Voices Is the Official Well Today Is the Very Best Day to Take Charge of Meaningful to You

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 JULY 2006 V O I C E S

D I S T R C 2 5 Earl Hill, DTM• District Governor 2006-2007 T O A S M E R

Seven Keys to Reaching for Success this year Earl Hill, DTM - District 25 Governor 2006-2007 Ever have those days when no matter what we 5. Visualize and write try, life seems to be a series of one step forward down how you desire to and two steps back? live successfully - think of the things that are Voices is the official Well today is the very best day to take charge of meaningful to you. publication of District 25, your life and develop strategies to achieve Things that give you serving Toastmasters personal success. We will need to work hard and pleasure, comfort, and throughout North Central make a commitment to our personal success fulfillment. Then being Texas. plan, but once we break the inertia we will find as specific as possible, write down how you that small achievements will help us gain want to live. Don't listen to any of the Inside this issue: momentum, and each step forward will negative, just concentrate. Write down every Are you getting all you can 2 attract more success. detail, where you live, what your house is like get out of Toastmasters? down to the decor. What you and your friends 1. Take a look at the one and only person are passionate about, what kinds of District Leadership Summit 2 responsible for your success - YOU. To be community projects do you donate your time and Staff Training successful you must take complete responsibility and money to. After writing everything down Marketing Hits the Ground 3 for your actions. You can't pin your success or copy the most vivid and important things into a Running! your shortcomings on anyone else. new journal. One you have chosen just for this.

2. Develop and nurture a successful self - Start Make the journal come to life with drawings, Presidential Visit to 3 photographs, magazine clippings, articles, and Toastmasters Anonymous by smiling more, look to the positive side in everything. Don't list all the reasons why poetry. Images and words that will help your Tips for Keeping Club 4 something is hard and you can't do it, find the vision of a successful life crystallize in your Members reasons even if it is only one to start with of why mind. Look through this journal several times you can do something. You must develop a a week. Every day visualizing living that life. The New Competent 5 successful persona to become a successful Make all of your actions in accordance with Leadership Manual that successful life. person.

Get WOW-D! 5 3. Make the decision today - Decide today that 6. Define what success means to you. Fall Conference 6 you will be successful. Praise your self for past Concentrate on what you are best at and what brings you satisfaction and fulfillment. Using District Calendar 7 accomplishments, take stock of your strong qualities and work to nurture and improve those your vision of how you want to live, write down New Website Launched 7 that are underdeveloped. You have a purpose and then read out loud what Reach for Success 8 and a mission you must sweep aside the success means to you. Otherwise you won t Spotlight Club July 2006 know when you have achieved it. negative clutter and define this purpose and Speaking Tips Presented 8 begin today to fulfill yourself. 7. Study and make the commitment - Read to United Way Volunteers 4. Always begin with the positive - every books and magazines about people who are successful in your eyes, and ways to become Everyone is Welcome! 9 morning you wake up, every time you speak with other people. Always stick with the positive. more successful. Develop a daily methodical Celebration of Associate with positive people. People who have systematic approach to reaching your goals Communications 9 and take one step towards your success. also made the commitment to success. Avoid Your 2006-2007 10 negative people at all costs. They will not only Keep your mind in the moment don't let it Leadership Team drag you down; their negative actions and wonder to negative discourse. Focus your thoughts, their pessimism, whining, and attention on your vision of success. With a District 25 Club Alignment 11 complaining is a toxin and you need to steer resolute attitude you are well on your way to for 2006-2007 Year clear of it. reaching for success not only in Toastmasters Stretch your Comfort Zone 12 but in life. Contests and Promotions 13 Voices July 2006 Are YOU getting out of Toastmasters ALL that YOU can get out of Toastmasters? Maurice Taitt, DTM – Lieutenant Governor Education and Training 2006-2007

As you become educated, you become encouraged; as you become encouraged, you become enriched and, as you become enriched you become EMPOWERED!!

How empowered do you want to be by June 30, 2007? Let me count a few of the ways....

• Stretch yourself...commit to an educational goal by June 30, that will require more effort than in the past

• Get yourself a copy of the new Competent Leader manual and start working on it immediately

• Be one of the first ten members to complete the new Competent Leader manual and get a limited edition SILVER Committed to Excellence pin

• Be one of the first ten members to complete your Competent Communicator manual and receive a limited edition Committed to Excellence pin

District Leadership Training Linda Richardson, DTM, PDG - District Training Chair 2006-2007 The 2006-2007 District Leadership team had the weekend of their life on May 19th and 20th. District 25 was the first to have 100% of the Area and Division Governors trained in Region III. Here is some of the feedback received from the 2006-2007 team:

“I walked into the leadership summit feeling rather frightened at the enormous responsibility I had agreed to embark on this year as an Area Governor. I was warmly greeted and escorted to my table where I had fellow Division E governors surrounding me. I found a binder with every single bit of information I will need to complete my job. The one thing that was reinforced over and over for us is the fact that we are not alone in this adventure. The fact is that we are a team and together we will succeed. The leadership summit was well organized. All of our major duties were discussed and explained so that we felt we could achieve every goal. I left the meeting knowing two things: I can do this job, and I have a supportive team I can reach out to for advice.” --Ana Garza, Area 52 Governor

“This Leadership Summit for the District Officers exceeded my expectations. The amount of material covered in these sessions as well as the information provided to us in the binder was extraordinary. All the presenters knew their material well and were receptive to receiving questions to clarify subject matter that was difficult to comprehend at times. One area I thought that could have been addressed and was not was how to select and prepare our assistants in the area of Member- ship, Training and Contests. In the past, when the previous Area governors asked me to assist them, the explanation of what was required was rather vague with the exception of doing the Area Contest and Division Contest a few years ago. However, this was the first training and when I read all the material provided to us for reference I will probably find the answers to my questions there.” —Kenny Wickline, Area 34 Governor

I am delighted to convey the June 2006 Leadership Summit was very informative and more importantly was a great bonding experience. I never knew people could be so nice with only a few hours of sleep! I truly enjoyed meeting more Toastmasters in one day than in the months we were Clubbin’! Where else can you learn to help others succeed while enjoying your time? At times I wish all my club members were present to learn…but I know all the new Area Governors will present the data for more of our club members to experience the motivational individual successes on their road to better speaking, communicating, and leadership. This is a benefit everyone should experience, and I am motivated to pass this information to others. Maybe next time I’ll sneak in members of my club, so they can experience the great motivational testimonials, too. I wanted to personally thank Linda and Robert for their time and effort in preparing and presenting such an informative summit. I appreciate the years of experience they shared with us. The information was relative and necessary to District 25 success, and I am humbled to be a part of the new area leadership. — Diana Pittman, Area 62 Governor Page 2 Voices July 2006 District 25 Toastmasters Marketing Team Hits the Ground Running! Randy Terrell, ATMB/CL – Lieutenant Governor Marketing 2006-2007

Fellow District 25 Toastmasters:

First, thank you for electing me at the Spring 2006 District Council meeting. I have met with the outgoing and outstanding Lt. Governor Marketing, Maurice Taitt, to turn over all club leads already in progress of chartering a new club. Every week I receive New Club Leads from Toastmasters International, as well as Club Members, Area Governors, Division Governors… just about everyone!

Currently in the pipeline are the following New Club Leads. • L-3 Communications, Waco • Hillwood Properties, Alliance • Tammy Foust (Community Club), Fort Worth • Cheryl Templeton (Community Club), Irving • La Quinta, Inc., Las Colinas • NCC, Las Colinas • Office Depot, Arlington

Come join the Marketing Team! Pre-Charter meetings are great fun! Plus, if you are missing that Club Sponsor, Club Mentor, or Club Coach (Specialist) goal to complete your Advanced Leader Silver (Advanced Leader), then you definitely want to serve the members of District 25 Toastmasters by joining the marketing team. We always have fun!

Marketing… It’s Everyone’s Job!

MARKETING TEAM KICK-OFF MEETING! Date: Sunday, July 30, 2006 Time: 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Location: Franklin Park at City View 6301 Overton Ridge Blvd Fort Worth, TX 76132 Room: 2nd Floor Arts & Crafts

Presidential Visit to Toastmasters Anonymous Louise Faircloth, DTM - District 25 Sergeant at Arms

Presidents Distinguished Club Toastmasters Anonymous #9595 had a special treat at the Region III Conference in Oklahoma City. The regularly scheduled club meeting was Sunday June 4th, the day after the Region conference ended. Most of the club members were in attendance at the conference so it was natural to have the meeting in Oklahoma City before the members returned home. The club was honored to have Toastmasters International President, Distinguished Toastmaster Dilip Abayasekara, attend the meeting and install the incoming 2006-2007 club officers. What a treat! His message to the members and guests in attendance was inspiring and uplifting. This was an experience the club will always treasure. Also in attendance were other Toastmasters from District 25 and a number of members from other Districts within Region III. Toastmasters Anonymous is an Advanced Toastmasters Club with open membership. The club meets the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sunday of every month at 2:00pm. Toastmasters Anonymous meets on the 2nd floor of Franklin Park at Cityview which is located at 6301 Overton Ridge Boulevard in Fort Worth. Additional photos from the Region Conference and information about the club can be found on the club website at www.toastmastersanonymous.org.

Page 3 Voices July 2006

Tips for Keeping Club Members MORE HOT TIPS

David McCallister, ATMG/CL - Division A Governor 2006-2007 • Keep in touch with absentee members by sending out a review of each meeting by e-mail. Have Fun! • Buy a classified ad in your local • Provide a club atmosphere where creativity is appreciated and paper. members can challenge the skills and abilities of themselves • Have club business cards made with your meeting date, location, and others without fear time, and a contact number. Pass • Fun + Education = Growth and Success them out everywhere. • Develop a mentor program. This Show Members You Care About Them will help encourage new members • Call or write to absent members to show them that they are- to keep involved with the program, valued by your club and will help long term members renew their enthusiasm. • Invite former members to return and visit the club to see old friends and discover • Run a Toastmaster ad in your how the club has progressed company newsletter. • Invite your boss to a club • Encourage members to seek out club and district leadership opportunities meeting. Provide Theme Nights and Varied Club Programming • Make a list of all the people you know who would benefit from • Have monthly or quarterly theme nights that vary from the regular agenda Toastmasters. Invite one person • Participate in Toastmasters speech contests from the list to each meeting. Ask them to join. • Have your entire club visit another local club • Have a procedure to follow up on Conduct Member Surveys new member leads. • Put a Toastmaster bumper • Find out what your club members are thinking about the club and its members sticker on your car. • Use a Toastmaster coffee mug at • Make your own survey or buy a printed version from Toastmasters International work.• Post brochures and flyers • Have entry surveys for incoming members and exit surveys for departing members— about your club at your local ensure that you are meeting the needs of all members library. • Post brochures and flyers about Begin a Club Mentor Program your club at local book stores, both • Use the Successful Club Series Module on Mentoring to set up a club mentoring new and used. • Invite a prospective member to program attend a conference with you. • Guiding new members ensure that they stay to become veteran members • Invite your family and friends to Encourage Manual Speeches attend a speech contest. • Have a guest book at your • The variety of 15 advanced manuals will help members to continuously challenge meetings, and ask each guest to themselves sign. Follow up with each guest by sending a thank you note and • The goal of obtaining an educational award will motivate members to stay in the club inviting them back to another Ask For Help meeting. • Offer to pick up a guest so you • Ask members to serve as club officers know that they will make the • Ask members to help set goals for the club meeting. • Read the Toastmaster magazine. • Ask members if they are happy with the way the club is operating This wonderful publication alone • Ask your Area Governor, Division Governor, or District Governor for help is worth the price of membership. • If a member has missed a couple of meeting, have someone drop them a note (or email). Even if you know why the members is gone (out of town, vacation, work commitment, etc.), the note may serve as a reminder that they are Find a Mistake? missed at the club and that the club is anxious for them to return. It is our policy to include something for everyone. Since some people like to find • Don't let a new member drop out after their icebreaker speech. errors, we regularly include a few in our publications to meet this need. Make sure they are put on the schedule again as soon as Please email: [email protected] possible. • Treat all guests warmly and make sure they are introduced to club officers and members. • Have a guest book, and ask guests to sign. Make sure you get Page 4 their name, address, phone, email, for follow up. Then be sure to follow up! Voices July 2006

The New Competent Leadership Manual THE TEN Toastmasters International launches new leadership development program LEADERSHIP PROJECTS: Have you seen the new COMPETENT LEADERSHIP manual, released in January 2006? It’s delightfully well designed. It offers 10 powerful, practical projects - the purpose of each is to build a 1. Listening and correlation to every learning opportunity we offer in our club Leadership programs. 2. Critical Thinking It is truly a lesson in leadership! 3. Giving Feedback Similar to the Toastmasters International Communication Manuals, each project in the COMPETENT LEADERSHIP booklet is focused, 4. Time Management purposeful, provides guidance and instruction on a different leadership quality or attribute, and requires feedback from a fellow 5. Planning and club member. Implementation

Best of all… none of the projects are onerous. 6. Organizing and Delegating Most of the project requirements are things we routinely do in our club meetings – such as serving as Toastmaster of the Day, or presenting a speech or an evaluation. What is really cool is 7. Developing that the listening, observing, and helping roles such as grammarian, timer and vote counter also Facilitation Skills get credit! 8. Motivating People Better yet, all of the Competent Leadership project requirements are things we do routinely in our club meetings or club programs – such as assisting club officers, supporting the a club 9. Mentoring website or newsletter, mentoring a new member – so it is completely tied to the club experience and will build stronger members and stronger clubs, too. 10. Team Building You know, I think I like this new Leadership Manual as much or more than the HPL Program for it will reach more people and will teach more people about the benefits of club participation and As with all first editions, there are the Toastmasters program. a few corrections required. Please Order your copy today and start working on the new COMPETENT LEADERSHIP award! check page 76 in your Leadership manual for these: Get WOW-D! Mary Feltman, DTM - Division D Governor, 2006-2007 PROJECT 3 has an extraneous X for Division D has been very busy getting WOW-D! Help to Organize a

As the end of the first month of this 2006-2007 term comes to an end, Club Speech Contest Division D is leading the way with having 100% of all officers trained. Training and Education Chairperson Tim Manson has 51% of all officers trained and PROJECT 4 missing still has one month of training to go. Heart of Texas Bridge Gappers (HOTBG) an X for SPEAKER #676842 in Area 41 and Cleburne #710987 in Area 43 already have all and an X for TIMER seven of their officers trained. They have established the standards at the highest…do it all at the beginning and get things done. WOW-D! PROJECT 5 missing an X for SPEAKER The first Division D-News has been sent out with the next issue already on its way. PRO Phyllis and an X for Renfrow gave us all the latest of what is happening in Division D. WOW-D! TOASTMASTER

Speaking of being in the know, already members of Division D are getting speeches ready and PROJECT 6 missing their table topics techniques down pat for the upcoming fall contest. This means get ready to sit an X for Help to back, laugh and listen to Division D’s WOW-D great speakers. WOW-D! Organize a Club As you can see, Division D is up for the challenge. Are you ready to get WOW-D by Division D? Speech Contest

Page 5 Voices July 2006

“Reaching Greater Heights” 2006 FALL CONFERENCE NOVEMBER 17-18, 2006 DALLAS MARRIOTT SOLANA 5 VILLAGE CIRCLE WESTLAKE, TX 76262 Pre-registration by October 26th—$95.00 with Special Guests... Advance Registration by November 4—$110.00 Registration after November 4—$115.00 Register online at www. d25toastmasters.org Hotel Reservations $89/night

CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS Shilah Phillips Jeff Crilley Miss Texas 2006 Emmy Award Winning Author International Director Visit and TV Personality Table Topics Speech Contest Humorous Speech Contests Guest Speakers Educational Sessions DTM Ceremony WANT TO SERVE ON THE FALL CONFERENCE COMMITTEE? Outstanding Officer Awards We are actively recruiting leaders and volunteers to fill critical Nightly Entertainment roles in the Fall Conference Committee. We need your help to Networking successfully program and make this event a success. Raffle Prizes Silent Auction Information will be posted on the website at District Business Meeting www.d25toastmasters.org. Keep in mind that serving as a committee chairperson can count as a High Performance Leadership Project (HPL). For more information, please contact Athena Seaton at [email protected].

You may also sign up to serve on the committee as a chair or volunteer on the website.

Page 6 Voices July 2006

Jul 2006 District 25 Calendar 2006-2007 Sep 2006

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat July 2006 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 1-31 Hold Area and Division Council Meetings 2345678 15 Toastmaster Leadership Summit – Dallas/Fort Worth 3456789 17 District Steering Committee Meeting 9 101112131415 30 District Marketing Committee Meeting 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 August 2006 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 1-31 Hold Area and Division Council Meetings 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Club Humorous and Table Topics Speech Contest 5 District Executive Committee Meeting and 30 31 12345 1234567 District Staff Training 15 Marketing Committee Meeting 21 District Steering Committee Meeting District 25 Public Relations Team Aug 2006 23-26 International Convention – Washington, D.C. 31 Last Day to have Club Officers trained and Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Public Relations Officer receive credit toward DCP 30 31 1 2345 Barbara Morris, DTM

6789101112 September 2006 1-30 Hold Area and Division Council Meetings 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Area Humorous and Table Topics Speech Contests Newsletter Editor 4 Labor Day 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Raun Shepherd, CTM/CL 18 District Steering Committee Meeting

27 28 29 30 31 12 20 Send Dues Semi-Annual Reports to International ONLINE 30 Last day to submit Dues Semi-Annual Reports Webmaster 3456789 ONLINE and receive credit for DCP Kim Cooper, CTM/CL

New District 25 Website Launched! Kimberly Cooper, Area 32 Governor and District Webmaster

If you haven’t already noticed, then I would say shame on you! Your District website should be one of the resources of information for your club. But for those of you that have noticed, what do you think?

You may have been caught by surprise with a completely new look to the site on July 4th or you may not have been surprised until you got back to work from your holiday. Either way, the new District 25 website has been an effort brought to you by one of your own.

Your new webmaster is Kim Cooper and she hails from Club #6572, Texas Wesleyan Spellbinders. (Insert Plug Here: www.twuspellbinders.org). She is an ATM-B/CL and has been in the organization for around 3 years. As an independent web designer, she has worked with a variety of clients, but none as big as Toastmasters. She only asks that you are patient with the sight as everyday it continues to be a work in progress.

Just to let you know, everything that is on the site is only a portion of what’s to come. Besides the new submissions from you that will be posted, other features are still in the making. Features such as the 'Find a Club' and 'Find Your Governor' search pages should help those inside and outside of the District for interested in joining District 25 or just interested in getting in touch with their leaders. Also planned is the new Download Center, which will give you the opportunity to download all resources that you could possibly need for Toastmasters. PDF files, PowerPoint files, images and other resources will be available for download for you to distribute via Toastmasters regulations.

Also keep in mind that all of your ideas and/or submissions are always accepted. Or course, be aware that some things must gain approval via the District Governor and the Public Relations Officer. Continue to send your thoughts to [email protected] and I will continue to be as open and understanding as I can. Not everyone is web-savvy, but I do understand the importance of having a web presence as a District and having a medium for your information as a club.

Now don’t take advantage of me and start asking me to come to your house to check on your DSL, but please be involved, be- cause when you think about it, it’s really your website and it’s represents what you stand for.

Page 7 Voices July 2006

REACH FOR SUCCESS SPOTLIGHT CLUB JULY 2006

President’s Distinguished Club Cowtown Toastmasters #5496 Area 11 - Division A

Chartered: November 1, 1987 Meeting Time: Every Monday @ 6:30 AM Membership Open to Everyone 2005-2006 Club Achievements Location: Westside Café 7950 Camp Bowie West 4 CTM Awards Fort Worth, Texas 76116 Website: www.cowtowntoastmasters.org 2 ATM Awards 2 CL Awards 8 New Members Launched Club website Launched Club Newsletter Spring 2006 Conference Club Sponsor All 7 Officers Trained Fall & Winter Talk Up Toastmasters Award Super 7 Club Award for Fall and Winter Five Star Club Award

President’s Distinguished Club

Members of Cowtown Toastmasters

Toastmasters Present Effective Speaking Tips to United Way Volunteers Five Division D Toastmasters spoke on topics related to becoming a better communicator to a group of about 50 people at the United Way of Waco-McLennan County’s Speakers Bureau training, held on July 13 in Waco.

The first speaker, Jan George, charter member of Baylor Orators Toastmasters, spoke to the audience on Speech Preparation. George, an Interior Designer at Baylor University, is a Competent Toastmaster and has completed 21 speeches.

Dr. Jerry Hutyra’s speech was titled “Effectively Acquiring the Listeners’ Interest.” Hutyra, Advanced Toastmasters – Bronze, has been a charter member of the Technically Speaking Toastmasters Club at TSTC Waco since June 2004. He is currently working on his Advanced Communicator – Silver and Competent Leader rating

Distinguished Toastmaster Carla Gibbs’ speech, “Taming the Monster,” addressed overcoming the common fear of public speaking. Gibbs has served as President, Vice President of Membership and Vice President of Public Relations of Early Bird Toastmasters Club in Waco. She sponsored the Baylor Orators Toastmaster Club at Baylor University and was awarded District 25 “Area Governor of the Year” in 2003.

Competent Toastmaster Jay Ehret’s speech focused on vocal variety. Ehret, owner and president of The Marketing Spot, is a member of the Early Birds Toastmaster Club in Waco.

The final speaker, Jeryl Hejl, taught the audience how to “Shake It” with her speech on correct handshaking etiquette. Hejl is a member of five of the nine leadership and communication Toastmasters International clubs in the Waco area, where she re- cently served as the Area 45 Governor. She is the current president for two Toastmasters clubs, the Baylor Orators Toastmas- ters and Early Birds Toastmasters Club of Waco.

Page 8 Voices July 2006

Everyone is Welcome! Toni Hendrick, ATMG/CL - Division F Governor, 2006-2007

Please take time out of your busy schedules to attend one of the upcoming Officer training programs. Whether you are a member or a newly elected officer, there is something for you at the next Toast- masters Leadership Summit (TLS) or at one of the upcoming Division Officer Training sessions.

Division F leads the District by having the highest percentage of officers trained – can we hold onto the lead? I say, “YES”. CONGRATULATIONS! to the Division F clubs who have already met DCP requirements by having at least 4 officers trained: Top of Texas, Toast of Texas, Aegonizers, Mid-Cities Evening, UD Toastmasters, Flagship, Ryan Plaza, Arlington Nooners and EDS-Trinity.

Who doesn’t love a picnic? The Division F Officer Training will be held Saturday, July 29th from 10 am until 2 pm at the Ascension Point Condominiums in Arlington, TX. EVERYONE is welcome! We will train for the first two hours and socialize the last two. Please bring a covered dish and share the joys of getting to know others in District 25. Games and activities will be provided for family and friends during training and throughout the event.

One of the blessings of Toastmasters is to meet new people and make friends that will impact your life. This has made such a difference for me and I would like to share this same opportunity with YOU. You can be as active as you’d like to be; the possi- bilities are endless. If no one has asked for your assistance, take the initiative and volunteer yourself. I hope to see you at the next TM function. Best wishes while you “Reach for Success” this year and always.

FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY!

Celebration of Communications Sponsored by the Denton Toastmasters Club Golden Triangle Mall Denton, TX

Would you love to spread the word about Toastmasters in the North Texas area?

Consider assisting the Denton Toastmasters Celebration of Communications at the Golden Triangle Mall, Denton, Texas on Saturday, July 29 (At the corner of I-35 east and Loop 288)

We plan to begin setting up our equipment around 9:00 a.m.

We will begin giving speeches, evaluations, and table topics at 10:00 a.m. (limit one speech credit per day by Toastmasters International)

We plan to stop around 5:30.

Nine VHS tapes of World Championship Contest will be shown to demonstrate Toastmaster speeches.

Denton Toastmasters will bring a TV, VCR, ice chest full of water, 450 flyers, 225 TI magazines, a map of all Toastmaster clubs within 22 miles of Denton, and a lot of energy to this presentation.

Looking for 2-3 volunteers per hour for this presentation to provide speeches, evaluations, answer Table Top- ics questions, and answer questions on SpeechCraft, Youth Leadership, and any other questions visitors ask.

Ron Clark, DTM is gathering a list of volunteers with a final schedule. Any help would be appreciated.

If you plan to attend, please bring any material from your club that you would like to pass out, and come loaded with a great smile. We estimate we may need as many as 300 copies of your presentations.

This may turn out into a great membership growth program for all clubs in the North Texas area.

If you are interested in helping out, please contact [email protected] Page 9 Voices July 2006

Your 2006-2007 Leadership Team

Earl Hill Maurice Taitt Randy Terrell District 25 Governor Lt. Gov. Education & Training Lt. Gov. Marketing

David McCallister Jeannette Litherland Kelli McDuff Division A Governor Division B Governor Division C Governor

Mary Feltman Marcheta Gardner Toni Hendrick Division D Governor Division E Governor Division F Governor

Page 10 Voices July 2006 DISTRICT 25 TOASTMASTERS CLUB ALIGNMENT FOR 2006-2007 At the May 2006 Spring Conference business meeting, members holding proxies representing the District 25 Council, referred the club and area alignment for 2006-2007 back to the realignment committee for further consideration.

The realignment committee met and a proposed 2006-2007 alignment was submitted to Toastmasters International for approval. Toastmasters International accepted the submitted District 25 alignment. Copies of the approved alignment were available at the July 15 Leadership Summit. The current alignment accepted and approved by Toastmasters International is posted to the District 25 Website and is available to the general membership at www.d25toastmasters.org. DIVISION A DIVISION B DIVISION C AREA 11 AREA 21 AREA 31 349 Plus Two 629 629 1728 Arlington 4354 Dynmasters 1415 Plymouth Park 6530 United Communicators 5496 Cowtown 3365 Irving 6850 North Arlington 6191 Afterburners 4542 Holt CAT Communicators 633836 Professional Excellence 808279 ATD Toastmasters 7784 Motor St. Motor Mouths AREA 12 AREA 22 AREA 32 305 Wichita Falls 4225 Shining Stars 760 “T” Toasters 4231 Vernon College 4567 VHA 825 Top Notch Toastmasters - TNT 5558 Sheppard Communicators 9672 A.C.E. 2275 Westside Toastmasters 6040 Eye Openers 593906 SkyMasters 6567 Improvisers 6572 Texas Wesleyan Spellbinders AREA 13 AREA 23 AREA 33 2008 Quicksilver Express 4109 Advancing Speakers 2971 Reveille 4355 Fighter Enterprise 6497 Phi Rappa Yappa 5555 TCU 4963 Weatherford 7502 Successful Speakers 6402 Do-Gooder Hill 9916 LM Aerospeakers 8954 Early Birds 8474 First Command 841748 Toast of Countrywide 727543 Toastvesters 783227 Fort Worth Bilingual Club AREA 14 Area 24 AREA 34 2975 BNSF 1630 Caremark Advance Articulators 2564 Energizers 5718 Motorola 2278 Microsoft 3178 Longhorn 6102 FAA 8857 What-a-Speakers 8451 RadioShack 591399 EFW 771978 Connection Communicators 9565 Federal Center 879088 BNSF Expressed 610029 Cresmasters 918987 Fossil Creek Toastmasters 897575 Star-Telegram AREA 15 Area 25 AREA 35 4236 Southlake Evening 2868 TECCOR Talkers 1184 Expressionaires 4987 Southlake 3006 Oration Plus 4538 Power Communicators 5537 Airport 5148 Effective Mortgage Communicators 7407 Pro A.M. Toastmasters 621025 Keller Communicators 8055 Las Colinas Communicators 586017 Dream CHASErs 678422 ToastStop 799727 Texas Toasters 823161 Toast of the Town Contest season is coming!

This fall, District 25 will host two contests: Humorous Speech and Table Topics. Clubs should begin holding their contests in August. They must be complete by September 1st. Area Contests begin September 7th, and Division Contests begin October 27th. If you have any questions about contest rules, need templates for contest materials, or have other contest-related questions, contact District Contest Quality Chair Cindy Breaman at [email protected].

Page 11 Voices July 2006 DISTRICT 25 TOASTMASTERS CLUB ALIGNMENT FOR 2006-2007 (cont.) DIVISION D DIVISION E DIVISION F AREA 41 AREA 51 AREA 61 1286 Lone Star 420 North Texas 989 Mid-Cities Evening 5590 Big T 3055 Denton 5788 Top of Texas Toastmasters 6866 Scott & White 9108 SpeechMasters 6031 Toast of Texas 676840 Angels in White 782494 South Wise Toastmasters 9646 Aegonizers 692498 Texas Stars 768318 Speaking with Class AREA 42 AREA 52 AREA 62 2348 Waco Tale Twisters 3692 Lakeside 3536 Young Street Yappers 7351 Fish Pond 4137 Lewisville 3655 McMasters 638381 Huck Fastenators 752502 Re/Max 6338 TV Toastmasters 676842 H.O.T. Bridge Gappers 761119 Manna Toastmasters 783455 MED Talkers 628601 UD Toastmasters AREA 43 AREA 53 AREA 63 3546 Waco Early Birds 4794 First Horizon Speakers 4370 Flagship 7277 Baylor Orators 5922 Nissan 5213 Ryan Plaza 7882 Sí Se Puede Toastmasters 6017 Talk Blue 5297 Golden Triangle 586423 Masonic Family 6411 Inner Voice 7514 Arlington Nooners 676852 Technically Speaking 6951 TAC Toasters AREA 44 AREA 54 AREA 64 3671 Verbal Eyes 114 Shared Communicators 2476 Mid-Cities Noontime 4369 Dino-Speakers 746 Solana Classic 5286 Plane Talk 706449 Burleson Toastmasters 633 Tech Talkers 6810 Bell Helicopter 710987 Cleburne Club 9984 Show Stoppers 7694 EDS- Trinity 733879 McKesson ServiceFirst 643446 Flying Toasters AREA 45 AREA 55 AREA 65 Lora Ward 3084 Christian Speakers 7266 Communicators of the WORD 2047 Toast of the Southwest 3925 Eye Can 7274 Unique Toastmasters 2209 AAFES 9595 Toastmasters Anonymous 8507 House Speakers 6332 Grand Prairie 744722 Fort Worth Trailblazers 778421 Lake Vista Toastmasters 7160 Civic Orators 727136 Northwood

Stre-e-e-e-tch Your Comfort Zone - Again! Kelli McDuff, ATMS/CL - Division C Governor, 2006-2007 Why did you join Toastmasters? What was going on in your life at that time that finally led you to even think about getting up in front of a room full of strangers and, potentially at least, making a complete fool out of yourself? That’s the question. What’s your answer? Very often we hear something like this: needed to get ready for a big meeting; giving a toast at a wedding; tired of always running to hide from the spotlight at work; enjoy giving presentations; tired of making excuses to avoid being called on or speaking at meetings; or, need to move ahead in career or personal life. Well, here’s the next question: Have you reached that goal? Did you increase your Comfort Zone by giving some Toastmaster manual speeches or by answering a few Table Topics questions? If so, you may be tempted to stay put. I mean, why risk making a fool of yourself again, especially when it’s so pleasant and easy to just sit and listen to others? The answer is that life is not static. Even though you’ve grown, you’re probably not fully content with how far you’ve come or where you are. You still want to grow happier, greater, more successful, more confident and more skilled. That’s what I like about Toastmasters meetings. We come together for self improvement and to help others with their challenges. If you haven’t been to a meeting in some time, come again. You’ll find it inspiring. And if you do attend regularly but have been putting off the next manual speech, sign up to stretch your Comfort Zone once more. Your fellow Toastmasters will be there to lend a helping hand. Yes, it’s hard to get going again. But somewhere inside you is someone who wants more.

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DISTRICT 25 MARKETING PRESENTS District 25 TOASTMASTERS IS THE Promotions Sponsor the most New Members in July and win a $50 Best Buy Gift Card!

Terms and Conditions: • Contest is open to individuals that are active members of a District 25 Toastmasters Club, a legal resident of the 50 United States, and 18 years of age or older. • Must sign up a minimum of 5 members to qualify for a chance to win the $50 Best Buy Gift Card. • New members are defined as brand-new Toastmasters. Dual, Transfer, and Reinstated members do not count. • Members of the Marketing Team and District Executive Committee are not eligible to win, but are strongly encouraged to participate. This includes Top 7, Division Governors and Area Governors. • New Members must be submitted to Toastmasters International and processed by July 31 to qualify. S U S P U E P Is your Toastmasters Club a SUPER 7 Club? R E R R Each club that has all 7 officers trained in the Fall or Winter will receive the Super 7 Award 7 RED ribbon to proudly hang on the club banner. 7 All 7 Each club that has all 7 officers trained in the Fall AND Winter will receive the Super 7 Award Officers All 7 BLUE ribbon to proudly hang on the club banner. Trained Officers Trained 2006--2007

2006--2007

GOLDEN GAVEL AWARD

Does your club have well-run, lively, and educational meetings that meet the needs of your members? If so, you may qualify for the prestigious Golden Gavel Award. The Golden Gavel Award is a patch which can be sewn on the club banner. It can be awarded only once every six month term to a club.

Are you Committed to Excellence?

Show your commitment by being one of the first 10 members to complete the new Competent Leader manual or one of the first 10 members to complete your Competent Communicator and receive a limited edition SILVER Committed to Excellence Lapel Pin.

Adopt A Club!

Adopt a Club and help to reach 20 members by June 30, 2007. Successful Clubs receive a $100 Toastmasters Store Gift Certificate and an exclusive Satin Ribbon for the Club Banner. For a list of eligible clubs to adopt, visit www.d25toastmasters.org.

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