The Sunshiner- February Edition

Issue No. 6

January 2021

The Sunshiner DISTRICT 47'S OFFICIAL NEWS DESK

Will you be District 47's Valentine?

MESSAGE FROM THE PROGRAM QUALITY DIRE C TOR

DIVISION B HIGHLIGHT

STO C K C LUB SYNDROME

C

T A B L E

O F

NTENTS

The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard, but must be felt with the heart. - Helen Keller

Page 3 •From the Desk of the Program Quality Director- DTM Shakira Taylor Page 4 Stockclub Syndrome- TM Dudley Turnquest Feel Zen on Valentines- TM Shveta Kumar Page 5 District 47's Pro Tips for Contest Season• TM Luiz Bravim Page 6 You and Your Voice: Toastmaster District 47 Contests Continue TM Abby Martinez New Initiative Alert Page 7 First Impressions -TM Marlene Wolf Upcoming District 47 Events & Celebrations Page 8 & 9 Division B Highlight• BLAZING B DIVISON Page 10 •Happy Anniversary to our Toastmaster Clubs!

Page 11 •Credits & Notifications Page

FROM THE DESK OF THE PROGRAM QUALITY DIRECTOR Happy New Year District 47 Members! I extend my thoughts to all Toastmasters affected by the pandemic and wish you all a healthy season. We have had tremendous challenges this year but as a Toastmasters community we continue to elevate, collaborate and support each other in reaching our individual and collective goals.

I am very pleased that despite the trials of the year clubs across the District are still meeting, creativity is exploding and goals are hitting the dashboard at a record high. District 47, this is something for us to celebrate.

The Program Quality Team remained focus and committed to the vision of the 3 E’s that we started this fiscal year with – educate, elevate and energize when conducting the business of the District.

Below are some of our educational and training statistics as at 12/31/2020: Pathways Trainers began working on July 1st in each division 80.5% of the district’s club officers were trained during the first round of TLI We successfully completed the first rounds of the evaluation and humorous speech contests online We hosted monthly educational sessions that are now available on District 47’s YouTube Channel 1166 educational goals submitted between July 1 and December 31, 2020 40 DTM awards submitted between July 1st and December 2020 118 Triple Crown Awardees to date.

It was once said that adverse situations spark creative solutions that last a lifetime, and I think we can all agree that we see this happening across District 47 today. Your TRIO has been finding joy in mailing out letters and goodies to clubs and members that are hard at work in the district. Maybe you and or your club will be next?

Bringing the best to our members is one of our aims, and we are so excited to have you join us at the final Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI) training on February 13th, 2021, where we will host International Director and Distinguished Toastmaster Roy Ganga, Region 8 Advisor and Distinguished Toastmaster Godalys Reina, and the Immediate Past Region 8 Advisor and Distinguished Toastmaster Lana McFarlene.

Our Keynote Speaker will be 2019 World Champion of Public Speaking Aaron Beverly. You do not want to miss this event!!

Fellow Toastmasters, it is my commitment that the Program Quality Team will continue to fulfill the promises made to you, the members, at the start of my term. Our next 6 months together will have its challenges, but do keep in mind that we are in this together.

Please, stay safe, take care and thank you for your continuous involvement across District 47.

Let’s make the next 6 months the best yet!

Toasting You,

Shakira Taylor DTM Shakira Taylor Program Quality Director

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STOCKCLUB SYNDROME Five years, two months, two weeks and four days. That’s how long

WRITTEN BY

it’s been since I was mercilessly mugged for $65 and told that I’m

DUDLEY TURNQUEST

now a part of an organization where leaders are made.

The club that mugged me has since taken pleasure in making me hold several executive positions within its halls, causing me to give dozens of speeches in front of strangers, and, confusingly enough after every speech, having the audacity to look me in the eye and say: “That speech was excellent!”

Sometimes I find myself fantasizing about a life where I had avoided walking down that hallway and introducing myself to these people.

Every time I do, I end up feeling this emptiness inside, as if my life would be less joyous and I wouldn’t have some of the magnificent friends that I’ve come to know and love.

Five years, two months, two weeks and four days ago I officially became a Toastmaster, and here I am years later, stressed beyond measure by these people, but madly in love with being around them every week.

WRITTEN BY SHVETA KUMAR Being alone on Valentine’s Day may leave you with a feeling of utter loneliness and despair. It may not be easy to be solo on the most romantic day of the year, but don’t get dragged down. Take solace in the fact that there are many people in a similar situation to yours. There are many ways to get through February 14.

Be compassionate to yourself.

Practice some CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). Don’t beat yourself down. Talk to yourself like you would to a friend, saying compassionate and assuring things.

Plan something that would be good for you.

Have a game plan before the day arrives about what you are going to do. You can sleep in late, talk to friends and family members to feel connected, plan a three- or four-course meal, watch a movie, clean the house, listen to music and dance and end the day early.

Avoid love triggers.

Don’t look at your ex’s social media, don’t give into the temptation of texting or calling your ex.

Watching movies that have anything to do with romance is a big no-no, instead watch crime dramas.

Hide your romantic novels or anything that reminds you of romance. Train your mind to think that it’s just like any other day.

Make someone else feel happy.

Find a place where you can volunteer like an animal shelter or a nursing home. Connect with other single friends and do something nice for them or for a neighbor or for someone from the office.

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DISTRICT 47’S PRO TIPS FOR CONTEST SEASON WRITTEN BY LUIZ BRAVIM

BOCA RATON ADVANCED TOASTMASTERS ONLINE EVALUATION AND HUMOROUS SPEECH CONTESTS

PAGE 3 | BACKPACK

Twice a year, thousands of clubs in Toastmasters hold contests. None is more significant than the International Speech Contest, which starts at the club level. The Table Topics Contest often accompanies this contest, its spontaneous oratory contrasting vividly (sometimes humorously) with the exquisite preparation of the International.

David Esposito, DTM, reminds us that “a great contest master owns the room, takes charge of and controls the flow of activity. Even though he may have a script to follow as far as an agenda, it’s also very important that he make it his own and owns the room.” David has MC’d contests at every level in District 47 and beyond. He is known for elaborate, outrageouslycostumed entrances as well as witty banter throughout the contests.

Michelle LeWay, DTM, has chaired and co-chaired numerous contests. “Preparation, organization and communication are the keys of both roles. Keep in mind that winning a speech contest can potentially change a Toastmaster’s life, especially winning the International Contest. [Contest Chairs and Contest Masters] should do everything they can to make sure that person’s opportunity is the best opportunity.” Michelle won and placed at multiple contests in 2015 and 2016 and has served in a variety of important roles for Division C and District 47.

Toastmasters International has several excellent resources for conducting online speech contests only a click away on Google. Functionaries and contests are most impressive when treating the affair as though all those Zoom squares are the people they are behind the screen.

People’s time and effort are invested in a contest; make it one they’ll talk about long after the event has ended.

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Toastmaster District 47 Contests Continue WRITTEN BY ABBY MARTINEZ “Eloquence is the art of saying things in such a way that those to whom we speak may listen with pleasure." - Pascal The Humorous and Evaluation Contests end next month, and Table Topics and Speech Contests will begin this month. Competition invokes energy that elevates one’s skills to become a better speaker and a stronger leader. Recently, clubs have begun to venture into limited in-person and hybrid meetings with most remaining virtual, following pandemic safety guidelines. Still, the desire to speak and be heard continues to drive members to participate in Toastmasters’ clubs.

Ralph C. Smedley stressed the importance of members’ discipline and joy when sharpening their speaking skills. He emphasized the need to become better leaders by speaking well and reinforced the importance of the basics: training the “voice of a speaker,” as he wrote in such a titled handbook in 1949.

“If you want your own voice to be as good as it can be, learn how to breathe.” He strongly believes that the foundation of a good voice is proper breathing and linked to general good health. He tasks readers with first developing correct breathing patterns and relaxation, and then working on training to acquire the right pitch, placement, articulation, and enunciation. He directs students to breathe easy and comfortably, and then perform another series of exercises to specifically improve quality, regulate pitch, and control volume through proper voice production.

Smedley stresses that our mood shows in our tone and voice; so it behooves us to “think friendly thoughts.” It is important to cultivate the habit of thinking about people kindly to produce a smiling voice. The exhilaration of being heard when speaking makes it well worth establishing a routine practice of relaxation and happy thoughts to have the voice you want, especially when competing, making it a pleasurable experience for all.

SOURCE: “THE VOICE OF THE SPEAKER” BY RALPH C. SMEDLEY, FOUNDER OF TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL, THIRD EDITION 1967; COPYRIGHT, 1949 BY TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

NEW INCENTIVE ALERT WILL YOUR CLUB MAKE THE LIST FOR THE SECOND HALF OF THE YEAR???

We are excited to celebrate the Top 10 clubs with the highest education awards per 7/1 base membership as of 12 / 31 / 2020.

The presidents of these clubs will be receiving from the District (in the mail) a box filled with Toastmasters “goodies” that we know will support them in continuing their successful journey.

CONGRATULATIONS!!! *A Program Quality Initiative*

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First Impressions WRITTEN BY MARLENE WOLF, MD, FAAFP First impression, that very scary few moments when you are making that important person-to-person communication connection. Palms sweaty, lump in the throat, butterflies-in-the-stomach time. The first impression is over. Are you communicating or not?

Learning the nuances of the first impression make this time not only less scary but exciting.

Welcome to the amazing 1-3-5-7 method of great first impressions!

One stands for two items: there is one of you making one great first impression.

Three to five is the number of words needed for a great first impression. The first 3 to 5 words that you say determine the course of the communication or meeting. Is the audience listening or tuning you out? To schedule a second meeting or not? Do you deserve a good online review? It is these 3 to 5 words that hook the audience into listening intently.

Seven. The first impression occurs in the first seven seconds of a communication. Just like a good novel, the first seconds of reading that first paragraph of the first page hook the reader or bore the reader. Destiny is made in these first 7 seconds.

Prepare, write, edit, read out loud, video and replay, practice your first impression, first 3-5 words, spoken in those precious first 7 seconds. No more sweaty palms, lump in the throat, or butterflies in the stomach. Just great first impressions! The amazing 1-3-5-7 method! Try it and tell me how it goes!

• Call for 2021-2022 elected District Leadership candidates' nominating applications: Deadline January 15th • State of the District Address: January 16th • 2-Day Educational Series – Positioning for Your Future: January 20 & 21 • Virtual Clubs' Table Topics and International Speech Contests end: January 31st • Club Open Houses – Talk Up Toastmasters Club Membership Building Program: February 1st – March 31st • Virtual Area Table Topics & International Speech Contests: February 1-28 • Member Recognition Ceremony (Florida clubs) 2019-2020 Hall of Fame Awards: February 6th • District Executive Council (DEC) meeting: February 6th • Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI) Training 2nd round Officer Training: February 13th • Member Recognition Ceremony (Bahamas) 2019-2020 Hall of Fame Awards: February 20th • Club Officer Training - Round 2 - Deadline to count towards DCP: February 28th • Divisions' Table Topics and International Speech Contests: March 1st – April 15th • District Goal of Dues Renewal Clubs collect and submit Member Renewals Dues: March 15th • Area Director and all appointed District Leader positions open for application: Deadline March 15th

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“BLAZING B DIVISION” Poet Leslie Dwight said, “What if 2020 is the year we’ve been waiting for? A year so uncomfortable, so painful, so scary, so raw—that it finally forces us to grow.” Last year was incredibly difficult for many of our Toastmaster families, financially and emotionally. As people realize the Zoom meetings are not going away anytime soon, we are starting to see guests visit our clubs. As the Division B Director, I feel energized by listening to the innovative ways members are staying connected and believe our membership will finish strong.

Hello, I am Lois Margolin, your Blazing B Division Director. Your Division B leadership team, consisting of our Area Directors, Diana Rodriquez (20), Jonathan Jean-Francois (21), Samantha Jones (22), Bernard Campbell (23), Justin Marguriet (24) and Nardia Aldridge (25), decided in the beginning of the year that we wanted to blaze a new trail and light our division on fire. At the beginning of the year our goal was to reach President’s Distinguished, improve communication throughout the division and re-engage our ambassadors (Distinguished Toastmasters). Based on all that is happening throughout the world with the pandemic, we adjusted our goals to include reaching out and connecting to the membership. Our area directors visited clubs 2-3 times BEFORE they filed their area reports; we wanted to KNOW our clubs. As for communication improvement? We post weekly videos on Facebook and make them available in our area What’s App groups. We also feel strongly about publicizing and recognizing our members’ achievements.

Our Division B Distinguished Toastmasters stepped up big this year. We ran some amazing events, Speed Mentoring, Free Toasthost, Impromptu Speaking Extravaganza (with keynote Richard Peck), 3 YLPs and a book club. Our Division DTM Manager, Roosevelt Jean-Francois, DTM has been busy planning events for the next few months.

Be on the lookout for the monthly book club meetings, 2-5 more YLP programs with a YLP Training by Lorraine Campbell, DTM, Speed Social Activities by Karen Lake, DTM and Speed Mentoring by Heather Mahoney, DTM. Many people ask me why. WHY do you spend time on Toastmasters? WHY do you meet with your area directors every other week? WHY do you encourage members to take advantage of this program? It’s simple. I am a mentor at heart. I believe in Toastmasters and I have seen the benefit when one applies themselves to the program. I AM a product of this program, though I am still a work in process. I am energized when I attend meetings (I plan to visit all the clubs in our division), when I hear your stories and when we connect through different mediums. My why? I want to help people be the best they can be.

I am Lois Margolin, your Blazing B Division Director, wishing you the Best of the Best week 8 | THE SUNSHINER

Division b

Area Directors

Area 20 Director, Diana Rodriquez, joined Toastmasters in 2015 and is a member of Club Power Speakers and Achievers Club. Toastmasters has given Diana confidence to speak in front of a large group and it has helped her grow her leadership skills. She has served at different levels of leadership in the organization, in every club officer role, as a club coach and now is serving as an Area 20 Director.

Diana is incredibly grateful because through Toastmasters she has met wonderful people and amazing mentors. Diana is looking forward to improving her communication and leadership skills. Her goal is for her area to be President’s Distinguished and to obtain her DTM in June.

Area 21 Director, Jonathan Jean-Francois, joined Toastmasters in 2017 and is a member of Club Power Speakers. Jonathan enjoys reading and successfully facilitated a Youth Leadership Program. His goal is to empower the individual members. Too many times people think they aren’t fit for a role. He believes if a role is given to a person, it must mean that this person has the capability to fulfill it, even if they do not think so.

Area 22 Director, Samantha Jones, joined Toastmasters in September 2018 and is a member of Toast of Las Olas and Beacon Point Advanced.

She successfully coached BPA to President’s Distinguished. Samantha enjoys gardening and is working diligently with her clubs to enhance each member’s experience. Her goal is for her area to be President’s Distinguished and to obtain her DTM in June.

Area 23 Director, Bernard Campbell, joined Toastmasters in 2014 and is a member of Champion Speakers and Sawgrass Toastmasters clubs. Bernard started Champion Speakers in 2019 and enjoys reading. His goal is to be a resource to the clubs in his area and build membership.

Area 24 Director, Justin Marguriet, joined Toastmasters in 2018 and is a member of the Sawgrass Toastmasters Club. Justin is the 2020 District Humorous Speech contest winner and enjoys coaching youth soccer. His goal is to bring value to the clubs in his area by helping them have strong meetings.

Area 25 Director, Nardia Aldridge, joined Toastmasters in 2016 and is a member of Club Awesome Toastmasters, Positively Impacting Lives Toastmasters and Pompano Beach Toastmasters. Nardia enjoys evening family walks and was an integral part of sponsoring Positively Impacting Lives Toastmasters. Her goal is to have her area be President’s Distinguished and obtain her DTM in June.

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Toastmaster Clubs!

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Newsletter Editions are published every 4th day of the incoming month

Newscast

Tidbits News Casts are published every 14th day of the incoming month

DTM Ernesto G. Williams – Editor-In-Chief DTM Glenisha Albury – Design Editor TM Ryan S. Kelly II – Copy Editor TM Abby Martinez – Writer TM Luiz Bravim – Writer TM Shveta Kumar – Columnist TM Dudley O. A. Turnquest – Columnist TM Taimak Saunders – Production Editor TM L. Robert Knowles – Video Editor TM Irwinique Storr – News Anchor DTM Antionette Fox – News Cast Writer

This is a District 47’s Public Relations Initiative

Send all submissions, thoughts and suggestions to sunshiner@toastmastersd47.org