Novembro 2013
PORTUGAL CONFERÊNCIA OUTONO 2013
[Fellow Toastmaster, on the past 26th of October, we made our Division Conference. And what a conference! It was incredible to see the room filled and feel the people living the moment and expressing their emotions following an irreprehensible program. Thank you Norberto Amaral and conference team, Excelent work! All the four contests had a huge quality and all the contestants were at top. They were all winners. Congratulations! The L3 Area, throught his Governor Acácio Grilo, has registered on TMI a new prospect in Santarém – the Scalabis Toastmasters Club. The demo session will occur in ISLA Santarém on November 30th. Let’s make this demo a huge success and ensure it gets official in the same day. Do you accept the challenge? Be there and promote this great endeavour. The Club of Viseu is almost there too. The demo session will be in January. News will be announced soon. Portugal assured this year two more official clubs: in Area L2 the Pestana Sintra TM and the Barreiro TM made their charter. My sincere congratulations to the Area Governor Nelson Emílio, their Presidents, Karla McMurray and Jorge Dias and their own teams. They are providing a great service to Toastmasters and to the country. According to our plan, we will have in June 2014, in Lisbon and in Oporto, two great Public Speaking events, with the quality seal of Toastmasters. The GILL (Get Inspired Learn & Laugh) has already a national coordinator. Norberto Amaral, CLUTA’s President, has accepted the challenge that we made him. Many people will be necessary to be part of the local teams and make this event happen. An event we want to have the impact that an organization like ours deserves. Join this team, send an email to Norberto Amaral (namaral@hotmail.com) showing your intentions! From 15th to 17th of November we were at Budapest at the District 59 Autumn Conference. In the luggage we took huge expectations which, as it turned out, were fully justified. Our representatives in the humorous and impromptu speeches (Nuno Hélder Silva and Cristiani Oliveira) were great and received excellent feedback for their efforts. Congratulations! The proposal of the L4 Area to held in Oporto the District Spring Conference 2015 was approved by an absolute majority in the District Council Meeting. The last day of the conference, dedicated to the recognition, could hardly have gone better for Division L. The District recognized the excellent service that we are, in Portugal, providing to Toastmasters. In the following pages you will have the opportunity to see which awards we received and who received them. This means that we are moving in the right direction, supporting our activity on correct assumptions and that in Portugal there really is great value! We got amazing results which only motivate us to do more and better, for us, for our organization and for our country. Go Division L!
[ This is the final month of the 2012-2013 this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english THE END. ]
NOVEMBRO 2013
[Fellow Toastmaster, on the past 26th of October, we made our Division Conference. And what a conference! It was incredible to see the room filled and feel the people living the moment and expressing their emotions following an irreprehensible program. Thank you Norberto Amaral and conference team, Excelent work! All the four contests had a huge quality and all the contestants were at top. They were all winners. Congratulations! The L3 Area, throught his Governor Acácio Grilo, has registered on TMI a new prospect in Santarém – the Scalabis Toastmasters Club. The demo session will occur in ISLA Santarém on November 30th. Let’s make this demo a huge success and ensure it gets official in the same day. Do you accept the challenge? Be there and promote this great endeavour. The Club of Viseu is almost there too. The demo session will be in January. News will be announced soon. Portugal assured this year two more official clubs: in Area L2 the Pestana Sintra TM and the Barreiro TM made their charter. My sincere congratulations to the Area Governor Nelson Emílio, their Presidents, Karla McMurray and Jorge Dias and their own teams. They are providing a great service to Toastmasters and to the country. According to our plan, we will have in June 2014, in Lisbon and in Oporto, two great Public Speaking events, with the quality seal of Toastmasters. The GILL (Get Inspired Learn & Laugh) has already a national coordinator. Norberto Amaral, CLUTA’s President, has accepted the challenge that we made him. Many people will be necessary to be part of the local teams and make this event happen. An event we want to have the impact that an organization like ours deserves. Join this team, send an email to Norberto Amaral (namaral@hotmail.com) showing your intentions! From 15th to 17th of November we were at Budapest at the District 59 Autumn Conference. In the luggage we took huge expectations which, as it turned out, were fully justified. Our representatives in the humorous and impromptu speeches (Nuno Hélder Silva and Cristiani Oliveira) were great and received excellent feedback for their efforts. Congratulations! The proposal of the L4 Area to held in Oporto the District Spring Conference 2015 was approved by an absolute majority in the District Council Meeting. The last day of the conference, dedicated to the recognition, could hardly have gone better for Division L. The District recognized the excellent service that we are, in Portugal, providing to Toastmasters. In the following pages you will have the opportunity to see which awards we received and who received them. This means that we are moving in the right direction, supporting our activity on correct assumptions and that in Portugal there really is great value! We got amazing results which only motivate us to do more and better, for us, for our organization and for our country. Go Division L!
[ This is the final month of the 2012-2013 this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english this is the version in english THE END. ]
NOVEMBRO 2013
[The creation of clubs in Portugal is evolving at a very considerable rate. And there are reasons for that. Since 1924 the Toastmasters Educational Program has transformed for the better the lives of thousands of people throughout the world . Competent people perform better, build better businesses and consequently societies. We live in a country with many resources and we are adventurous and talented people. I strongly believe that Toastmasters is the right tool to help us make the most of our potential. The more members we are, the better our country. And for this to happen it is necessary to create new clubs. This is where you can decide to make a difference.
Do you want to lead the creation of a Toastmasters club? Assume the role of entrepreneur? Transform the lives of dozens of people ? If the answers to these questions are positive, do not hesitate, send an email to divisionl-governor@toastmasters.org.pt showing your intention and naming your current club. You will be successful! You'll have the support of an experienced team in all phases of this new adventure. Join Karla McMurray and Jorge Dias and their respective teams which this year already chartered Pestana Sintra and Barreiro Toastmasters Club. Other clubs are in the pipeline. Area L3 through his Area Governor, AcĂĄcio Grilo, created a new Club Prospect in SantarĂŠm, the Scalabis Toastmasters Club whose demonstration session will be on Saturday
30th of November. Also in November a demo will be held at the School of Hospitality and Tourism of Estoril. In January 2014 in the L2 Area a demo session of a Corporate Club will be held at HP and in L4 Area at AEP Oporto. We are strong and in progress. Build the future. Create a Toastmasters Club! One Portuguese, one Toastmaster!
NOVEMBRO 2013
[The creation of clubs in Portugal is evolving at a very considerable rate. And there are reasons for that. Since 1924 the Toastmasters Educational Program has transformed for the better the lives of thousands of people throughout the world . Competent people perform better, build better businesses and consequently societies. We live in a country with many resources and we are adventurous and talented people. I strongly believe that Toastmasters is the right tool to help us make the most of our potential. The more members we are, the better our country. And for this to happen it is necessary to create new clubs. This is where you can decide to make a difference.
Do you want to lead the creation of a Toastmasters club? Assume the role of entrepreneur? Transform the lives of dozens of people ? If the answers to these questions are positive, do not hesitate, send an email to divisionl-governor@toastmasters.org.pt showing your intention and naming your current club. You will be successful! You'll have the support of an experienced team in all phases of this new adventure. Join Karla McMurray and Jorge Dias and their respective teams which this year already chartered Pestana Sintra and Barreiro Toastmasters Club. Other clubs are in the pipeline. Area L3 through his Area Governor, AcĂĄcio Grilo, created a new Club Prospect in SantarĂŠm, the Scalabis Toastmasters Club whose demonstration session will be on Saturday
30th of November. Also in November a demo will be held at the School of Hospitality and Tourism of Estoril. In January 2014 in the L2 Area a demo session of a Corporate Club will be held at HP and in L4 Area at AEP Oporto. We are strong and in progress. Build the future. Create a Toastmasters Club! One Portuguese, one Toastmaster!
NOVEMBRO 2013
[One of the major goals of the coordination team of the Distinguished Club Program (DCP) is to ensure that all clubs ensure a sufficient number of members to allow the meetings have the dynamics, diversity and quality required for members development to be truly effective. Problems of membership level endanger the health of any club. If your club has difficulties at this level, send me an email at the address danieltm@outlook.com, so that
together we can find the best and quickest solution. Fortunately the Toastmasters International organization has recognized practices and tools that can be replicated with ease. Count on us to help you implement them in your club.
You can instantly verify the health of your club through a great tool that TMI placed at our disposal. To access the Dashboard: 1. Go to: http://dashboards.toastmasters.org/
2. Select our District (59) 3. Click the "Club Performance" tab. "Et voilà" you have access to the DCP of all clubs in our District. Do not hesitate to contact me should you desire to know more about the Distinguished Club Program, recognition program, membership, structure and organization. I am at your disposal.
NOVEMBRO 2013
[One of the major goals of the coordination team of the Distinguished Club Program (DCP) is to ensure that all clubs ensure a sufficient number of members to allow the meetings have the dynamics, diversity and quality required for members development to be truly effective. Problems of membership level endanger the health of any club. If your club has difficulties at this level, send me an email at the address danieltm@outlook.com, so that
together we can find the best and quickest solution. Fortunately the Toastmasters International organization has recognized practices and tools that can be replicated with ease. Count on us to help you implement them in your club.
You can instantly verify the health of your club through a great tool that TMI placed at our disposal. To access the Dashboard: 1. Go to: http://dashboards.toastmasters.org/
2. Select our District (59) 3. Click the "Club Performance" tab. "Et voilà" you have access to the DCP of all clubs in our District. Do not hesitate to contact me should you desire to know more about the Distinguished Club Program, recognition program, membership, structure and organization. I am at your disposal.
NOVEMBRO 2013
[Fellow Toastmasters, as I had the opportunity to present in Aveiro, during the Division Conference, the Evaluation
Enhancement Program is now closing the first part of the plan set. Area Governors have been contacted with the aim of
[Areas L2, L3 and L4 are already underway with the Program
helping to recruit at least one Toastmaster in each Area. This
"Toastmasters in Schools."
is a key step in the established direction, to be possible to
The person responsible for coordinating the program in each of the
articulate a way of effective communication between the
areas began to assume its role. Initial contacts were made with the
Division team and each one of the Toastmasters. Some members of our community have shown great enthusiasm and a strong commitment to actively participate in this program. This is essential to establish a common basis for the evaluation process and also to encourage the exchange of experiences between clubs in this area.
schools. We shared materials, ideas, goals and strategies. More volunteers were gathered to implement Youth Leadership Programs at 2nd and 3rd cycle classes. The following steps? Articulate with Junior Achievement who has done
an outstanding job with schools across the country. Begin Youth
There are still some vacancies to strengthen this team and so
Leadership Programs in Schools. Set dates for information sessions in
we reiterate here the invitation for any of You that want to be
higher education schools. We are on the way!
part of this fantastic journey, please contact me directly (nmaximiano@gmail.com). I am convinced that we will achieve
Team
all the success within this goal, that it is of extreme
Area L2 | ﾃ「rea Sequeira
importance to raise the bar in evaluations.
Area L3 | Alexandra Nunes
To accomplish the next step in the plan, we will visit as soon as possible, all the clubs and, at the same time, lay the foundation for the Evaluation Virtual University. This step is also very important, so that we can effectively share the best practices
Area L4 | Rui Henriques, Afonso Fernandes, Tiago Sousa Veloso Who will be the next to join this team?
that we are collecting.
NOVEMBRO 2013
[Fellow Toastmasters, as I had the opportunity to present in Aveiro, during the Division Conference, the Evaluation
Enhancement Program is now closing the first part of the plan set. Area Governors have been contacted with the aim of
[Areas L2, L3 and L4 are already underway with the Program
helping to recruit at least one Toastmaster in each Area. This
"Toastmasters in Schools."
is a key step in the established direction, to be possible to
The person responsible for coordinating the program in each of the
articulate a way of effective communication between the
areas began to assume its role. Initial contacts were made with the
Division team and each one of the Toastmasters. Some members of our community have shown great enthusiasm and a strong commitment to actively participate in this program. This is essential to establish a common basis for the evaluation process and also to encourage the exchange of experiences between clubs in this area.
schools. We shared materials, ideas, goals and strategies. More volunteers were gathered to implement Youth Leadership Programs at 2nd and 3rd cycle classes. The following steps? Articulate with Junior Achievement who has done
an outstanding job with schools across the country. Begin Youth
There are still some vacancies to strengthen this team and so
Leadership Programs in Schools. Set dates for information sessions in
we reiterate here the invitation for any of You that want to be
higher education schools. We are on the way!
part of this fantastic journey, please contact me directly (nmaximiano@gmail.com). I am convinced that we will achieve
Team
all the success within this goal, that it is of extreme
Area L2 | ﾃ「rea Sequeira
importance to raise the bar in evaluations.
Area L3 | Alexandra Nunes
To accomplish the next step in the plan, we will visit as soon as possible, all the clubs and, at the same time, lay the foundation for the Evaluation Virtual University. This step is also very important, so that we can effectively share the best practices
Area L4 | Rui Henriques, Afonso Fernandes, Tiago Sousa Veloso Who will be the next to join this team?
that we are collecting.
NOVEMBRO 2013
[In the 26th October, the Fall Contest, one of the highest points of the Portuguese Toastmasters calendar, took place in Aveiro. This was the Final for the competitions of humorous and table topics speeches, in Portuguese and English. The contests winners were Raquel Belo, from YETC, for humorous speech in Portuguese; Nuno Hélder Silva, from CLUTA, for humorous speech in English; and Cristiani Oliveira, from Lisbon Toastmasters Club for both Portuguese and
English table topics. It was the end of months of work in the clubs and Areas, taking all finalists to the stage, to find the best of Portugal. The winners of the contests in English represent the Portuguese Toastmasters in the European final, this year in Budapest, Hungary. At the end, we all went back to our places, after a day full of fun, laugh and seeing old friends! Wait a moment… you didn’t thought that was all, did you? NOVEMBRO 2013
[In the 26th October, the Fall Contest, one of the highest points of the Portuguese Toastmasters calendar, took place in Aveiro. This was the Final for the competitions of humorous and table topics speeches, in Portuguese and English. The contests winners were Raquel Belo, from YETC, for humorous speech in Portuguese; Nuno Hélder Silva, from CLUTA, for humorous speech in English; and Cristiani Oliveira, from Lisbon Toastmasters Club for both Portuguese and
English table topics. It was the end of months of work in the clubs and Areas, taking all finalists to the stage, to find the best of Portugal. The winners of the contests in English represent the Portuguese Toastmasters in the European final, this year in Budapest, Hungary. At the end, we all went back to our places, after a day full of fun, laugh and seeing old friends! Wait a moment… you didn’t thought that was all, did you? NOVEMBRO 2013
This Conference was much more than the contest. We wanted to innovate and create an unforgettable event to all participants. How? Our vision was simple: create several “WOW! moments” and keep a high level of enthusiasm in all people. That is why we had a contemporaneous dance performance; a typical pastry cooking workshop; two speeches from people who are not Toastmasters, but they are communicators and teachers; and we also surprised all people with the local Newspaper, showing an entire page presenting the Toastmasters concept to the Aveiro community. We also projected two TED talks. This way, we hope we shared excellent examples of good presentations, because they were inspiring/motivational, or because they were humorous – or simply because they were strange, like Reggie Watts and his performance of beatboxing in his loop machine. In the end, a teenage local hornpipe band went on stage! The surprise with the drum drumming and the hornpipes, were the greatest end of a day full with emotion and fun! All these topics were selected with some criteria, like variety, interest and importance; relation with the local community;
time and duration, and low cost. For the reactions we’ve seen in the audience, and the feedback we had during and after the Conference, we feel we have accomplished our goals. We know we made something that was never done, and we left a smile on people’s faces. But we also know that we can do even better. In order to do that, we are writing an execution report of the event. It will be an interactive document, available, which can be updated by everyone, to help other teams organize a better event. All this to provide that, in the end, we go back to our places after a day full of fun, laugh and seeing old friends!
[The Toastmasters in Portugal were born in 2006, and although it’s often said that luck protects those who dare, we can say that in Portugal we had the luck of having, since the
beginning, a toastmaster – João de Mendonça, presently District governor – who, in 2009 in Hamburg, was the Toastmaster of the Year and Area Governor of the Year, and the Lisbon Toastmaster Club was, for the first time, the best club in Europe! Truly speaking, the fact is that this was not work of a person only. There was lots and lots of people, and I think Division L has reached a point where it doesn’t need to ask about its quality to almost anyone. That makes me very proud, because I feel myself as a part of this growth, as well as many of you here in the Fall Conference (the younger ones don’t have a big contribution yet, but they will in the future). Talking about measuring results, I’d like to ask you to pay
attention to a subject that I ear about so many times, and that causes me some surprise… People often look to the awards and to DCP points with a bad attitude. And I have that indisputable key sentence: “People is all that matters”. But the metrics are the results of people who were able to complete their path, so, not to fight for the points is not to fight for the people! For those who don’t know, there is a new Toastmasters International tool of reports/statistics. Any member can access. There is no need for any password or registration. Just go to the page http://dashboards.toastmasters.org, and there you can find very relevant and interesting information:
there you can find the proof of the Portuguese clubs success in the last year!
NOVEMBRO 2013
This Conference was much more than the contest. We wanted to innovate and create an unforgettable event to all participants. How? Our vision was simple: create several “WOW! moments” and keep a high level of enthusiasm in all people. That is why we had a contemporaneous dance performance; a typical pastry cooking workshop; two speeches from people who are not Toastmasters, but they are communicators and teachers; and we also surprised all people with the local Newspaper, showing an entire page presenting the Toastmasters concept to the Aveiro community. We also projected two TED talks. This way, we hope we shared excellent examples of good presentations, because they were inspiring/motivational, or because they were humorous – or simply because they were strange, like Reggie Watts and his performance of beatboxing in his loop machine. In the end, a teenage local hornpipe band went on stage! The surprise with the drum drumming and the hornpipes, were the greatest end of a day full with emotion and fun! All these topics were selected with some criteria, like variety, interest and importance; relation with the local community;
time and duration, and low cost. For the reactions we’ve seen in the audience, and the feedback we had during and after the Conference, we feel we have accomplished our goals. We know we made something that was never done, and we left a smile on people’s faces. But we also know that we can do even better. In order to do that, we are writing an execution report of the event. It will be an interactive document, available, which can be updated by everyone, to help other teams organize a better event. All this to provide that, in the end, we go back to our places after a day full of fun, laugh and seeing old friends!
[The Toastmasters in Portugal were born in 2006, and although it’s often said that luck protects those who dare, we can say that in Portugal we had the luck of having, since the
beginning, a toastmaster – João de Mendonça, presently District governor – who, in 2009 in Hamburg, was the Toastmaster of the Year and Area Governor of the Year, and the Lisbon Toastmaster Club was, for the first time, the best club in Europe! Truly speaking, the fact is that this was not work of a person only. There was lots and lots of people, and I think Division L has reached a point where it doesn’t need to ask about its quality to almost anyone. That makes me very proud, because I feel myself as a part of this growth, as well as many of you here in the Fall Conference (the younger ones don’t have a big contribution yet, but they will in the future). Talking about measuring results, I’d like to ask you to pay
attention to a subject that I ear about so many times, and that causes me some surprise… People often look to the awards and to DCP points with a bad attitude. And I have that indisputable key sentence: “People is all that matters”. But the metrics are the results of people who were able to complete their path, so, not to fight for the points is not to fight for the people! For those who don’t know, there is a new Toastmasters International tool of reports/statistics. Any member can access. There is no need for any password or registration. Just go to the page http://dashboards.toastmasters.org, and there you can find very relevant and interesting information:
there you can find the proof of the Portuguese clubs success in the last year!
NOVEMBRO 2013
[Portugal was well represented in the Fall Conference of District 59 in Budapest, Hungary, 15th to 17th November, directed to humorous and table topics speeches. Nuno Hélder Silva won the last 26th October the Division L Final, precisely in the city that hosts its club, with the humorous speech: "The seven levels of laughing." The member of CLUTA (Toastmasters Club of Aveiro), had already been a finalist in the Oporto National Spring Conference with motivational speeches, in both categories of Portuguese and English speeches. Toastmaster since October 2012, this 25 years old Master in Biotechnology is also coach and trainer of soft-skills. He is passionate about traveling, enology, culture and history, and in this interview he shows us his expectations for Budapest.
MM - After the victory in Aveiro on the 26th of October, you will represent Portugal this year in the Autumn Conference of District 59. This sets the standards very high for Budapest? NHS – Each level has its own way. We can relate it to the pole vaulter. In this sport, as we proceed in the competition, the vaulter keeps getting higher. The same happens in Toastmasters and is shown in this way in Budapest. I will be relaxed to take advantage of this opportunity and to represent the best of Portugal. It will surely be a great experience! MM - What is your speech about? NHS – It goes around the process of laughter, which is divided into seven levels and I make this presentation a defense of a fictional work about it. MM - Have you ever been in Hungary or will it be the first time? NHS – Yes, I have been there already, and curiously in Budapest, about two years ago. I enjoyed it very much, it’s a fantastic city where I still have a lot to see. I’m glad to be back. MM - One of your dreams is related to equal the number of visited countries with the number of your age, or something like that? Which countries have you visited already? Did you reach that goal? NHS – (laughs) That’s true. I’m passionate about travelling. I have visited 31 countries, so that goal is already met. Now I have another one… reach to the 30’s with the double of countries visited related to my age. In another words…60 countries. I really believe that one of the greatest enrichments we can have comes from the contact with other cultures.
MM - Last August you made a trip with a particular purpose, a kind of personal project. Describe us a bit of that. Are you given to challenges? NHS – A lot. I’m passionate for adventure, knowledge and new experiences. I consider myself a passionate for life! Last summer I decided to make a trip of personal development in order to distribute happiness to the most deprived persons. I went to the eastern Europe and walked through six countries where misery stands out more sharply due to recent wars. I landed in Bulgaria and scoured Serbia, Kosovo, Albania, Montenegro and Croatia. My goal was to get near a thousand people and transform their faces into a big smile. I’ve learned a lot with this project. I’ve learned that for a big part of this people smiles don’t come spontaneously. I’ve learned that sometimes we need to get out of our world, our society, to see the real world. And I’ve learned that language is not a barrier when what people only need is someone by their side. Definitely a project of personal accomplishment achieved! And there will be others… MM - What brought you to Toastmasters? NHS – The desire to continue learning, but also the networking. I believe that human development has no limits and Toastmasters gives us tools for that development, concerning with leadership and communication, which are so important these days. MM - What has Toastmasters changed in you? NHS – Before coming to Toastmasters, I already had the habit of speaking in public, in seminars and trainings. I have received compliments about my way of communicating, but I knew there was space to improve a lot, and needed feedback until I met Toastmasters sessions with evaluation moments. Besides the insurance of constant practice, we are also given notes and suggestions for improvement. Since I joined Toastmasters, I think I’ve improved a lot my communication skills and I’m sure I’ll continue to improve. In addition, these competitions are always a challenge to our capabilities. And where is the challenge, there’s the improvement! MM - Have you already feel the applicability of Toastmasters tools in your personal and professional life? In what way? NHS – Yes, in a certain way I did. And the most important thing is that this feedback-improvement process happens very naturally, which increases our level of trust every time we are put to the test!
NOVEMBRO 2013
[Portugal was well represented in the Fall Conference of District 59 in Budapest, Hungary, 15th to 17th November, directed to humorous and table topics speeches. Nuno Hélder Silva won the last 26th October the Division L Final, precisely in the city that hosts its club, with the humorous speech: "The seven levels of laughing." The member of CLUTA (Toastmasters Club of Aveiro), had already been a finalist in the Oporto National Spring Conference with motivational speeches, in both categories of Portuguese and English speeches. Toastmaster since October 2012, this 25 years old Master in Biotechnology is also coach and trainer of soft-skills. He is passionate about traveling, enology, culture and history, and in this interview he shows us his expectations for Budapest.
MM - After the victory in Aveiro on the 26th of October, you will represent Portugal this year in the Autumn Conference of District 59. This sets the standards very high for Budapest? NHS – Each level has its own way. We can relate it to the pole vaulter. In this sport, as we proceed in the competition, the vaulter keeps getting higher. The same happens in Toastmasters and is shown in this way in Budapest. I will be relaxed to take advantage of this opportunity and to represent the best of Portugal. It will surely be a great experience! MM - What is your speech about? NHS – It goes around the process of laughter, which is divided into seven levels and I make this presentation a defense of a fictional work about it. MM - Have you ever been in Hungary or will it be the first time? NHS – Yes, I have been there already, and curiously in Budapest, about two years ago. I enjoyed it very much, it’s a fantastic city where I still have a lot to see. I’m glad to be back. MM - One of your dreams is related to equal the number of visited countries with the number of your age, or something like that? Which countries have you visited already? Did you reach that goal? NHS – (laughs) That’s true. I’m passionate about travelling. I have visited 31 countries, so that goal is already met. Now I have another one… reach to the 30’s with the double of countries visited related to my age. In another words…60 countries. I really believe that one of the greatest enrichments we can have comes from the contact with other cultures.
MM - Last August you made a trip with a particular purpose, a kind of personal project. Describe us a bit of that. Are you given to challenges? NHS – A lot. I’m passionate for adventure, knowledge and new experiences. I consider myself a passionate for life! Last summer I decided to make a trip of personal development in order to distribute happiness to the most deprived persons. I went to the eastern Europe and walked through six countries where misery stands out more sharply due to recent wars. I landed in Bulgaria and scoured Serbia, Kosovo, Albania, Montenegro and Croatia. My goal was to get near a thousand people and transform their faces into a big smile. I’ve learned a lot with this project. I’ve learned that for a big part of this people smiles don’t come spontaneously. I’ve learned that sometimes we need to get out of our world, our society, to see the real world. And I’ve learned that language is not a barrier when what people only need is someone by their side. Definitely a project of personal accomplishment achieved! And there will be others… MM - What brought you to Toastmasters? NHS – The desire to continue learning, but also the networking. I believe that human development has no limits and Toastmasters gives us tools for that development, concerning with leadership and communication, which are so important these days. MM - What has Toastmasters changed in you? NHS – Before coming to Toastmasters, I already had the habit of speaking in public, in seminars and trainings. I have received compliments about my way of communicating, but I knew there was space to improve a lot, and needed feedback until I met Toastmasters sessions with evaluation moments. Besides the insurance of constant practice, we are also given notes and suggestions for improvement. Since I joined Toastmasters, I think I’ve improved a lot my communication skills and I’m sure I’ll continue to improve. In addition, these competitions are always a challenge to our capabilities. And where is the challenge, there’s the improvement! MM - Have you already feel the applicability of Toastmasters tools in your personal and professional life? In what way? NHS – Yes, in a certain way I did. And the most important thing is that this feedback-improvement process happens very naturally, which increases our level of trust every time we are put to the test!
NOVEMBRO 2013
[Being a Toastmaster is not just a title: is an attitude. Our Cristiani Oliveira is an example. After her double winning in the Table Topics contest at the Fall Conference, we did not resist in talking to her. When did you get in Toastmasters? Cristiani - I met Toastmasters by chance. The Lisbon Toastmasters Club organized a dinner with the American Club of Lisbon. A friend of mine had invitations to that dinner, but he couldn’t go, so he offered me the invitations. Me and my husband went to the dinner without knowing very well what we would find… We found a very dynamic group, fun, and at the same time, an organization that bring out professionalism and learning guidance. In that same day, 20/11/2008, me and Sandeep decided that we wanted to be a part of that group. Tell us a little about your history in Toastmasters. Cristiani - At the event I mentioned, they organized a Table Topic contest, and I was the winner. I won a 40 years old Oporto wine. Started with the right foot! The Lisbon TM is a very welcoming club, and I had the priviledge of making new friends. After a while, I was invited by Luis Caetano to be VPPR, and after, to be President. In terms of personal accomplishments, I keep with care the memories of the several clubs I helped to create. I was at the first sessions of YETC, Business Speakers, CLUTA, Funchal and Montijo. Which were your best moments in Toastmasters? Cristiani - I enjoy a lot to tell stories in my speeches. That implies remembering things that happened 10, 20 or 30 years ago. Sometimes, preparing this speeches is an opportunity to revive special moments. I remember a speech where I told the history about my father taking a homeless to live in hour house. I remember telling this story in the Division contest and thinking “I’m so proud of my father”. It’s not the first time you’re going to represent Portugal. What is the sensation? Cristiani - It’s a wonderful feeling. The Toastmasters conferences are magical events. What I like the most in this organization is that we have people so different from each other, but at the same time, here we are all the same: doctors, students, sellers, engineers, managers, lawyers, actors, paleontologists, teachers, unemployed, journalists, housewives… In the European conference is the same, with the advantage of having dozens of nationalities in the same room, a wonderful mix of cultures. I hope I’m up to represent our Division in the best way.
You won both Table Topics contests, in Portuguese and English. Can you give us some advice on how to do great Table topics? Cristiani - There are three secrets. First, you need to stay calm. How do I do it? I consider my audience, which is always friendly in Toastmasters. People are there wishing everything goes well. There is no motive to be afraid of our club colleagues. Second, we need to keep it simple. In the available time (1 to 2 minutes), we can only develop one idea. Most of the times, I give my personal opinion about the subject, usually through a personal history that illustrates my opinion. The third secret is training. I often participate in Table Topics. It’s always a relaxed moment of our sessions, where we can present our ideas without fear of being wrong.
NOVEMBRO
[Being a Toastmaster is not just a title: is an attitude. Our Cristiani Oliveira is an example. After her double winning in the Table Topics contest at the Fall Conference, we did not resist in talking to her. When did you get in Toastmasters? Cristiani - I met Toastmasters by chance. The Lisbon Toastmasters Club organized a dinner with the American Club of Lisbon. A friend of mine had invitations to that dinner, but he couldn’t go, so he offered me the invitations. Me and my husband went to the dinner without knowing very well what we would find… We found a very dynamic group, fun, and at the same time, an organization that bring out professionalism and learning guidance. In that same day, 20/11/2008, me and Sandeep decided that we wanted to be a part of that group. Tell us a little about your history in Toastmasters. Cristiani - At the event I mentioned, they organized a Table Topic contest, and I was the winner. I won a 40 years old Oporto wine. Started with the right foot! The Lisbon TM is a very welcoming club, and I had the priviledge of making new friends. After a while, I was invited by Luis Caetano to be VPPR, and after, to be President. In terms of personal accomplishments, I keep with care the memories of the several clubs I helped to create. I was at the first sessions of YETC, Business Speakers, CLUTA, Funchal and Montijo. Which were your best moments in Toastmasters? Cristiani - I enjoy a lot to tell stories in my speeches. That implies remembering things that happened 10, 20 or 30 years ago. Sometimes, preparing this speeches is an opportunity to revive special moments. I remember a speech where I told the history about my father taking a homeless to live in hour house. I remember telling this story in the Division contest and thinking “I’m so proud of my father”. It’s not the first time you’re going to represent Portugal. What is the sensation? Cristiani - It’s a wonderful feeling. The Toastmasters conferences are magical events. What I like the most in this organization is that we have people so different from each other, but at the same time, here we are all the same: doctors, students, sellers, engineers, managers, lawyers, actors, paleontologists, teachers, unemployed, journalists, housewives… In the European conference is the same, with the advantage of having dozens of nationalities in the same room, a wonderful mix of cultures. I hope I’m up to represent our Division in the best way.
You won both Table Topics contests, in Portuguese and English. Can you give us some advice on how to do great Table topics? Cristiani - There are three secrets. First, you need to stay calm. How do I do it? I consider my audience, which is always friendly in Toastmasters. People are there wishing everything goes well. There is no motive to be afraid of our club colleagues. Second, we need to keep it simple. In the available time (1 to 2 minutes), we can only develop one idea. Most of the times, I give my personal opinion about the subject, usually through a personal history that illustrates my opinion. The third secret is training. I often participate in Table Topics. It’s always a relaxed moment of our sessions, where we can present our ideas without fear of being wrong.
NOVEMBRO
[Participating in a District Conference is an indescribable experience! The participants level at the humorous and table topics contests really makes us realize the importance of preparation and training, the parliamentary organization of the Council Meeting makes us feel that we actually are in a session of the European Parliament, the workshops are
super interesting and useful, the Gala Dinner is full of poop and circumstance, an impressive speaker as John Zimmer inspires us to do much better than what we have done so far... This is what we found at the Budapest Conference on the weekend 15-17 November. Three days were filled with fun, learning and sharing experiences. Three days that allowed me to have a much clearer insight into the various activities carried out at the district level. There great days certainly worthwhile! From there we bring new friendships, many awards to Portugal (it's reassuring to know that our performance is recognized at the European level!), the organization of the 2015 Spring Conference in Oporto and a great desire to attend the next conference in Cracow, the last before the division of the District 59 in two. If you ever have the opportunity, do not waste it!
NOVEMBRO 2013
[Participating in a District Conference is an indescribable experience! The participants level at the humorous and table topics contests really makes us realize the importance of preparation and training, the parliamentary organization of the Council Meeting makes us feel that we actually are in a session of the European Parliament, the workshops are
super interesting and useful, the Gala Dinner is full of poop and circumstance, an impressive speaker as John Zimmer inspires us to do much better than what we have done so far... This is what we found at the Budapest Conference on the weekend 15-17 November. Three days were filled with fun, learning and sharing experiences. Three days that allowed me to have a much clearer insight into the various activities carried out at the district level. There great days certainly worthwhile! From there we bring new friendships, many awards to Portugal (it's reassuring to know that our performance is recognized at the European level!), the organization of the 2015 Spring Conference in Oporto and a great desire to attend the next conference in Cracow, the last before the division of the District 59 in two. If you ever have the opportunity, do not waste it!
NOVEMBRO 2013
[In the past November 5th, at 19:45, the Pestana Sintra Toastmasters Club celebrated that it is an official club since October 23rd 2013, at the Monserrate room, in the beautiful Pestana Sintra Golf Hotel. The house was full: almost 40 guests were there for the celebration. Among the guests, were the Divison L (Portugal) Governor, Marco Meireles, and the L2 Area Governor, Nelson Emilio; in the end, they made a toast to the new club, and gave to the members their best wishes of success. The two main speakers of the night were João Sarmento and Valdemar da Silva Pires, and together with several other Toastmasters, as Sofia Leitão and Hugo Branco from Pestana Sintra TM Club, Mário Peixinho from TAGUSPARK TM Club, and Jorge Dias from Barreiro TM Club, they gave to the audience their testimony about the way their active participation in Toastmasters sessions has contributed to their personal and professional development. There is no doubt, the contemporary educative program of Toastmasters, that was initially created in 1924 by Mr. Ralph Smedley, is so much relevant to all of those who want to take leadership and become better communicators. The party also had three moments of hearing tasting. Dina Hernandez and Miguel Jesus, both students of the Music School of Lisbon, gifted us with three musical pieces: The 1.Prélude, the Sérènade à l’Inconnue from Capriccio by Hans Haug, and Café 1930, from the History of Tango by Astor Piazzola. This shinning musical moment enriched the celebration, and offered to the audience pleasant moments of reflection. Last, but not the least, we want to thank to Pestana Sintra Golf Hotel and its administration, Mr. Miguel Metello and Mr. André Sútil Roque, who generously sponsored the Pestana Sintra Toastmasters Club. Without any doubt, the excellent environment and service of the Pestana Sintra Golf Hotel contributed to this amazing party, as it has decisively contributed to the success of this club. Thank you very much to all who worked to make possible the birth of the Pestana Sintra Toastmasters Club!
NOVEMBRO 2013
[In the past November 5th, at 19:45, the Pestana Sintra Toastmasters Club celebrated that it is an official club since October 23rd 2013, at the Monserrate room, in the beautiful Pestana Sintra Golf Hotel. The house was full: almost 40 guests were there for the celebration. Among the guests, were the Divison L (Portugal) Governor, Marco Meireles, and the L2 Area Governor, Nelson Emilio; in the end, they made a toast to the new club, and gave to the members their best wishes of success. The two main speakers of the night were João Sarmento and Valdemar da Silva Pires, and together with several other Toastmasters, as Sofia Leitão and Hugo Branco from Pestana Sintra TM Club, Mário Peixinho from TAGUSPARK TM Club, and Jorge Dias from Barreiro TM Club, they gave to the audience their testimony about the way their active participation in Toastmasters sessions has contributed to their personal and professional development. There is no doubt, the contemporary educative program of Toastmasters, that was initially created in 1924 by Mr. Ralph Smedley, is so much relevant to all of those who want to take leadership and become better communicators. The party also had three moments of hearing tasting. Dina Hernandez and Miguel Jesus, both students of the Music School of Lisbon, gifted us with three musical pieces: The 1.Prélude, the Sérènade à l’Inconnue from Capriccio by Hans Haug, and Café 1930, from the History of Tango by Astor Piazzola. This shinning musical moment enriched the celebration, and offered to the audience pleasant moments of reflection. Last, but not the least, we want to thank to Pestana Sintra Golf Hotel and its administration, Mr. Miguel Metello and Mr. André Sútil Roque, who generously sponsored the Pestana Sintra Toastmasters Club. Without any doubt, the excellent environment and service of the Pestana Sintra Golf Hotel contributed to this amazing party, as it has decisively contributed to the success of this club. Thank you very much to all who worked to make possible the birth of the Pestana Sintra Toastmasters Club!
NOVEMBRO 2013
[The Area L4 clubs keep committed in spreading the
Toastmasters concept, planning different sessions outside the club environment. The 204th session of Oporto Toastmasters happened "out of doors" in the auditorium of IPAM-Porto. It was a huge demo session with a massive presence of the OTC members, faculty, students and guests. Another wonderful session which, hopefully, has excited IPAM to create its own club. The session ended with the presentation of the award for best impromptu speech to the teacher Paula Arriscado who accepted the challenge on the theme "Many little things have been transformed into large by the right kind of advertising." As we left we could not resist, and left our mark on the POST IT wall.
The OTC followed up north, to the banks of the Douro River and found "Bonjóia” that the end of the fourteenth century, was donated to the Cabido da Sé do Porto with the obligation of some Masses. Serões da Bonjóia happen every Thursdays at 21.15 in Porto Social Foundation. It was a night with 6 different Learning Moments with themes such evaluations to non-verbal
[Teresa Durão has been part of a session in Beja Toastmasters Club, in the past November 2nd to present the “Dress for Success Lisboa”
language, the art of impromptu speech and leadership! This
The Vice-president of the “Dress for Success Lisboa”, came to Beja to
was followed by a period of questions and answers!
present a non profit organization that helps unemployed women to reach
http://www.viva-porto.pt/agenda-
professional and personal success.
Cultural/seroes.de.bonjoia.html A mini Road Trip took members from Area L4 Clubs to the Devesa Park in Vila Nova Famalicão for the Magusto Area.
Her performance as a speaker was great, she picked the audience attention with an excellent presentation about the organization “Dress
On the 30th October the MindBusiness Toastmasters Club held
for Success Lisboa” and social entrepreneurship.
a meeting at the brand new Hotel of Music that is part of the
During the session, some sponsors were there to receive a certificate
recovered Bom Sucesso Market. It was another session filled
from the organization.
with many prestigious speeches and many guests.
We also had the participation of Maria Fernandes, from TAGUSPARK
Braga TC continues to grow. To provide more learning opportunities to its members they now hold a monthly session entirely in English. During the month of November a session at the Engineers is scheduled.
Toastmasters Club. In the end, our President, Fernanda Pereira, surprised us with the news that our club is a “Select Distinguished Club 2012-2013”.
NOVEMBRO 2013
[The Area L4 clubs keep committed in spreading the
Toastmasters concept, planning different sessions outside the club environment. The 204th session of Oporto Toastmasters happened "out of doors" in the auditorium of IPAM-Porto. It was a huge demo session with a massive presence of the OTC members, faculty, students and guests. Another wonderful session which, hopefully, has excited IPAM to create its own club. The session ended with the presentation of the award for best impromptu speech to the teacher Paula Arriscado who accepted the challenge on the theme "Many little things have been transformed into large by the right kind of advertising." As we left we could not resist, and left our mark on the POST IT wall.
The OTC followed up north, to the banks of the Douro River and found "Bonjóia” that the end of the fourteenth century, was donated to the Cabido da Sé do Porto with the obligation of some Masses. Serões da Bonjóia happen every Thursdays at 21.15 in Porto Social Foundation. It was a night with 6 different Learning Moments with themes such evaluations to non-verbal
[Teresa Durão has been part of a session in Beja Toastmasters Club, in the past November 2nd to present the “Dress for Success Lisboa”
language, the art of impromptu speech and leadership! This
The Vice-president of the “Dress for Success Lisboa”, came to Beja to
was followed by a period of questions and answers!
present a non profit organization that helps unemployed women to reach
http://www.viva-porto.pt/agenda-
professional and personal success.
Cultural/seroes.de.bonjoia.html A mini Road Trip took members from Area L4 Clubs to the Devesa Park in Vila Nova Famalicão for the Magusto Area.
Her performance as a speaker was great, she picked the audience attention with an excellent presentation about the organization “Dress
On the 30th October the MindBusiness Toastmasters Club held
for Success Lisboa” and social entrepreneurship.
a meeting at the brand new Hotel of Music that is part of the
During the session, some sponsors were there to receive a certificate
recovered Bom Sucesso Market. It was another session filled
from the organization.
with many prestigious speeches and many guests.
We also had the participation of Maria Fernandes, from TAGUSPARK
Braga TC continues to grow. To provide more learning opportunities to its members they now hold a monthly session entirely in English. During the month of November a session at the Engineers is scheduled.
Toastmasters Club. In the end, our President, Fernanda Pereira, surprised us with the news that our club is a “Select Distinguished Club 2012-2013”.
NOVEMBRO 2013
DATAS RELEVANTES Até 30 Novembro Visitas dos Area Governors aos clubes
30 Novembro Sessão de demonstração Scalabis Toastmasters Club Santarém Hotel, 15h00
4 Dezembro Ciclo de palestras do LOT “Silêncio, som, ritmo e liderança” - Urbano Oliveira
WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE
TOASTMASTERS PORTUGAL
NOVEMBRO 2013