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Twww.toastmasters.orgOASTMASTE JUNER 2013 BE HEARD Components of a commanding voice. Page 16

10 A SPEAKING COACH’S GLOBAL REACH

14 YOUR COMEDY CHECKLIST

22 THE POWER OF APOLOGIES TOASTMASTER® PUBLISHER Daniel Rex VIEWPOINT MANAGING EDITOR Suzanne Frey SENIOR EDITOR Paul Sterman ASSOCIATE EDITOR Mary Nesfield JUNIOR WRITER Jennie Harris EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Julie E. Kim THE LEADER IS THE MESSAgE ART DIRECTION Susan Campbell GRAPHIC DESIGN Deidre Gaffney This is the final month of the 2012–2013 Toastmasters year. are you achieving your TI OffICERS AND DIRECTORS educational goals? Is your club promoting founder Dr. Ralph C. Smedley (1878-1965) the 1+1 membership campaign? are 2012-2013 OffICERS International President John Lau, DTM your areas, divisions and districts helping Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia International President-Elect George Yen, DTM members and clubs reach their goals? If Taipei, Taiwan you have achieved your goals, I congratu- first Vice President Mohammed Murad, DTM Dubai, United Arab Emirates late you. However, if you are still working Second Vice President Jim Kokocki, DTM on them, I ask you to stay focused. Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada Immediate Past President Michael Notaro, DTM Toastmasters empowers individuals Alameda, California, USA Executive Director Daniel Rex to become more effective communicators Mission Viejo, California Secretary-Treasurer Sally Newell Cohen and leaders. Leadership is about sharing Mission Viejo, California information. We all must communicate

clearly about the strategies, speed, direction 2012-2013 DIRECTORS and results of our efforts. We need to James Sultan, DTM Kristina Kihlberg, DTM Kirkland, Washington Pompano Beach, Florida communicate this information, both verbally and nonverbally, in a humble, Assigned to Region Assigned to Region 8 Mike Barsul, DTM Wendy Harding, DTM passionate and confident manner. San Francisco, California Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada our words and actions should be inspiring, but we must listen, observe Assigned to Region 2 Assigned to Region 9 David McCallister, DTM Don Griffith, DTM Fort Worth, Texas Phoenix, Arizona and understand our audience’s needs before we deliver a message. once we Assigned to Region 3 Assigned to Region 10 understand those needs, we can communicate to inform, persuade, guide, Patricia Hannan, DTM George Thomas, DTM Wahoo, Nebraska Doha, Qatar Assigned to Region 4 Assigned to Region 11 Andrew Little, DTM Mike Helm, DTM New Berlin, Wisconsin Perth, Western Australia, Australia Sharing information about goal progress, Assigned to Region 5 Assigned to Region 12 Lori Lococo, DTM Balraj Arunasalam, DTM Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada Colombo, Sri Lanka while accepting the truth, helps us learn, Assigned to Region 6 Assigned to Region 13 Viki Kinsman, DTM Joseph Gomez, DTM unlearn and relearn. Oakton, Virginia Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia Assigned to Region 7 Assigned to Region 14 assure and inspire. Likewise, club leaders must consider members’ needs and then design training programs to meet those needs. Clubs support members— TOASTMASTERS and areas, divisions and districts help clubs achieve excellence. Providing INTERNATIONAL P.O. Box 9052 • Mission Viejo, CA 92690 U.s.A. any team with adequate information is critical. sharing information about 949-858-8255 • Fax: 949-858-1207 Voicemail: 949-835-1300 goal progress, while accepting the truth, helps us learn, unlearn and relearn. www.toastmasters.org/members as leaders, we set the tone through attentiveness, attitude and body CONTACTING WORLD HEADQUARTERS language. If we receive honest feedback from our teams, we should be grateful For information on joining —even though the truth may hurt. Be positive, accept feedback, learn from or building a club, visit: www.toastmasters.org the information, and move on. I find that when our team members trust Article submission: [email protected] Letters to the Editor: [email protected] us and believe in what we say, they follow what we do. as Gary Burnison, To change address, log in to: www.toastmasters.org/members Ceo of Korn/Ferry International, puts it, we need to willingly reveal more of ourselves to let others see our soul. If we don’t, we will undermine the effec- The ToasTmasTer magazine (IssN 00408263) is published monthly by Toastmasters International, Inc., 23182 arroyo Vista, rancho santa margarita, tiveness of our leadership, and team members may soon drift to the sidelines. Ca 92688, U.s.a. Periodicals postage paid at mission Viejo, Ca and additional mailing office. PosTmasTer: send address change to The ToasTmasTer We achieve excellence by participating in Toastmasters clubs, because magazine, P.o. Box 9052, mission Viejo, Ca 92690, U.s.a. Published to promote the ideas and goals of Toastmasters International, a we are evaluated on our manual speeches, leadership styles and behaviors. nonprofit educational organization of clubs throughout the worlddedicated to teaching skills in public speaking and leadership. members’ subscriptions are included in the $36 semi-annual dues. Constructive feedback helps us to enhance our performance the next time. The official publication of Toastmasters International carries authorized notices and articles regarding the activities and interests of the organization, but all messages should be delivered with encouragement, inspiration and responsibility is not assumed for the opinions of the authors of other articles. The ToasTmasTer magazine does not endorse or guarantee the products motivation. as leaders, we have maximum impact when we do as we preach. it advertises. Copyright 2013 Toastmasters International, Inc. all rights reserved. When we own our words, Toastmasters is where leaders are made. T reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Not responsible for unsolicited material. Toastmasters International, The ToasTmasTer and the Toastmaster International emblem are trademarks of Toastmasters International registered in the United states, Canada and many other countries. marca registrada en mexico. Printed in U.s.a.

JOHN LAU, DTM International President WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE 2 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE www.toastmasters.org TOASTMASTER® PUBLISHER Daniel Rex VIEWPOINT MANAGING EDITOR Suzanne Frey TABLE OF CONTENTS SENIOR EDITOR Paul Sterman ASSOCIATE EDITOR Mary Nesfield JUNIOR WRITER Jennie Harris EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Julie E. Kim Volume 79, No. 6 THE LEADER IS THE MESSAgE ART DIRECTION Susan Campbell June 2013 GRAPHIC DESIGN Deidre Gaffney This is the final month of the 2012–2013 DEPARTMENTS Toastmasters year. are you achieving your TI OffICERS AND DIRECTORS VIEWPOINT: THE LEADER educational goals? Is your club promoting founder Dr. Ralph C. Smedley (1878-1965) 2 IS THE MESSAGE the 1+1 membership campaign? are 2012-2013 OffICERS

International President John Lau, DTM BY JOHN LAU, DTM your areas, divisions and districts helping Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia International President International President-Elect George Yen, DTM members and clubs reach their goals? If Taipei, Taiwan you have achieved your goals, I congratu- first Vice President Mohammed Murad, DTM LETTERS Dubai, United Arab Emirates 4 late you. However, if you are still working Second Vice President Jim Kokocki, DTM Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada MY TURN: PRACTICE PAYS OFF on them, I ask you to stay focused. Immediate Past President Michael Notaro, DTM How I talked my way into a Toastmasters empowers individuals Alameda, California, USA 5 Executive Director Daniel Rex book contract. to become more effective communicators Mission Viejo, California Secretary-Treasurer Sally Newell Cohen LYNN MACKABEN BROWN and leaders. Leadership is about sharing Mission Viejo, California information. We all must communicate AROUND THE GLOBE clearly about the strategies, speed, direction 6 16 2012-2013 DIRECTORS and results of our efforts. We need to James Sultan, DTM Kristina Kihlberg, DTM Kirkland, Washington Pompano Beach, Florida communicate this information, both verbally and nonverbally, in a humble, Assigned to Region Assigned to Region 8 MEMBER PROFILE: ALLISON passionate and confident manner. Mike Barsul, DTM Wendy Harding, DTM 1 0 SHAPIRA, ACS, ALS: EXPANDING San Francisco, California Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada THE SCOPE OF HER VOICE our words and actions should be inspiring, but we must listen, observe Assigned to Region 2 Assigned to Region 9 David McCallister, DTM Don Griffith, DTM Speaking coach gains high-profile Fort Worth, Texas Phoenix, Arizona and understand our audience’s needs before we deliver a message. once we Assigned to Region 3 Assigned to Region 10 opportunities. understand those needs, we can communicate to inform, persuade, guide, Patricia Hannan, DTM George Thomas, DTM BY NATALY KELLY Wahoo, Nebraska Doha, Qatar Assigned to Region 4 Assigned to Region 11 Andrew Little, DTM Mike Helm, DTM New Berlin, Wisconsin Perth, Western Australia, Australia HOW TO: YOUR COMEDY Sharing information about goal progress, Assigned to Region 5 Assigned to Region 12 Lori Lococo, DTM Balraj Arunasalam, DTM 14 CHECKLIST Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada Colombo, Sri Lanka Ask yourself these 10 questions while accepting the truth, helps us learn, Assigned to Region 6 Assigned to Region 13 Viki Kinsman, DTM Joseph Gomez, DTM to get the laughs you want. unlearn and relearn. Oakton, Virginia Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia 22 26 Assigned to Region 7 Assigned to Region 14 BY GENE PERRET assure and inspire. Likewise, club leaders must consider members’ needs and NEWS FROM TI: OFFICIAL then design training programs to meet those needs. Clubs support members— TOASTMASTERS 28 NOTICE OF VOTE/CAST YOUR and areas, divisions and districts help clubs achieve excellence. Providing INTERNATIONAL VOTE FOR PROPOSAL A FEATURES P.O. Box 9052 • Mission Viejo, CA 92690 U.s.A. any team with adequate information is critical. sharing information about 949-858-8255 • Fax: 949-858-1207 Voicemail: 949-835-1300 SOUNDING IT OUT goal progress, while accepting the truth, helps us learn, unlearn and relearn. www.toastmasters.org/members FUNNY YOU SHOULD SAY THAT: 16 Celebrity voice coach Roger Love as leaders, we set the tone through attentiveness, attitude and body 30 THE LANGUAGE OF MUSIC CONTACTING WORLD HEADQUARTERS offers tips to improve tonality. language. If we receive honest feedback from our teams, we should be grateful Was that andante or al dente? For information on joining BY PAUL STERMAN —even though the truth may hurt. Be positive, accept feedback, learn from or building a club, visit: www.toastmasters.org BY JOHN CADLEY the information, and move on. I find that when our team members trust Article submission: [email protected] Letters to the Editor: [email protected] THE POWER OF APOLOGIES us and believe in what we say, they follow what we do. as Gary Burnison, TRAVELING TOASTMASTER To change address, log in to: www.toastmasters.org/members 31 22 A sincere “I’m sorry” helps Ceo of Korn/Ferry International, puts it, we need to willingly reveal more of heal relationships. ourselves to let others see our soul. If we don’t, we will undermine the effec- The ToasTmasTer magazine (IssN 00408263) is published monthly by ARTICLES BY KAREN FIELD BOLEK, ALB, ACB Toastmasters International, Inc., 23182 arroyo Vista, rancho santa margarita, tiveness of our leadership, and team members may soon drift to the sidelines. Ca 92688, U.s.a. Periodicals postage paid at mission Viejo, Ca and additional mailing office. PosTmasTer: send address change to The ToasTmasTer USE A PAUSE TO PUNCH UP We achieve excellence by participating in Toastmasters clubs, because magazine, P.o. Box 9052, mission Viejo, Ca 92690, U.s.a. 12 YOUR PUNCH LINE Published to promote the ideas and goals of Toastmasters International, a we are evaluated on our manual speeches, leadership styles and behaviors. nonprofit educational organization of clubs throughout the worlddedicated to It’s not what you say, but how you teaching skills in public speaking and leadership. members’ subscriptions are Since 1924, Toastmasters International has been recognized as the leading included in the $36 semi-annual dues. say it, that draws laughs. Constructive feedback helps us to enhance our performance the next time. The official publication of Toastmasters International carries authorized organization dedicated to communication and leaderwship skill development. notices and articles regarding the activities and interests of the organization, but BY JOHN KINDE, DTM, AS all messages should be delivered with encouragement, inspiration and responsibility is not assumed for the opinions of the authors of other articles. Through its worldwide network of clubs, each week Toastmasters helps more The ToasTmasTer magazine does not endorse or guarantee the products than a quarter million men and women of every ethnicity, education level and motivation. as leaders, we have maximum impact when we do as we preach. it advertises. Copyright 2013 Toastmasters International, Inc. all rights reserved. FEEDBACK WITH A RECAP profession build their competence in communication so they can gain the When we own our words, Toastmasters is where leaders are made. T reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Not responsible for unsolicited material. 21 Unify members and guests with confidence to lead others. Toastmasters International, The ToasTmasTer and the Toastmaster International emblem are trademarks of Toastmasters International registered this tool. in the United states, Canada and many other countries. marca registrada en By regularly giving speeches, gaining feedback, leading teams and guiding mexico. Printed in U.s.a. BY HOWARD SCOTT, ACB others to achieve their goals, leaders emerge. They learn to tell their stories. They listen and answer. They plan and lead. They give feedback—and accept it. HOW TO TURN RESOLUTIONS They find their path to leadership. JOHN LAU, DTM 26 INTO REALITY Toastmasters International. Where Leaders Are Made. International President There’s no secret to achieving goals. WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE BY CRAIG COPELAND, CC 2 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE www.toastmasters.org TOASTMASTER JUNE 2013 3 LETTERS TO THE toastmaster

“Unfortunately we are getting better and better at communicating electronically, but we are losing the skill of communicating emotionally.” Hermann Funk, ACB, CL

Word Power become efficient and customer-friendly From the bottom of my heart, I I enjoyed reading Ann Banham’s and ultimately bring good returns to want to thank all the members of my skillfully crafted article about the the business. That is why I stress that Renaissance Speakers Sydney club excessively referenced and misinter- everyone wears a smile as part of our and the whole Toastmasters organiza- preted research by professor Albert business uniform. tion for this. Mehrabian (“The Myth of Nonverbal Roel C. Basera Mario Cardile Communication,” March). This “7% TMX Toastmasters Renaissance Speakers Sydney club Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Philippines Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia verbal communication” study is used frequently by facilitators and speak- Connecting with Our Spouses The Art of Conversation ers to overemphasize body language John Cadley’s column in the February Patricia Fry’s article “The Art and vocal variety, and downplay the Toastmaster (“I Agree with You, of Small Talk” (February) went power of words in communication. Dear”) reminds us of the importance beyond small talk and dealt with a At a recent event for the “Speak of communication in marriage. As very important subject: the art of Out Challenge” (the largest public Toastmasters, we work hard to apply conversation. Organizations and speaking competition for young our communication skills to every part communities are networks of conver- people in the United Kingdom), I was of our lives, including in our marriages. sations, and the quality of delighted when one of the speakers I am not suggesting we deliver speeches our conversations determines cited the 7% misquote to emphasize to our spouses, but what better place the quality of our relationships. how young people are bombarded than in a marriage to understand our Unfortunately we are getting better with communication that is image- audience and carefully select the words and better at communicating elec- based rather than substance-based. we use to convey our message? tronically, but we are losing the skill As Toastmasters, let us ensure Brian Castelli, ACS, CL of communicating emotionally. through our speeches that we demon- Toastmasters@Centennial Campus Club Toastmasters has a large role to Raleigh, North Carolina strate “word power”—as well as play in this regard. Also, enabling appropriate body language and vocal A Gift for My Dad people to conduct conversations that variety—as key features of effective I was inspired by the letter written by matter—when important things are communication. Rob Woods (February), whose story at stake—is something we should be Veronica Broomes, ATMB, CL practicing in our clubs. Women in Banking and Finance Club about performing the eulogy for his London, United Kingdom father resonates with my own recent Hermann Funk, ACB, CL experience. Over a decade ago I wrote Benoni Club Benoni, South Africa The Significance ofa Smile a very eloquent and effective eulogy I have to agree with Linda Allen’s for my mother; however, unable to Do you have something to say? statement in her article “Leading with confidently face an audience, I had to Write it in 200 words or less. a Smile” (February): “People who view get someone else to deliver it. This time State your name, member number their work as a joy rather than a job it was different. and home club, and send it to can do great things.” I experience this Due to the knowledge and practice [email protected]. Please maxim in running a small catering I gained through Toastmasters, I was note: Letters are subject to editing business. The impact of smiling every able to publicly see my magnificent for length or clarity, and may be day and conveying a positive attitude dad off with a speech that impacted published in both the print and to your service staff has a snowballing and satisfied all. I was able to deliver electronic versions of the magazine. effect. The people who work for you what my dad deserved.

4 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE MY TURN

PRacTice Pays Off How I talked my way into a book contract.

By Lynn MacKaben Brown

“ hat else are you if I were to master the skill of answer- “What were you going to pitch working on?” the literary ing impromptu questions. to me?” Wagent asked me. I had given only one speech, had After I told her, she shook her It was the kind of situation that learned one meeting role, and had head decisively. “You’re right. That’s drove me to Toastmasters. You know spoken during six Table Topics sessions not my area of interest. What else are the one: that Very Important Question when the writer’s conference opened. I you working on?” posed by a Very Important Person attended with no thought of speaking Ah! A Table Topics question. with no warning whatsoever. And to an agent. True, I had signed up for a Don’t panic. Think. Breathe. Smile. your answer had better be right. Your “pitch session,” but I later discovered The resulting pitch was not career could depend upon it. that what I offered was not exactly polished, but I didn’t run. I managed to convey enthusiasm and slant the pitch according to her body Giving a speech was no problem. language. It was Table Topics that terrified me. Her face lit up. “I want to see that! Contact me when it’s finished.” It was then that I recognized her But let’s rewind the film reel. within that agent’s guidelines. I asked as a Chinese dragon: the bringer I was very shy growing up. the conference organizer to remove my of prosperity and good fortune. However, when I became a nurse, my name from the agent’s list. My novel, Furs and Fevers, is now view of myself as a patient advocate At the conference, I roamed, coffee represented by the Marianne Strong and protector forced me to develop in hand, past the board listing the Literary Agency in New York City. the ability to speak up when I felt that pitch sessions. I stopped and stared. Unexpected questions can spring a situation interfered with the greater My name was on the board. My mood up as a follow-up to an elevator good of the patient. Unfortunately, of happy contentment vanished. An icy speech, during an interview, from all of those years of shyness had not chill crept down my back. employers, or even from friends and allowed me to develop tactfulness. I would have to speak to one of family. Answering those questions Later I became a nursing professor. those legendary fire-breathing, writer- without defensiveness or tactlessness I was comfortable in front of a class devouring agents after all: those is an important life skill. and with the students individually. guardians of the book-publication gates Aren’t we fortunate to have the But I was terrified of a surprise ques- who ingest your carefully crafted cover opportunity to practice this skill tion that would expose my flaws. letter and belch it out in flames. To keep within a club whose members I knew I had to learn how to options open for the future, I knew support and encourage us? T speak on the spot. Therefore, I joined I must tell her about the scheduling snafu, so she wouldn’t feel offended. Toastmasters two years ago. Lynn MacKaben Brown is a member Giving a speech was no problem. The moment came. I introduced of the Warsaw Noon Toastmasters It was Table Topics that terrified myself to the agent and said my piece in Warsaw, Indiana. She is a free- me—especially when each speaker with reasonable poise. “I thought I lance writer and the author of the was given his or her own topic while would let you know, so you wouldn’t historical novel Furs and Fevers. think I stood you up. Maybe you can approaching the lectern. However, I Learn more at lynnbrownwriter.com. recognized that I needed this medicine take a break or grab a cup of coffee.”

TOASTMASTER JUNE 2013 5 AROUND THE GLOBE

INTERNATIONAL WHAT’S THE BUZZ? INTERPRETATIONS WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES A SPEECH FUNNY? GIVE ME A BREAK Members contributed to the discussion on the LinkedIn Official Toastmasters International Members Group: “I never use jokes in my speeches; I exaggerate real-life situations. I believe that’s the best type of humor.” — PHYRNE PARKER, DTM, INSPIRING VOICES TOASTMASTERS, TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA “I saw a comedian do a comedy routine on an Alpo dog food commercial that aired years ago. He found enough funny things in the 60-second commercial to turn it into a 10-minute routine.” June is the start of summer and — MATT KINSEY, DTM, EXECUTIVE EVALUATORS TOASTMASTERS, CORAL SPRINGS, FLORIDA thus a popular time for Westerners to vacation. But depending on the “It’s finding something funny in the ordinary. Humor is often an exaggeration of country you live in, you may have the common or mundane. Find something you do daily and embellish it.” limited time for rest and relaxation. — ROCHELLE WILLIAMS, DTM, BISMARCK TOASTMASTERS, BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA The United Kingdom and Poland offer the most vacation days to SNAPSHOT employees—28 and 26, respectively, according to a 2011 survey by Mercer, a human resources con- sulting firm. The figures apply to employees with 10 years of service. India, in contrast, offers only 12 vacation days, one of the lowest numbers in the Mercer survey. But Indians also get about 16 holidays off per year. And in the United States, large companies typically offer 10-year employees a yearly average of only 15 vacation days and 10 holidays, but employers in the U.S. “are not obli- gated under federal law to offer any paid vacation, so about a quarter of all This past December, three Toastmasters clubs from the Goa, India, area joined together for their first tripartite club meeting. Goa is in District 41, American workers don’t have access Division E. The clubs are Goa YMCA Toastmasters, Margao Toastmasters to it,” according to a CNN article. International and Goa Marriott Toastmasters.

BOTTOM LINE

June is the final month for Attention, Professional members to participate in the 1+1 membership- Speakers The rules and building program. Encourage your friends, application for the updated family and colleagues to join a club today! Accredited Speaker program are Visit the 1+1 webpage for free marketing now available at www.toastmasters. materials to help you inspire potential org/AccreditedSpeakerProgram. members. http://reports.toastmasters.org/1plus1 Applications are due February 1, 2014.

6 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE MEMBER MoMEnt PREsEntation tiP Leading the Way in Oman Observe This most comedians will agree Freelance trainer and executive coach that humor is an art form. Yasser Sulaiman, ACB, CL, represents the country of Oman as Division D delivered effectively, it enlivens governor in District 20. A member of any speech or presentation. three clubs in Muscat, Oman, Sulaiman Observational humor is has chartered two clubs, including the inspired by what you hear or first club in the country. He previously see during your speech and worked as an aircraft maintenance conveyed on the spot. Keep engineer and as a sales and customer these points in mind when service trainer. In his Toastmasters role, using observational humor in he collaborates with leaders across your next presentation. District 20, which comprises Bahrain, • Tension relief: One of the Kuwait, Oman, Quatar, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Lebanon. benefits of comedy is stress Yasser sulaiman relief. a well-timed joke What is your most rewarding distracts the audience from Toastmasters experience? Yasser sulaiman, ACb, CL, belongs to interruptions or nuisances that Serving as a division governor is three clubs in Muscat, Oman. suddenly emerge. probably the most rewarding experience so far. I listen to and support more • Customization: By creating than 600 members within our division and implement new ideas to provide a better member experience. impromptu jokes, such as quips about the strange How do you foster cooperation across so many different cultures? weather or the small size of the Respect remains the magic touch. Appreciating the differences, thriving venue, the speaker makes the through the diverse cultures and enjoying the rhythm of many languages bring audience appreciate the fresh about a mutual respect and care toward one another. performance. How has Toastmasters helped you in your profession? • Audience bonding: Toastmasters has significantly impacted my career. I have discovered my Observational humor has a training talent through the Toastmasters education program. And by more interactive feel because attending meetings I learned about people, perspectives and events. Through it comments on real-time Toastmasters I became the leader I am today. It has empowered me with events. this makes audience self-confidence, creativity and people skills. Besides, it has brought so many members feel more present wonderful friends from all over the world to my life from whom I have with the speaker, as well as learned a lot. with each other. Learn more about District 20, Division D, at tmidivisiond.blogspot.com.

Convention Countdown: Sightseeing in Cincinnati your trip to Cincinnati doesn’t have to end when the 2013 toastmasters international Convention does. Why not take a day trip or extend your vacation? Consider strolling the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical gardens or the Cincinnati art museum. King’s island, the largest amusement park and water park in the midwest, is 24 miles from the convention. For more information, visit cincyusa.com/toastmasters. don’t forget to register before July 26 to receive the full convention package at a discounted rate. www.toastmasters.org/Convention

TOASTMASTER JUNE 2013 7 AROUND THE GLOBE

AdvIce FrOM FActs WORTH KNOWING the experts JusT LauGH , In thIs MOnthLY cOLuMn You probably know the familiar phrase “Laughter is the best medicine.” Accredited Speakers and Well, laughter alone won’t cure all maladies; however, it does have many Toastmasters World Champions short- and long-term health benefits, according toMayo clinic.com. of Public Speaking share lessons learned. short-term benefits did you know? n Enhances your intake n Laughter yoga is practiced in about of oxygen. 6,000 “laughter clubs” worldwide. n Stimulates your heart, lungs Participants typically begin a session and muscles. by faking laughter, but are usually n Increases endorphins that guffawing for real by the end. are released by your brain. n Women laugh 126 percent more n Activates and relieves your often than men. stress response. n Laughing is like exercise. William n Soothes tension. Fry, M.D., a Stanford University Long-term benefits researcher, claims that just one n Improves your immune system. minute of hearty laughter elevates n May relieve pain. his heart rate to the same level as n Increases personal that produced after spending 10 satisfaction. minutes on a rowing machine. Sources: MayoClinic.com, PsychologyToday.com, HuffingtonPost.com and WebMD.com Lance Miller, DTM, a member of the Renaissance Speakers in Hollywood, California, is the 2005 Toastmasters World Champion of Public Speaking.

how do you choose a strong title for your speech? If you are giving a speech to inform or persuade the audience, the title can be more straightforward than if you are trying to inspire or enter- tain, which is where an element of surprise is needed. If you’re speak- ing at a conference and the audience has several speakers to choose from, your title needs to attract attendees to your session. If you are the only speaker at an event, your title is less important. I do not like to see the message of the speech in the title. That lessens the impact of the message FrOM the ArchIves itself, which is the most important Members and guests attend the “hi-Jinks Luncheon” at the 18th Annual part of a speech. toastmasters International convention in st. Louis, Missouri, in August 1949.

8 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE MENTOR LEARNiNg AbOuT OuR pAST MOMENT iNTErNaTiONal o one has the potential prEsidENTs Nto influence a member’s experience like a mentor. Pam Missimer, CC, a member of High Noon Toastmasters in Raleigh, North Carolina, shares how she has benefited from her mentor. Pam Missimer (right) with her mentor, Why did you join Toastmasters? Al Herr. An introverted web developer, I joined to gain confidence when giving presentations and speak- ing spontaneously, and to develop my leadership skills. I once gave a John Fauvel, DTM eulogy, and that experience in particular motivated me to expand my Past International President skills. Besides, my father, a former member, recommended it. 1987–1988 Auckland, New Zealand Tell us about your mentor. A comedian and videographer, Al Herr has strong speaking skills, a warm personality and a relaxed manner. A Q: What inspires you? former social worker, he also is very sensitive and a good listener. He encourages members to find their own voice, and to speak the truth, A: To be in a position because that’s where the humor is. where my involvement can How does Al give feedback? At first, Al gave me feedback almost assist others. Althea Gibson, weekly, but he also sent emails offering positive comments a trailblazing African-American tennis player, wrote: “No matter and helpful suggestions. As my skills developed, his feedback what accomplishments you became less frequent and now mainly consists of suggestions for make, somebody helped you.” improvement. I have been extremely fortunate What goals have you accomplished while under your mentor’s with the encouragement, help guidance? I have gained more confidence, and I developed my own and support given to me. style of speaking by incorporating humor. I have also taken on a From this came the confidence leadership role as vice president membership of my club. to become involved. To be in a position to help a person What is your favorite thing about Al? He brings out the best in each member and helps us have fun while learning. He also thinks I’m toward achieving a goal is what continues to inspire me. naturally funny, and who doesn’t love that? One of the most rewarding opportunities I had came in 1963, when I was asked if I DR. SMEDLEY SAYS was interested in joining the Toastmasters founder Dr. Ralph C. Smedley Auckland Toastmasters club. shared many insights worth remembering, such as: Using the skills gained through Toastmasters—effective “The well-balanced, intelligent communication, meeting speaker is the natural leader procedure and leadership— in any group of which he is I have found it very easy a part.” to assist others in achieving Dr. Ralph C. Smedley their goals. 1878–1965

TOASTMASTER JUNE 2013 9 MEMBER profiLE

Allison Shapira, ACS, ALS: Expanding thE ScopE of hEr VoicE Speaking coach gains high-profile opportunities.

By Nataly Kelly

llisonllison Shapira Shapira never never intended After obtaining a Competent speaking: “In opera, you have to be to become an expert in public Communicator award, she contin- perfect. Every syllable in a foreign lan- A speaking. However, the 35-year- ued on to earn an ACS and an ALS, guage, every note, every pronunciation old’s career path—with stops in the and became club president. Then one must be flawless, because the audience fields of opera, literature and diplomacy day, an employee of a local business holds you accountable if you make along the way—eventually led to her emailed Shapira’s club to request help a mistake.” She knows that isn’t the true calling—coaching clients in public for a boss who had an important case in public speaking, saying, “The speaking. How did her unconventional speech coming up. Shapira responded audience really just wants an authentic collection of skills and interests lead her with a resounding yes, explaining all speaker who believes in what they are to become a highly regarded trainer? the benefits of Toastmasters member- saying and conveys it with passion.” Shapira was born and raised in ship and how the process works. Later, Shapira applied to work at Connecticut but moved to Florida, However, the employee replied, “His the Harvard Kennedy School in a where she attended a performing speech is next week. Can you come fellowship program for Israeli public arts high school. After graduating, to his office to help him prepare?” officials. As part of the interview she enrolled in Boston University as Shapira agreed. process, she sat down with David a vocal performance major, think- “So much of what I had learned Gergen, adviser to four United States ing she would become a professional was relevant to him,” Shapira says. presidents, who works as a senior opera singer. However, she eventually This would be the first of many private political analyst at CNN. Again, her switched her major to Italian literature. coaching clients to follow. While Toastmasters experience came in After graduation, she landed a job at working at the Israeli consulate, she handy. When Gergen saw Toastmasters the Israeli consulate in Boston, where founded the business Global Public on her resume, he was immediately she was expected to give speeches on Speaking, through which she offers impressed, and asked her if she could the consulate’s behalf. one-on-one coaching and workshops help teach his course, The Arts of In other words, she took on the on public speaking. Communication, at Harvard the not-so-trivial task of representing the following semester. Israeli government. The problem? She Tapping into Opera Training While working at the university, had not given a speech since her Bat Shapira soon realized that not only Shapira taught graduate students Mitzvah. Her solution was to join was her Toastmasters experience useful from around the world, as well as top Boston University’s Toastmasters club. and helpful to others, but so was her political leaders who came through “I had a phenomenal experience with opera training. “Much of what you the program as fellows. “In a given the club. They were very welcoming,” learn in opera—making eye contact, workshop of 30 people, it was not she says. “It was exactly what I needed creating a bond with the audience, uncommon for 30 countries to be to give me confidence to give speeches having stage presence, and feeling represented,” she says. This gave her on behalf of a foreign government, comfortable in front of an audience— experience in teaching people from and to advance my own career.” Soon, applies to public speaking,” she says. many different backgrounds. She she was helping diplomats with their She points out one very important learned to recognize cultural differ- public speaking too. difference between opera and public ences, saying that, for example, in 10 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE WASHINGTON, D.C., USA

some cultures, it isn’t appropriate to smile when speaking, and that the use of humor can be challenging when speaking to audiences from other countries. However, Shapira emphasizes the common ground that she found among participants: “Everyone had the same fears about speaking in public. No matter what country they were from, all wanted to be more authentic and more confi- dent. Everyone has the same issues to overcome.” Shapira also trained undergraduate students participating in an annual leadership development program hosted by the Latino Leadership Initiative. Through the program, Shapira taught not only public Allison Shapira, ACS, ALS, speaks at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy Jr. speaking skills, but also how to take Forum in 2008. ownership of the right to speak, making participants aware of the pronunciation and grammar. “It’s reasons as many others, but it gave importance of raising their voices important for people not to lose their me a new career that I am uniquely and standing up for what they believe. accents completely, because it’s a part qualified for because of music and Jessica Giraldo, a participant in the of who they are. But an accent can diplomacy. It is such a wonderful 2011 program, says, “What really sometimes get in the way of being organization to have been part of floored me about Allison was her understood, even for native English over the years.” In spite of the success teaching method. She included every- speakers,” she says. of her business, Shapira has not aban- one’s ideas and allowed the students Shapira studied French, German doned her musical roots. She recently to realize that they have the answers and Japanese in first grade. As a singer released an album of her own original within them already. She is an expert at Boston University, she was required folk music. at teaching people to feel comfortable to study Italian, and spent her senior Still, when asked whether she in their own skin.” year of college in Padova, Italy. She prefers training others in public also speaks Hebrew and Spanish, speaking or being in the spotlight Expanding the Business and has studied Arabic, Mandarin herself, she says, “I really like helping In late 2012, Shapira left Harvard Chinese, Georgian, Modern Greek, other people find their voice.” After and moved to Washington, D.C., to Polish, Portuguese and Turkish. all, Allison’s own journey proves that expand her business and teach public “Whenever I travel, my favorite a person never knows where that speaking full-time. She accumulated way to prepare is to teach myself the voice may eventually take her. T clients in international organizations, language of the country I’m visiting federal agencies and private com- with the goal of not speaking any panies, and also became an adjunct English on the trip,” Shapira says. Nataly Kelly is chief research faculty member at the Georgetown “It’s an incredible way to connect officer at Common Sense Advisory, University School of Business. with people and experience the coun- a market research firm specializing With plans to travel to Africa and try on a much deeper level (as well a in language services and global Europe, Shapira hopes to empower sign of great respect for the country business. Her latest book is Found women to get involved in political I’m visiting).” in Translation: How Language processes by improving their commu- Reflecting on how Toastmasters Shapes Our Lives and Transforms nication skills. She also plans to has affected her life so far, she says, the World. help people with accent reduction, “I joined Toastmasters for the same

Photo by Tom Fitzsimmons. TOASTMASTER JUNE 2013 11 Use a PaUse to PUnch UP YoUr PUnch Line It’s not what you say, but how you say it, that draws laughs.

By John Kinde, DTM, AS

umor is one of the most it builds tension. It’s easier to use Several years ago I witnessed this effective tools for connecting comic timing when you understand dynamic in action. A woman was Hwith an audience. It builds the relationship between tension and driving her car directly in front of bonds and refreshes the mind. And laughter. Let’s examine the link. me on a San Diego freeway during although the right words can make Laughter is a natural stress reliever, rush-hour traffic. The driver of a car people laugh, humor is more than just because when we laugh, muscle to her right, traveling at about 50 words; its impact is heightened by tension melts away. Even in wartime, miles per hour on the rain-slicked how you say those words, what you laughter is used to relieve tension. freeway, swerved into her lane. The do when you say them, and how you After a bomb explodes nearby and woman jerked the wheel, causing her use silence ... the pause. The pause the dust settles, soldiers in a foxhole car to spin around, and around and adds punch to the punch line. sometimes break out laughing. It’s around—three and a half times in One of the reasons the pause one of nature’s ways of relieving the total! When her vehicle finally came strengthens your laugh lines is that stress. It’s a safety valve. to a stop, it was facing the wrong 12 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE direction; her car and my car—which the question. I decided to build some The pause also lets people laugh. also had come to a dead stop—stood tension en route to the laughter. Years ago, a friend commented, “I’ve hood to hood. As I looked her and First came the setup. “The figured out why you’re so funny ... her front-seat passenger in the eyes, answer is Oscar Mayer, Ball Park you insist that we laugh!” She meant they both burst into uncontrollable and a fighter pilot.” After opening that a confident speaker delivers the laughter. It’s clear there is a definite the envelope, I said, “And the ques- punch line and then pauses for the relationship between tension, laugh- tion is ... name three hot dogs!” By laughter because he knows it will ter and the release of tension. itself, this was a fairly funny line for follow. Novices often deliver the line a group of Air Force officers, some of and then nervously race on if the Let’s Pause … and whom were fighter pilots. But I used laughter doesn’t immediately follow. Consider the Pause it primarily for setting up the joke So dare to be quiet, allow the audi- How does the pause relate to the to follow. ence enough time to respond, and tension principle in presenting Holding the next envelope to your humor will hit the mark. humorous material? If you’re delib- my head, I said, “The answer is ... In addition, use the pause to let erately building tension, which will Oscar Mayer, Ball Park and General your listeners enjoy their laughter to culminate in laughter, a pause will Willis.” Pause. The tension built to its fullest. Don’t interrupt the laughter heighten the tension and make the an audible gasp, with people likely while it’s building, and don’t wait laughter more intense. thinking, He’s going to call the until the laughter has completely finished to resume speaking. An Use silence to strengthen your humor audio recording of your presentation will tell you if you’re discouraging and lift laughter to new levels. laughter by resuming your speech too soon. For example, the late Sid Lorraine, general a hot dog! The group’s new You can also magnify a funny a Canadian magician, employed commander, General Frank Willis, line by using the pause to accentuate the tension principle to get laughs. had taken command only three your physical delivery. For example, Once while performing in Las Vegas, weeks earlier. Opening the envelope, you might raise your eyebrows. he played the role of a snake oil I said, “And the question is … name Sometimes the pause can be used to salesman from the Wild West. His three franks!” Pause. Tremendous do a “take,” or a physical reaction to voice started to crack. The longer he laughter (and relief) filled the room. the situation. Some stand-up comics spoke, the worse his voice became, I built the tension, used the pause to extend the laughter by making slow, until he could no longer speak. enhance the tension before the punch sweeping eye contact with the audi- Silence. Most people in the audi- line, and then used the pause again ence, looking from one side of the ence probably thought, Somebody to let the line sink in. room to the other. please give the poor man a glass of Pauses add power to the punch water! He then took a drink of his Creating Anticipation line, give the audience time to “medicine” and immediately began Of course, there are times when recognize the humor and then talking full-throttle. He had caught tension is not built through words react to it, and draw attention to the audience by surprise, built the or a story line. Even then, the magi- your physical delivery. Use silence tension, extended and strengthened cal pause can strengthen the punch to strengthen your humor and lift it with a pause, and then reaped the line. When used before the punch laughter to new levels. T comic’s reward—laughter. line, a pause sets up the anticipation Years ago, when entertaining a of “here comes the funny stuff!” military group in Alabama, I used Anticipation is a form of tension too. the “answer man” technique made The pause plays another impor- John Kinde, DTM, is an Accredited famous by American comedians Steve tant role when used this way. The Speaker and a member of Power- Allen and Johnny Carson. This is most important part of the joke is house Pros club in Las Vegas. He where the entertainer holds an enve- the punch line, and more specifically is a humor specialist and can be lope to his head, gives the answer, and the punch word. The pause focuses reached at HumorPower.com. then opens the envelope and reads attention on this key element.

TOASTMASTER JUNE 2013 13 HOW to

Your ComedY CheCklist Ask yourself these 10 questions to get the laughs you want.

By Gene Perret

hen you turn on a light heard this one.” They realize that if can’t be whimsical. Your truth doesn’t switch, you expect results. you already know the ending, the joke have to be the kind you swear to in WYou expect the light to go has lost its power. a court of law. It can be exaggerated, on. If it doesn’t, you run through a Your ending must be unexpected, distorted and hypothetical, as long checklist to correct the problem. Is a twist, a surprise. The suddenness of as your audience can relate to it. You the lamp plugged in? Is the light bulb that surprise is the jolt that produces want people to think, Yeah, that has burned out? Is the fuse blown? The the laughter you want. happened to me, too. same process is true of using humor Whatever your punch line is, in your presentation. You want the be sure the audience doesn’t see it Can you be heard and under- audience to laugh, and if they don’t, coming. You might have to misdirect 3stood? People cannot laugh at you need to figure out how to fix listeners—lead them to think in one a joke they don’t hear. In delivering the problem. direction and then suddenly redirect humor, you must speak loudly enough This 10-point checklist will help them to your real meaning. to be heard by your entire audience or you correct flaws so your humor will use a dependable sound system that be effective. Is your humor based on will accomplish that for you. 2recognizable reality? Each joke In addition, speak clearly and Does your humor end with a or tale you tell must be truthful. The distinctly, so the audience can under- 1surprise? Surprise is an essential listeners can only respond to your stand the meaning of your message. element of comedy. You often hear humor if they recognize the reality it Your vocabulary, too, should be storytellers say, “Stop me if you’ve is based on. This doesn’t mean you appropriate for your audience. If you

14 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE use words they don’t understand or That gag worked because it you discover, the more ammunition phrases they’re not familiar with, instantly evoked a funny mental you’ll have to generate effective they’re really not hearing your joke. picture. The character could have comedy. Just make sure they’re described the spider as “a big bug” applicable and appropriate. Is your humor current? Humor or even said, “It was as big as a car.” 4 should be up-to-date. Avoid any But the word “Buick” conjures up a Is your humor right for this nostalgia. Your stories don’t need more vivid image. 9audience? Is this audience to be about current events, but they right for your humor? Certainly should be appropriate for current Are you letting the audience two components of humor are the times. Use contemporary references 7know when to laugh? Presenting presenter’s skill and the material’s and ideas. humor is like conducting an orches- quality. However, consider another tra: You must control the tempo. You key element: the audience. The more Is your humor concise? William not only want your audience to laugh, your humor applies to the people 5 Shakespeare said “brevity is the you want them to laugh at the proper you’re directing it at, the better soul of wit.” That’s good advice, time. Therefore, you, as the conductor, response it will get. Perform material but it doesn’t necessarily mean that must tell them when to laugh. Do that your listeners will appreciate. shorter is better. There are at least two through voice inflection, gestures and Remember that the audience is the final judge of your comedy. If they laugh, it’s funny. If they don’t laugh, Presenting humor is like conducting an it needs work. orchestra: You must control the tempo. Is your humor clever and 10incisive? Humor is all around parts to every joke—the setup, which facial expressions, and with the phras- us. It’s up to the humorist to uncover furnishes information, and the punch ing of your story. it and expose it to listeners. line, which is the surprise twist to As you prepare your presentation, For example, take this line: “Any that information. Both are essential. know exactly where you demand laugh- time you see a man open the car door Economy may be a better word than ter from your audience. If you don’t for his wife, you know right away that brevity. Being concise means giving know, how can they be expected to? either the car is new, or the wife is.” the listeners all the information they People quickly recognize the irony need to appreciate and understand the Are your references applicable of that line, but only after the comic punch line, but not offering unneces- 8and appropriate? Much humor points it out to them. As a humorist, sary information that weakens the consists of comparing two ideas. your duty is to uncover truths, idio- effect. A workable rule of thumb: A One is the basic topic; the other is a syncrasies, ironies and contradictions, joke that should be short and is, is humorous reference to that topic. and then couch them in a unique way better than a joke that should be An example: “I have a friend who that produces laughter. short and isn’t. is so cheap; he buys one Christmas Follow this checklist, and both card each year and sends it out in the you and your audience will enjoy Does your humor create a form of a chain letter.” lots of laughs. T 6vivid image? Although humorists The basic topic is the frugality of work primarily with words, audiences this person, and the reference is a Gene Perret is an Emmy Award– “see” images. The more vivid picture Christmas card that circulates at other winning writer who has written you create in their minds, the better people’s expense. for legendary comics such as Bob response you’ll receive. Here’s another comedic reference Hope, Phyllis Diller, Carol Burnett There is a well-known line from to being cheap: “My friend always and others. His latest book is the 1977 film Annie Hall, where the leaves a 20 percent tip—20 percent of The Ten Commandments of character played by Woody Allen says what anyone else would leave.” Comedy. Visit his website at to his girlfriend: “There’s a spider in In creating humor, search for as comedywritersroom.com. your bathroom the size of a Buick.” many references as you can. The more

TOASTMASTER JUNE 2013 15 Celebrity voice coach Roger Love SOUNDINGSOUNDING ITIT OUOU T T o ers tips for improving tonality. By Paul Sterman

am sitting in a studio in the Jonas Brothers, Selena Gomez, quality to it—it seems to stretch in dif- in the audience and in a few minutes people breathe through their mouth, sound technical, Love manages to Hollywood, listening to Marilyn Reese Witherspoon and Jeff Bridges ferent directions as he moves from one change the way you sound.” notes the voice coach, but we should make it fun. “Voice lessons are usually I Monroe’s breathy purr and (the latter two won Academy Awards idea to the next. It keeps you interested. breathe through our nose. When very boring, lled with old-school Michael Jackson’s high-pitched with Love’s help). He also coaches Love says the tonality of your Singers and Speakers you do the latter, the air becomes techniques that leave the students in ections. That is, I am listening business leaders and Fortune 500 voice—how you sound when you For years Love worked only with sing- moist, and when moist air goes into wondering what they are doing right to Roger Love imitate the vocal executives. speak—has a major impact on how ers, even though many people asked your throat and then into your vocal and wrong,” he says. “My sessions are patterns of these two icons. Which During a recent interview in his you are perceived, whether you’re him for help at sounding better when cords, it prevents the cords from lled with joy and humor.” he does with spot-on accuracy. studio, surrounded by high-quality speaking to an audience of thou- they speak. He assumed the two skill drying out. That’s important, Love sands, a room full of colleagues or the sets required different vocal techniques. explains, because if your vocal cords A Glee-ful Coach “The goal is to keep an audience so attached to woman you’re asking out on a date. But after much study and research, he become dehydrated, they don’t work Love shares his insight through many “There’s enough evidence to sug- discovered he could apply the same as well and can become red and mediums. He has written several what you’re going to say that they are wondering gest that tonality accounts for almost voice principles to singing and speak- swollen, leading to hoarseness or loss books, including Set Your Voice Free; what you are going to say next. And melody is 40 percent of whether anyone who ing. Love began coaching actors, of your voice. created audio programs such as Vocal hears you believes you,” he says. business people and motivational Another key is controlling how Power … Speaking with Authority; the absolute best way to do that.” Therefore, to in uence others speakers such as Anthony Robbins. the air  ows out of your mouth when and serves as the voice coach for a — Roger Love when you speak, you must speak in He helps people improve their you speak. That’s what will make widely popular singing-themed TV a voice that commands attention and tonality by working with them on ve you sound great, says Love, who series: the American hit show Glee. Love is a highly sought-after recording equipment and a black conveys authority. Love shows you vocal components: pitch, pace, tone, uses breathing exercises to teach the Love’s own musical talents were voice coach who will deliver the piano, Love talks passionately about how. One reason he is so popular melody and volume. Love says most right technique. The positioning of good enough to win him a full-ride keynote speech at the Toastmasters vocal expression. Trained as an opera as a coach—and a speaker—is that people don’t speak loudly or con - your stomach is crucial to the whole scholarship to study singing and International Convention in August. singer, he punctuates his points by his methods are innovative yet easily dently enough. process, which is known as diaphrag- music at the University of California, He has worked with a long list of breaking into song or plinking the accessible. One of the keys to vocal com- matic breathing. Los Angeles. He was just 16 when marquee names in the entertainment keys on the piano. His speaking voice, “The techniques are so simple,” he mand as well as vocal health is Though such information about his Los Angeles voice teacher, Seth industry, including Keira Knightley, powerful and animated, has an elastic says. “So when I lecture, you can sit proper breathing technique. Most breathing and vocal strategies can Riggs—whose roster of clients 16 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE TOASTMASTER JUNE 2013 17 Celebrity voice coach Roger Love SOUNDING IT OU T o ers tips for improving tonality. By Paul Sterman

in the audience and in a few minutes people breathe through their mouth, sound technical, Love manages to change the way you sound.” notes the voice coach, but we should make it fun. “Voice lessons are usually breathe through our nose. When very boring, lled with old-school Singers and Speakers you do the latter, the air becomes techniques that leave the students For years Love worked only with sing- moist, and when moist air goes into wondering what they are doing right ers, even though many people asked your throat and then into your vocal and wrong,” he says. “My sessions are him for help at sounding better when cords, it prevents the cords from lled with joy and humor.” they speak. He assumed the two skill drying out. That’s important, Love sets required different vocal techniques. explains, because if your vocal cords A Glee-ful Coach But after much study and research, he become dehydrated, they don’t work Love shares his insight through many discovered he could apply the same as well and can become red and mediums. He has written several voice principles to singing and speak- swollen, leading to hoarseness or loss books, including Set Your Voice Free; ing. Love began coaching actors, of your voice. created audio programs such as Vocal business people and motivational Another key is controlling how Power … Speaking with Authority; speakers such as Anthony Robbins. the air  ows out of your mouth when and serves as the voice coach for a He helps people improve their you speak. That’s what will make widely popular singing-themed TV tonality by working with them on ve you sound great, says Love, who series: the American hit show Glee. vocal components: pitch, pace, tone, uses breathing exercises to teach the Love’s own musical talents were melody and volume. Love says most right technique. The positioning of good enough to win him a full-ride people don’t speak loudly or con - your stomach is crucial to the whole scholarship to study singing and dently enough. process, which is known as diaphrag- music at the University of California, One of the keys to vocal com- matic breathing. Los Angeles. He was just 16 when mand as well as vocal health is Though such information about his Los Angeles voice teacher, Seth proper breathing technique. Most breathing and vocal strategies can Riggs—whose roster of clients TOASTMASTER JUNE 2013 17 Roger Love demonstrates vocal techniques that make people sound better when they speak. included some of the biggest names to you think they know what you’re in the much-praised 2005 lm Walk in music—went to Canada for several going to sound like next.” the Line. The two actors did their months and asked Love to take over So then they think they know what own singing, and Phoenix was nomi- coaching duties. you’re going to say next … and they nated for a Best Actor Oscar while It was a daunting task. “On my rst stop listening. Most of us add to these Witherspoon won the award for day of teaching voice, I was working patterns of predictability by verbally Best Actress. with people like Brian Wilson of the punctuating our speech, Love says. For Likewise, Love coached Jeff Beach Boys, and members of Earth, example, we lower our voice to signal Bridges and Colin Farrell in the 2009 Wind & Fire, and the 5th Dimension that a pause or a stop is coming— lm Crazy Heart, in which Bridges and the Jacksons,” he recalls. “I had essentially, inserting verbal commas stars as ctional country singer Bad no background in teaching. I thought, and periods in our speech. To keep Blake. Both actors sang in the lm, What am I going to do?” listeners interested, and ultimately and in his Oscar acceptance speech He channeled the voice and con - in uence them with what you say, you for Best Actor, Bridges thanked the dence of Riggs. “My teacher had this need to mix things up, Love says. vocal coach for his tutelage. incredibly commanding voice that To emphasize his point, he plays a Hollywood heavyweights aren’t the people seemed to really respond to few notes of piano and, a few minutes only ones to reap the rewards of vocal … I decided I’m just going to sound later, starts singing “The Sound of improvement. Love’s mission is to like my teacher and maybe they won’t Music.” It’s infectious. spread the word far and wide, preach- notice. So I added a lot of melody to “In music there are patterns of ing the virtues of the voice to as many my voice and I spoke louder.” notes that interest you, that make you people as possible. Whatever he did, it worked. The want to sing along or that capture “Everyone needs to know about clients were happy, and when Riggs your attention. The same is true about the secrets of tonality and how the returned, he made his pupil a junior the patterns and melodies we use with simplest changes they can make with partner at the voice studio. Love the voice,” says Love. their voice will dramatically change found his niche, thriving as he re ned “The goal is to keep an audience their business life, their personal people’s vocal tools. “I realized that so attached to what you’re going to life and the way they feel about I really had an ability to listen to the say that they are wondering what themselves. way people sound and then make you are going to say next,” he adds. “And that’s not an infomercial. changes,” he says. “And melody is the absolute best That’s gospel.” T Just as Love added melody to his way to do that.” Love will deliver the keynote voice to engage the singers, he says presentation during the Opening varying your vocal patterns is crucial Tutoring Oscar Winners Ceremonies for the 2013 Inter- for anyone who wants to command Love’s ability to work with both national Convention on August 21. the attention of his or her listeners. speakers and singers probably explains For information about the conven- “When people speak, mostly they why he has had particular success with tion, see the next page and visit tend to hover around one pitch. They actors who play singers. He provided www.toastmasters.org/Convention. become comfortable with that one voice coaching for Joaquin Phoenix note,” he says. “What happens is and Reese Witherspoon, who portray Paul Sterman is senior editor of when you stay on one note—which country music legend Johnny Cash the Toastmaster magazine. is called monotone—people listening and his wife, June Carter, respectively,

18 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE DON’T MISS THE 2013 INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION!

Attendees enjoy themselves at the 2012 International Convention, which included education sessions presented by top speakers.

If you have ever attended a Toastmasters Ryan Jenkins, ACB, “Next-Generation International Convention, then you know Communication: Improve Your Influence why it is the most anticipated event of the with Advanced Communication Skills that Toastmasters year. Transcend Generations.” The 82nd annual convention will be held Kent Maggard, “Hitting a Home Run in August 21–24 in Cincinnati, Ohio, with an Leadership: A Success Story from the Baseball expected attendance of more than 1,500 mem- Diamond to the Board Room.” bers from around the world. Now is your chance Vincent Ivan Phipps, “L.E.A.D.—Showing to register at a discounted rate! The full registra- Today’s Leaders How to Adapt.” tion package is $595 if purchased by July 26. An extraordinary convergence of diverse Sheryl Roush, DTM, PDG, AS, “Heart of a cultures and dynamic members, the convention Toastmaster.” is where attendees vote for international offi- Scott Steinberg, “Change Management: cers and directors, crown the World Champion Creating a Culture of Innovation.” of Public Speaking, hear speeches and attend Ed Tate, ATMB, CSP, Toastmasters’ 2000 education sessions presented by some of today’s World Champion of Public Speaking, “The most stimulating speakers and authors. They are: Story Finder.” Roger Love, keynote speaker and veteran Hassan Tetteh, M.D., MBA, “Exceeding celebrity voice coach. See pages 16–18 to learn Expectations: How to Create an Enduring more about him. Personal Legend.” Susan Cain, Golden Gavel recipient, author of the best-selling book Quiet: The Power of Visit the official convention webpage Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking. at www.toastmasters.org/Convention for the complete schedule of events, education Judy Carter, “Finding and Speaking the session summaries, speaker profiles and travel Message of You: How Your Personal Mess Is information. In addition, watch the webpage Someone’s MESSage.” video, which features members discussing what Conor Cunneen, DTM, AS, “The Gift of GAB for makes the convention such a special event. Toastmasters: Goals, Attitude, Behavior.” If you’ve never attended the convention, it Sam Davidson, “What’s Your Cannonball? is the global event you do not want to miss. Leading for Maximum Impact.” Register now and remind fellow Toastmasters Erica Dhawan, “Unleash Innovation with the to do the same. Power of Connectional Intelligence™.” See you there!

TOASTMASTER JUNE 2013 19 ADVERTISEMENT

20 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE Feedback with a Recap Unify members and guests with this tool.

By Howard Scott, ACB

ou return from a club typically sign in upon arriving, set up Fifteen members attended our meet- meeting after making a fine a procedure where you use the recap ing last night. I’m always surprised at Yspeech. The audience reacted notes to keep the visitor informed of the variety of experiences, reflections enthusiastically. When you get home, club activities. Let’s say every guest and analysis. Amelia’s thought [of the you read the evaluations. You go to receives a recap for three months and day] was profound—to see yourself bed pleased, but feel somewhat let then the vice president membership in a coffin and realize that you are down that the experience is over. How (VPM) makes a follow-up call to see if the master of your life. Heidi’s joke can you keep the warm feelings going? this effort generated interest. What a will make us forever wear sneakers The answer is the recap. This is great opportunity for a follow-up call. when walking in the woods with a one- to three-paragraph summary Finally, the recap makes everyone friends. Alan’s speech made two of the club’s most recent meet- feel that they’re part of a team. Club cogent points about why we’re divisive ing. Generally, it should review members reading the report the next and urged us to remain calm and the meeting roles, good speeches, day will feel that, yes, the meeting dispassionate. John T’s Ice Breaker wonderfully focused on food to reveal “The meeting recap recognizes meeting more about who he is. participants. It’s [like saying], ‘High five— Make It Constructive good for us.’” — Anu Garg, ACB, CL Whatever content is included, the recap should always have a positive interesting Table Topics responses was a successful experience, full of emphasis. The meeting recap is meant and other meeting highlights. Ideally, energy and diverse contributions. to be constructive and make members this recap should be emailed to all Anu Garg, ACB, CL, says it provides proud of their contribution to the members the day after the meeting. an extra acknowledgment of meeting. At the same time, don’t be The recap does more than remind members’ contributions. “It recog- afraid to add your personal slant. For everyone of the meeting’s highlights; it nizes meeting participants,” says the example,“I found that Derek’s speech informs the absent members of what member of Eastside Toastmasters reminded me of my feelings of isola- they missed. If done correctly—posi- in Redmond, Washington. “It’s [like tion in high school.” Getting personal tively—it motivates them to attend the saying], ‘High five—good for us.’” heightens the message. next meeting (they’ll think, I wouldn’t Of course, the tone of the recap If you are assigned to write the want to miss all that energy!). Since depends on who’s writing it. It could recap, treat it as a reward. After all, it’s the meetings are tightly orchestrated be a factual review, listing every an opportunity to practice a different affairs, with little spare time, the recap participant and commenting on what communication skill. And it’s fun to do. can also review administrative matters, was said. It could be a humorous Ultimately, the meeting recap is a such as announcements of special account, making the readers smile. way to help instill a unifying spirit in events and upcoming contests. It could be a critical commentary, your club. Andrew Staicer, ACB, ALB, In addition, the recap can post offering suggestions for improv- a member of the Palomar Airport member accomplishments. An example: ing the roles. It could focus on one Toastmasters in Vista, California, “John D completed his 10th speech to or two speeches, giving extensive says, “My club doesn’t have a recap, earn his CC award.” This helps moti- analysis. The review might reflect the but I wish it did.” t vate others to meet their own goals. particular personality of its author. Howard Scott, ACB, is a member Here is part of a recent recap from of the South Shore Soliloquy Impressing Guests a member of my club, the South Shore Toastmasters in Kingston, The recap is also a tool to attract new Soliloquy Toastmasters in Kingston, Massachusetts. members. Because meeting guests Massachusetts:

TOASTMASTER JUNE 2013 21 The POWeR OF ApologiES A sincere ‘I’m sorry’ helps heal relationships.

By Karen Field Bolek, ALB, ACB

oastmasters teaches us education, “Mary,” seemed upset. reaction over the next few weeks, it that when we make a small slip- When I asked her if she was all right, occurred to me that I had imitated Tup during a speech—a verbal she confided that she had overheard his mannerisms with the note cards mistake, perhaps, or some other minor another club member talk about her in my evaluation. Unintentionally, I misstep—an apology is not necessary contributions in a negative way. As a had mocked him. I knew I needed to or even desirable. Most listeners won’t result, Mary felt hurt and unappreciat- reverse any damage I had caused. even notice such errors, and for those ed. She thought about quitting the club. At the next club meeting, standing who do, apologetic words simply I tried to counteract the other club before the group as Table Topicsmaster, extend the distraction. member’s comments. I reinforced I said that before we began I wanted Moving unapologetically forward Mary’s value as a person and as a club to offer an apology to a club member. after a glitch, and refocusing on the officer. Fortunately, she remained in That got everyone’s attention. Then I speech, builds confidence and the abil- the club, at least for the time. Yet it looked at Karl, smiled and offered him a heartfelt apology for the harshness of Although sincerity is widely considered my evaluation. to be essential to an effective apology, we Surprised at the positive attention, Karl grinned. Then he shook his head, all know that even a sincere apology is chuckled and protested that I didn’t sometimes rejected. need to apologize. Nonetheless, I could see that my words made a ity to maintain a positive focus. On occurred to me that a sincere apology difference. the other hand, if the glitch may have from her fellow member might have been perceived as personally offensive made a real difference to Mary. Benefiting the Culture to any member of the audience, it is More recently, I found myself on Both in and beyond club meet- important to say you’re sorry. In any the hot seat. On this particular day ings, effective apologies are event, whenever you say something I was assigned to evaluate a speech important, both to the culture that is offensive to another person, by a member I will call “Karl.” Karl of Toastmasters and to the person whether the result of a speech or a had used several note cards to deliver who was offended. Donna Weston, conversation, a sincere apology to that his speech, and in my evaluation I DTM, a member of two clubs in person is in order. suggested he use just a couple of cards Illinois, recalls an area evaluation For example, as a new member of that could be placed side by side on the contest where a participant was the Saturday Sunrise Toastmasters in lectern. Karl accepted my feedback, but denied permission to use notes, even the Chicago area, I noticed one day I began to sense that something was though all the other contestants used after a meeting that the vice president not quite right. As I pondered Karl’s them. Afterward, when the contest 22 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE TOASTMASTER JUNE 2013 23 Stay C-A-L-M By Caren S. Neile, Ph.D., ATMS chair acknowledged providing incorrect relationships. The key word is sincere. information to the sergeant at arms and In China, usually the one apologizing When we apologize to someone, apologized for the mistake, the contes- takes a humble position and is willing it’s often because we lost our tant accepted the apology—and his fate to put himself/herself in a less presti- temper and said something we in the contest. Crisis averted. gious status, to make it easier for the later regretted. Anger is a normal “Some people apologize all the other person to accept the apology.” human emotion, but it becomes time, and it ends up not really mean- Although sincerity is widely a problem when we don’t know ing anything,” says Weston. “Other considered to be essential to an effec- how to handle it in a healthy, people never apologize; they think tive apology, we all know that even a constructive way. they’re always right, or they may be sincere apology is sometimes rejected. To take control of your anger, too proud to apologize. Apologizing To help people cover all the bases, remember this acronym: is an art that people should learn, many apology experts provide formu- . C-A-L-M because it makes a difference.” las for what to say when apologizing. Cognitive restructuring. Apologizing appropriately is a My view, however, is that while words Negative thinking causes us to valuable tool for healing personal and matter, nonverbal communication feel resentful. Here are ways you professional relationships. My club is and leadership skills are actually can control the messages you fortunate to have members who hail more important than exactly what send yourself: from around the world. I recently asked is verbalized. Look for humor in a situation a few of them to weigh in on the impor- In public speaking, a number of instead of heartache. tance of apologies in their native lands. Toastmasters tenets apply to the act Acknowledge that something is frustrating but not worth losing your cool over. Step back from your emotions and Apologizing appropriately is a valuable tool for try to see the situation logically. healing personal and professional relationships. Assertiveness. You can be asser- tive without being aggressive. If you are unjustly accused of something, state your case clear- Shada Attraplsi is originally from of apologizing. For example, know- ly and concisely without getting Tripoli, Libya. “People of both sexes ing your audience. Saying “I’m sorry” nasty and defensive. That will in my culture tend to apologize when to someone whose viewpoint you earn you respect, and when you they make mistakes, without any don’t really understand can leave you feel respected, you will have less restrictions—although of course, every apologizing for something the other reason to get angry. culture has some people too arrogant person doesn’t care about, or not Laying back. Deep breathing, to apologize,” she says. “But the strong apologizing for the thing he or she visualization and other forms of family ties of our culture ensure that wants addressed. Depending on the relaxation are key to calming the family members apologize to each complexity of the situation, you may angry spirit. Remember the old other. Apologies and reconciliations need to engage in a two-way conversa- saw about counting to 10 before are especially common during the three tion before launching into an apology. you respond to someone who main Muslim holidays: Eid al-Fitr, That way you make sure you are on makes you mad? Simply slowing Ramadan and Eid al-Adha.” the same page about what happened down your reactions—and get- Saptarshi Kumar, CTM, from and how it affected the other person. ting much-needed oxygen to the Mumbai, India, says: “Indian culture brain—can often help to stabilize places emphasis on offering a genu- Be Authentic out-of-control emotions. ine, sincere apology where it is due. Just as honesty is important to public Historically, women were subjugated speaking, it’s vital when making an Memory aids. Mnemonic devices and were expected to apologize more apology. If you don’t genuinely accept help keep us on track with any than men, but not anymore. Today the responsibility or you’re not really sorry, new initiative. Try wearing a brace- young generation may not value apolo- any words you utter, no matter how let, plain rubber band or other gizing as much.” carefully chosen, can seem insincere. concrete reminder to help you Fabian Fan, ACB, CL, who came By claiming your mistake and your true focus on controlling your anger. to the U.S. from Beijing, China, 12 feelings about it, you become honest Adapted from an article in the September 2007 issue of the Toastmaster magazine. years ago, makes this observation: “A with yourself. This also makes you a sincere apology can save important good leader: By apologizing honestly 24 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

22-25 Bolek/Apologies That Heal.indd 24 5/8/13 2:33 PM for mistakes, you establish a tone of After adjusting your attitude, it’s the subject gives club members valu- respect and concern. time to speak. Just as you would with a able information. Another possible Additionally, just as a good speaker formal speech, organize your thoughts, exercise: Speakers pretend to be a demonstrates a positive attitude include everything that needs to be said, famous individual whose actions trig- toward his audience, it is important to speak concisely and get to the point. gered a scandal—Tiger Woods? Lance actually like the person you are apolo- What you should say depends on the Armstrong?—and deliver a persuasive gizing to—at least in that moment. particulars of the situation—the person speech featuring an extensive apology. This means having a compassionate (or persons) involved, your relationship, A creative speaker can even develop an attitude toward him. Sometimes, “I’m the time and place, and the nature of over-the-top satirical speech around a sorry!” can be stated with a tone of your mistake. Fortunately, though, if well-constructed fake apology. resentment or outright antagonism, you possess the right attitude, a simple Knowing how to apologize in the creating a downward spiral of hostil- “I’m sorry” or “I apologize” will help right way prepares people for success ity rather than opening a healing heal the hurt. when the genuine need arises. Moreover, space in the relationship. If you do it right, your apology is it can help Toastmasters clubs around Another key to good public speak- likely to help both you and the person the world retain good members. T ing is showing con dence. To have a you’ve offended feel better. The power to is a positive effect with your apology, you heal your relationship with an apology Karen Field Bolek, ALB, ACB, member of Saturday Sunrise Toast- need to forgive yourself rst, hinges largely on the quality of your masters in Oak Park, Illinois. She is or at least accept yourself in spite thoughts and attitude, which inform a freelance editor and the author of of your error. Without guilt and self- your words, delivery and body language. the book How to Apologize to Your directed frustration, you can turn your Considering the value of saying Woman…so that she won’t use it attention outward, toward the person “I’m sorry” when it’s called for, why against you in the future. Her re- you’ve hurt, rather than furnishing a not practice this important skill in search on men’s apologies to women self-focused apology that essentially Toastmasters? Table Topics role-play is highlighted on her website, begs the other person to help you feel scenarios provide practice in impromp- better about yourself. tu apologizing. A how-to speech on howtoapologizetoyourwoman.com.

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TOASTMASTER JUNE 2013 25 This guy is awesome. I’m learning so much.

10:00 AM August 28 via Tweets 4 Me Retweeted by 100+ people Reply Retweet

anonymous4 John Doe

Me too. 10:00 AM August 28 via Tweets 4 Me Retweeted by 100+ people Reply Retweet

anonymousone Jane Doe

I really like how he’s presenting the material.

10:00 AM August 28 via Tweets 4 Me Retweeted by 100+ people Reply Retweet

anonymous4 John Doe

The 5 habiTs of effecTive online leaders How to influence your virtual audience. By Lewis Howes, CC

veryvery successful successful mentor mentor While playing in the Arena Football today as they were when people used once gave me a simple test to League, I suffered a career-ending swords to fight wars. Leadership is A determine if I was a leader. injury. I was left with two options: to still leadership. He said, “If you want to know if spend my days wondering what my you’re a leader, just look and see if career could have been if I didn’t get Here are five habits to practice if you you have any followers.” injured, or to create a new life. want to be an online leader. Sounds pretty simple right? Look I chose to create a new life. Not to see if you have anyone following in only did I find a new passion in Do great things. Leaders do not your footsteps. entrepreneurship, but I also created 1focus on maintaining the status As a former professional athlete a seven-figure business in teaching quo. They focus on using their vision I’ve seen the power of leadership. entrepreneurs how to use platforms, and courage to do great things. I’ve seen coaches and athletes inspire such as LinkedIn and webinars, It takes big plays to win a football others by standing up and taking risks to become leaders in their own game, and it takes bold moves to despite overwhelming odds. And I’ve industries. advance a business in a competitive learned that the same principles that The principles of leadership will marketplace. I don’t know anyone lead teams to victory on the field also never change. Vision, discipline, cour- who achieves worthwhile success by work in the marketplace. age and commitment are as relevant playing it safe. 26 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE —or forgot what you meant to do? we’re left thinking that we’re inca- If you step away from your own pable of doing so. After experienc- situation and focus on something ing this problem in my own life, I THE BENEFITS else, you often remember the things decided I would no longer set myself OF MEMBERSHIP: you forgot. up for failure. Instead, I put a regime Increased creativity. Consider this: Have you ever into place that made me accountable been in a crowd? Your focus narrows and gave me a way to see that I was A supportive environment. and you concentrate only on things making a difference. I then saw real A healthy social outlet. immediately in front of you. But if you change and improvement. Constructive feedback look down at that same crowd from a Don’t wait until the end of the year. and support. distance, from a balcony, for instance, Write out a list of things you want to things suddenly appear very different. accomplish. Date the list and assign a Fun, laughter and You’re calmer and more focused, and deadline to each objective. Post the list fulfillment. can take in more from that vantage in a place where you can see it every Common purposes with like-minded people. People who tap into the strength and Heightened outward power of a group achieve their goals. expression and personality. point. Gaining a little distance helps day. Add some mantras and affirma- improve our perspective. tions to get in the proper frame of people-pleaser— it’s not a good The next time you need a moti- mind and go after your goals. motivator for action. vational boost, ask someone in your The key to every action is to take Challenge yourself. Take greater group how you can help him meet one step each day. Excuses will arise; and greater risks. Don’t stay in your his goal. The results will pleasantly push through them while keeping comfort zone; enjoy the comfort at surprise you. your goal in sight. You’ll soon meet the end of each step. the objectives you established for Care about others. Love those you Ask for Help yourself. disdain the most. Identify their Asking for help also increases your positive attributes and encourage chances of success. Few have mastered Use Your Mantras and support them. this technique, but many successful While your goals will change once people overcome hurdles and reach you achieve success, mantras can Love yourself most of all. goals by simply asking for guidance. remain the same. Whether you use the Progress is the key, not perfection. Consider how you feel when a friend, ones below or create your own, recite Concentrate on practice and repeti- family member, co-worker or stranger them daily to give them more power. tion. When you get closer to reaching asks for your help. You feel valued. For even more impact and satisfac- your goals, new challenges will arise. Give others the same chance to feel tion, check off your goals as you Your successes will be noticed, and valued by asking for their support. reach them. people will approach you to ask for People are not meant to be isolated, advice. Just smile and share what Value everything. Cherish the small yet many tend to avoid seeking advice you’ve learned. T and large accomplishments. or helping others. Many feel it’s a sign of weakness, when in fact it’s the Love the world, even when it doesn’t Craig Copeland, CC, is a member opposite. Think of Toastmasters: You love you back. Your mission is not of Toastmasters 90210 in Beverly joined for support, confidence building to be liked but to make a positive Hills, California. Through his and leadership tools. People who tap change. company Extreme Entrepreneur, into the strength and power of a group Don’t just talk the talk. Do it! he focuses on how to acquire and achieve their goals. Don’t second-guess yourself. Push use the tools that top entrepre- forward. neurs use to achieve success. He is Create a Task List and Set Dates the author of two books, including The problem with setting goals is Stand up for yourself and Finish What You Start. that when we don’t reach them, for your beliefs. Don’t be a TOASTMASTER JUNE 2013 27 NEWS FROM ti

OFFicial NOticE OF VOtE Your 2013–2014 officer and director candidates

n Saturday, August 24, 2013, The International Leadership Committee while attending the Interna- nominated officer candidates for the posi- 2013 Annual Otional Convention, you will tions of International President-Elect, First Business Meeting have the opportunity to vote for Vice President and Second Vice President. 12:00 p.m. Saturday, the international officer and director International director candidates were August 24, 2013 candidates and important amendments nominated for Regions 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and to the Club Constitution and Standard 13. The Committee’s selection is presented Duke Energy Convention Center Club Bylaws of Toast masters in accordance with the Bylaws of Toastmasters Cincinnati, Ohio, United States International. International, Article VIII, Section 1. It is the right and duty of all clubs to participate in the vote, either through their representatives at the convention or by proxy. If you are attending the convention, you will have the opportunity to meet and talk with all the international officer and director candidates before the election. t

officer candidates

International First Second Second Second President-Elect Vice President Vice President Vice President Vice President Mohammed Murad, Jim Kokocki, DTM Theo Black, DTM David Hollingshead, Mike Storkey, DTM DTM DTM

To review details of each officer nominee’s qualifications, please visit the Toastmasters website: www.toastmasters.org/officercandidates

director candidates From Region 1 From Region 5 From Region 9 From Region 13 Julia Davis, DTM Joseph Dutkiewicz, DTM Steve Chen, DTM Deepak Menon, DTM Tom Jones, DTM Alan Shaner, DTM Richard Peck, DTM Grace Shih, DTM From Region 3 From Region 7 From Region 11 Karen Blake, DTM Vince Caldwell, DTM Teresa Dukes, DTM Rob Christeson, DTM Chris Rio, DTM Khaled Matlagaitu, DTM

To view details of each director nominee’s qualifications, please visit the Toastmasters website at: www.toastmasters.org/directorcandidates

28 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE FOR The Board of Directors CAST YOUR VOTE recommends voting in FOR PROPOSAL A favor of Proposal A. Amendments to the Club To view the full text of amendments to the Club Constitution and the Constitution and the Standard Bylaws for Clubs of Toastmasters International, visit Standard Bylaws for Clubs www.toastmasters.org/clubamendments. of Toastmasters International

Summary In August, at the 2013 Annual Business Meeting, every Toastmasters club will have the opportunity to vote on a series of proposed amendments to the Club Constitution and the Standard Bylaws for Clubs of Toastmasters International.

The club constitution provides operating standards that clubs must follow to fulfill their duties to members. The proposed amendments include language modifications to these standards that improve readability and clarity. For example: “Addendum of Standard Club Options” replaces “Standard Bylaws for Clubs.” “New member fee” replaces “initiation fee.” “Policy and Protocol” replaces “Policies and Procedures.” “Membership” payments replaces “per capita” payments.

The proposed amendments also include other modifications that: Provide for disciplinary actions other than expulsion and suspension. Allow broader options for providing notice of regular club business meetings. Provide more flexibility regarding: The number of members on the nominating committee. When club elections shall be held. The education committee’s timeline to publish assignments. Require each club to ratify its executive committee’s decision to authorize a proxy for representation at the Annual Business Meeting, and at district and area council meetings. Permit modifications to the club constitution based on local jurisdictional law if necessary. Simplify the language in the Standard Bylaws for Clubs (renamed Addendum of Standard Club Options).

The Board of Directors of Toastmasters International, at its February 2013 meeting, unanimously recommended approval of the club constitution amendments.

For questions regarding the amendments, please contact [email protected] TOASTMASTER JUNE 2013 29 FUNNY YOU SHOULD SAY THAT The LaNgUage oF MUsic Was that andante or al dente? By John Cadley

ood evening, ladies and came to their turn, they got even by piece through to the end, then return gentlemen. This evening I will using secret code. So when a German to the double sign , and repeat that Gplay a scherzo for you on the conducts an Italian orchestra, he says, part until I reach the closing section, violin—a musical form commonly “This will be in the key of H, which or coda . I always check to make referred to as “playful” or “joking.” for you means B natural, which is sure the coda mark is there because However, since I’ve practiced this actually B flat. If that’s too confus- I have a friend who started play- thing for 10,000 hours, playing it is ing, then just start in the key of B and ing Beethoven’s “Violin Concerto” no joke. And if anybody laughs, I will play everything flat.” Adding insult on March 28, 2011, and he’s still use the technique col legno, which to injury, the Germans also came up playing it. Someone forgot the coda means hitting the strings with the with am Steg, which means playing mark and he keeps going back to wood of the bow—only in this case, the strings back near the bridge of the the double sign and repeating what instead of the strings I will be hitting violin to produce a heavier, stronger— he’s just played. His wife brings him your head. dare I say more Teutonic?—sound. sandwiches. This piece means a lot to me, so I have a friend who started playing I will be playing it with deep feeling, Beethoven’s “Violin Concerto” on March 28, 2011, sometimes passionato (with passion), sometimes lamentoso (mournfully), and he’s still playing it. sometimes zelosamente (zealously) and occasionally even affannato I will also be using pizzicato, legato You will know I’m employing this (anguished) when I accidentally slip and scordatura—and no, that is not technique when you feel a sudden under the E string and it snaps down an Italian law firm. Those are musi- craving for sauerkraut. on my finger like a mousetrap. Boy, cal terms for a light plucking of the I will start the piece andante, or at does that hurt. After I reach the pres- strings with my fingers (pizzicato), a moderate tempo, not to be confused tissimo tempo mentioned above, I will followed by the use of the bow for with al dente, which is a gig I play on begin the ending with a decrescendo smooth notes flowing into each other Friday nights as a strolling violinist (slowing down) until I am playing (legato), and then a sudden switch in in a pasta joint. I will then gradually adagietto (slower), adagio (slower tuning (scordatura), so if I screw up increase the speed (accelerando) until still) and adagissimo (really slow). and go sharp or flat you will believe it I reach the composer’s instruction to This will lead to a nessuna cosa, or a is wholly intentional. I will also occa- play prestissimo, or as fast as possible. complete dying of the note, with call- sionally play rubato—a breaking of Actually, after prestissimo he has writ- ing hours from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9. the time for dramatic effect. It’s also ten doppio movimento (twice as fast). So let us begin. The first full note is to very helpful for musicians with really In other words, I am to play as fast be played with an appoggiatura, or slight lousy rhythm. as I possibly can and then double it, grace note leading into it—and not, as An historical note: This piece I’m which is clearly impossible. The com- some wise guy out there has suggested, playing was written by a German poser knows this. It’s his little joke to my apologies beforehand for sounding composer in the key of H. You heard make me look like a doppio in front like a cat that got its tail caught in a fan. me correctly. In German, H stands for of the audience. I’m sure you will for- And-a-one-and-a-two … T B natural—and B stands for B flat. give me for ignoring that instruction. This is because the Germans were You didn’t pay $50 a head to see me John Cadley, a former advertising so mad at the Italians for creating tear my rotator cuff. copywriter, is a freelance writer and musician living in Fayetteville, unpronounceable terms like acciacca- The score is also marked D.S. al New York. tura and leggierissimo that when it fine, which requires I perform the 30 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE TRAVELING TOASTMASTER

Picture yourself here! Pose with the Toastmaster magazine in your exciting surroundings. Email your high-resolution image (at least one megabyte) to [email protected]. Bon voyage!

Roman Simeth from Houston, Texas, gives a thumbs Bob and Sandy Dunning from Los Alamitos, California, pose at the up in front of the Shanghai World Financial Center and Cape of Good Hope on the Atlantic coast of the Cape Peninsula, South Africa. the Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai, China.

Iromi Peiris from Mattegoda, Sri Lanka, smiles Sheila Coomler Vitiello from Coral Springs, Florida, enjoys the by the Taj Mahal in Agra, India. Toastmaster by the Bavarian Alps in Austria.

Bill Fitts and wife Barbara from Newark, Julie Gilliam from Portland, Oregon, takes in the highland town of California, dock during a cruise pit stop in Carrbridge, Scotland. Cartagena, Colombia.

“Like” more photos online @ facebook.com/ToastmastersInternationalOfficialFanPage.

TOASTMASTER JUNE 2013 31 CONVENTION 2 0 1 3

Golden Gavel Recipient Susan Cain Author of the acclaimed New York Times bestseller Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking

REGISTER NOW! August 21 –24, 2013 Cincinnati, Ohio Duke Energy Convention Center

Early-bird registration ends July 26 • www.toastmasters.org/convention