The Gavellers’ Times Arun Speakers’ Newsletter for members, guests and supporters President : Mandy Wallace, 01903 745041. Motto: ‘Speak and span’ Arun Speakers – ‘Developing People’ Club Number 7298 Founded 1989
Volume 2 2006-2007 Issue 2 Winter 2006
Toastmasters International – ‘making effective world-wide communication a reality’ Founded 1924
Newsletter Editor: Robin Chawner - tel 07798 638541
In this issue Contents Editor’s notes New members aboard/waiting to board
Andy wins Distinguished Governor Lesley is Golden Steve’s silver speech Mandy’s Presidential Message We support Chestnut Tree House Shaun reveals (nearly) all … Spreading the word Nicola gives the lowdown … Arun & Area 32 Diary dates Nenagh highlights Jacqui’s Division H Message Craig’s Area 32 Message Meg charters Eastbourne Our distinguished club status Victory Conference update Wordsearch- answers to last issue Hamilton’s column Reflections Corner
1 1 1 1 1 1 1&3 2 2 2 2 3 3&4 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4
Editor’s Notes Can it be 3 months since the last Newsletter? Long enough to read 16 pages? ☺. Well, as it’s Christmas, yer’ll only have 4. Bah, humbug! Seriously, folks, are you getting what you want – in the Newsletter, I mean! Anything memorable (and printable) to contribute?… don’t be shy. Drop me an email or call me. New feature In this issue we’re kicking off a new feature – the ‘zippy profile’ where a member takes an ‘over-the-phone’ interview – a kind of telephone table topics! Thanks to Shaun and Nicola, for being first ‘volunteers’. Festive and future best to you all. Your Editor
New members – aboard/waiting to board Welcome to Peter Elliott, Bill Leach, Phil Maddocks and Steve Warren - recent joiners.(see photos on pages 1, 2 and 3) Best wishes from us all as you progress through your project assignments. Henry Gunn, Julia Simmons and Doug New have told us they want to join in 2007. So, 7 new members this club year to take us on to 27. Let’s introduce more people to the benefits of the Toastmasters experience. It’s made a difference to your life – give them the benefit, too. Our club membership target is 30 by May 2007. There’s a prize on offer to the member who introduces the most new members. A5 posters from Gilly Grace (01730 815264), Lesley Wells (02392 388449), or Robin.
Andy wins Distinguished Governor Our very own Andy Hammond, former Arun Speakers VP Education and President and former Area 32 Governor, has picked up another honour. At the Autumn Conference, held in Nenagh, Tipperary, he was honoured for achieving the President’s Distinguished Division earliest in 2005/6.
Congratulations, Andy! ‘…leading his team…’ His award was for leading the Division’s 21 clubs (including Arun Speakers) – through his team of Area Governors - to one of its best-ever performances. New clubs chartered – 4; education awards - 90, new members recruited – 150.
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Lesley is golden Lesley Wells has earned her Advanced Communicator Gold award. This makes her only the 3rd ‘golden’ member in the club’s history. To reach this qualification she had to complete a minimum of 30 speech assignments from the series of Advanced Communicator Project manuals and deliver leadership seminars. Well done! Lesley, pictured below left.
Mandy’s message ‘Progress and potential’ is how President Mandy Wallace (above right) recently summed up the club’s status. See Mandy’s message in full page 3
Steve’s silver speech Pictured left is Steve Warren, giving his Advanced Toastmaster Silver speech on 15 November. Steve is an experienced Toastmaster, formerly with Wessex Speakers (Winchester). His Speech was entitled ‘Truth in Politics’.
STOP PRESS … South East England Development Agency becomes Victory Conference Major Sponsor see page 4
The Gavellers’ Times We support Chestnut Tree House On 15 November we welcomed two special guests from the Chestnut Tree House Charity whose hospice cares for life-limited children and their families. Pictured
left are: Ali Unsted, Mandy Wallace and Lesley-Anne Lloyd. Chestnut Tree House was completed in 2003 and now helps care for 135 children and their families. In the three years since it opened, we have made donations resulting from a Christmas Party version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire, a raffle, a fancy dress appearance and, most recently, our Arun Cruise in July 2006 which raised £100. ‘… only hospice of it kind in Sussex …’ Chestnut Tree is the only hospice in Sussex to provide specialist respite, end-of-life care and bereavement support, for families with a child/young person not expected to live into adulthood.’ ‘… greatly moved…’ Mandy said: ‘We were greatly moved by the passion and commitment that Lesley-Anne and Ali showed in talking about Chestnut Tree House. This was a win-win evening with speakers and charity workers sharing their insights and skills. We wish Chestnut Tree House every success.” ‘… club helps people to be confident communicators…’ Lesley Anne Lloyd, Head of Fundraising said: ‘It was a pleasure to be invited to Arun Speakers – not only to receive the cheque but to see how the club helps people to become more confident communicators. That’s a talent that on which our charity places a high value!”
Shaun reveals nearly all In the first of our zippy profiles, Shaun Clarkson answered questions from the Editor. Shaun is an Agronomist, who loves his family and sports; he joined in 200X and earned his CTM in May 2006. 1 Describe yourself in ten words or less Hard working, likes to live life to the full 2 The best job you ever had? My job as an agronomist. It involves controlling new challenges 3 The silliest thing you ever (really) said? When I worked as a graphic designer for a pharmaceutical company, I ‘let slip’ that a piece of artwork-producing kit we’d sold to a sister company was a ‘white elephant’. Two months later I was made redundant! 4 What key improvement point were you given when you started out as a Toastmaster? Vocal variety 5 What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? Step outside my comfort zone – I give speeches now rather than ‘delivering’ powerpoint presentations 6 Ever made and kept a New Year’s Resolution? Cutting up credit cards 7 Outside of Toastmasters which public speaker do you admire most? A Dutch seed breeder, Jan De Visser, who said: ‘I apologise for my English but it’s far better than your Dutch! 8 Who’s your favourite author? I like sports autobiographies – the racing driver Ayrton Senna 9 What poor speech trait irritates you most? Ah…uhm … hesitation! 10 How would you like to be remembered? For ‘making a difference’
– Winter 2006 page 2 of 4
Spreading the word A big thank you to Lesley, pictured left who has twice spoken up for Toastmasters and to Mike Gibbs for facilitating one of three events. We were at Chichester Chamber of Commerce on 16 October, the Portsmouth & South East Chamber of Commerce on 24 October and again at Chichester Chamber of Commerce on 24 November. All this activity increases our profile. Why not tell us about an event you could facilitate or speak at?
Bill breaks the ice …. Bill Leach wowed us with his Ice Breaker on 6 December. Entitled ‘I’m not from around here’, Bill’s rib-tickling account of his life in Sheffield carried off the best speech of the night award. Well done!
…Peter takes on Topics Our first joiner of the year, Peter Elliott, braved the Club Table Topics contest. A smiling Peter is seen here with his certificates. Our new joiners are all making their mark and bringing even more zest to Arun Speakers!
Nicola gives the lowdown The second of our zippy profilees is Nicola Coutts who works for the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA).. She’s a Competent ToastMaster (CTM), joined Guildford Speakers in November 2004. She’s a member of Guildford (also VP Education), Woking and Arun where she’s Mentoring Coach. 1 Describe yourself in ten words or less Ebullient, bubbly, friendly – and short! 2 The best job you ever had? My current job. It gives me autonomy, respect variety and progress 3 The silliest thing you ever (really) said? I told friends I was fantastic at remembering people’s names but my mother didn’t agree. I barely forgave her!. Oh and she’s Toni 4 What key improvement point were you given when you started out as a Toastmaster? Speech conclusions – or as Robin once said – my perorations 5 What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? It was self-administered. I was coffee-ing in Guildford Institute one day, when my attention wandered from the conversation to a notice that said Guildford Speakers needs you. I joined! My CTM10 speech was ‘Guildford Speakers needs YOU! 6 Ever made and kept a New Year’s Resolution? To enjoy life as much as possible – and not to let the b…..s get you down. (blighters, of course!) 7 Outside of Toastmasters which public speaker do you admire most? Tony Blair 8 Who’s your favourite author? Willie Collins 9 What poor speech trait irritates you most? Jangling money in pockets 10 How would you like to be remembered? Fun to be with, kind, generous within my limits and a good mum
The Gavellers’ Times
– Winter 2006 page 3 of 4
Mandy’s Message
Division H – The Governor speaks
continued from page 1
Hail Arun Speakers. As your Division H Governor, let me first wish you a festive and peaceful Christmas break, followed by a New Year that brings you health, happiness and success in your ambitions. As I look across Division H, (24 clubs), we seem to be working well in line with this years’ District 71 theme of ‘Quality Clubs’. Arun continues to fulfil its reputation of a being a club that runs high quality and enjoyable meetings, helps others and grow its community profile. You clearly will have another ‘Distinguished Year. And you are hosting the Spring District 71 Conference. By doing this, you will be providing learning and entertainment for many Toastmasters and clubs. As our Division H motto is ‘Quality Clubs – helping each others succeed’, I am very proud of the lead that you are taking!
‘…bottle our atmosphere …’ Well it’s now 6 months since I stepped into the role of President and took over the baton from Chris. Like all roles it’s always a revelation when you actually try them out for size. I’m really enjoying it and I feel so proud of Arun Speakers and how you all make every meeting so unique and so much fun. If we could bottle our atmosphere we’d make a fortune. We’ve made lots of progress so far as you can see from Robin’s excellent newsletter. A big thank you to all the committee members – Lesley, Andy, Robin, Gilly, Peter, John, Nicola and Chris – who all do so much work behind the scenes; it’s very much appreciated. ‘… excitement of Victory Conference…’ We also have the excitement of the Victory Conference coming up in May 2007 with Andy our trusty and talented Conference Director at the helm. This is going to be a Conference to remember and if you haven’t put your name down to volunteer yet and would like to get involved please contact Andy and let him know. ‘… Arun Speakers’ magic…’ To hit our target of 30 members by 30 June 2007 we need just 3 more members. So, keep spreading the word. Share our Arun Speakers magic with as many people as we can! Have a very happy Christmas and a truly awesome 2007!
Arun’s Distinguished Club Status In year 2005/2006, we achieved Select Distinguished Club (7 points). This year we aim to do the same or better. Our current status? We are within reach of 8 new members (=2 points), and club admin & training (=2 points). That makes 4. Lesley and Steve have achieved Advanced Communicator. That makes 6. So, just a few more education awards to make 7 or 8. And if we really motor we could get 9 and achieve President’s Distinguished. Let’s go for it
Nenagh Round-Up Dateline: Nenagh, County Tipperary, 10 – 12 Nov 2006 More than 300 enthusiastic Toastmasters from all around our District enjoyed themselves – including Andy, Lesley, Mandy and Robin representing the Victory Team. More on page 4. The Humorous Speech and Table Topics Speech Contests showcased the talent and determination of Toastmaster speakers to entertain. From Area 32, Sara Rice, of Wessex Speakers, competed in the Topics contest and gave a strong performance, belying her nerves. Well done Sara !
Best wishes, Jacqui Hogan
Just enough room to squeeze Inn! Phil Maddocks ‘starred’ as the InnKeeper on 5 December. A performance woven with as much colour as his InnKeeper’s Robe. Topical, teasing twists and Craig’s temperate Area Governor Message humour. Great!
To everyone at Arun Speakers, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a New Year that sparkles with success. Congratulations on your membership growth, your engagement with the new Competent Leader programme and education awards. I enjoyed a typically Arun warm welcome on my last visit to you in October and look forward to visiting again early in 2007.By way of a perspective on our Area 32, all clubs are holding quality meetings, welcoming guests, working at PR (Arun is the leader of the pack) and growing in membership. If you haven’t visited one of your ‘sister clubs’ yet, why not do so in the New Year. It’s an enjoyable learning experience and you’ll be helping another club. Let me leave you with one particular Toastmaster message. Success is made easier when you set yourself a target to grow. Most important is to set a timeline for your target. I am sure you will succeed! Craig Newman Meg charters Eastbourne Meg Heyworth, of Brighton & Hove Speakers, and founder of Eastbourne Speakers has got the club to charter strength. A self-confessed ‘Toastie’, and Assistant Area 32 Governor she’s also working hard at developing Worthing Speakers. Let’s help her out. Hats off to Meg!
Arun & Area 32 Diary Dates 2007 1st Quarter (Club meetings, unless otherwise stated) * Contest Meetings (to be confirmed)
January
3rd Arun / Eastbourne 10th Brighton / Wessex 16th Solent th
February
6th Solent 7th Arun / Eastbourne
14th Brighton & Wessex* 20th Solent * 21st Arun / Eastbourne* 28th Brighton & Wessex
March
6th Solent 7th Arun / Eastbourne 14th Brighton & Wessex
20th Solent 21st Arun (18th birthday anniversary) 28th Brighton & Wessex Area Contest date/venue tbc Try visiting another club – you’ll learn and enjoy – and help fulfil the Division H motto – ClubsTimes – helping each other succeed – Winter 2006 page 4 of 4 The Quality Gavellers’
17 Arun / Eastbourne 24th Brighton / Wessex
Victory Conference Update The executive team (Director, Andy, Logistics, Mandy, Speakers & Entertainment, Lesley, Marketing & Sponsorship, Robin have been meeting regularly over the last four months.
From Nenagh to Portsmouth Andy and Lesley, prepare to leave the stage at Nenagh with the TM British & Irish flags bound for the Victory Conference.
We have had our business plan accepted, booked the hotel (Marriott, Portsmouth), lined up suppliers, carried out planning on speakers and entertainment, marketed the events intensively within Toastmasters and secured sponsorship (see below).
(See report – left)
We’re learning in the process, getting much good advice and, we feel, we have a Quality Event Extraordinaire in the making.
Topics (by Hamilton Perry) Every Toastmaster jokes that Topics must have been introduced to the meeting agenda by the Marquis de Sade. Presumably this is because it is assumed that only Sadists and Masochists enjoy it.
At Nenagh, Lesley did a terrific presentation, Robin and Andy ably abetted in other platform deliveries. Our major Sponsor is South East England Development Agency (S.E.E.D.A.). Other sponsors include Nat West Bank (Mike Murray), RPM Reprographics (Jonathan Harry), NLP Excellence (John Cassidy-Rice), HMS Victory (Lt Cdr John Scivier), Portsmouth City Council – Tourism & Visitor Services (Drusilla Moody), Nenagh Toastmasters (Nick Theato), Novatech (Allan Cummings). Team members are sponsors by virtue of their time and professional expertise.
For the Sadist, there is an exquisite pleasure in being Topics Master, and in choosing impossible themes, selecting an unwilling victim, and then watching them squirm fro two minutes (or less). For the victims there is a Masochist delight in their struggle for verbal cohesion, sanity and survival. The reality is that it is the anticipation of the unknown, and the fear of the failure that is the biggest hurdle to overcome in Topics.
We have some other exciting sponsorship possibilities in the pipeline
There are many techniques available in our literature to help the aspiring Toastmaster in Topics But, I do not believe that it is really is not that hard. Handling Topics is an everyday event. On a daily basis, we discuss and answer questions on Weather, Football, Politics, about anything, with spontaneity and a lack of inhibition
Where from here? And how can you help? We need plenty of volunteers on the weekend (11-13 May). We need more leads on potential sponsors. We will need people’s help in administrative capacities. Most of all, we need to market to other clubs and other Answer/s toastmasters. Toastmaster, ballot, gavel, red, contest, body, orator, ALB, This is your opportunity.
Why should a two minute time window at a club meeting, where you have a captive audience, be a problem? There is absolutely nothing to lose. There is nothing at risk. This is not a Job Interview, where an incorrect answer could have repercussions.
evaluator, ACG, gesture, CC, ACB, green, minutes, timer, ATM, pause, sergeant, tea, mentor, ribbon, division, CL, lectern, manual…Your Victory Conference needs YOU! 26 or do you know better?
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Listen to the Topic-- Embrace the moment -- Give your verbal talent free rein-- Have Fun.
Reflections Corner
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" Worrying about the future is like trying to eat the hole in a doughnut. It's munching on what isn't."
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"The quest for certainty blocks the search for meaning. Uncertainty is the very condition to impel man to unfold his powers" "When you talk, you repeat what you already know; when you listen, you often learn something." "Men cannot see their reflection in running water, but only in still water"