Topic for Toastmasters 2009 International Speech Contest

Can you believe it? Just months ago all eyes were on the finals of the Toastmasters International Speech Contest in Calgary. Now, in a snow-covered Connecticut, I realize that it is time for Toastmasters all over the world to start working on the 2009 speech contests. What will the topic be for your speech this year?

Our club contests need to be complete in District 53, by Feb 27 which only leaves six weeks from this writing to organize, schedule and host our club contests. I have not written a word of my speech yet.

I have observed that speeches with a theme to encourage us in the audience to take step we would not normally take, or are scared of, seem to be the most powerful speeches. Darren's speech in 2001 encouraged us to take the chances in life, feel the ouches and fall forward in spite of failures.

In 2000, Ed Tate took a stand and confronted the rude passenger in the airport. His speech includes the lines "If not now, then when. If not me, then who?"

Craig Valentine reminds us of the value of forgiveness in his "Snakebite" speech. We hurt ourselves when we withhold forgiveness, yet our tendency is to hold onto the past hurts longer than we should.

Which brings me to thoughts for my topic this contest season. What should I do, but don't like doing? I should drink less coffee, eat healthier, exercise regularly, read more widely and enjoy my family more. Now which of these are appropriate for a winning speech topic? I don't know yet.

How about you. What topic will you choose for this 2009 International Speech Contest? Post your thoughts below.

Toastmasters Fall 2008 District 53 Conference

Yesterday's Fall 2008 District 53 Conference in Trumbull, Connecticut was an outstanding success, as you see in these photos. I had the privilege of presenting my popular Panic to Power educational session that helps presenters overcome the fear of public speaking.

The audience enjoyed:

- Jana Barnhill's Presidential Visit as the current International President for Toastmasters International

- Evaluation Speech Contest

- Humorous Speech Contest

- Educational Sessions

- Good food and networking in a friendly and supportive environment

Congratulations to District 53 Leadership and the Fall 2008 Conference Organizers for putting together this successful event.

Triple Crown Winner Again

I have just received notification that I am again a Toastmasters District 53 Triple Crown winner, for the third consecutive year. I presented the Toastmasters module "How to conduct productive meetings" this past Tuesday to complete the requirements for my Advanced Communicator Gold award.

Have you considered the coveted TRIPLE CROWN ? It is doable. What is holding you back? Is it the fear of growing too much, too quickly as a speaker?

D53 Fall 2008 Educational Session - Panic To Power

After runaway successes at the Fall 2007 and Spring 2008 conferences, I have been invited back to present another educational session at the Toastmasters District 53 Conference. This time, I will help my audience to go from Panic to Power on the platform.

If you attend this session on October 11, 2008, you will learn the Swift and Simple Speaking Strategies that anyone can use.

Specifically, we will cover the following public speaking techniques, that public speakers can use to overcome the fear of public speaking:
1. Physiological and Psychological tips and tools to eradicate the fear of speaking in public.
2. The Ten X Phenomenon
3. The benefits of "You are in my house" attitude.
4. Diaphragmatic breathing,
5. Foods to avoid before making a presentation and,
6. How to prepare for the "moment" before a presentation.

Three lucky participants will also win a free "Panic to Power" audio CD (which alone is worth the price of the conference, if you ask me).

If you are going to be in the area on October 11, 2008, then come on down to the District 53 Fall conference, and learn the Swift and Simple Speaking Strategies that anyone can use, to go from "Panic to Power" on the platform and banish your fear of public speaking forever.

Appreciated recognition

Proud to announce that I was awarded the District 53 Governor's award for June 2008. Out of 2,500 Toastmasters in District 53, my service to Toastmasters was recognized. I am touched by this recognition. I remain thankful for the stage time opportunities that Toastmasters provides for me to test my presentation material while getting the all important Stage Time, Stage Time, Stage Time.

How about you? Are you taking advantage of the opportunities to develop your communication and leadership skills in Toastmasters? We improve by performing our craft and getting feedback to make adjustments for our next performance. This life is experiential, not observational. Get up and accept the speaking and leadership opportunities that are offered to you in Toastmasters. Of course, this is only if you want to be a better you next year.

Crowns and Princesses

What goes on in Toastmasters, stays in Toastmasters :)

District 53 Toastmasters awards a Triple Crown to every person who completes three Educational Awards in a Toastmaster year. I won a triple crown last year and again this year.

My fellow Triple Crown winner is Dave Wheeler (Division A Governor). This photo proves that you don't have to be a princess to wear a crown. It helps if you are over 6 foot tall though...

Vikas Jhingran - 2007 WCPS, in Hartford

The time was 4 PM. The date was 1/20/2008. The place - Hartford, CT, USA. On a blistering cold, windy afternoon, Vikas delivered another outstanding presentation for District 53 Toastmasters. Vikas shared with us how he lost his first club speech and progressed all the way to the top. Vikas encouraged all the visitors to join Toastmasters.

We heard good news from Karin, our LG Education and Training. District 53 is on track to reach Distinguished status for third year in a row. We had a great time this afternoon and District 53 leaders are looking forward to a successful second half of this term.

Vikas is coming to town

This afternoon, at 3 PM, District 53 Toastmasters welcomes the 2007 World Champion of Public Speaking - Vikas Jhingran to our mid-year kickoff event in Hartford.

I will be there and am looking forward to it.