members.toastmasters.org AT&T Makes the Right Choice!

® February 2008

The Splendid Gesture Gesturing then and now. Speaking

Five lessons in corporate communication.

An Interview with Hardball TV Host Chris Matthews Vision...

Reality

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Contact us today to learn how you can join our international teaching team • Special offers available for Toastmasters Contact [email protected] or 561-833-4404 TOASTMASTER VIEWPOINT Publisher DONNA H. GROH Editor SUZANNE FREY Associate Editor BETH BLACK Editorial Assistant JAMIE REYNOLDS Graphic Design SUSAN CAMPBELL

TI OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS Founder DR. RALPH C. SMEDLEY (1878-1965) 2007-2008 OFFICERS International President CHRIS FORD, DTM Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Senior Vice President JANA BARNHILL, DTM Lubbock, Texas Shaping Ourselves Second Vice President GARY SCHMIDT, DTM Clackamas, Oregon Third Vice President PAT JOHNSON, DTM Victoria, British Columbia, Canada as Leaders – Immediate Past President JOHNNY UY, DTM Cebu City, Philippines Executive Director DONNA H. GROH Mission Viejo, California Without Titles Secretary-Treasurer NANCY LANGTON Mission Viejo, California Back in 2004, your Board of Directors established a Big Audacious Goal

2007-2008 DIRECTORS (BAG) to guide the development of Toastmasters International for years to

VAL ALBERT, DTM JOHN RICH, DTM come. Our “BAG” is: Toastmasters International is recognized throughout the Saratoga Springs, New York Houston, Texas world as the undisputed expert in communication and leadership develop- LEE HOLLIDAY, DTM MICHAEL SMITH, DTM Johns Creek, Geogia Bloomington, Illinois ment. Now that’s pretty big and audacious! Yet we are best known for our CHARLOTTE HOWARD, DTM RICHARD SNYDER, DTM ability to help people become better communicators, less so for leadership. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Upland, California LAUREN KELLY, DTM JUDY SOUTHWICK, DTM Most people who come to our clubs do so because, first and foremost, they Trabuco Canyon, California Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota want to develop communication skills. Not many guests open with: “Hi! I’d ALENE HAYNES, DTM MARTHA TINKER, DTM Houston, Texas West Des Moines, Iowa like to become a better leader. Can you help me?” GARY MULL, DTM TEVIS THOMPSON, DTM The good news is that the answer is “yes,” even for those who do not Riverside, Ohio Martinez, California MOHAMMED MURAD, DTM DIETMAR WAGENKNECHT, DTM identify themselves as leaders! Do you know that right now about 80,000 Dubai, United Arab Emirates Lake Bluff, Illinois of our almost 240,000 members are in leadership roles, ranging from club KRISTIN NICHOLSON, DTM MARGARET WAN, DTM Rockville, Maryland Saint Petersburg, Florida officer to International President? That means one in three of our members SUEZY PROCTOR, DTM GEORGE YEN, DTM is learning leadership by actually doing it. So what about the other 160,000 Tacoma, Washington Taipei, Taiwan members who are not in formal leadership positions? What about those who say: “I just want to be a better speaker...not interested in leadership, TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL P.O. Box 9052 • Mission Viejo, CA 92690 U.S.A. thank you very much”? From time to time I meet people in Toastmasters (949) 858-8255 • Fax:(949) 858-1207 who make a similar point: “Chris, I’m not here to be a leader.” Read on! Voicemail: (949) 835-1300 Recently I came across an article in which Robin Sharma, leadership members.toastmasters.org guru and author of The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, shared his idea that CONTACTING WORLD HEADQUARTERS each of us has the power to craft world-class careers for ourselves and lead For information on joining or building a club, visit: www.toastmasters.org remarkably successful lives. In his view, leadership is a way of being; it’s Article submission: [email protected] about inspiring all those who surround you to realize their gifts and stand Letters to the Editor: [email protected] for personal greatness, and it’s about connecting to people...deeply, To change mailing address: members.toastmasters.org genuinely and passionately (Isn’t that what we do in Toastmasters?). He sums up this philosophy in one simple phrase: “Lead without a title.” • ADVERTISINGINQUIRIESONLY • Lead without a title! Now that is one of the most powerful leadership For information about advertising, please contact: insights I’ve come across in a long time! Melissa Austin Associates 2600 Ladybird Dr. • Calabasas, California 91302 In other words, regardless of status or position or title – or none of Phone: (818) 225-0466 • Fax: (818) 225-0675 [email protected] the above – leadership is for everyone. We all influence our circle of

The TOASTMASTER Magazine (ISSN 00408263) is published monthly by friends and family, colleagues and club members, and we can influence Toastmasters International, Inc., 23182 Arroyo Vista, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, U.S.A. Periodicals postage paid at Mission Viejo, CA and additional these people in a very inspirational way, thanks to Toastmasters Inter- mailing office. POSTMASTER: Send address change to The TOASTMASTER Magazine, P.O. Box 9052, Mission Viejo, CA 92690, U.S.A. national. Aren’t you glad you have the opportunity to experience the Published to promote the ideas and goals of Toastmasters International, a non profit educational organization of clubs throughout the world dedicated inspirationally shaping influence of Toastmasters every time you to teaching skills in public speaking and leadership. Members’ subscriptions are included in the $27 semi annual dues. The official publication of Toastmasters International carries authorized participate in your club meeting? notices and articles regarding the activities and interests of the organization, but responsibility is not assumed for the opinions of the authors of other articles. The TOASTMASTER magazine does not endorse or guarantee the products it advertises. Copyright 2008 by Toastmasters International, Inc. All rights reserved. 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 Chris K. Ford, DTM Mexico. Printed in U.S.A. International President Printed on Recycled Paper

February 2008 TOASTMASTER 3 TABLEOFCONTENTS February 2008 Volume 74, No. 2

FEATURES

Speaking in Business Five lessons in corporate communication. ARTICLES By Pat Rocchi, ACB DEPARTMENTS PAGE 8 & 3 Viewpoint: Shaping Ourselves as Leaders – Without Titles By International President Chris Ford, DTM

5 Letters to the Editor AT&T Makes the Right Choice 6 Profile: Helping Fellow Immigrants Succeed How a resourceful group of company An Armenian professor finds clubs avoided foreclosure. her future in America. By Craig Harrison, DTM By Julie Bawden Davis PAGE 14 12 The Seven Secrets of Inspiring Leaders How to inspire employees, investors and customers. By Carmine Gallo

The Splendid Gesture 18 A Conversation With Chris Matthews Pomposity of the past gives way The host of MSNBC’s Hardball with Chris to authenticity of the present. Matthews talks about Toastmasters, political By Patrick Mott rhetoric and his new book. By Suzanne Frey PAGE 24

22 Membership Building: Toastmasters in Rural Areas The Toastmasters Vision: How to “get coverage” and run a Toastmasters Toastmasters International empowers people to achieve their full potential and realize their dreams. Through our member clubs, people throughout the world can improve their club in sparsely populated areas. communication and leadership skills, and find the courage to change. By Mark Dykeman The Toastmasters Mission: Toastmasters International is the leading movement devoted to making effective oral communication a worldwide reality. 29 My Turn: Sounding Off Through its member clubs, Toastmasters International helps men and women learn the arts of speak- If you don’t like your voice, here’s the reason. ing, listening and thinking – vital skills that promote self-actualization, enhance leadership potential, By Caren S. Neile, Ph.D., ATM-S/CL foster human understanding, and contribute to the betterment of mankind. It is basic to this mission that Toastmasters International continually expand its worldwide network of clubs thereby offering ever-greater numbers of people the opportunity to benefit from its programs. 30 Hall of Fame

4 TOASTMASTER February 2008 Do you have something to say? Write it in 200 words or less, sign it with your name, address and club LETTERS affiliation and send it to [email protected].

Rules Rule! law. But I really believe Mr. Cadley’s “Inconvenient Truth” I enjoyed Jodi Bailey’s article on analogies were a little over the top. Politically Biased “Handling the Hostile Crowd” Do we really need, in the official I admit that I am fascinated by the (September), especially the part about publication of an organization such power of propaganda and the laying out the parameters ahead of as ours, an offensive lumping- speaking skills required to achieve the talk. I attended a speech on a together of mothers-in-law with action from it. However, I’m a bit particularly controversial subject and castor oil, shingles, root canal treat- surprised that the Toastmaster the presenter announced that she ment, income tax and lima beans? would present the politically biased would take no questions until she Sorry, but I don’t see the humor piece “An Inconvenient Truth” had finished, explaining that there there, I just see a perpetuation of an (December) without providing would be plenty of time to answer unnecessary and unattractive con- appropriate balance. them at the end of the meeting. cept – the mother-in-law as ogre. Theories presented in the book One frustrated audience member Alison Watson, DTM • Southern Cross University Club and movie are controversial and, asked why. The speaker said she Lismore, New South Wales, Australia unlike espoused by the political wanted to give the complete talk A Judge With a Grudge movement behind them, not so that everyone understood her I’ve read every issue of the Toast- completely accepted by the project. She stuck to her rule and master since joining in the fall of scientific community. The article got her points across while the 1990. This article piqued my did have good presentation questioners [later] got their points interest because speech contests suggestions, but I expected a far across. The meeting went smoothly. are a passion of mine. As Chief less political charged piece from Bob Ziller • New Richmond Toastmasters this organization. New Richmond, Wisconsin Judge for District 42, I was horrified by Cliff Suttle’s comments Lisa M .Madsen,Ph.D.,ATMB • Pall Toasties • Port Washington,New York Sifting Through the Site in “Size Up Your Audience” I disagree with the Toastmaster’s Although it’s taking time to get used (December 2007). He writes: editorial decision to devote space to to, I’m starting to like the new Web “Some clubs and club contest Al Gore’s presentation, “An Incon- site. I’ll look forward to digging into judges already understand that they venient Truth.” Even if we disregard it more in the coming weeks! are looking to advance someone to the questions about his credibility Major Mark Pearson • 1500 Speakers Toastmasters the next level who can win at the next Arlington, Virginia level. These clubs and judges may be (his excessive personal energy use; looking for the big speech as opposed his profiting from the purchase of Three Cheers for Bad Ears to the smaller, flatter speeches.” “carbon offsets,”) and his informa- I just wanted to say thank you for As judges, we are to judge – tion (the disputed “hockey stick” the very entertaining article by without prejudice – the current graph; a misleading photo of sup- Marion Amberg (December). Oh, speech on the current day. We are posedly “stranded” polar bears,) we how it made me laugh! to judge according to the criteria for are stuck with his statement “The I thought I was the only person the contest without consideration debate is over.” who misheard things. It has caused of who the speaker is, how they Gore’s continuing campaign to my husband endless frustration – have performed in the past or stifle opposing voices would seem that is, when it hasn’t had us in fits speculation on the future. All Toast- to make him the antithesis of what of laughter! I could really relate to masters judges training I have ever Toastmasters represents – a training Marion’s plight and am relieved to attended has emphasized this point. ground to help its members speak know there are others in this boat. To consider what the contestant their minds. Karen Rowell • Five-O-Five Club • Melbourne, Victoria, Australia “might” do at another level Aristotle’s advice on rhetoric recommended that the speaker Not a Monster-In-Law appears to me a blatant contra- diction of the code of ethics. If convey emotion, logic and credi- Since no one else has responded this is happening within Toast- bility. Al Gore and his presenta- about John Cadley’s article titled masters, I trust that we can do tion appear inadequate in two of “Some Free Advice” (October), I more to educate our judges so that the three. The magazine space will. I try to keep a sense of humor, it is stopped immediately. could have been devoted to more a sort-of ‘perspective without pre- Connie Paus, DTM • Wild Oats Toastmasters useful material. judice,’ since I became a mother-in- Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada Kyle Word • Toasters Toastmasters • Lubbock, Texas

February 2008 TOASTMASTER 5 PROFILE By Julie Bawden Davis

An Armenian professor finds her future in America. NaraVenditti: Helping Fellow Immigrants Succeed n 1990 when Nara Venditti’s At the time Venditti, an Armenian Not only has Venditti made a plane landed at John F. Kennedy born in the Southern part of the successful life for herself in the IInternational Airport in New Soviet Union, had no plans for the U.S., she also helps other immi- York City, the Soviet immigrant future. She only knew that she was grants and foreign-born residents clutched 75 cents, which was all lucky to have arrived. through her company, Succeed in that remained of her life savings. “It was the end of the Cold War America, in Danbury, Connecticut. As the plane approached the air- and I took a huge risk by leaving, The goal of Venditti’s work, which port, she gazed down in wonder at because things were so unstable in focuses on business communication the Statue of Liberty. the Soviet Union,” she says. “Getting and workplace-based English lan- “The statue is a symbol of hope out of Moscow at the time was like guage skills, is to help immigrants around the world, and I was exhila- leaving on the last helicopter out of understand and accept American rated to see it and know that I had Saigon. The iron curtain had fallen, values so they can successfully finally arrived in America,” says but it could have gone up again at transition into the workplace. She Venditti, who had left behind every- any minute.” offers workshops on the subject thing she knew – including her fam- Though leaving had its dangers, and provides educational materials, ily and a prestigious job as a univer- Venditti did so to ensure a better such as her books, How to Get a sity professor – to find a better life life for herself, and her daughter Job in the USA, which is written in the United States. and mother, who later followed her from a foreigner’s perspective, and to America. “The situa- Ameri$peak: A Mini Dictionary of tion in the Soviet Union the Most Common Words and at the time was very Phrases You Need to Know to Com- hopeless,” she says. “I municate Effectively in American couldn’t see a future for English. She also appears in televi- myself or my daughter, sion shows on cultural understand- so leaving was worth ing in the global workplace. the risk.” Looking back on her arrival in Today the self-made the United States, Venditti laughs at entrepreneur, speaker, her naïveté. “When my plane land- author and educator ed, I remember thinking, ‘America, knows she made the get ready. I’m here,’” she says. “I right choice and credits didn’t realize at the time that I much of her success to wasn’t ready for America.” Toastmasters. “When I As a third-generation educator arrived in the U.S., I had equipped with a doctorate in to build my professional applied linguistics from one of the life from scratch,” she best universities in Russia and a says. “My Toastmaster[s] knowledge of English, Venditti says, membership helped me “I thought I had the credentials to Nara Venditti come full circle and quickly establish myself in my new offered opportunities I home. But I was wrong. I had diffi- never dreamed of before.” culty understanding the American

6 TOASTMASTER February 2008 workplace culture and that getting club in Danbury, Connecticut. by civil war. She met Venditti in a job is all about marketing your- “Determined to take care of my 2003, and her life immediately self properly.” shortcomings as soon as possible, improved. At first Venditti didn’t realize that at my first meeting I scheduled 10 “I was working as a waitress and her main obstacle was communica- speeches back to back.” Nara told me about Toastmasters, tion. “English language proficiency Venditti went on to help found which I began attending,” says Agolli, is not enough,” she says. “People’s the Diversity-USA Toastmasters who also took some of Venditti’s eyes would glaze over when they club and Barnum Square programs at a local university. couldn’t understand what I was trying Toastmasters, and says, “Joining Eventually Agolli earned her real to say because of my accent and the Toastmasters was the best thing estate license and found she liked way I phrased my thoughts.” that could happen to me.” being a realtor, but Venditti pushed It took Venditti three months to “There was an opening at the her even further until she found her find a job after arriving in the company where I was working, and dream job, which combined real United States. “I was so focused on I wanted the job, which required estate, her education and work she survival that I was obsessed with finding work,” says Venditti, who landed her first position, which “When my plane landed, I remember required knowledge of the Russian language, through a Californian she thinking, ‘America, get ready. I’m here.’ had previously met in Armenia. I didn’t realize at the time that Before finding that first job, Venditti had several failed inter- I wasn’t ready for America.” views, including one with Harvard University. “The position was for an that I give a presentation,” she says. had done in Albania. “If it hadn’t instructor of Russian, which I was “I got the job.” been for Nara and Toastmasters, I qualified for, but the interview didn’t Richard Hastings met Venditti at wouldn’t have found the perfect go well because I didn’t know what the Wooster Heights club when she job,” she says. I was doing,” she says. “Even the joined in 2000. He’s seen her com- Venditti plans to continue help- way I dressed was incorrect. I munication and leadership skills ing immigrants like Agolli with showed up looking like I was about grow over the last eight years. “Nara even more programs and publica- to dance in a long brown skirt with is the poster child for Toastmasters,” tions. She teaches non-native par- an amber belt, dangling earrings and he says. “She really is the quintes- ticipants how to communicate in boots. I also asked all of the wrong sential success story. She left every- English and do well in the questions at the wrong times.” thing behind in a country with a lot American workplace. She also Finally, after several years of of restrictions, came to the United coaches international professionals observing corporate America, States and turned to Toastmasters to using video and phone technology. Venditti noticed that those in leader- improve her lot in life.” Venditti’s programs are so well ship positions are great communica- Having seen results in her own received that she recently held tors. “On an especially frustrating life, Venditti is dedicated to helping courses at Yale University and was day I headed to a Barnes and Noble other U.S. immigrants. “Communi- invited to present at Harvard: Proof bookstore and found a book on cation breaks down when there that with Toastmasters’ help she’s communication skills,” she recalls. are no cultural connects,” she says. definitely come full circle! T “As I leafed through its very valu- “There are so many more things able advice on how to become a to consider besides knowing the Julie Bawden Davis is a freelance better speaker, I thought, Theory is language – such as what to wear, writer and longtime contributor great, but I need systematic practice how to handle yourself, appropriate to this magazine. She lives in to improve. How am I going to get gender interaction and even how Southern California. Reach her at the experience? While I was con- to properly shake hands. And this [email protected]. templating this, I found the authors’ applies to cultures throughout Editor’s Note: Do you have an last and most important recommen- the world.” inspiring story of how the Toast- dation: Join Toastmasters!” Eva Agolli immigrated to the U.S. masters program has helped you? Within a week Venditti had joined from Albania in 1998 because of Tell us at [email protected]. the Wooster Height’s Toastmasters dim prospects in her country caused

February 2008 TOASTMASTER 7 SpeakingBy Pat Rocchi, ACB

Five lessons in corporate communication.

y employers gave me an unexpected crash course in com- munication. I was working for a large global company M when they transferred me from the sunny climes of Daytona Beach, Florida, to upstate New York. My new assignment was to manage the internal and external communications of a leading power-generation business.

After a few weeks on the job, my boss revealed why Toastmaster to Communicator. To further develop my they needed me: I would be implementing the fellow members into better communicators and leaders, announcement of 13,000 layoffs and other actions I’m sharing some of my experiences that helped elevate designed to save the business in an era of worldwide my own platform and leadership skills: competition. After recovering from this startling develop- ment, I spent the next two years communicating to local GET SMART! – Maintain a broad base of knowledge on and national media, employees and their families and a 1topical issues. Over the last few years, major world stunned community about the background of these events changed our lives. In his book, The World Is Flat changes, the organization’s steps to become more com- – A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century, Thomas L. petitive, and our eventual recovery and success. Friedman cites events such as Y2K, the attacks on the The communication principles I learned on this job World Trade Center on 9/11 and the rising global com- and in subsequent corporate assignments have helped petitiveness of countries such as India and China. shape my skills as a Toastmaster. I have dealt with many It is important to understand such historical markers issues that concern global economics (e.g., industry so that we can apply their lessons to new situations in trends), contention (strikes) and even mortality (an our world. For example, I wrote a successful motivational employee death by accident). We in Toastmasters view speech for my current CEO that he delivered to the ourselves as more than speakers, which is evidenced by medical segment of our company. I referred to the the change in our educational awards designations from profitable future of healthcare-related industries due to

8 TOASTMASTER February 2008 the increasing ages of baby boomers and the treatments municate your side of the story coolly and with control. they would require, and the speech painted an optimistic A nervous spokesperson is like blood in the water for picture of the medical products market. Maintaining such that subset of journalists who behave like sharks. a wide knowledge base can also help you prepare inter- I find that my work and Table Topics combine to esting and informative club speeches. There are many sharpen my off-the-cuff speaking. Filler words are dis- ways to stay in touch: Subscribe to and read a variety tracting and dilute our messages. Table Topics help of news papers and business publications regularly, Toastmasters minimize or even eliminate those habits whether they are daily, weekly or biweekly publications. outright. (You will want to thank all those Ah Counters Arrange to receive Internet business news on your who helped break you of the tendency to use filler computer every day. Most importantly, turn off your words.) Practicing extemporaneous speaking can also television and read as much as you can! help you learn to look squarely and confidently at your audience, whether that is a group of fellow Toastmasters TABLE TOPICS, ANYONE? – Keep up your extemporane- or a television audience. This is also a good time to have 2ous speaking skills. Nothing focuses your attention your facts at the top of your head so you can draw on quite like the reporter and camera operator who show them effortlessly (revisit point number 1 above). up unannounced at your office door. It is important to You don’t need to be a company spokesperson to keep abreast of the facts of your industry and any con- benefit from these skills. Chances are you’ll be called on temporary situations you are facing. This helps you com- at your workplace to give an impromptu project update

February 2008 TOASTMASTER 9 growing costs and rising competition. That requires a different message than communication to customers who want to know if they can depend on the same level of quality and service or even if the business will be around tomorrow. In the same way, you’ll want to tailor the content of your various Toastmasters speeches to match your club audience. For example, your fellow club members are unlikely to be interested in the intricacies of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act unless they are all accountants.

WRITE EFFECTIVELY – Choose your words carefully, 4creatively. Jim Ylisela recently wrote in ragan.com, an online newsletter for communicators, that communi- cation to various audiences “should be tailored to what they need to know, and what’s most important to them.” I find that many corporate scribes choose their words as though their audiences are interchangeable, each possessing the same level of knowledge and interests. This usually reduces all messages to a bland pabulum that serves no one in particular. In my experience, you can easily alienate an employee audience by serving up the same baloney about “bench- marks,” “synergies” and “value added.” Like most audi-

A nervous spokesperson is like blood in the water for that subset of journalists who behave like sharks. or some other unplanned presentation. Practice Table ences, employees have self-interests. While they probably Topics as often as you can to stay sharp and look your care for the company, they are likely more interested in best in front of co-workers and management. the status of their jobs and how to keep them. Similarly, investors are much more concerned with the value of the RIGHTMESSAGE,RIGHTAUDIENCE – Speak to your stock than bromides about customer service. 3stakeholders. John P. Kotter’s book, Leading Change, These experiences have raised my awareness of says that “The real power of a vision is unleashed only how my words affect my various audiences. As when those involved in an enterprise have a common Toastmasters we are all different. Members of commu- understanding of its goals and direction. That shared nity clubs may have limited knowledge of business sense of a desirable future can help motivate and coordi- terms but have interests tied to the local community. nate the kinds of actions that create transformations.” Audiences outside of Toastmasters also have their But to achieve transformational communication, it is unique sensibilities. For example, if you find yourself important to create a variety of messages that address speaking to a group of healthcare professionals, you the concerns of your individual stakeholders. should know they’re generally not interested in the Stakeholders might be defined as those who have language of economics, despite the financial chal- a particular interest in your company or organization. lenges facing hospitals. They are, however, responsive These may include employees (whose fortunes are tied to language about their chosen mission: the provision to the success of the company), local government of medical care. (whose economy may be linked to your employment I once wrote a speech about changes in the defense or to services provided to the community) or investors industry. To make a point about the exacting standards (who care about the current and future value of your of the customer, the United States government, I showed share prices). For example, you may need to motivate a slide detailing the specifications for a cookie. A cookie! employees to work more efficiently in the face of It needed to be so many centimeters high and a certain

10 TOASTMASTER February 2008 diameter, exactly. What’s more, the icing needed to be we can’t be sure if we succeeded or if we’ll be able to free of “spectral reflection,” meaning the icing shouldn’t repeat that success in the future. So I learned to take shine too much. I had the speaker deadpan to the surveys and seek out anecdotal evidence of how well audience, “I never heard a child turn down a cookie my speeches did. Likewise, take your evaluations seri- because it had too much ‘spectral reflection.’” It wasn’t ously at Toastmasters. It is the only road to improving a line you’d hear on Comedy Central, but the audience your organization and delivery. howled. Why? Because it was the language of their The company to which I was transferred in New profession, and it had relevance to them. York State did weather the storm. It not only survived, In general, know your audience and their hot buttons but most of its competitors of the time are now either when constructing your speeches. Use warm, caring diminished as players or out of the power-generation words when appealing to their emotions and sensibilities. business altogether. Management acknowledged that Use action-oriented words to drive them to action. Use much of the success was due to my ability to articu- clear language with ample definitions when instructing late a cogent, coherent and consistent message that them. In all cases, use terms and examples to which rallied the troops and calmed our customers and they can relate. Above all, remember that one size does communities. In turn, I took away a core set of beliefs not fit all when choosing language. that I find relevant every time I put pen to paper or set foot on a podium. T MEASUREUP – Evaluate your effectiveness. Often, the 5most important part of a Toastmasters meeting is the Pat Rocchi, ACB, a four-time champion of Toastmasters evaluation portion. This also applies to the corporate District 38, is an award-winning corporate writer world. Business types are fond of saying, “If you don’t and video producer. He recently launched a new measure it, you can’t manage it.” Likewise, if we don’t career as a professional speaker. Reach him at go to our audiences and learn how well we performed, patrocchi@comcast.net.

February 2008 TOASTMASTER 11 How to inspire employees, The Seven Secrets investors and customers. of Inspiring Leaders By Carmine Gallo or the past year, I have inter- on a napkin during a cross-country away and forgotten. A vision is a viewed renowned leaders, flight, an idea to bring joyful short (usually 10 words or less), vivid Fentrepreneurs and educators moments to families and friends. description of what the world will who have an extraordinary ability to His enthusiasm was so infectious look like if your product or service sell their visions, values and them- that he convinced partners, employ- succeeds. Microsoft’s Steve Ballmer selves. What I’ve found are seven ees and investors to join him. He once said that shortly after he joined techniques that you can easily created a toy and game company the company, he was having second adopt in your own professional called Cranium. Walk into its Seattle thoughts. Bill Gates and Gates’ father communication with your employ- headquarters and you are hit with a took Ballmer out to dinner and ees, clients and investors. wave of fun, excitement and explained he had it all wrong. They engagement unlike anything com- said Ballmer saw his role as that of a Demonstrate enthusiasm con- monly seen in corporate life. It all bean counter for a startup. They had 1stantly. Inspiring leaders have an started with one man’s passion. a vision of putting a computer on abundance of passion for what they every desk, in every home. That do. You cannot inspire unless you’re Articulate a compelling course of vision – a computer on every desk, inspired yourself. Period. Passion 2action. Inspiring leaders craft and in every home – remains consistent can’t be taught. You either have deliver a specific, consistent and to this day. The power of Bill Gates’ passion for your message or you memorable vision. A goal such as vision set everything in motion. don’t. Once you discover your pas- “We intend to double our sales by sion, make sure it’s apparent to this time next year,“ is not inspiring. Sell the benefit. Always remem- everyone within your professional Neither is a long, convoluted mis- 3ber: It’s not about you, it’s about circle. Richard Tait sketched an idea sion statement destined to be filed them. In my first class at North-

12 TOASTMASTER February 2008 western University‘s Medill School You got it: The farmer’s story. that optimism is a “force multiplier,” of Journalism, I was taught to Stories connect with people on an meaning it has a ripple effect answer the question, Why should emotional level. Tell more of them. throughout an organization and my readers care? That’s the same increases the effects of the other six thing you need to ask yourself con- Invite participation. Inspiring secrets. Speak in positive, optimistic stantly throughout a presentation, 5leaders bring employees, cus- language. Be a beacon of hope. meeting, pitch or any situation tomers and colleagues into the where persuasion takes place. Your process of building the company or Encourage potential. Inspiring listeners are asking themselves, service. This is especially important 7leaders praise people and invest What’s in this for me? Answer it. when trying to motivate young peo- in them emotionally. Richard Don’t make them guess. ple. The command and control way Branson has said that when you of managing is over. Instead, today’s praise people, they flourish; criticize Tell more stories. Inspiring lead- managers solicit input, listen for them and they shrivel up. Praise is 4ers tell memorable stories. Few feedback and actively incorporate the easiest way to connect with business leaders appreciate the what they hear. Employees want people. When people receive gen- power of stories to connect with more than a paycheck. They want uine praise, their doubt diminishes their audiences. A few weeks ago I to know that their work is adding and their spirits soar. Encourage was working with one of the largest up to something meaningful. people, and they’ll walk through producers of organic food in the walls for you. United States. I can’t recall most, if Reinforce an optimistic outlook. By inspiring your listeners, you any, of the data they used to prove 6Inspiring leaders speak of a bet- become the kind of person people that organic is better. But I remem- ter future. Robert Noyce, the co- want to be around. Customers will ber a story a farmer told. He said founder of Intel, said “Optimism is want to do business with you, when he worked for a conventional an essential ingredient of innova- employees will want to work with grower, his kids could not hug him tion. How else can the individual you, and investors will want to back at the end of the day when he got favor change over security?” you. It all starts with mastering home. His clothes had to be Extraordinary leaders throughout these seven secrets. T removed and disinfected. Now, his history have been more optimistic kids can hug him as soon as he than the average person. Winston Carmine Gallo is a communications walks off the field. Churchill exuded hope and confi- coach for the world’s most admired No amount of data can replace dence in the darkest days of World brands. He is the author of Fire that story. And now guess what I War II. Colin Powell said that opti- Them Up!: 7 Simple Secrets to Inspire think about when I see the organic mism was the secret behind Ronald Your Colleagues, Customers and section in my local grocery store? Reagan’s charisma. Powell also said Clients (John Wiley & Sons).

February 2008 TOASTMASTER 13 How a resourceful group of company clubs avoided foreclosure.

AT&TMakes the Right Choice By Craig Harrison, DTM

omeless! We associate the word with individ- uals and societies. Yet for 24 corporate HToastmasters clubs scattered across North America, “homeless” described their potential reality when host AT&T informed them they would no longer be allowed to meet on corporate premises as a result of a change of policy. Welcome to the realities of club management. And there but by the grace of all host organizations goes your club, be it of the corporate or community variety.

What would you do if you learned your club would traditionally meet on company premises. Yet as space lose its meeting space imminently? This is the story of becomes scarce – with security and confidentiality con- how club leaders, their districts and World Headquarters cerns rising and company policies changing – meeting staff used their communication and leadership skills to space may not be as stable as previously thought. Consider solve a problem and convince their host’s leadership the recent case of AT&T’s 24 Toastmasters clubs: team to let them meet happily ever after. The AT&T Network It Could Happen To You… Toastmasters have met in AT&T offices for almost half a Toastmasters currently has 11,300 clubs meeting regularly century. The first club began meeting in Columbus, Ohio, across the globe. And 60 percent of these clubs are in 1961. Currently AT&T has clubs in 11 U.S. states as considered corporate clubs, meeting in host companies, well as in Toronto, Canada. Some are open to the gener- in skyscrapers, training rooms, classrooms, factories and al public while others are for employees only. Over the various other types of structures. Corporate clubs years, AT&T talent has won contests, served on the

14 TOASTMASTER February 2008
Home arranged, at last. Left to right: Afternoon Teletalkers leaders Ying Sang Man, ACS/CL, Mariza Seril, JoAnna Bradley, ACB, Andy Stone, CTM, Rebecca Wong, Jim Breedlove, Nicole duPuis, ATMB/AL, pose in front of a model of the AT&T campus in San Ramon, California.

in AT&T facilities that weren’t strictly for conducting AT&T business. Suddenly, Toastmasters clubs were no longer eligible to meet on company premises.

All Circuits Are Busy All across North America club officers were suddenly scurry- ing to find alternate locations, considering holding joint meetings with other clubs or even pondering dis- banding. Some wrote letters to their local managers at AT&T sites, extolling the virtues of their cor- porate clubs to the executives of each corporate campus. Other club officers engaged their district

“Actually, it’s been a good experience overall. Now we have a centralized list, centralized contacts, and have in writing that AT&T supports what Toastmasters can do.” – Nicole duPuis, ATMB Toastmasters Board of Directors and contributed greatly leaders to intercede on their behalf and state the case to the Distinguished Club program. The relationship has for the value of allowing clubs to meet onsite without benefited both parties. complication. Still other club officers filled out forms asking for exceptions to the corporate real estate policy. A Change of Plans Meanwhile, employees were still encouraged to keep This past fall, AT&T implemented a new real estate developing their communication and leadership skills policy requiring an approval process for all meetings through participation in Toastmasters!

Photo by Craig Harrison February 2008 TOASTMASTER 15 How corporate clubs can foster stronger Tipping Points: relationships with their host corporations. By Craig Harrison, DTM

Become familiar with your company’s policies regarding outside groups, its meeting protocols, etc. Does your club qualify? Use corporate language to describe your club to ensure it’s regarded as the resource it is.
Meet regularly with your Human Resources management to keep them apprised of your club, its members’ progress and contributions to your organization’s well being.
Invite upper management to visit your club for special occasions, such as officer installations, awards events and anniversary functions, (and don’t forget about demo meetings and chartering functions for new clubs).
Encourage your company’s leaders to periodically present to your club.They can use your club for dry runs of their own presentations, help communicate company initiatives, or inspire members with their own communication and leadership successes.
Use your company’s internal communications (such as e-zines and newsletters), intranet and other resources to celebrate successes and promote your club and its value to your organization’s operations.
Elicit quotes from your training and HR directors about the value the club provides for communication and leadership development. Use these quotes on fliers, brochures and on the club’s Web site.
Periodically host an open house for your club to recruit new members and allow management to share in the success of the club. (Remember, success has many parents!)
Keep your club in the mind’s eye of your organization through “desk drops” of fliers, posters on breakroom and cafeteria bulletin boards and elsewhere throughout your organization’s campus and its facilities.
Offer training for non-members, through Speechcraft or Success-Communication modules that contribute to your organization’s well-being.
Offer to place fliers and brochures into the new-employee orientation materials given to new hires.
Cultivate advocates at every level of your organization to champion your club. Recognize them with ribbons, certificates and public praise.
In your own annual reviews, cite the difference Toastmasters is making in your success as an employee.

Each of these tips helps you maintain good relations with your host organization. Help your VPPR implement them all and watch your club’s profile soar!

Calling AT&T Lee Holliday, DTM, who had previously formed three Ying Sang Man, ACS/CL, a senior technology consultant AT&T clubs and remains an active member of Cingular with AT&T in San Ramon, California, is both an officer Speaking Sensations of Alpharetta, Georgia. with Afternoon Teletalkers and District 57’s Division F At AT&T, Holland, Holliday and another AT&T executive, Governor. She says, “Officers of our club conferred with Rick Bradley, all championed Toastmasters for its value to two other teams onsite: Ring Masters and Telesarians. A AT&T: “As employees develop their communication and Telesarian member knew someone in Human Resources. leadership skills through Toastmasters, they become more I wrote a letter to HR that found its way up the ranks to effective and productive,” says Holliday. “Toastmasters is a Halle Holland, AT&T’s Executive Director of Change great value from a cost perspective as well.” Management.” And that’s how company leaders in Once AT&T recognized that Toastmasters qualified Georgia became aware of the homeless Toastmasters as an “employee resource group,” it was easier for situation across North America. AT&T management to endorse the value of allowing Halle Holland was a champion for Toastmasters and all Toastmasters clubs at AT&T locations to continue routed Man’s request to another Toastmasters advocate, to meet as before. AT&T President Long Distance Julie Ann Arca. Soon the corporate relations team at Toastmasters World Head- Side Benefits quarters and high-ranking AT&T leaders were in discus- The specter of losing their meeting locations challenged sions to obtain an exception to the real estate rule. each club’s officer team to ponder contingencies. Central to the discussions was International Director According to area governor and AT&T associate project

16 TOASTMASTER February 2008 manager JoAnna Bradley, ACB, this wasn’t necessarily a Leadership in Action bad thing. “As a project manager, I am big on contin- In the end, the potential crisis led to a deeper apprecia- gency plans. Clubs should always have a backup plan!” tion among AT&T’s leaders for the ongoing value of Bradley warns that this kind of thing could happen at development and skill Toastmasters clubs provide. And any company and recommends that club presidents club officers were able to bring a real-life problem to a check with Human Resources to “make sure they know satisfying conclusion. AT&T recognizes Toastmasters as you’re meeting and confirm your club is in compliance.” a national treasure and not a club of secrets. Also, She also says, “When starting a new club, find out what guidelines and specifications already “As employees develop their exist. That way you avoid unwelcome surprises down the road.” communication and leadership skills Afternoon Teletalkers President Nicole through Toastmasters, they become duPuis, ATMB, in San Ramon, California, recog- nized wonderful side benefits from this situa- more effective and productive.” tion: “Our club derived a PR advantage. More people in our location are now aware of the club. We Toastmasters officers reached out and built new relation- were challenged to speak to vice presidents, get spon- ships with key leaders at many levels of this worldwide sors in place and speak to HR. Each helped us promote corporation, including other clubs. And when AT&T what we do. Now more people are aware of the value employees hear the word Toastmasters now, you could we provide.” say it rings a bell! Congratulations to all. T She saw benefits within the club as well: “I witnessed an additional layer of commitment to the club. The specter Craig Harrison, DTM, founder of Laugh Lovers of of losing it made our members realize how valuable our Oakland, California, is a professional speaker and club was to them. It added strength and commitment.” principal of Expressions Of Excellence! For more As for the AT&T network of Toastmasters clubs, resources visit www.ExpressionsOfExcellence.com. duPuis added: “Actually, it’s been a good experience overall, since we didn’t know about the other clubs Editor’s Note: If your club encounters problems with its before. Now we have a centralized list, centralized sponsoring organization that you can’t resolve at a local contacts, and have in writing that AT&T supports what level, please contact the corporate relations team at Toastmasters can do.” World Headquarters at [email protected].

Making Your Case for Toastmasters At Work

By Craig Harrison, DTM

To transform non-Toastmasters decision-makers into champions for your club, consider the following tips:

Use existing Toastmasters materials to help decision-makers understand Toastmasters’ powerful communication and leadership programs. Create a kit with protocol brochures and pamphlets and present it to them.
You can list URLs for Toastmasters Web sites, such as those for clubs, districts and toastmasters.org. Or use quotes and language from these sites to promote your club to management.
Gather testimonials from existing and previous members. Focus on the benefits they experienced through par- ticipation. Make sure to list each person’s title with the organization. Put these in your club’s materials, and on your club’s Web site.
Hone your own story to tell anecdotally about the difference Toastmasters has made in your professional development. Use TableTopics to practice a two-minute version. Use the setting-situation-solution format to let listeners experience the end result, solution, benefit or outcome of club participation.
Consider writing and publishing short case studies that showcase how communication and leadership skills make the difference at work: with clients, on projects, in meetings, etc. (Use the setting-situation-solution format.)

February 2008 TOASTMASTER 17 By Suzanne Frey

“Toastmasters changed my life. They really did. Put me on the stage. I don’t know what I would have done without that positive boost.”

A Conversation With Chris Matthews ecently, the Toastmaster asked Chris Matthews, well-known Tonight Show with Jay Leno and “Hardball with Chris Matthews” American television talk walked into a roomful of thousands R of people, it didn’t bother me. show host, journalist and outspoken political commentator, to Oratory is everything. My hero, discuss his experiences as a Toastmaster and speechwriter, his Winston Churchill, said, “If you can thoughts on political oratory, and the communication skills of speak in public, you’ll have an amaz- the current crop of candidates and politicians. Matthews is the ing power, amazing independence.” author of a new book, Life is a Campaign, as well as four Toastmaster: What did Toastmasters other books, and hosts the weekly The Chris Matthews Show teach you that you didn’t already in addition to the weekday Hardball show on MSNBC. know? Toastmaster: Your book, Now, Let I joined the Capitol Hill chapter Matthews: I learned that being Me Tell You What I really Think, of Toastmasters. While other staffers supportive of other people is very mentions you were once a member were content just knowing their important. As a speaker, you have of Toastmasters, while working as a stuff, I forced myself to practice to know that there are people out staffer on Capitol Hill in the 1970s. getting that stuff across to other there rooting for you – more than How did you find out about people. I desperately needed to you might believe. There is a per- Toastmasters and why did you join? overcome my stage fright. ceived threat that somehow the I couldn’t sleep at night. When- audience is out to get you. But they Matthews: During my years on ever I had to speak publicly, it got aren’t. They have no interest for Capitol Hill, I was always working to me. But practice makes perfect. you to do badly.... They came to on my speechwriting and public I really think practicing is such an [the presentation], they must want speaking skills. I accepted every important part of everything. And it to be successful. speaking opportunity regardless now I’m good at it! I don’t get ner- A chapter in my new book, Life is of the group. vous at all – even when I did the a Campaign, is classic Toastmasters:

18 TOASTMASTER February 2008
Start with an ice breaker who your family is, where you come think people like to see people on
Next, give some anecdotes about from, but what matters is what you television being challenged. The people in the room, can do. Very different from Europe. most comments I get from viewers
Then, in a few seconds, tell why are along the lines of, “Keep hold- you are there; what’s the point ing their feet to the fire; stay at Toastmaster: How about any speech- of that talk. them; don’t let up.” es from your time as a White House
Then, give another warm-up, so the speechwriter? audience gets used to the sound Toastmaster: What do you think of of your voice and realize you are Matthews: I also wrote for President the public speaking skills of current a good guy, that you care about Carter [promoting] a youth bill – politicians compared to those of them and connect with them. a bill for helping young people in previous generations? the spring of 1980. I wrote a lot of Basically, there is a pattern. If his political speeches; obviously they Matthews: They are not very good. you follow a very clear structure, weren’t that successful. They didn’t I think Rudy Giuliani and Jesse you’ll give a great speech. You work. I wrote for him a year and Jackson are good. Giuliani is the don’t have to worry about writing quarter as a speechwriter. best. He is the only guy who can a great speech – it will compose hold a room – he can actually stop itself if you follow this simple struc- talking and the pauses, themselves, Toastmaster: On Hardball with Chris ture. And that sounds like classic hold the room .... The Clintons were Matthews, you are famous for your Toastmasters. That’s probably where okay. [Former New York Mayor feisty, hard-hitting approach, forcing I learned a lot of it. Mario] Cuomo was great. I thought guests to answer questions they may Schwarzenegger gave a really good not want to answer. Is this a persona speech at the last [Republican Toastmaster: How long were you a you developed specifically for Hardball? National] Convention. member of Toastmasters? Matthews: I can’t let [guests on the But there are not many good Matthews: A while…maybe a year. show] get away with propaganda. speakers this time. I think Obama is There has to be a limit of what a great speaker. I saw him at the last people can drop on television. Just [Democratic National] Convention. Toastmaster: You say in your book because they have a mike, they can’t He is a great writer too. I think the that being a presidential speech- just come on and dump stuff that two great speakers today are Rudy writer was the most fun job you had hasn’t been challenged. Live television and Obama. Style has changed. All until landing the hosting job on is too uninhibited for that. You have you have to do now is come on and Hardball. Is there a speech you’ve to find a way to inhibit, to control and answer questions. You can be some- delivered or written that you are challenge [what people are saying]. Or what impressive by just answering especially proud of? else they’ll just come and drop stuff. questions. But to be able to just Matthews: There were two speeches And people think, “It must be true stand there and hold the room for in New York: The first was for the because you let them say it.” People a half hour, that’s truly impressive. Friendly Sons of St. Patrick right tell me, “Why did you let them say People like Kennedy and Nixon, after September 11. [New York Mayor that?” In fact, I’m liable, legally liable, those guys were maybe the last of a Michael] Bloomberg, [Rudy] Giuliani, for what people say on my show. breed. They could stand there and [former New York Governor George] My goal is to cover the county’s wing it, basically. Kennedy – in the Pataki and other big-name people politics. My main weakness as a first eight minutes of his [1960] were there. I spoke at the Sheraton, journalist is that I love politicians. debate with Nixon, won the elec- giving the main address – Bloomberg tion. An amazing performance. gave one, and I gave one. It was the Toastmaster: In one of your books, best speech I ever gave. It all was you say, “I’m a ‘tummler’ – someone Toastmaster: Would you recommend about the victims of 9/11. at a resort hired to stir things up.” Toastmasters membership to politicians? I also gave a speech at the Do you “shake things up” to keep Pennsylvania Society gathering in Matthews: Definitely, They can use people from coming on your show New York [in December 2005], about it. It’s basic training – they don’t with an agenda? the opportunities of America and even have the basics of how to put how this is a different country from Matthews: I love it when I can zing a speech together: How to write most countries. It doesn’t matter guests for using talking points… I and organize a speech. How to

February 2008 TOASTMASTER 19 so they can talk through it. It really Chris Matthews’ bugs me. Why are people in the audi- ence just lemmings? I guess that’s what Six-Step Speech System it is – a chant for their supporters. xcerpted from the chapter titled,“Speak Up!” Ein his new book, Life’s a Campaign: Toastmaster: Between Hardball and The Chris Matthews Show, which do
The icebreaker: First, offer a quip about the you enjoy more? occasion.This is to relax the crowd and stamp Matthews: They are what I do. I the moment with your voice and personality. It can be can’t say I enjoy one more than hokey – “At least you can’t blame me for this weather” – or it can be another. The Sunday show is more an all-occasion greeting:“As King Henry VIII said to each of his seven polished – we have a whole day of wives,‘I won’t keep you long.’” The goal is to simply let the audience rehearsal. On a weekday show, you know you’re there for them. don’t have the time to really organize
The tease: Next, give a provocative glimpse of what your speech will be everything – you are really working about.This is important ... Your goal is to rivet the audience’s attention on deadline. It’s never going to be to what you’re about to pull off.“What I am about to tell you will shock quite as calm as doing half hour a you” isn’t bad. week. You have to thrive on dead-
Anecdote time! Be prepared with a few appealing stories about the lines, Monday through Friday specific place, person or occasion that has brought you there.The idea Also, [the shows] are different. is to further connect with your listeners. Consider this your final warm- During the week I have to challenge up before takeoff.Try to find the anecdotes that will spotlight a few people. The Sunday show has a dif- individuals in the crowd sitting in front of you. It instantly converts an ferent tone from the weekend show. audience into a community. It has a different audience. It has a
Download: Okay, tell them what you’ve traveled there to say. Just hit it different time of the week, a tranquil – point by point. time. It’s public affairs, news, enter-
Relief!: Time to let them know the heaviest part of the speech is tainment – and it’s all connected. behind them. Just tell some light-hearted story that brings your message You can’t just read out news. home.
Send-off: Go for high octane! You want to leave your audience with a “wow.” Think of the reason you came to speak, then belt it for all to Toastmaster: You have said Winston hear. If nothing else, it will alert everyone that you’re done and it’s time Churchill would be your favorite to clap. guest on Hardball. Aside from “being the greatest man of the 20th Century,” as you put it, what would structure a speech in the car [to an seriously. There are no great make him a good interview? No engagement] and make it an inter- speakers by accident. doubt, he would have several “talk- esting talk. They end up winging it, ing points” you’d have to overcome… standing up there and just doing it Toastmaster: What’s the most obvious Matthews: As the greatest man of by stream-of-consciousness, which speaking flaw you see in politicians? the 20th Century, he was funny, he is not worthy of them. I don’t think was brilliant, he had wonderful they really try – it’s just a discipline Matthews: Probably delivering an things to say and he was sponta- they have not accepted today. Along applause line in a way that is grating. will come a great speaker one of When they sort of slow down their neous. He spoke out. He probably these days, like a Reagan, or a delivery to let the applause pick up would have some witticism ready Roosevelt, or a Kennedy, and they’ll and then speed up during the in his quiver that he would use at do very well. applause, I can’t stand that. Hillary the right moment. He didn’t do it does it. It’s the same old thing. They spontaneously; he had them ready create some sort of riff, they begin to to serve up. Toastmaster: Is that a skill they repeat certain phrases, and they do it consciously focus on, or does it come in a way that’s meant to cheer on the Toastmaster: naturally to someone like Barack You mention guests ringers in the audience to applaud Obama or Rudy Giuliani? should bring “facts, spontaneity, and then [during the applause] they honesty, feistiness and laughter.” Matthews: I think they take it push their way through the applause. In Name some recent favorite guests seriously. Jesse [Jackson] took it other words, they encourage applause who have brought that.

20 TOASTMASTER February 2008 Matthews: [Newsweek columnist] less spontaneous, so I think I’ll Bush’d speak, and you’d wonder, Howard Fineman, [NBC correspon- work on the combination of are these guys speaking the same dent] Norah O’Donnell, and cer- organization and spontaneity. language? He’s so articulate and tainly [author and commentator] charming. And funny! It makes you Andrew Sullivan on the weekend. feel good when you listen to Tony Toastmaster: What do you consider Dan Rather has been great, Kathy Blair. Archbishop Tutu, of South the single most important element Kay from the BBC, Kathleen Parker Africa, is also great – very eloquent of a successful speech? – a syndicated columnist. I have and funny. these people on a lot, because Matthews: Absolute enthusiasm. they are really good. [Debbie Enjoying being there. The enjoy- Toastmaster: Tell us about your new Wasserman] Schultz, a congress- ment of the moment. Also, humor. book, Life is a Campaign. woman from Florida, is very good. You can give the best speech in [Congressman] Barney Frank is the world, but if it wasn’t funny, Matthews: It’s my best book yet. I always a great guest. He’s smart no one will remember it. spent years writing it. The subtitle is as a whip. “What Politics Has Taught Me About Friendship, Rivalry, Reputation and Toastmaster: Name some candidates Success.” Toastmaster: What do you consider who could use some more humor. your greatest strength as a speaker Matthews: Oh God. All of them! and communicator? Toastmaster: Thank you for taking the time to talk to us. Matthews: Enthusiasm. I’m more Toastmaster: Is there any contem- enthusiastic than just about any- Matthews: Thank you. Toastmasters porary person you admire as a body. Also, my knowledge of the changed my life. They really did. speaker? Why? field of politics. Put me on the stage. I don’t know Matthews: I guess I’ve always what I would have done without admired [Tony] Blair – even though that positive boost. And I really Toastmaster: If you could improve I disagreed with him, I liked him. I appreciate the call, to make me one aspect of your speaking style, liked how he’d come to American think about this again.” T what would that be? press conferences at the White Matthews: Great question. Organiza- House and explain, sort of inter- tion – I think it would be helpful. pret Bush for us. It’s almost as if Suzanne Frey is the editor of the I keep working on that…. But if I he were saying, “Here’s the English Toastmaster magazine. were any more organized, I’d be version.” He’d speak, and then

oastmasters International has a variety of educational Tmaterials to help you achieve your goals. Whether you want to improve your public speaking skills, enhance your leadership ability or hone your communication Live. skills, everything you need to succeed is within your reach. From educational items to awards, apparel and gifts, Toastmasters offers an array of quality products. Request a copy of the catalog today and start working your way towards achieving Learn. your objectives. If you prefer the online shopping experience, visit the TI store at www.toastmasters.org/shop. Here you can view each product and take advantage of the search feature to locate your items. Use in conjunction with the catalog for an even more effective shopping experience by simply typing Shop. the item number in the search box located within the store.

February 2008 TOASTMASTER 21 MEMBERSHIPBUILDING By Mark Dykeman

How to “get coverage” and run a Toastmasters club in sparsely populated areas.

Toastmasters in Rural Areas popular series of commercials showed a man testing his cell phone in what their jobs are and they need places where you wouldn’t normally get cell phone coverage, such as to do those jobs. You need to have Amountaintops and fields. These commercials helped coin the phrase all the necessary programs in place “Can you hear me now?” The message in these commercials was that this cell for education, membership, public phone carrier could provide coverage virtually anywhere, especially where relations and mentoring. Keep your club as informal, inter- other companies did not offer
People who live in the country esting and fun as possible. Make service. This example of cell phone realize that part of the trade-off your club a place where passions coverage parallels the way Toast- for a rural “quality of life” is the can be expressed, skills can shine masters clubs are more concentrated number of hours spent in a car, and friendships can be formed. Make in cities and large communities than bus or train. the Toastmasters meeting one of the in rural areas – but we do have
The desires for improved com- highlights of a member’s week! coverage everywhere! munication and self-expression Cultivate strong, enthusiastic Does the low population of a are universal. club leaders, because they are the rural area make it almost impossible public face of your club. They to “get coverage” or run a Toastmas- Toastmasters can be successful contribute to the maintenance and ters club? Some people might say yes, in rural areas! As an example, growth of the club. Start with others might say no. For example, it District 45 is largely rural, sparsely officer training at the district and would seem to be harder to build populated and stretches over sec- make sure they know how to and maintain a Toastmasters club in tions of both Canada and the U.S. access TI’s member Web site for rural areas than in the big cities like The largest city in District 45 has information and tips for success. New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, less than 300,000 inhabitants, while Take care of your members. Find Houston, Toronto or Vancouver most municipalities are much out what they want or need and which have populations in the smaller. However, this district rou- help them achieve it. Monitor atten- millions. In your more pessimistic tinely has excellent results in the dance and be sure to contact any moments, you might be tempted to Distinguished District, Area and members who start to miss meet- think of that old saying, “If a tree falls Club Programs. Despite the relatively ings. If their attendance reflects in a forest, will anybody hear it?” low population, District 45 clubs are dissatisfaction with the club, find successful by many measurements. out what you can do to resolve Consider a few facts: Other districts with highly rural any issues. Every member is like a
Almost any community will have populations are also successful. precious gem. You want to keep at least one group or service So what are the steps to success him or her happy! organization. in rural areas?
Virtually any community will Word-of-mouth and other promo- have one or more employers of Build a successful club with 2tion. Word-of-mouth promotion is some size (say 50 employees 1strong leadership. Every club critical to the success of a rural club. or more) or an alliance of small needs to have the basics in place. Yarmouth Toastmasters in Yarmouth, businesses or entrepreneurs. Your club officers need to know Nova Scotia, relies heavily on hand-

22 TOASTMASTER February 2008 picking new members within their town of 7,500 residents and in sur- rounding areas. Club president David Mooney says, “Four of our active members are always speaking about Toastmasters and showing others about the great learning in both communication and leader- ship.” Armstrong Toastmasters, based in a community of 2,500 in British Columbia, finds success when members recruit their friends to join. It’s also very important to pro- mote your club within the local community. Armstrong club presi- dent Anna Houston shares several successful techniques: “Our VP Public Relations puts out small but eye-catching posters all around town. We also have a standing reminder in the local weekly Open your mind to “closed” clubs. of young people. Did you know newspaper’s community calendar, 4On one hand, it might not make that public speaking is a key part of reminding and inviting ‘one and sense to have a closed club in an the 4H program? Many clubs need all’ to our meetings on Tuesday area with low population. After all, judges for their public speaking evenings at the Chamber of you don’t want to limit your poten- competitions – Valley Toastmasters Commerce office.” tial membership. However, closed in Woodstock, New Brunswick, has Special events, such as open clubs that focus on specific organi- provided judges to these competi- house meetings, can be very useful. zations can help provide the neces- tions to help the 4H program while “We hold an evening networking sary continuity and focus to help helping to spread awareness of event each year during Small Bus- make a club successful. Toastmasters. The 4H program iness Week,” says David Mooney. Gary Belding, former Area 19 provides a way to introduce Toast- “During this event we always sign Governor for District 45, says the masters to children and teenagers. up two to three new members New Brunswick provincial govern- You can plant the seed for future from local businesses.” ment started its own Toastmasters Toastmasters members through a club, “since employees offer a lot youth organization. Toastmasters Consider daytime meetings. If of presentations and Toastmasters can provide similar help to school 3your club is struggling with get- would be part of a great profes- debating and oratorical clubs. ting members to evening meetings, sional development plan.” Local There’s no doubt that rural com- try daytime meetings. Yarmouth Toastmasters sold the idea to two munities have their own unique Toastmasters meets two or three government departments by sitting challenges for maintaining Toast- Thursdays each month from 12:15 down with the deputy ministers masters clubs. However, with some p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Daytime Toastmas- (Business New Brunswick and the hard work, careful marketing and ters meetings are commonly held in Dept of Tourism and Parks). In creative partnerships, Toastmasters the New Brunswick communities of January 2003, Civil Speakers Toast- can thrive virtually anywhere. Fredericton, Saint John and Moncton. masters Club in Fredericton was Perhaps some day, in your small Daytime meetings are often used by born and is still going very strong. community, someone will ask the corporate or closed clubs with great question, “Can you hear me now?” success. Members from Harbourside Partnership with other groups. The answer will be “Yes, over here Toastmasters of Saint John find 5Find other organizations that at Toastmasters!” T noon-hour meetings more conve- complement Toastmasters. One nient for busy people whose example is 4H, a youth organization Mark Dykeman, ACB, is a member of evening agendas are full of family that focuses on developing the Valley Toastmasters club in Wood- or community activities. minds, bodies, health and character stock, New Brunswick, Canada.

February 2008 TOASTMASTER 23 magine Adolf Hitler with his hands cuffed behind his back. Now imagine him, thus cuffed, attempting to address an Iimmense audience at a party rally at Nuremberg. As satisfying as the first image might be, the second one is even better, especially when considered from a speaker’s point of view. Take away the dictator’s ability to punctuate his speech with his hands and arms and you’re left with a frothing, sputtering caricature flopping around behind the lectern like a beached shark – not exactly the object of blind, hypnotized devotion. The sort of wild gesticulating that marked the fascist leaders of more than a half century ago has largely disappeared. Intelligent modern speakers know that all that windmilling and shadow boxing makes audiences squirm at best and scares them at worst. Today, it’s seen as bad, The inauthentic method acting rather than effective communication. Once, however, exaggerated gesturing was not just fashionable but necessary. In fact, it was the gold standard for a school of speakers in the Victorian era known Splendid as the elocutionists. “The elocutionists were a group of people in the late 1800s who felt if By Patrick Mott you did certain things, the audience would Gesture always react the same,” said Richard Doetkott, a veteran professor of communications studies at Chapman University in Orange, California. “This meant using cer- tain gestures and certain inflections and postures. They used to have a book of gestures that they could study. It was more effective with the audience of the time but it’s important to understand that they had no sound rein- Gesturing then and now: forcement, so in order to enhance the fact that you were portraying something dramatic, such as anger, you would Pomposity of the past raise your fist. And even though the people may not gives way to authenticity have been able to understand the words that you were using, they understood that you were angry. The elocu- of the present. tionists had a complete repertoire of all kinds of gestures that they could use. And really, this is all about stage- craft, theatricality, acting. In those days, public speaking was an extension of the stage.” With the advent of sound amplification in the early 20th century, the need for such dramatic physicality diminished, said Doetkott, and speakers began to adopt a more personal and natural style of relating to their audiences. For example, Franklin Roosevelt’s celebrated “fireside chats,” carried via radio, “were not necessarily conversational, but were less florid and theatrical than

24 TOASTMASTER February 2008 the public had been used to,” said Doetkott. “We now he called “the strenuous life,” and this often found reflec- know, in modern times, that the more authentic you are tion in his speaking gestures. He often favored a forward as you speak, the more effective you are.” chopping motion, as if he were wielding a hatchet above Doetkott teaches just that in his speech classes, which he his head. During this, his hand would either be clenched has been conducting for 42 years at Chapman. His students in a fist or his index finger would be pointing aggressive- are not taught about gesturing, eye contact or other overt ly. Lest this posture look too belligerent, Roosevelt was physical aspects of public speaking. They do not work from always ready to save it with his trademark toothy grin. notes. They speak to an audience of fellow students who may number from 50 to 150, and the goal is a smooth,
Winston Churchill – Already a renowned and expert unforced conversational style in which any gestures are speaker by the time he became prime minister, Churchill entirely their own. Doetkott calls this approach “oralistic.” in the House of Commons was known for his physical “Gestures are not effective because of what they are, stance when he came to a section of a speech he want- they’re effective because they have truth behind them and ed to strongly emphasize. Taking a wide stance with his that they belong to the person who’s speaking,” he says. feet, he would place his hands on his hips, thumbs for- “Public speaking at its most effective is really an extension of ward, and lean forward conspicuously from the waist. conversation, if you have a conversation with the audience.” This posture, combined with a jutting jaw, was the very This evolution in both approach and technique can picture of aggressive confidence. During the war years, be traced by observing some of the more memorable he punctuated his speeches with the two-fingers-up “V speakers of the modern age: for victory” sign, a gesture that became a symbol of hope throughout the world.
Theodore Roosevelt – The former leader of the Rough Such a posture, for Churchill, was effective and natur- Riders was a profoundly physical man who relished what al because it “came out of his pugnacious nature,” said

Illustration by Chris Murphy February 2008 TOASTMASTER 25 Doetkott. “Gestures are only effective if they’re true ges- Once Hitler had risen to power and already had any tures, gestures that the person would adopt normally.” audience’s attention, “it was real emotion that drove the gestures rather than the gestures driving the emotion,”
John F. Kennedy – Neither a natural politician nor a says Doetkott. “The gestures may have been theatrical- born speaker, Kennedy grew into both roles. During his looking but there was real emotion driving them.” time as president he had the great advantage of having Theodore Sorensen as his speechwriter. It was Sorensen
Benito Mussolini – The Italian dictator aped many of who said later that Kennedy relished the occasional clas- Hitler’s speaking gestures, taking some of them to even sical – almost Biblical – flourish in his speeches that wilder lengths. He would occasionally, as if frenzied, Sorensen ably provided. Perhaps the most famous of fling his arms every which way, almost as if he were these, “Ask not what your country can do for you…” at semaphoring his speech. Perhaps his most characteristic Kennedy’s inauguration was punctuated strongly with a pose would come at the climax of a phrase or section of finger-stabbing gesture at the word “not.” He used that gesture “When gestures are used as punctuation rather whenever he wanted to call than theater, when they come from within rather attention to the most important lines in a speech. Most of the than without, they carry a subtle power.” time, however, Kennedy’s speaking gestures were subtle. For emphasis, he would drum his a speech, when he would cross his arms pugnaciously right hand – but usually only his right – up and down in across his barrel chest, jut out his jaw and survey the a gentle hammering motion just above the sloping sur- crowd, nodding his head – as if to say, “Take that!” face of the lectern, mostly with his index finger either pointed or crooked (President Bill Clinton, who idolized
Martin Luther King, Jr. – The great American civil Kennedy, would later adopt this gesture but would make rights leader was a Southern clergyman and favored the sure it was more visible to his audiences). He was always dramatic cadences, the round pronunciation and the careful not to actually strike the lectern, which would cre- exaggerated highs and lows that are often particular to ate a thump that would be amplified by microphones. the Southern clergy. However, in his most famous speeches he was judicious and even economical with his
Nikita Khrushchev – A coal miner’s son who was as gestures. During his landmark “I Have a Dream” speech brash and rough as Kennedy was polished, the Soviet pre- to marchers gathered on the Mall in Washington, D.C. in mier earned infamy in the speaker’s pantheon when, August 1963, he put his words center stage throughout while speaking to the United Nations General Assembly in most of the address, keeping his arms at his side and let- September 1960, he removed one of his shoes and began ting the drama of his delivery carry the presentation. It banging it on the lectern in front of him. The gesture wasn’t until the final ringing words – “Free at last! Free at earned him the nickname “Hurricane Nikita.” Khrushchev’s last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!” – that he speaking style was often crude and bombastic, and the thrust both arms upward and clenched both fists. expansive gestures he used reflected this. Photographers The reason? According to Doetkott, King’s speech was were fond of capturing him in a characteristic pose: lean- scripted “until that last part. When he got into ‘I have a ing forward belligerently, mouth agape in fiery exhorta- dream,’ he was off script at that point and that’s where tion, his right arm raised in the air, his fist clenched. the gestures started, because that was who he was. That Even so, the shoe incident and the general bombast was his background, where he came from.” were effective to a degree because “that was very much The best modern speakers have drawn lessons from him,” said Doetkott. “I don’t think he said, ‘Today I’m watching people such as these. They have come to real- going to do this.’ He was pretty rough trade, and that ize that the grand gestures of the era of Henry Clay and likely came out of emotion rather than artifice.” Benjamin Disraeli seem antique and almost clownish today. They also realize that aggressive gestures – the
Adolph Hitler – Even Hitler’s gestures, after he had gained closed fist, the pointed finger – have the power to either power and become chancellor of Germany, grew out of galvanize or frighten. The images of animated tyrants still the emotion of the moment and from true inner feelings haunt our memories. rather than from a textbook performance, said Doetkott. Conversely, today’s great speakers likely have found “Hitler learned by speaking in bars and beer gar- that when gestures are used as punctuation rather than dens,” he said. “When people are drinking and you’re in theater, when they come from within rather than without, there trying to get their attention, you’re going to adopt they carry a subtle power that can engage an audience certain techniques that are going to be effective or else and more accurately – and truthfully – make their point. T you’re useless. He actually had a photographer photo- graph him in various poses in order to study them.” Patrick Mott is a freelance writer from Fullerton, California.

26 TOASTMASTER February 2008 He was a hardworking farm boy.

She was an Italian supermodel.

He knew he would have just one chance to impress her.

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MYTURN If you don’t like your voice, here’s the reason. Sounding Off
Some years ago, I called a col- culture, we tend to judge people it nasal or hoarse? What is the over- league for a quick chat. In the mid- to some extent by their voices. all impression your voice creates? In dle of my second sentence, I real- (In non-visually oriented cultures, general, when we support our voices ized I hadn’t identified myself, so people are judged far more by how with deep, diaphragmatic breathing I told him who was speaking. He they sound or smell than by how they sound fuller. This is also known replied that he had known who I they look.) Did you ever notice that as abdominal or belly breathing, was as soon as I said hello, because dogs tend to respond better to men because when done correctly, the I have a very distinctive voice. than to women? Like dogs, people belly expands on the inhale. I was intrigued. “Oh, really?” I said. associate lower, stronger voices with In addition, get used to your “How would you characterize it?” His authority. We tend to sit up and take voice by listening to it often. You immediate reply: “You sound just like notice, to take the speaker more may hear your spouse or co-workers the little sister on The Simpsons!” seriously. Higher-pitched voices, on so often that you take their voices Now that may sound cute to the other hand, are typically associ- for granted. But yours will always some, but I was a newspaper editor ated with children and with non- sound strange to you until you hear in my thirties at the time. And I was professional, non-assertive women. it on a regular basis. One easy way still reeling from having been told That doesn’t mean they’re bad. It to do this: Record an extra long several years earlier that I sounded just means we should be aware of message on your answering just like the actress Mary Steenbur- the impression we’re making. machine and play it back frequently. gen, who has, in my opinion, the Just how important is the tone Experiment by re-recording with voice of a cartoon character. of our voice when we’re speaking? a different pitch. (To help out Most of us have no idea how we According to some estimates, 55 callers, make your primary message sound to others, and when we find percent of what audiences recall shorter and more to the point!) Or, out, we are often discouraged. from a speech is the visual portion, if you can use high-end recording That’s because our voices tend to seven percent is the content of the equipment, so much the better. sound higher-pitched and reedier, speech, and 38 percent is the quality In fact, it’s not a bad idea to ask or thinner, to other people than of the voice. So if our words are a fellow club member to tape your they do to us. And for good reason. stirring and our images are strong, speeches now and then. Not only When we hear ourselves talk, the but we deliver our talk in a less- will you grow accustomed to how sound has traveled not only through than-pleasant voice, we may not be you sound, but you’ll also improve the air, but also through our bones communicating as well as we’d like. your speaking ability. And in time, into the inner ear, which gives it a And in a recording where there are you’ll become accustomed to your deeper pitch. But since the sound no visuals, tone takes center stage. voice so you can judge it more doesn’t reverberate through the Does this mean that we all need accurately. bones of our listeners, our voice to take voice lessons? Well, that isn’t As for me, I use a deeper voice sounds lighter to everyone else. a bad idea for anyone, but it’s usual- when I speak to groups and lighten This phenomenon becomes even ly not crucial. Instead, liking your up when talking one-on-one. more disconcerting when listening voice may simply be a question of Believe it or not, I’ve actually come to a recording of our voices. Unless adjusting your attitude. Think of it to appreciate my “distinctive” voice. the equipment is of extremely high this way. If your voice sounds thin- Just don’t ask me how I look on quality, we’re not only missing the ner and higher to others than it does camera! T impact of the bones on our voices, to you, remember: Everyone else is we’re also hearing the tinniness in the same boat. So in comparison, Caren S. Neile, Ph.D., ATM-S/CL, caused by a poor microphone you sound perfectly normal! directs the South Florida Storytelling and/or speakers. You might consider asking others Project at Florida Atlantic University Why should we care how we for their opinions about your voice. and is a member of the Boca Raton sound? Despite our highly visual Do they think it sounds pleasing? Is Toastmasters club.

February 2008 TOASTMASTER 29 HALLOFFAME

The following listings are arranged in numer- Gene Ann Hildreth 1334-77, Montgomery, Alabama 35 YEAR Rebecca Lee Yueh Hoon 5090-80, Singapore, Singapore Bootstrappers 2397-07, Salem, Oregon ical order by district and club number. Fernando Young 691812-80, Singapore, Singapore Abilene 1071-44, Abilene, Texas Mohawk 3597-60, Toronto, ON, Canada Taumarunui 2053-72, Taumarunui, New Zealand DTM Anniversaries Makati 1697-75, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, Philippines Congratulations to these Toastmasters February 2008 30 YEAR who have received the Distinguished Wordmasters 165-F, Seal Beach, California Toastmaster award, Toastmasters 70 YEAR Sensational Salesmen 417-F, Santa Ana (Tustin), California International’s highest recognition. Century 100-F, Westminster, California Talk of the Town 2917-10, Brookpark, Ohio Modoc 98-07, Klamath Falls, Oregon OKC PROS 3220-16, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Pioneer 97-26, Casper, Wyoming Club Dynamique De Laval 3604-61, Laval, QC, Canada Louis H. Altman 3645-1, Torrance, California Portage 3064-64, Portage La Prairie, MB, Canada Rochelle D. Hall 6072-1, Carson, California 65 YEAR Peninsula 1444-69, Redcliffe, QLD, Australia Gregg A. Cummings 7771-4, San Francisco, California Miles City 239-78, Miles City, Montana Randwick 3812-70, Sydney, NSW, Australia Linda Wolf 913434-5, San Diego, California Kenton J. De Motte 701931-8, Saint Louis, Missouri 60 YEAR 25 YEAR Susan E. Nelson 105-12, Redlands, California Magic City 572-77, Birmingham, Alabama Second Stage 3742-F, Irvine, California Darcy M. McNaboe 290-12, Grand Terrace, California Roller Toasters 4216-06, Minneapolis, Minnesota James Jackson 3723-15, Salt Lake City, Utah 55 YEAR Technical Talkers 1691-16, Bartlesville, Oklahoma Nita K. Patel 1615-16, Norman, Oklahoma Mainliners 1213-04, San Francisco, California Revelstoke 4050-21, Revelstoke, BC, Canada Linda Ann Israel 3031-16, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Blue Ox 1235-07, Portland, Oregon Riggs 3612-36, Washington, District of Columbia Linda Schaab 4869-21, Vernon, BC, Canada Nora 1183-11, Indianapolis, Indiana Treasure Chest 1245-42, Yorkton, SK, Canada Shirley Berry 9460-21, Surrey, BC, Canada Shelton 1236-32, Shelton, Washington Speaker’s Corner 4310-42, Regina, SK, Canada Scott Mochinski 7880-30, Chicago, Illinois West Hills 1249-40, Cincinnati, Ohio Bradenton 2449-47, Bradenton, Florida Mike W. Halawa 916266-30, Oak Brook, Illinois Freeport-Hempstead 1105-46, Freeport, New York Dramatically Speaking 1580-57, Oakland, California Claude J. Schilling 8852-35, Menomonie, Wisconsin 20/20 1385-64, Brandon, MB, Canada Joan Hepscher 6522-46, Freehold, New Jersey 50 YEAR CI Club 4228-64, Winnipeg, MB, Canada Jennifer L. Hoch 2604-50, Dallas, Texas Papago 2694-03, Tempe, Arizona Ai-King Ngui 6622-51, Kuching, SAR, Malaysia Gainesville 2520-14, Gainesville, Georgia 20 YEAR John D. Nilson 5522-52, Sherman Oaks, California Plant Industry Station 2627-36, Beltsville, Maryland Inland Valley Earlybirds 6836-12, Upland, California John T. Willison 3481-54, Freeport, Illinois Tanglewood 6850-25, Fort Worth, Texas Ronald Mueller 6140-56, Houston, Texas 45 YEAR Arvada Speak-Easy 6835-26, Arvada, Colorado Gloria T. Hume 4027-57, Walnut Creek, California Miracle Babies 2230-F, Irvine, California Star Performers 6839-26, Colorado Springs, Colorado Christine Levesque 5651-61, Québec, QC, Canada Saratoga 3572-04, Saratoga, California Unity IV 6838-28, Warren, Michigan Reid B. Weidman 1136-65, Rochester, New York Suitland Federal 3349-27, Suitland, Maryland Hi-Rise 6819-37, Raleigh, North Carolina Lois S. Cheney 7290-65, Towanda, Pennsylvania Arsenal 2264-38, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Folsom Intellects 6833-39, Folsom, California Dick Fu 2422-67, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Taiwan Guymon 1680-44, Guymon, Oklahoma Medical Center Speakers 6837-47, Miami, Florida Webster Kiang 844289-67, Taipei, Taiwan Breakfast Club 3581-62, Muskegon, Michigan Kuching 2936-51, Kuching, SAR, Malaysia Lewis Christopher Troman 2456-70, Wollongong, Miri 6832-51, Miri, SAR, Malaysia NSW, Australia 40 YEAR North Star 6826-65, Syracuse, New York Marjorie Hines 3186-70, Gosford City, NSW, Australia Pajaro Valley 2373-04, Watsonville, California City of Norfolk 6822-66, Norfolk, Virginia J. Cameron 7574-71, Glasgow, SCO, United Kingdom Capital Nevada 1813-39, Carson City, Nevada Articulate Speakers 6844-71, Dereham, Norfolk, Leonor L. Tebelin 7271-75, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines Skyline 3258-78, Rapid City, South Dakota United Kingdom

ou have the opportunity to continue Keep the Legacy Ythe legacy of our organization’s Alive! founder by contributing to the Ralph C. Smedley Memorial Fund. The fund is used to develop new and innovative education- The Ralph C. Smedley al and promotional materials, such as the Memorial Fund new DVD Welcome to Toastmasters. Contribute $26-$99 and receive a special TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL Toastmasters International paper weight. P.O. Box 9052 • Mission Viejo CA 92690-9052, U.S.A. Donors of $100 or more receive a special plaque and have their names permanently Contributions may be made via check, inscribed on a donor recognition plaque at money order, Visa, Mastercard, American World Headquarters. Every contributor is Express or Discover cards. If making an recognized in The Toastmaster magazine. honorary or memorial contribution, please Contributions are tax deductible. Your indicate the name and address of any per- support will result in more people learning, son(s) to whom acknowledgement should growing and achieving through Toastmas- be sent. Contribution forms are available Ralph C. Smedley ters. Contributions should be sent to: at members.toastmasters.org.

30 TOASTMASTER February 2008