clubs and how to start a new club there.

Let’s reach out and give the gift of Toastmasters to people of Central and South America!

Communicate to motivate!

Effective communication is a key component of leadership. Many tools are available to help you develop creative ways to communicate with your team. One Area governor, for example, established a "what's app" group with the club officers in his Area.

This is excellent for short real-time messaging and discussions that would not contain the narrative details that might ordinarily require an e-mail. As a result, there is a high level of synergy and camaraderie at all levels in this particular Area. To ensure your team's success, be creative and "communicate to motivate"!

— Tony Longley, DTM Lt. Governor Education & Training, District 47 THE SUNSHINER

19

AUGUST EDUCATION AWARDS CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE TOASTMASTERS… …on earning COMPETENT COMMUNICATOR (CC) Certification: Toastmaster

Barkley, Kip Bikorsky, Nehama Borrego, Shannon Brown, Erica Brussolo, Mariza Canham, Andrea Clersaint, Jerrod M Da Silva, Flávio Edelstein, Rina Horowitz, Dawn May, Phyllis A. May, Scott Patanjali, Manohar Madhu Poitier, Ray-Don K Ross, Abby Ruiz, Pedro A. Seay, Gail P. Suravarapu, S. A. Kumar

Date

8/28/201 3 8/1 /201 3 8/1 4/201 3 8/1 /201 3 8/28/201 3 8/29/201 3 8/2/201 3 8/1 3/201 3 8/1 /201 3 8/29/201 3 8/1 3/201 3 8/1 /201 3 8/23/201 3 8/26/201 3 8/29/201 3 8/2/201 3 8/26/201 3 8/8/201 3

Club

Club V.O.I.C.E. Doral Toastmasters Palm City Orators Voice Of Champions Club Gold Coast Toastmasters Club Talk Of The Town Club Universal Toastmasters Club 1 st US Portuguese Toastmasters Boca Raton Noon Toastmasters Club Coral Springs Chinese Bilingual Key West Toastmasters Early Bird Club Voice Of Champions Club First Bahamas Branch of Toastmasters Miami Advanced Toastmasters Club Doral Toastmasters MIA Tarmac Speakers American Express Tech Talkers

Club #

3278 861 81 81 7082 2727 5390 7653 1 450351 4207 31 96587 6298 3659 7082 1 600 2798 861 1 91 3022 1 762453

Div.

B E D E D D A C C C E B E I E E E A

Area

Club #

Div.

Area

24 51 41 50 43 43 13 33 31 33 55 21 50 90 54 51 50 10

…on earning ADVANCED COMMUNICATOR BRONZE (ACB) Certification: Toastmaster

Cohen, Mitchell Gaslowitz, Norman Robinson, Andrea Seon, Juanita Richburg Thorn, Michael E.

Date

8/1 2/201 3 8/22/201 3 8/23/201 3 8/2/201 3 8/5/201 3

Club

NCCI Toastmasters Gelfand Good Morning Toastmasters Universal Toastmasters Club Florida City Speedway Speakers Boca Raton Advanced Toastmasters

1 21 6633 2096 7653 1 41 2303 1 888268

C A A E C

Club #

Div.

32 12 13 55 32

…on earning ADVANCED COMMUNICATOR SILVER (ACS) Certification: Toastmaster

Barto, Paula K. Garcia, Rhonda Lee Hickman, Brent Lotmore, Antoinette Morales, Dilcia C. Moss, Roston T. Vicetti, Humberto S. Vinikoor, Joel 20

THE SUNSHINER

Date

8/29/201 3 8/2/201 3 8/26/201 3 8/21 /201 3 8/1 9/201 3 8/7/201 3 8/5/201 3 8/23/201 3

Club

Talk Of The Town Club NCCI Toastmasters Juno How To Talk Great Persuaders Of Atlantis Club Office Depot Toastmasters Club Club Destiny Destino Toastmasters West Boca Toastmasters Club

5390 1 21 6633 243931 4 8720 9086 839960 281 381 6 1 978

D C D F C I A C

Area

43 32 41 63 32 93 11 33

AUGUST EDUCATION AWARDS CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE TOASTMASTERS… …on earning ADVANCED COMMUNICATOR GOLD (ACG) Certification: Toastmaster

Bryan, Marlene M. Francisco, Chim

Awarded

8/2/201 3 8/1 7/201 3

Club

Gelfand Good Morning Toastmasters Bill Gove Golden Gavel Club

Club #

Div. A C

12 30

Club #

Div.

Area

2096 681 8

Area

…on earning COMPETENT LEADER (CL) Certification: Toastmaster

Ayers, Mark S. Barkley, Kip Burrows, Keniqua M. Cingel, David B.8 Gan, Linda Huiiin Groom, Rod L. Hendricks, Richard Hoalt, Aimee Horowitz, Dawn Labriola, John F. Pinder, Shanika E. Santiago, Jose Schneyer, John J. Seay, Gail P. Segarra, Johnny Shield, Chris W. Taylor, Karen J.

Date

8/8/201 3 8/28/201 3 8/1 /201 3 /27/201 3 8/1 3/201 3 8/9/201 3 8/20/201 3 8/20/201 3 8/29/201 3 8/8/201 3 8/30/201 3 8/1 5/201 3 8/2/201 3 8/20/201 3 8/1 9/201 3 8/8/201 3 8/28/201 3

Club

American Express Tech Talkers Club V.O.I.C.E. First Exuma Branch Club Proud Speakers Club West Boca Toastmasters Club Fort Pierce Toastmasters Outspoken Toastmasters Givers Gain Toastmasters Coral Springs Chinese Bilingual Toastmasters Broward Bilingual Toastmasters Cable Revolutionaries Toastmasters Doral Toastmasters WCR Palm Beaches Noon Toastmasters MIA Tarmac Speakers Proud Speakers Club American Express Tech Talkers Juno How To Talk

1 762453 3278 81 23 2266 1 978 1 41 7483 1 46941 3 896304 31 96587 1 498739 2591 529 861 1 21 6688 91 3022 2266 1 762453 243931 4

A B F B C D B B C B I E C E B A D

10 24 61 21 33 40 24 20 33 21 92 51 31 50 21 10 41

Club #

Div.

Area

…on earning ADVANCED LEADER BRONZE (ALB) Certification: Toastmaster

Birney, Roxanne B. Burrell-Roberts, Tiffany C. Collie, Elvis M. Gan, Linda Huiiin Garcia, Rhonda Lee Gaslowitz, Norman Lotmore, Antoinette Morris, LaKeesha K Seon, Juanita Richburg

Date

8/1 6/201 3 8/2/201 3 8/6/201 3 8/25/201 3 8/2/201 3 8/22/201 3 8/21 /201 3 8/1 /201 3 8/2/201 3

Club

Bill Gove Golden Gavel Club B.U.T. Nation Builders BAF Stars Toastmasters Club West Boca Toastmasters Club NCCI Toastmasters Gelfand Good Morning Toastmasters Great Persuaders Of Atlantis Club Florida City Speedway Speakers Florida City Speedway Speakers

681 8 1 358961 1 504246 1 978 1 21 6633 2096 8720 1 41 2303 1 41 2303

C I F C C A F E E

30 92 61 33 32 12 63 55 55

THE SUNSHINER

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AUGUST EDUCATION AWARDS CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE TOASTMASTERS… …on earning ADVANCED LEADER SILVER (ALS) Certification: Toastmaster

Barnes, Jack Kimball Cordner, Beverly E. Francisco, Chim Gongora, Ernesto Passino, Jennifer J. Sanchez, Maria Alexandra Schoen, Darryl K. Whitney, Mary-Helen T. Young, Deborah D.

Date

8/1 /201 3 8/1 3/201 3 8/27/201 3 8/9/201 3 8/20/201 3 8/8/201 3 8/6/201 3 8/1 2/201 3 8/30/201 3

Club

Toastmasters INSPIRIS Sensor Toast Club Bill Gove Golden Gavel Club Cable Revolutionaries Toastmasters Coral Springs Chinese Bilingual Destino Toastmasters Club Paradise Broward Bilingual Toastmasters Club Masters of Excellence

Club #

Div.

Area

2579872 351 8 681 8 2591 529 31 96587 281 381 6 1 567808 1 498739 933001

E C C I C A C B I

52 32 30 92 33 11 31 21 91

Club #

Div.

Area

…on earning LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE (LDREXC) Certification: Toastmaster

Rodriguez, Horacio Sanchez, Maria Alexandra Schoen, Darryl K.

Date

8/23/201 3 8/8/201 3 8/1 /201 3

Club

Proud Speakers Club FCC Toastmasters Club Paradise

2266 1 390883 1 567808

B A C

21 11 31

Club #

Div.

Area

…on reaching the peak…DISTINGUISHED TOASTMASTER! Toastmaster

Barnes, Jack Kimball Bryan, Marlene M. Dean, Randy E. Francisco, Chim Passino, Jennifer J. Whitney, Mary-Helen T. Young, Deborah D.

22

THE SUNSHINER

Date

8/2/201 3 8/3/201 3 8/26/201 3 8/27/201 3 8/20/201 3 8/1 2/201 3 8/30/201 3

Club

Miami Beach Toastmasters Gelfand Good Morning Toastmasters P.T.A.B. Toastmasters Club Bill Gove Golden Gavel Club Coral Springs Chinese Bilingual Broward Bilingual Toastmasters Club Masters of Excellence

1 293723 2096 1 360579 681 8 31 96587 1 498739 933001

E A F C C B I

52 12 62 30 33 21 91

Got news?

Share it with your fellow Toastmasters Does your club have an impressive way of attracting new members?

How do you make your meetings fun? Got a special anniversary or other event coming up?

The Sunshiner wants

to know.

Send us news and feature articles about your Toastmasters journey so we can share them with the rest of District 47.

Submit articles, images and comments to:

sunshiner@toastmastersd47.org Articles: Submit them via email, as Word attachments or in the body

of the email. Write “D47 Sunshiner” and the article title in the subject line of your email.

Images: For proper reproduction, we prefer original JPG files rather than links to online photos, which often are so small they get distorted when enlarged to the size we need. Try for resolution of at least 200 dpi, or dimensions of at least 3 by 5 inches. Include as much information as you can about the subjects in the image. If you did not shoot the photo yourself, tell us who did so we can give proper credit.

For all submissions: Please include your name and phone number, in case we have questions.

Look for all the news you need to know about Fall Conference, in the October issue of The Sunshiner. And don't forget to get us your own news by the deadlines listed below:

Issue

Theme

Deadline

October 201 3 November 201 3 December 201 3 January 201 4 February 201 4 March 201 4 April 201 4 May 201 4 June 201 4

Fall Conference: Heroes & Villains Contest & Conference Review Resolutions for Results Recruiting Quality Club Leaders The FUN Issue TMI’s New Education Program Membership Campaigns That Add Up 201 4 Spring Conference District 47 Year in Review

Oct. 1 4 Nov. 1 4 Dec. 1 4 Jan. 1 4 Feb. 1 4 March 1 4 April 1 4 May 1 4 June 1 4 THE SUNSHINER

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