TOASTMASTER® www.toastmasters.org JUNE 2012

16 LESSONS IN 22 HOW TO MODERATE 27 THE CRITICISM EVALUATING A PANEL DISCUSSION SANDWICH MUSIC TO MY EARS How music expresses what we cannot say. Page 8 TOASTMASTER® VIEWPOINT PUBLISHER Daniel Rex MANAGING EDITOR Suzanne Frey SENIOR EDITOR Paul Sterman JUNIOR WRITER Jennie Harris EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Michelle Tyler ART DIRECTION Susan Campbell GRAPHIC DESIGN Deidre Gaffney READY FOR SHOW TIME? TI OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS Do you remember the first time you Founder Dr. Ralph C. Smedley (1878-1965) visited your Toastmasters club? What 2011-2012 OFFICERS International President Michael Notaro, DTM did you see, feel and hear? First Alameda, California, USA International President-elect John Lau, DTM impressions often last. Experts tell us Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia First Vice President George Yen, DTM first impressions are formed within Taipei, Taiwan Second Vice President Mohammed Murad, DTM 30 seconds of entering a meeting room. Dubai, United Arab Emirates Immediate Past President Pat Johnson, DTM Successful clubs instantly radiate a friendly, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada professional atmosphere. However, a guest Executive Director Daniel Rex Mission Viejo, California who walks into a chaotic, disorganized Secretary-Treasurer Sally Newell Cohen Mission Viejo, California club meeting may never return.

Imagine attending a Broadway theater 2011-2012 DIRECTORS production. The curtains part and the James Sultan, DTM David Hollingshead, DTM Kirkland, Washington Jacksonville, Florida performance begins. Much to your ASSIGNED TO REGION 1 ASSIGNED TO REGION 8 Kevin Doyle, DTM Wendy Harding, DTM surprise, a stage crew is still moving props Honolulu, Hawaii Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada around. Actors arrive late, looking for their ASSIGNED TO REGION 2 ASSIGNED TO REGION 9 David McCallister, DTM Roberta Perry, DTM costumes. The producer is talking on a cell phone. The audience is shocked Fort Worth, Texas Los Angeles, California ASSIGNED TO REGION 3 ASSIGNED TO REGION 10 and quickly leaves the auditorium. Jacquie Schnider, DTM George Thomas, DTM Calgary, Alberta, Canada Doha, Qatar Is your club ready for show time? Many clubs squander their opportuni- ASSIGNED TO REGION 4 ASSIGNED TO REGION 11 ties to make a good first impression. If an event is worth doing, it is worth Andrew Little, DTM Mike Storkey, DTM New Berlin, Wisconsin Airlie Beach, Queensland, Australia doing well. Early preparation, communication and teamwork are crucial to ASSIGNED TO REGION 5 ASSIGNED TO REGION 12 Gina Cook, DTM Balraj Arunasalam, DTM success. Here are four keys to making your club shine at show time: Kanata, Ontario, Canada Colombo, Sri Lanka ASSIGNED TO REGION 6 ASSIGNED TO REGION 13 4 Advance Communication. Connect via email and phone to rally club Viki Kinsman, DTM Christine Temblique, DTM Oakton, Virginia Meycauayan, Philippines members, confirm participants and locate substitutes before each meeting. ASSIGNED TO REGION 7 ASSIGNED TO REGION 14 Communicate early and often, and confirm the next meeting’s agenda as soon as the current one is over. TOASTMASTERS 4 Create an Agenda. A simple agenda sets clear time expectations, keeps INTERNATIONAL P.O. Box 9052 • Mission Viejo, CA 92690 U.S.A. the meeting on track and creates accountability for all participants. 949-858-8255 • Fax: 949-858-1207 Voicemail: 949-835-1300 Meetings without an agenda are a prescription for disaster. www.toastmasters.org/Members 4 Meeting Room Preparation. A messy room indicates a disorganized CONTACTING WORLD HEADQUARTERS meeting. Work with the club sergeant at arms to ensure the room is set up For information on joining (with chairs, desks, banner, gavel, guestbook, timer, forms and ribbons) or building a club, visit: www.toastmasters.org at least 30 minutes before show time. Article submission: [email protected] Letters to the Editor: [email protected] 4 Meet Before the Meeting. The Toastmaster meets with participants To change address, log in to: www.toastmasters.org/members 30 minutes before show time to confirm speakers and introductions, make substitutions and finalize the program. The TOASTMASTER Magazine (ISSN 00408263) is published monthly by Toastmasters International, Inc., 23182 Arroyo Vista, Rancho Santa Margarita, Our Toastmasters brand is on display at every club meeting, and attendees CA 92688, U.S.A. Periodicals postage paid at Mission Viejo, CA and additional mailing office. POSTMASTER: Send address change to The TOASTMASTER deserve an organized, professional program. Starting well is half the battle. Magazine, P.O. Box 9052, Mission Viejo, CA 92690, U.S.A. Published to promote the ideas and goals of Toastmasters International, a nonprofit educational organization of clubs throughout the worlddedicated to Putting your best foot forward requires preparation and effort, but it is teaching skills in public speaking and leadership. Members’ subscriptions are included in the $36 semi-annual dues. worth it. A club ready for show time becomes a magnet for growth. Members The official publication of Toastmasters International carries authorized notices and articles regarding the activities and interests of the organization, but take pride in their achievements and success builds on success. You learn it responsibility is not assumed for the opinions of the authors of other articles. The TOASTMASTER magazine does not endorse or guarantee the products T it advertises. all at Toastmasters, where leaders are made. Copyright 2012 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 Mexico. Printed in U.S.A.

MICHAEL NOTARO, DTM International President

WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE 2 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE www.toastmasters.org

viewpoint-June.indd 2 5/4/12 10:34 AM TABLE OF CONTENTS

June 2012 Volume 78, No. 6 DEPARTMENTS VIEWPOINT: READY 2 FOR SHOW TIME? BY MICHAEL NOTARO, DTM International President

LETTERS 4 MY TURN: SAVING

5 THE WEDDING DAY How my speaking skills rescued my son’s big day. BY SHARON K. WEAVER, CC

AROUND THE GLOBE 6 8 PROFILE: TARA MILLER: 12 LACKING SIGHT, BUT NOT VISION Legally blind photographer captures sensational images. BY JULIE BAWDEN-DAVIS NEWS FROM TI: 26 OFFICIAL NOTICE OF VOTE Your 2012-2013 Officer and Director Candidates. LOOKING AT LANGUAGE: 16 22 27 THE SCRUPULOUS SANDWICH APPROACH How to dish out a satisfying evaluation. BY JENNY BARANICK FEATURES Q&A: FAYE DUNN, ACB, ALB: MUSIC TO MY EARS 28 OVERCOMING BOUNDARIES 8 Melodies and emotion transport us to a place Auditor learns new language where logic and language can’t take us. and skills in her adopted country. BY RUTH NASRULLAH, CC

BY MARY NESFIELD NOTEWORTHY POINTS ON EVALUATING FUNNY YOU SHOULD SAY THAT: 16 A visit to a Beijing club leads to a valuable lesson.

30 THEY’RE PLAYING OUR SONG BY COLLEEN PLIMPTON, ACB A saccharine explosion of lyrics. WHEN YOU ARE A PANEL MODERATOR BY JOHN CADLEY How to facilitate an engaging discussion. 22 THE TRAVELING TOASTMASTER BY CHRISTINE CLAPP, DTM 31 ARTICLES

Since 1924, Toastmasters International has been recognized as the leading organization WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS dedicated to communication and leadership skill development. Through its worldwide 14 How I set goals and made new network of clubs, each week Toastmasters helps more than a quarter million men and women friends at the Convention. of every ethnicity, education level and profession build their competence in communication so they can gain the confidence to lead others. BY JACKIE KLOOSTERBOER, CC By regularly giving speeches, gaining feedback, leading teams and guiding others to achieve EVALUATIONS MAKE AN IMPACT their goals, leaders emerge. They learn to tell their stories. They listen and answer. They plan and lead. They give feedback — and accept it. They find their path to leadership. 20 Sometimes your feedback is even more valuable than you know. Toastmasters International. Where Leaders Are Made. BY JEAN BAILEY ROBOR, DTM TOASTMASTER JUNE 2012 3

3 TOC 06.12.indd 3 5/4/12 1:23 PM LETTERS TO THE toastmaster

“ ‘Are You a Copyright Criminal?’ by Ellen M. Kozak (March) sets out in simple terms a law which applies, with slight variations, across the world.” Bob Finch, DTM Camulodunum Speakers Colchester, United Kingdom

Speaking of Trainers in Toastmaster magazine. “Are You or other choices that may be inspired I’ve just received my Toastmaster a Copyright Criminal?” by Ellen M. by the theme, to give members a better magazine, and as soon as I turned Kozak (March) sets out in simple terms chance to use it. the cover, I saw the article “From a law which applies, with slight varia- Whenever we pick a word to use, Speaker to Trainer” by Beth Black tions, across the world. With the mem- we should ask whether we’ve picked it (March). I have just handed in my bership of Toastmasters International to best express ourselves to others, or notice at my full-time work to be- including business people, members just to impress ourselves and others. come a speaker and trainer (a scary of churches and charities, and many Gerald Fleischmann, DTM prospect but a very exciting one), authors, the information given is vital, Orange Upon A Time Toastmasters and the article really made me think both when preparing speeches and in Orange, California even more about my audience, how I the daily lives of members. can get the best out of them and how Bob Finch, DTM Amazing Marilyn! I can continually meet their needs. Camulodunum Speakers Marilyn Wilson, the subject of the It’s actually reduced my fear as I Colchester, United Kingdom “Member Profile” by Julie Bawden- realized training is not about me, it’s Davis in the March 2012 Toastmaster, about the participants — the people A Civil Issue is truly a lifter of the soul. Reading I’m trying to help. I am dismayed to find the front cover about Marilyn’s determination, en- Kerry Needs of your March Toastmaster magazine, thusiasm, unselfishness and resulting Manchester Orators Toastmasters featuring an article by Ellen M. Kozak, accomplishments should give all of us Manchester, United Kingdom headlined “Are You a Copyright Crim- hope that we too can be more than inal?” It is disproportionate, almost what others think of us. Professional Help offensively so, to use the term “crimi- Ron McOlin, ACS, ALB Thank you, Christine Clapp, for your nal” in relation to misuse of copyright. Lakeside Speakers article “The Language of Lawyers” Copyright misuse should be considered Dallas, Texas (February). When I was vice president a civil issue and still is in some more public relations for my club, I did a enlightened jurisdictions. Warmer Welcomes good job of recruiting new members John Priest Congratulations to the young hoteliers through events, but I always struggled Silver Service Toastmasters for their commitment to introduce to demonstrate to professionals the Auckland, New Zealand Toastmasters to the global hospitality value of Toastmasters. This article industry, and thank you, Jack Vincent, has provided me with an arsenal of Express or Impress? for highlighting their efforts (“Service information to work with. Anu Garg’s article, “Picking the Right with a Smile,” March). Andrew Staicer, CC, CL Word” (March), pointed out several A service professional is the one who Palomar Airport Toastmasters good practices for doing just that, anticipates customers’ needs and expec- Carlsbad, California and for avoiding the opposite. I was tations. Communication and listening surprised that he didn’t mention the skills are vital to achieving such goals, Legal Lessons possibility of picking a word that tied and Toastmasters can help. in with a club meeting’s theme. So if After 22 years of membership I have Pak Peter (retired hotelier), CTM, CL just read what I consider to be the the theme is taxes, one might consider YMCA of Ipoh Toastmasters most important article I have ever seen selecting “income,” “onerous,” “equalizer” Ipoh, Malaysia

4 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE MY TURN

SAviNg ThE WEddiNg dAy How my speaking skills rescued my son’s big day. As fill-in officiant Sharon Weaver looks on, By Sharon K. Weaver, CC her son Frank removes the wedding rings attached to the vest of his dog, Sugar. ittle did I know that when place for the remainder of the cere- present in my mind: Stand up straight, I joined Toastmasters, it would mony. Never in my life had I imagined make eye contact, be appropriate for Lgive me the opportunity of a presiding at a wedding, let alone my the occasion, know your audience. lifetime. It happened quite by accident, own son’s. I was offered the incredible Even now, I’m amazed at the com- at my son Frank’s wedding. I proudly honor of pronouncing my son and fort I felt speaking before 50 future watched my son’s face fill with tender- future daughter-in-law husband and extended-family members whom ness as he said his vows to his bride, wife! Would I be able to do it? I had only known for a few days! Crystal, in front of the guests assembled Then it dawned on me. Frank would Thankfully, it wasn’t until I pro- at a beautiful resort in the Oregon not have asked me to do this if he didn’t nounced Frank and Crystal “husband mountains. The sweltering August heat think I was capable. I thought about my and wife” that my emotions got the didn’t seem to bother the couple as they work in Toastmasters over the last few better of me and tears of joy spilled stood in the gazebo, their bridesmaids years and realized it had prepared me from my eyes. Even so, my new rela- and groomsmen attending on either for such an important moment. tives kindly praised my efforts. side in their satin dresses and tuxedos. The celebrant gave me the wedding The celebrant recovered from her It was time. I stood up to take my book and I stood before the guests. fainting spell and was able to oversee son’s dog, Sugar, to the back. The plan Unsure of myself at first, I began in a the signing of the marriage certificate. was to release Sugar so she could deliver normal tone of voice. Right away, I The next day she sent me an email: the wedding rings attached to her dog- realized no one beyond the first row “Congrats on your first wedding!” gie vest. As I knelt to release Sugar’s or two could hear me. I increased This unexpected experience opened leash, I heard a collective intake of my volume and projected my voice, up a whole new world for me, that of breath. Looking up, I saw the woman remembering the mantra at meetings: ceremonial officiant and lay minister. celebrant lying across the steps of the Project! Project! Project! Presiding at my son’s wedding was a gazebo, passed out from the heat. Although the celebrant had given first for me, but not my last. That’s Immediately, my training as a nurse me the script, stepping in on the spot the beauty of keeping speaking skills kicked in. I handed the dog off to my was similar to winging it in Table Top- in your hip pocket. You never know husband and assessed the delicate ics. My club practice paid off, and I when they will be needed, or even woman. She revived within minutes, felt comfortable speaking off the cuff. when they will lead to a new voca- insisting she was not injured; yet it In addition, giving manual speeches tion. Thank you, Toastmasters! T was obvious she was not up to per- helped me maintain my comfort level. is a forming the rest of the ceremony. As More than anything else, I am grate- Sharon K. Weaver, CC, RN, BSN, member of the Desert Basin club I tended to her, I wondered if Frank ful for the constructive criticism my in Alamogordo, New Mexico. A and Crystal’s hopes for a beautiful fellow Desert Basin Toastmasters of hospice nurse, artist and pub- wedding would be dashed. Alamogordo, New Mexico, provided lic speaker, she can be reached It was at this moment that Frank at every meeting. While I conducted at [email protected]. asked if I would take the celebrant’s the ceremony, their words were ever- TOASTMASTER JUNE 2012 5 AROUND THE GLOBE

WHAT DO YOU SAY WHEN … INTERNATIONAL INTERPRETATIONS A MEMBER IS BEING RUDE? Members from the Walla Walla club in Walla Walla, Washington, respond: BOWING TO CUSTOMS “Explain to the offending member [in private] how they are being obnoxious. Stay calm while you talk to the person. Explain how this behavior is hurting others. Then give the offending member a chance to succeed.” — CARL BRENNEISE, CC “I would ask the member if they know the difference between an annoying dog and an obnoxious dog. I would suggest the difference is ‘how deep the dog sinks his teeth into you.’ The basic difference is feelings. We all have different levels of feelings and reactions to what others say and do. Always allow the person to save face during any subsequent discussion.” –– ALLEN APLASS

Congratulations to the Walla Walla club on its 75-year anniversary! A bow is the traditional greeting used in East Asia. Bending at SNAPSHOT the waist, eyes downward, with hands to the side (for men), or with hands clasped in front (for women), expresses greeting, gratitude, humility, respect or remorse. Generally, a longer and deeper bow expresses more respect than a brief, shallow one. “The tradition of bowing is so complex that many Japanese attend classes in the proper protocol of the bow,” says Terri Morrison, author of Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands. If you’re an international visitor, “a polite attempt to bow in greeting will Chaitanya Garg, Heena Garg, CC, Joan Kumar and Roland Sirisinghe, four be appreciated by your Asian medical doctors from Spectrum Toastmasters club in Ras Al Khaimah hosts. If you’re the subordinate (RAK), United Arab Emirates, participated in the RAK Half Marathon. in the relationship, bow lower.” “We always advise our patients on physical fitness,” says Chaitanya. “What better way than testing our own endurance?”

BOTTOM LINE Let’s Get Social Member Facts Talk Schmalk Follow, join and “like” Toastmasters on The average Toastmaster is “The single biggest problem social networking sites to be part 45 years old; more than 25 in communication is the of the international community. percent are age 18 to 34. Fifty-two illusion that it has taken www.toastmasters.org/socialnetworking percent are female; forty-eight place.” percent are male. — Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw

6 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

6-7 Around the Globe-June.indd 6 5/4/12 11:53 AM PRESENTATION TIP MEMBER MOMENT MARKETING WITH PASSION CHECK YOURSELF BEFORE YOU WRECK YOUR SPEECH Romanthi Fernando, CC, of Have you ever sat through a pre- Colombo, Sri Lanka, loves that sentation where you couldn’t fo- her career in marketing gives cus on the message because you her an opportunity to meet new were distracted by the speaker? people and provide them with Before you walk up to the podium solutions. Fernando studied for your next speech, review this marketing at Bangalore University checklist to ensure the audience and is a member of the Chartered focuses on your message. Institute of Marketing (CIM). As vice president public relations at • TURN OFF YOUR PHONE. CIM Toastmasters, Fernando says Romanthi Fernando Nothing is worse than a phone Toastmasters has helped her become ringing during your dramatic more assertive. pause, interrupting your presentation. How has Toastmasters helped you in your profession? • REMOVE NOISY JEWELRY. In my presentation skills, confidence, voice projection and variation, and informal A loose watch, funky earrings communication. But more importantly, Toastmasters has helped me to accept or elegant cuff links look great, criticism. Because marketing is a field where no one [gives you] a pat on your back, but they may create an un- we need to be able to adjust to what stakeholders say. Before joining Toastmasters, intended soundtrack to your I used to get offended. Toastmasters has helped me to adapt, and to address the speech. concern behind a disappointment, which I believe has made me a better leader. • TAKE OFF WORK BADGES. Leave work paraphernalia Why did you become VPPR? at your seat. The role gives me the perfect opportunity to network. Writing is also my passion, • CLEAN YOUR EYEGLASSES. so I enjoy writing press releases, biographies and articles. Eye contact and facial expres- What is your club like? sions should never be clouded by smudgy lenses. It’s very friendly and united, and our team spirit is amazingly motivating. For me, CIM Toastmasters is my home and family. Our meetings are held in a very profes- Room- • TAKE A SIP OF WATER. sional manner, as a result of having had a series of presidents who are Chartered temperature water moistens your Marketers [so they are] precise in discipline, conduct and leadership. throat for a smooth speech. Reach Romanthi Fernando at [email protected].

Convention Countdown: So Hungry You Can Taste It! While in Orlando for the International Convention, savor some flavors from the Caribbean islands, Latin America, Cuba and the U.S. South. Florida is a melting pot of delicious dishes where you can indulge in frog legs, alligator stew, conch fritters (pronounced “konk”) and a slice of key lime pie. Remember to register and make travel plans — the convention is only two months away! www.toastmasters.org/convention TOASTMASTER JUNE 2012 7

6-7 Around the Globe-June.indd 7 5/3/12 8:45 AM MUSIC TO MY EARS Melodies and emotion transport us to a place where logic and language can’t take us.

By Ruth Nasrullah, CC

f you’re a fan of late-night Jose, California, has witnessed this is having an impact on an audience’s American television, you may have phenomenon all over the world, hav- emotions: “When I look out and see Iseen the Saturday Night Live skit ing entertained passengers on cruise all those shining eyes in the audience, in which a group of office workers ships throughout the Far East as well I know we’ve created magic.” He can have a good cry to “Someone Like as audiences close to his home. He sense where the musical highs and You,” a simple song of heartbreak knows how the complex sounds of lows affect everyone in a concert hall, whose rendering by British pop singer some instruments can evoke detailed including those who are playing the Adele brings the employees to cathar- recollections. instruments. “You can’t play great mu- tic tears. The humor is that the song is “When I play at retirement commu- sic until your heart has been broken,” a sort of guilty pleasure that each one nities, I try to play requests. A classic Zander is quoted as saying. secretly indulges in until “caught” by like [the Debussy piano suite] ‘Clair de the next person; eventually everyone, Lune’ — people love it, they remember Techniques Trigger Emotions So how do musicians arouse such powerful responses? As noted earlier, “Music may come as close as we can get it takes more than lyrics to move the to expressing what we cannot say.” audience. Certain musical techniques are just about guaranteed to evoke emotions in the listener. In any genre, including the window-washer and the playing it or maybe their mother or specific chords — particular notes cameramen, are sobbing. father played it,” says Van Horne, a played together — stir certain feelings. The skit is funny because, like member of Switch-On Toastmasters in To put it simply, songs in a major most comedy, it parodies something San Jose. “I think music is basically a key, such as “Happy Birthday,” are that is human nature — in this case, memory of something from the past, cheerful, while songs in a minor key, how music wields a powerful pull and piano has a wonderful way to such as the Beatles’ “Yesterday,” are on our emotions. Had Adele recited bring memories from the past because sad. Even small children have an the song’s lyrics without music, they it’s like a little orchestra.” instinctive ability to identify “sad” might have been beautiful, but they Bluegrass musician — and Toast- versus “happy” songs. wouldn’t have had the same effect. master magazine columnist — John John Powell, author of How Music Just as birds twitter and coyotes howl, Cadley concurs. “[Songs] can be Works: The Science and Psychology people are naturally influenced by the powerful as a communication tool be- of Beautiful Sounds, From Beethoven communication of music. cause while we may often forget facts to the Beatles and Beyond, describes Think about your favorite movie. and specifics, we always remember chords as “confident majors and Chances are good that you recall a musi- the feelings that were associated with emotional minors.” He also discusses cal theme as well as the plot. Films such them,” he says. “That’s why a song how a faster or slower speed, rising as Doctor Zhivago, Midnight Cowboy can evoke memories long forgotten.” or falling melody, and higher or lower and The Godfather would be far less Benjamin Zander, conductor of the volume, influence how we perceive moving without their musical scores. Boston Philharmonic Orchestra and a music. These musical elements are Robert Van Horne, ACS, CL, a popular speaker, described in a 2008 like letters, words, sentences and musician and songwriter from San TED talk how he knows if his music paragraphs. 8 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE TOASTMASTER JUNE 2012 9 FROM SONG TO SPEECH How to make your message more musical. By Beth Black, CC In This is Your Brain on Music, Musicians use many techniques to author Daniel J. Levitin discusses communicate emotion, including another evocative use of musical notes: the octave, a series of eight controlling speed and adding extra tones forming musical intervals. The notes. Additionally, a tune with LaShunda Rundles, 2008 first two notes of the wistful song a solid melody can lodge itself in World Champion of Public “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” are a listener’s memory. Do you want Speaking, used several an octave apart. Levitin says of the your speeches to hold the same techniques — including octave’s universal appeal: singing — to make her “It is so important that, in spite power? Try these three tips to add speech resonate. of the large differences that exist virtuosity to your next speech: between musical cultures — between 4Rubato Indian, Balinese, European, Middle Eastern, Chinese, and so on — every When making a particular point, a savvy speaker might slow culture we know of has the octave down at the end of a sentence to accent the message in the as the basis for its music, even if it final words. For example, try this sentence a couple of ways: has little else in common with other “My sister was healthy throughout her teens, until illness stole musical traditions.” her freedom.” Try reading the second half of the sentence more slowly and see if it adds impact. Do you find your tone The Impact of Instruments Techniques in playing instruments dropping as well? The emotion is packed into the speed and also impact us. One example is tone of your words. On the other hand, you might speed up a vibrato, in which the musician phrase in order to distinguish it from a slower, more emotional pushes and pulls on the strings of an line that follows. instrument such as a guitar or violin to create a more dramatic sound; 4Vibrato another is rubato, in which the When a musician holds a note for a while and you hear that musician selectively skips notes and vibration, don’t you feel the emotion behind the melody just alters the pace, which if done well a touch more? You can do the same with words by carefully makes a melody dramatic, romantic and — well, if it’s done right you modulating your voice when needed. Some Toastmasters will feel moved. World Champions of Public Speaking have used this technique “Ornamental notes” in singing — when touching on a poignant moment in a story. The voice those extra notes not carrying the trembles slightly. The emotion is conveyed. What’s more, the melody — also augment the mood sense that the moment is still very real for the speaker is also imparted by a song. John Sloboda, a professor of music psychology conveyed. This increases the power by making it personal. at London’s Guildhall School of 4Appoggiatura Music and Drama, specializes in researching the emotional experience While it’s important to stay focused on your message, of music. In a 1991 study, he sometimes you can add one or two choice “ornamental” found that the greatest emotional words for emphasis. Such grace notes can embellish the impact in a song comes from the details of a story with more flavor. Example: “He towered appoggiatura, basically an extra over me the way a statue overlooks little scampering squirrels note that often clashes slightly with the note next to it. This creates the in the park.” You may not need “scampering” to express the kind of tension and release found size difference, but it connotes a sense of playfulness that can by other music psychologists to suggest related concepts. heighten the listener’s emotional response. (A recent Wall Street

10 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE Journal article explored Adele’s use distinctive mix of the banjo, fiddle Wiegand belongs to a Spanish- of appoggiaturas as a factor in her and mandolin also serve to create only club, Toastmasters en Español songs’ emotive power.) the easily identifiable sound of in Union City, New Jersey, which is bluegrass. “Bluegrass has even been open to anyone, whether a native Communicating by Genre called sad songs played to happy Spanish speaker or someone who just Different genres and styles demon- music,” explains Cadley. wants to learn by immersion. She is strate different aspects of musical the club’s vice president education but communication. In the jazz form, Toastmasters Speaking and Music also describes herself as its “musical communication occurs not just be- Cathy Wiegand, a Toastmaster for director.” She even wrote an “anthem” tween listeners and musicians but also 20 years, is a singer, songwriter and for the club in Spanish. among the members of an ensemble. keyboard player. She has recorded During a jazz performance each band several albums and performs at When Music Is Mystical member enjoys an opportunity to im- various venues in New York, New As Cadley asserts, there is a spiritual provise solo. Coalescing the improvi- Jersey and Pennsylvania. The aspect of music that transcends finger- sation portions with the main melody Hopewell, New Jersey, resident tapping and guitar chords. “All the requires good, clear communication draws a comparison between her mystics in every religion speak of going among musicians, sometimes even Toastmasters experience and her beyond language and words to ‘find with just a nod of the head. musical career. God,’” he says. “Music may come as close as we can get to expressing [what] “A faster or slower speed, rising or falling we cannot say but which is neverthe- melody, and higher or lower volume, less more real to our human experience than the things we can put into words. influence how we perceive music. These “It has the power to transport us musical elements are like letters, words, to a place where logic and reason and language can’t take us.” sentences and paragraphs.” Edward Sarath is a performer, composer and music professor at the “Jazz musicians definitely commu- “Writing music, in a way, would University of Michigan. He designed the nicate with each other during per- probably parallel a prepared speech, university’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in Jazz formances. That’s part of the magic,” although it could be like a Table and Contemplative Studies and is director says Noal Cohen, a jazz historian Topic,” she says. “You can write ex- of its Program in Creativity and Con- from Montclair, New Jersey. Cohen temporaneously and sometimes there sciousness Studies, both of which explore notes that technical perfection is not a are songs that come out in three to the link between music and spirituality. requirement for audiences to experi- five minutes and they’re done.” Notably, in his work he finds evidence ence that magic. Robert Van Horne also sees of music as a spiritual experience across “Billie Holiday certainly never similarities between his Toastmasters multiple faiths and cultures. had an opera singer’s voice but she experience and musical endeavors. Making music and responding to its communicated strongly with listen- “Toastmasters has allowed me to sound is hard-wired in all of us, just as ers because there was such pain and sit up in front of an audience and spoken language is. As public speakers, raw emotion in her vocalizations,” speak,” he says. “Up until I joined we make the most of opportunities to says Cohen. “The same could be said I was afraid to do that. I could sit connect and communicate, and we’d of Lester Young’s saxophone playing. down at the piano or sing, but ask do well to explore how music express- Communication is an essential part of me to speak into a microphone… .” es aspects of the human condition. It is a jazz performance.” Van Horne says Toastmasters truly an international language. T John Cadley describes bluegrass has also impacted his music writing. a member as a form of music that developed as “You have to learn to create what Ruth Nasrullah, CC, of the Boeing Toastmasters club a hybrid of upbeat Irish and Scottish you’re going to say. You have to in Houston, Texas, is a freelance songs mixed with American blues. search for the right word that will writer and blogger. Contact her As such, it blends despairing “blues give you the best feeling for communi- at [email protected]. notes” with an upbeat tempo. The cation to the audience,” he says. TOASTMASTER JUNE 2012 11 MEMBER PRoFiLE

Tara Miller: LAcking SigHt, But not ViSion Legally blind photographer captures sensational images.

By Julie Bawden-Davis

ara Miller pays no mind worked as a professional food Developing Speaking Skills to what people think of her photographer since 2008. When Miller gained fame for her Tmethods. Relying on her senses “Because I am blind, I go about cap- award-winning photo last year, she of smell and hearing, the legally blind turing photos differently than sighted realized she needed to improve her commercial photographer does what people, and that gives my pictures a public speaking skills. “I was required it takes to chase the perfect picture, different perspective,” says Miller. to do radio interviews, and I never felt including crawling along the ground She and her son and husband, both comfortable,” she says. Her husband or waiting for lightening to strike. of whom are sighted, go out storm- found Toastmasters and suggested they “If people ask what I’m doing, I say chasing during the summertime, which both join, and today they belong to the I’m trying to get a creative shot,” says is when she captured the sunflower- Key Club in Winnipeg. “I’ve enjoyed the constructive criti- cism in Toastmasters, and I’ve learned “As a chef depends on smell and taste, I rely to make eye contact with people and to on my hearing and smell when I take photos.” gesture,” she says. “Before Toastmasters, I stood petrified with my hands clasped or played with the podium. Now I con- the Toastmaster, who lives in Win- field photo. “As a chef depends on nect with the audience.” nipeg, Manitoba, Canada. “I can’t see smell and taste, I rely on my hearing Miller also appreciates the club’s people’s faces anyway, so their reac- and smell when I take photos,” ex- accepting atmosphere. “I was bullied tions really don’t matter.” plains Miller. “I hear the wing flapping as a child because of my disability, Miller has less than 10 percent of geese, and I know they fly in circles, and even as an adult I sometimes feel vision. Born with vision problems and when rain is about to fall, I can people’s discomfort with me. The club brought on by congenital rubella smell the changes in the air and feel gives all positive energy, which is a syndrome (German measles) prior to the humidity rise.” breath of fresh air. Members are com- birth, she lost most of her sight by She can see with a small spot in pletely honest and don’t feel they have age 16. While the concept of taking her left eye, which helps with close-up to be nicer [to me] because I’m blind.” photos without sight seems infeasible, shots, but she has no night vision or Fellow club member Barb Bayer, Miller illustrates that it is not only depth perception. And unless someone DTM, lauds Miller’s attitude and possible — it can create exceptional tells her, she doesn’t know what her improvement. “Tara is much more results. She won several awards in photos look like until she gets back to confident in her ability to deliver a 2011 for her photo “Fortuitous Twi- the studio, where she enlarges her pic- speech. She never complains about light,” which shows a sunflower field tures by 400 percent on the computer her disability and always has a during a lightning storm, and she has screen so she can view them. positive attitude.” 12 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, CANADA

4Tara Miller, with her award-winning photo “Fortuitous Twilight” on the screen behind her, has less than 10 percent vision and must enlarge her photos by 400 percent on the computer screen to see them.

A Long Wait Her father, Werner Becker, was a food photography. Over the years, Miller fell in love with photography professional artist and encouraged she’s learned the skill of the camera, in junior high school, before she lost her love of art. One of the skills she such as getting the right depth of field.” her sight completely. “I had to give it learned during those years that makes Miller and her husband volunteer up once I could no longer see,” she her photos compelling is the use of for Agriculture in the Classroom- says. Then in 2008, during a family unusual perspectives. Manitoba Inc., an organization that vacation to Hawaii, her husband, Jeff, “I learned from my father how to fosters an interest in agriculture. photographed an orchid and enlarged shade shapes depending on where the Johanne Ross, the organization’s execu- the image to the point where she sun is located, which makes things tive director, speaks admiringly of Tara’s could see it. It reignited a spark in her. three-dimensional and more lifelike,” photographs. “She follows her heart “Being able to see photos, includ- she says. Miller often approaches when taking a picture, which is why ing details like dew on a blade of objects from various angles until she the resulting images are so soulful.” grass, was so exciting and changed gets the desired effect. Boosted by her Toastmasters everything for me,” says Miller, who “When it comes to composition, training, Miller regularly speaks in immediately bought herself a camera. it’s almost to Tara’s advantage that public about her experience as a blind At the time, her husband had made she can’t see well,” says photographer photographer. a career change and was studying Joe Kerr, a mentor and the owner of “If you have a passion for something, photography, so they decided to open Pixels 2.1 Gallery in Winnipeg, which like I do for photography, limitations are a commercial studio together. The does custom fine art printing. “Ac- merely a roadblock,” she notes. “My couple operates the Winnipeg-based cording to the basics of composition, vision loss was a negative that I turned 100 Acre Woods Photography. if you blur an image by squinting, you into a positive. You can overcome any “Jeff taught me to memorize can determine if it’s right,” he says. obstacle to fulfill your dreams.” T the settings on the camera and the lights,” says Miller, who excels at Animals in Art To learn more about Tara Miller lighting objects to make them three- Kerr recalls a photo of a moose that and see her photos, visit dimensional by using math skills Miller recently brought in for pro- 100acrewoodsphotography.com. involving 90- and 45-degree angles. cessing. “Tara captured the moose Her shots are often artistic, a result at Jacques-Cartier Lake [in Quebec] Julie Bawden-Davis is a freelance of studying art as a child. standing knee-deep in water,” he says. writer based in Southern California Miller spent her early years, be- “Tara camped there for two days and and a longtime contributor to the fore the congenital rubella-induced patiently waited until the right mo- Toastmaster. You can reach her at glaucoma took nearly all of her sight, ment, which resulted in a real beauty [email protected]. immersed in drawing and painting. of a photo. She does equally well with

Photo by Jeff Miller/© Jeff Miller TOASTMASTER JUNE 2012 13 Past International President Pat Johnson WHAt HAppEnS in VEgAS How I set goals and made new friends at the 2011 convention.

By Jackie Kloosterboer, CC

y lifelong dream has would have been an easy one to make, carried the flag proudly. Walking close been to become an awesome but I struggled with it. After much delib- behind her was Pat Johnson, Toastmas- Mpublic speaker. Five years eration, I decided to go. Before I knew it, ters’ 2010-2011 International Presi- ago, I joined Quay Speakers Toastmas- I was boarding a plane to Las Vegas for dent and a resident of Victoria, British ters club in North Vancouver, British a journey that would change my life. Columbia, Canada. The audience Columbia, Canada, to help me realize I have attended many opening erupted into hearty applause and even this dream. As an emergency planner ceremonies over the years, but few were louder cheering as delegates carrying with the city of Vancouver, my posi- like the one held at the Las Vegas con- the Canadian and U.S. flags made their tion involves a significant amount of vention. It started with a parade of flags way to the front of the room. The pride public speaking, and I often address presented in alphabetical order. The I felt for Canada was unbelievable — it large groups of people in a variety of cheering as the flags entered the room brought tears to my eyes. situations. Without Toastmasters, this gave me goose bumps. When it was would not have been possible. time for the Canadian flag to appear, I Selecting Education Sessions Last year, the Toastmasters Inter- looked in vain for it. Suddenly, toward Thinking about where I wanted to national Convention was held in Las the end of the parade, it appeared: go with my own speaking career, I Vegas, Nevada — my favorite city. You Canadian Toastmaster (and this year’s decided to attend Johnny Campbell’s would think that my decision to attend convention presenter) Paddy Kennedy session on the Accredited Speaker

14 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE process. After hearing his suggestions, that these speakers could have been improve my own speaking. The I immediately sent myself an email: any of my fellow Toastmasters — or convention came to a close with “Update my goals; become an Accred- even me! With hard work, dedication, the President’s Dinner Dance. Luck ited Speaker within three years.” determination and the support of stayed on my side, as I had yet I also was looking forward to the fellow Toastmasters, any member has another date with the same man! Toastmasters International Speech the potential to reach this level. On the flight back home, I contem- Contest Semifinals. Mustapha Lansana, I had seen Angela Louie, DTM, a plated what the convention experi- ACB, CL, from my home district, was speaker from my district, compete ence had meant to me. It’s not true competing. I found a seat, looked in previous speech contests. So later that “what happens in Vegas stays in beside me and saw there was an empty that day, I watched her give her final Vegas,” as the saying goes. What hap- chair; beside the empty chair was a speech in pursuit of the Accredited pened in Vegas will stay with me for- good-looking man. As we watched Speaker designation. It made me think ever. My decision to attend this event Mustapha onstage, I thought back to twice about the hard work and prepa- changed my life, and it continues to the time in Vancouver when he beat a ration needed to earn that title. After do so — in so many good ways. I am confident that I will become a bet- “While watching, I realized that these ter speaker and a better leader. And I now have a new and exciting goal to speakers could have been any of my fellow work toward: becoming an Accred- Toastmasters — or even me!” ited Speaker. Additionally, by sitting in that chair at the Semifinals, I met contestant from my club. Mustapha her presentation, I sent another email someone who is now an important was very good at that time, and he home: Revise goal: Practice hard — part of my life. deserved to win, but the amazing part practice really hard — to become an Who knows what the 2012 about watching him at the Semifinals Accredited Speaker. International Convention in Orlando, was realizing how much better he had Florida, will bring. But you can be become. For me, Mustapha demon- A Dinner Date sure of one thing: I will be there — strated how the Toastmasters program That evening was the Golden Gavel and I hope you will be, too. T works and how our participation in dinner. I was in Vegas and luck was Jackie Kloosterboer, CC, belongs it makes us all better speakers. When with me — I had a date with the to Quay Speakers and Just Pros Mustapha concluded his speech, I handsome man who had been sitting How I set goals and made Toastmasters clubs, both in British turned to the good-looking man beside near me during the Semifinals! Columbia. She is an expert in the me and said with pride, “He’s from my Saturday’s World Championship new friends at the 2011 convention. field of emergency preparedness and district — I evaluated him.” of Public Speaking was sensational. the author of the book Plan for the The speeches really were the best Watching the speakers gave me Worst. Reach her at [email protected]. of the best. While watching, I realized so many ideas about how I could

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14-15 Kloosterboer/Vegas Convention.indd 15 5/4/12 10:38 AM 16 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE NOTEWORTHY POINTS ON EVALUATING A visit to a Beijing club leads to a valuable lesson.

By Colleen Plimpton, ACB

ccompaniedccompanied by by my my daughter,daughter, I glanced up over my shoulder for your opportunity by obtaining the I strolled into the amphithe- at my daughter, a tiny figure in the speech information well in advance. A ater-like room where Beijing’s midst of an audience of several hun- Read about the manual project the China Capital Toastmasters club dred. She gave me a jaunty thumbs- person will be delivering; review was about to convene. I introduced up, and off I went to meet the young the speech objectives as well as the myself to the club president as a visit- woman I was to evaluate. evaluation guide for that project; talk ing Toastmaster from America. He What did I learn that day? to the speaker about the goals he is promptly asked if I was interested in Because I made an impromptu hoping to achieve; and, finally, have being an evaluator for the club Speech decision to deliver my evaluation extra paper on which to record your Contest that day. What? All I had without notes, I learned more than thoughts during the speech. wanted to do was experience a club I ever anticipated. In addition, consider perusing the Toastmasters publications The Art of “A persuasive short critique makes the difference Effective Evaluation (Item 251) — a seminar-style program — and Evaluate between a ho-hum evaluation and one that to Motivate (Item 292), part of The exhorts the speaker to new challenges.” Successful Club Series. Both are avail- able at www.toastmasters.org/shop. When the speaker approaches the meeting in the faraway city where Evaluators Benefit, Too podium, attend to him with your eyes, my daughter lived. Evaluations, you see, are not benefi- ears and other senses. Watch how he Drawing a stabilizing breath, I cial solely for the presenter. They are moves, initiates his speech and segues smiled and nodded. Yes, I would also a powerful tool for the evaluator, from the introduction to the body evaluate. The president returned my because an evaluation is an oppor- and conclusion. Observe the impact smile, settled me in the front row, tunity to deliver a succinct speech the speech has on you. Take concise handed me the rules and moved on — ideally, without notes. To give a notes. A template can be of assistance to other duties. successful evaluation, you must be — perhaps simple plus and minus The room hummed with activity quick-thinking, accurate, observant columns on a blank piece of paper. and anticipation while I, sputtering and and sensitive. It is difficult to accom- An acronym is also helpful in recall- stalling, eyed the proffered rating sheet plish this sans notes, but not impos- ing salient points. I like to use the and rapidly considered my options. sible. And it is certainly an undertak- three “C’s”: Content, Comportment Would there be a language barrier? ing that will help produce a superior and Conclusion. This enables me to Would I make a fool of myself while speaker, evaluator and all-around gauge the speaker on speech mate- informally representing the United Toastmaster. rial (did it hang together, did it flow States of America? I had to admit, Here’s how to do it: well?); demeanor, manner and posture however, that I was intrigued. I could First and foremost, relish the oc- (did she appear confident, did she en- do this … it would certainly stretch casion while accepting that your first gage the audience with her gestures?); my skills and it might even persuade obligation is to the speaker; your role and how well she wrapped things up my daughter to join Toastmasters! is to help him or her improve. Prepare (did she refer back to the opening?). TOASTMASTER JUNE 2012 17 Aiming for No Notes ful evaluation. This requires seat-of- Delivering a verbal evaluation It is common for members of the-pants organization, which is good without notes requires listening with advanced Toastmasters clubs to practice for every Toastmaster. the “third ear” — listening beyond deliver evaluations without referring the basic level — to catch speech to notes, but this can be an objective 4Focus: In the Competent Com- nuances. for all Toastmasters. For instance, munication (CC) manual, focus is 4Visual aids: Most evaluations Pat Nelson, DTM, of Wild Rose referred to as “Getting to the Point.” need no visual aids, but if the Advanced Toastmasters in Edmonton, Again, with a limited time frame, the speaker has employed them, it’s Alberta, Canada, recommends jotting evaluator has a restricted palette of easy to comment on their usage, down impressive or unusually creative topics upon which to expound, so thus adding to the pertinence of the aspects of the speech, as well as concentrate on the most pertinent evaluation. interesting word usage and portions details. Assess and review during the that can be enhanced. She then speech. Sift through the verbiage, ges- 4Persuasion: A persuasive short circles the most significant points and tures and emotion to locate the most critique makes the difference commits them to memory. relevant nuggets and concentrate on between a ho-hum evaluation and As you face the audience to pro- these highlights and low lights. If one that exhorts the speaker to new vide your evaluation, remember this amplification is necessary, chat with challenges. Use your skills to deliver is your chance to deliver a dynamic the speaker after the meeting. the best message possible. 4Inspiration: Be sure to mention “Diplomacy is a critical skill in both life and if the speaker inspired you, or if her Toastmasters, and there is no better way to words are likely to result in some learn it than employing a ‘velvet hammer’ action by you. I like to mention when I learn something new, in your evaluation.” and perhaps how I will use that knowledge. short speech. Grab the audience’s 4Vocal Variety: Commenting on attention with an opening question, vocal variation gives you the opportu- 4Tact: Diplomacy is a critical skill in such as “Did you notice how ….?” Or nity to emulate the speaker, especially both life and Toastmasters, and there is draw a comparison. I opened a recent if she has employed good range. If no better way to learn it than employ- evaluation by comparing the speaker not, show her how by raising, lower- ing a “velvet hammer” in your evalua- to the “Big E,” an annual fair in Mas- ing and modulating your voice. tion. Area 53 Governor John Steinbach, sachusetts. I segued into the “E’s” that ACS, says he avoids “whitewashing” 4Gestures: Highlight your evalua- the speaker demonstrated and I had problems in a speech — glossing over tion by echoing the speaker’s gestures them — but he is always encouraging memorized from my notes: Enthusi- and footwork. Address how those to the speaker. Steinbach, a member asm, Entertainment and Education. It actions applied to the speech. If she of the Voices of Williamsburg club in was then a simple matter to pull out used gestures you admire, let the Williamsburg, Virginia, stresses that the relevant parts of his speech. club know. If, on the other hand, she it is important to share less-obvious Naturally, the first few evaluations needed more movement, demonstrate points that need improving; however, without a paper crutch (i.e., notes) appropriately. are nerve-wracking, but all you re- he takes into account the experience of ally have to do is recall the speech’s 4Listening: Gail Palermo, ACG, the speaker, tending to be more detailed highlights. Other components will be CL, a longtime member of the with someone working in an advanced listed on the evaluation guide. Barnum Square Toastmasters in manual than with a new Toastmaster Bethel, Connecticut, has given many working in the CC manual. If you employ this note-less, evaluations and says that her listening Carol Cichorski, CC, formerly of short-speech approach, you will hone skills have improved as a result. the Aon Glenview Toastmasters club several crucial Toastmasters skills: Everyone listens differently, she notes, in Glenview, Illinois, agrees that a 4Organization: You have a mere and thereby each evaluator offers “smile sheet” isn’t going to cut it. two to three minutes to deliver a help- the speaker a unique perspective. She says the key to a good evaluation 18 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE is to respect the speaker and deliver their work is indispensable to their Oh, and that speech contest praise with aplomb and constructive livelihood and is one reason so many in Beijing? My snap decision to criticism with grace. join and remain in Toastmasters. evaluate without notes was my first attempt at that particular 4Self-evaluation. Don’t forget to Enter the Evaluation contests. undertaking, but the bright red evaluate yourself. What did you leave There are few better ways of improv- first-prize ribbon I received solidified out that should have remained? Were ing your skills than participating in my hunch that I was on the correct you clear in giving the speaker your and observing others perform in these track to improvement. From that best assessment of his speech? To competitions. Whether at the club day forward I have never again used make sure, ask the speaker after the level or beyond, you will learn “the notes to deliver an evaluation. T meeting. Take notes for the next time. good, the bad and the ugly” of the evaluation process. Here are a few more road signs on Colleen Plimpton, ACB, is a Evaluation, especially without member of the Barnum Square the highway to becoming a better notes, may not be everyone’s favorite evaluator: club in Bethel, Connecticut. A Toastmasters role. But it is funda- professional writer, coach and Don’t be reluctant to evaluate mental to helping others as well as lecturer on gardening, her most skilled speakers. Every ourselves become better Toastmas- recent book is Mentors in the Toastmaster, at every level, can learn ters. By stretching our skill set and Garden of Life. Reach her at from the evaluation process. In fact, evaluating off the cuff we help one colleenplimpton.com. for professional speakers, improving another to advance.

TOASTMASTER JUNE 2012 19 EvALuAtionS MAkE An iMpAct Sometimes your feedback is even more valuable than you know.

By Jean Bailey Robor, DTM

ne evening about eight she began to see that this was a place challenged to hone their evaluation years ago, a timid young wom- where she could grow. skills, and they will provide you with O an slipped quietly into a Toast- First impressions matter. If your valuable feedback when it’s your turn masters meeting and sat in the back row. members provide useful and encourag- to take the stage. Learning to give a Having endured a difficult time in her ing speaker evaluations, then your club great evaluation is much like learning personal life, she wanted to rebuild her is leaving positive and lasting impres- to be a great speaker: It comes with confidence and learn public speaking. So sions with visitors. Providing effective practice. Try these four steps to boost there the woman sat, wondering if this feedback helps speakers improve their your skills: Toastmasters club could help her. When skills and it shows your guests what she saw the evaluation portion of the they can gain by joining your club. Remember to give value. Your meeting — the positive and encouraging When you set a high evaluation feedback becomes valuable to speak- feedback that each speaker received — standard, club members will be ers when you offer specific tips on how 20 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE they can best connect with their apply this skill in advantageous ways Greensboro, North Carolina, offers audiences. Look for qualities listed for prosperous results,” he adds. this advice if you find yourself having in the Competent Communication Here’s one good way to ensure difficulty with evaluating: “Never manual, such as speech organiza- your verbal feedback is organized: As evaluate the speech as a speaker eval- tion, word choice, sentence structure, you listen to a speech, divide a sheet uating another speaker. Evaluate as a body language, vocal variety, eye of paper into three sections: member of the audience and how you contact, use of visual aids, and use 4 The Good received the speech.” In other words, of or lack of notes. What about the 4 Improvement Points your opinions are valid whether you speaker’s facial expressions? If the 4 Summary are a well-seasoned speaker or a new speaker’s goal was to inspire, did you Sectioning your notes will help you Toastmaster. Often, new members are feel inspired? If the goal was to per- sort and select the points you want to intimidated when asked to evaluate suade, were you persuaded? Notice make during the evaluation portion of the best speaker in the club. However, what worked and what didn’t. your Toastmasters meeting. if you put yourself in the place of an audience member, you’ll notice what Organize your verbal evaluation. Conclude with a punch! In your the speaker did well and what skills One of the reasons the Toastmas- verbal feedback, be sure to wrap it he can improve upon. When you real- ters program is so successful is that up with something memorable. The ize that, and provide genuine, valuable evaluators provide immediate verbal last part of an effective evaluation feedback, then new and well-seasoned feedback. While they are not speeches, should summarize your suggestions speakers alike will thank you for it. “A Toastmasters club without “Never evaluate the speech as a speaker effective evaluations is like a school evaluating another speaker. Evaluate as with no tests,” says Sharon Anita Hill, DTM, past District 37 governor a member of the audience and how you and president of Sharon Hill Interna- received the speech.” tional, a business-etiquette training company. “Early speech evalua- such evaluations should be organized to help the speaker’s next speech be tions are the baseline for [a speaker’s] in a way that helps the speaker pro- even stronger. The conclusion should improvement and growth. Advanced cess the information. not only be informative but encour- speech evaluations keep the speaker’s Evaluators who deliver well- aging. Help the speakers realize that mind and techniques fresh.” organized feedback not only help they have what it takes to make As for that shy young woman speakers to improve, they also help their next speech even more power- who slipped into the back row of a themselves, especially professionally. ful. Challenge them to apply your Toastmasters meeting? That was me. Angel Guerrero, a member of Triad suggestions. For instance, “You really Through encouraging and effec- Toastmasters in Greensboro, North connected with me emotionally when tive evaluations, I have grown as a Carolina, and owner of AS Web Pros, your voice dropped to a whisper; to communicator and a leader. When an Internet business-support com- make your next speech even more you and your club members deliver pany, says evaluating speakers has powerful, I suggest incorporating valuable evaluations, you may even helped him in business. a pause before you deliver such an change a life. T “Evaluation training in my club impactful statement.” and in speech contests has allowed Keep it real. When you are Jean Bailey Robor, DTM, me to be an expert at listening and genuine in your evaluations, your is a member of Burlington observation,” says Guerrero, the club members will take your Toastmasters club in Burlington, 2009 District 37 Evaluation Contest suggestions to heart; they will North Carolina, and an award- champion. know they are receiving good, solid winning author, professional “There is no question that in my feedback when you evaluate. They’ll speaker and 2010 District 37 day-to-day leadership responsibilities know you are helping them grow. Evaluation Contest champion. as a member of the community and as Bryant Pergerson, DTM, a member Learn more at jeanbaileyrobor.com. a business owner, I have been able to of the Blue Moon Toastmasters in TOASTMASTER JUNE 2012 21 22 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE WhEn yOu ARE A PAnEl MOdERATOR How to facilitate an engaging discussion.

By Christine Clapp, DTM

im Becker, an information 2. Select participants: Along with for questions from the audience, as technology director who has the right topic, select the right panel- well as answers from and exchanges Jspent years moderating panels as ists to ensure a packed event. Invite among panelists. well as planning meetings and confer- thought leaders and newsmakers who ences, says, “A great panel moderator have credibility on the issue, as well as 3. Confirm and reconfirm: After is like a great party host, making ev- an important point of view. Showcase panelists accept, confirm the time, date eryone feel welcome, knowing how to a range of perspectives. and location in writing. Also explain avoid or handle lulls, knowing how to Seek out panelists who are dynamic your vision for the panel: what the get a conversation going between oth- speakers; the best authorities won’t desired outcome is, why particular ers, knowing how to rescue someone make good panelists if they aren’t panelists are chosen, what each panel- from an inappropriate or overly long compelling presenters. Similarly, select ist should address to avoid repetition, conversation, and knowing how to speakers who are willing to present how long each person should speak wrap things up when it’s time for the within the parameters (topic or time and how the question-and-answer session will be handled. Also include any other relevant details on accom- “Seek out panelists who are dynamic modations or registration. To avoid speakers; the best authorities won’t make any surprises or competition for the good panelists if they can’t present.” microphone, warn panelists that their comments may be cut short if they ex- ceed their time limits. Ideally, modera- party to end — all done with alertness constraints) of the panel. Some high- tors should then schedule a conference and diplomacy, and without expecting profile speakers have a stump speech call with panelists. to be the center of attention.” and won’t tailor their presentation for “Some of the best panels I’ve ever Just as an excellent party requires specific audiences and situations. Find seen are where the moderator had careful preparation, so does an excel- someone who will. a pre-event conference call with all lent panel. Here is what a moderator Aim high. When you identify the the panelists,” says Sarah Sennett, a can do beforehand to ensure that perfect presenter for your panel, ex- marketing executive at The Institu- guests — panelists and the audience tend an invitation. The perfect panel- tion of Engineering and Technology — have a positive experience: ist cannot say “yes” if you don’t ask. in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, England. Research and contact one or two “The moderator found the particu- 1. Analyze the audience: When potential panelists beyond the number lar strengths and specialties of each planning a panel, the moderator or you need, just in case of cancellations. panelist within the subject matter, conference planner should identify the Each industry and conference differs, and pre-agreed on a few [subjects to target audience and research the needs but most panels have three to five cover] to ensure a balanced debate and interests of audience members. panelists. Strive for balance between that sparked lots of questions.” The When the panel presents a timely issue breadth and depth — have a range key is to listen to the suggestions of that the audience cares about, you set of perspectives and enough time for the panel on your vision for the ses- the stage for a popular panel discussion. a thorough discussion. Include time sion. This will ensure the agenda is TOASTMASTER JUNE 2012 23 REMINDERS FOR PANEL DAY By Christine Clapp, DTM After your preparation is complete, follow these steps on the day of the panel. 4 Arrive early to set up. Put out an agenda, large name placard they know what to prepare, such and glass of water for each panelist. Test microphones and as opening remarks or responses to specific questions that the moderator other technology. Cue slides. will ask. Bring a copy for each 4Brief panelists 30 minutes before the panel. If they are a few panelist on the day of the session and minutes late for the briefing, they’ll still be on time for the main put it at his or her assigned seat. event. Remind panelists how the session will unfold. Prepare and bring copies of back- up agendas. For example, one aimed 4 Keep track of time. If panelists have opening remarks, set at a session that is 15 or 30 minutes clear time limits beforehand. Find a trusted colleague or audi- shorter than the time originally ence member to serve as the timer. Tell panelists during your allotted. Because conferences often briefing who will keep time, how time signals will be dis- run late, this will allow you to help organizers get back on schedule. played and how you will cut off panelists who go over time. Another alternative agenda should Make sure all panelists can see where the timekeeper is sitting account for a session that is one and provide cue cards that are large enough for panelists to panelist short, so you can adjust for see (and hard to ignore). a last-minute cancellation.

4Start on time. Two minutes before the start of the panel, make 5. Write speaking material: an announcement that the session will begin shortly. Then start While an agenda makes a good the program on time. If attendees aren’t seated, repeat a pleas- outline of the event in general, the antry, such as “good afternoon,” several times and with long moderator must also prepare what he or she will say at certain points pauses between each repetition. A loud and enthusiastic greet- in the panel. This speaking material ing will be met with a quick response. doesn’t have to be scripted. Planned 4End on time. No one likes a panel that goes over time. and rehearsed talking points work Allow plenty of time for the final question and your wrap-up. well. Prepare the following: Concluding a few minutes early provides time for the audience 4Opening: Grab the attention of the audience with a relevant fact, to complete an evaluation and approach panelists. statistic, quotation, anecdote or 4Follow up. After the event, send thank-you notes to the panelists, joke. Then welcome the audience, event organizer, timekeeper and others who helped. Just like a thank panelists, link the opening winning party organizer, a gracious panel moderator won’t have line to the purpose of the panel, and preview how the panel will trouble attracting volunteers to help with future events. unfold. Be explicit about when and how audience members can ask well suited to the panelists and that the program, as well as phone questions. The opening sets the tone they are comfortable with the focus of numbers where you can be for the entire panel; carefully craft the session. reached up to the last minute. and rehearse it until your delivery is A few days before show time, smooth and enthusiastic. reconfirm in writing, going into 4. Craft an agenda: Craft a 4Panelist introductions: Decide if more logistical detail. Find out detailed agenda after the conference you will introduce all panelists dur- what technology, if any, panelists call, taking the specialties and sugges- ing the opening, or introduce each will need. If they are using Power- tions of panelists into consideration. panelist right before he or she gives Point slides, get them in advance List the exact time that each panelist is individual opening remarks. to ensure compatibility and ease scheduled to present, as well as time- Ask panelists to provide an of transition. Most importantly, lines for other agenda items. introduction ahead of time. Most provide the time and location Panelists should receive a copy will send a page-long biography you’d like panelists to meet before of the agenda ahead of time so that must be shortened and made 24 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE relevant to the panel discussion. When appropriate, link the so everyone can hear and panelists A good introduction is 30 to 60 conclusion to the catchy statistic have a moment to formulate a seconds long, highlights the most or anecdote from your opening. response. The moderator reframes interesting and important aspects If you have an evaluation form questions on a tangential topic of a panelist’s credentials and for the session, ask the audience and directs each question to a provides a teaser of his or her re- to fill it out and express thanks particular panelist with expertise marks. An introduction must also for the feedback. Finally, if the on the specific issue. include the preferred title and cor- panel is part of a larger conference, 4Interrupting: Effective rect pronunciation of each panel- tell attendees what’s next on the moderators must be skilled at ist’s name and affiliation. schedule and give them directions interrupting politely. This is key 4Plan out question session: Plan to get there. to keeping the agenda on track in advance how and when you when a panelist has gone on too will solicit questions. Seed several 6. Prepare to facilitate the long during opening remarks or questions with trusted audience discussion: Judy Hojel, CEO at an answer to a question. Audience members ahead of time. Ask one of People and Performance Training Pty members should be interrupted if them to volunteer a straightforward Ltd in Sydney, Australia, sums up they are using floor time to give a question immediately after you the moderator’s role: “A moderator speech, not ask a question. open the floor. This prevents is there to encourage interactivity Interrupt kindly by waiting until the speaker is taking a breath “Seed several questions with trusted or ending a sentence. Thank the speaker for his or her comments audience members ahead of time to and indicate that it is time to move prevent awkward silence.” on, such as to the next panelist’s opening remarks or another panelist’s perspective. awkward silence, encourages between the audience and the others to ask questions and gets panelists, and among the panelists Moderating a panel truly is like panelists comfortable responding. themselves. The more relaxed they hosting a celebration where someone Other seeded questions can be are, the more they encourage others else is the guest of honor. You won’t asked during lulls in the discussion. to relax and therefore generate the need streamers or cake, but you A good moderator has a list of best outcome from each person. will need careful preparation and a questions prepared so he or she “Being a good moderator means smooth delivery for everyone to feel can open new topics of discussion knowing when to bring in the comfortable and have a good time. during lulls also. participation of the audience, as well Follow these tips and your panel will as knowing when to encourage the be a hit! T 4Conclusion: Give notice that panelists to speak to each other,” she the panel is coming to a close adds. Though effective moderators by calling for the last audience do much of their facilitating on the question. After it is answered, spot, they can practice the following Christine Clapp, DTM, belongs to pose a broad last question that relevant skills ahead of time: the United States Senate club and allows each panelist to offer final The George Washington Univer- 4Listening: Moderators need to thoughts or discuss future trends. sity club, both in Washington listen carefully to interject follow- Then, thank the panelists, D.C. As president of Spoken with up questions, ask related questions audience, event organizers, and, Authority, she develops the voice of panelists who haven’t been if appropriate, sponsors for of experts who want to broaden as involved in the conversation, providing a forum and engaging in their impact. She also lectures in and smoothly transition between a discussion on such an important the Department of Communica- speakers and topics. issue. Share additional resources tion at The George Washington available to attendees and 4Repeating and reframing: University. announce future events of interest. Moderators must repeat questions TOASTMASTER JUNE 2012 25 NEWS FROM TI

OFFICIAL NOTICE OF VOTE YOUR 2012-2013 OFFICER AND DIRECTOR CANDIDATES

ou will have the of International President-Elect, opportunity to vote for First Vice President and Second Vice 2012 Annual Ythe international officer President. International director Business Meeting and director candidates of your candidates were nominated for 11:30 a.m. Saturday, choice while attending the Annual Regions 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and Business Meeting on Saturday, 14. The Committee’s selection is August 18, 2012 August 18, 2012. The International presented in accordance with Article Hilton Bonnet Creek Resort Leadership Committee nominated VIII, Section 1, of the Bylaws of Orlando, Florida, United States officer candidates for the positions Toastmasters International.

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

International First Second Second Second President-Elect Vice President Vice President Vice President Vice President George Yen, DTM Mohammed Murad, DTM Theo Black, DTM Susan Dalati, DTM Jim Kokocki, DTM

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

From Region 2 From Region 6 From Region 10 From Region 14 Mike Barsul Randie Jacobs Don Griffith Manuel Espina Lori Lococo Lois Sicking Joseph Gomez

From Region 4 From Region 8 From Region 12 Patricia Hannan Catherine “Cat” Angus Mike Helm Mary Swanson Kristina Kihlberg

It is the right and duty of all clubs If you are attending the convention, the election. Additional nominations to participate in the vote, either you will have an opportunity to meet for officers and directors may be through their representatives at the and talk with all the international made from the floor at the Annual International Convention or by proxy. officer and director candidates before Business Meeting. T

26 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

26 Mount-Official Notice of Vote.V3.indd 26 5/4/12 10:40 AM LOOKING AT lAnGuAGE ThE ScRupulOuS SAndwich AppROAch How to dish out a satisfying evaluation.

By Jenny Baranick

mericanmerican author author Elizabeth Elizabeth Any word, sentence or paragraph that sentiment that you could sense Bill and Stone described having children strays from the work’s main focus Alicia’s connection, but I’d love to hear A as the decision to forever — no matter how interesting — does specifically what they did that enabled “have your heart go walking around not belong in that particular piece. you to see it.” outside your body.” I don’t have For example, I attended a seminar With all these extras, the sand- children, but I certainly recognize that in which the speaker was to give wich can become pretty tall. When a sense of vulnerability. It’s the same book-proposal-writing advice. The sandwich falls apart, a curly tooth- way I feel when I give a presentation speaker, however, spent most of the pick will do the trick; when an essay or submit an article. Since I chose the time sharing his own personal writing or speech needs cohesion, transitions topic, the words, the tone and the and publishing experiences. It’s not hold it together. These can be transi- tional words and phrases such as for “When a sandwich falls apart, a curly tooth- example, another reason, however, therefore and consequently, or simply pick will do the trick; when an essay or speech repetitions of key words. For exam- needs cohesion, transitions hold it together.” ple, one of my students gave a presen- tation honoring her father. It would style, the work feels like an extension that his experiences weren’t interest- have greatly benefited from adding of me even if the work does not cover ing, but I, like other attendees, had a transitions. She said, “My father is a particularly personal subject. book proposal to write. Consequently, the most intelligent man I know. He Because of the personal nature many of us left unsatisfied. If I were dropped out from high school, but he of written and spoken expression, I to provide that speaker with criticism, is very creative.” I told her that her consciously strive to be gentle when I I would have followed the Ziploc ideas were great, but she needed to critique the work of a student or col- tenet by suggesting that he cut those tie all these ideas together and make league. Of course, I know I wouldn’t fascinating personal anecdotes and sure everything supported her main be doing my job if I didn’t point out save them for another time. idea, which was proving her father’s opportunities for improvement, but I Even if we stay on topic, many of intelligence. Then I recommended this am careful to be encouraging rather us are prone to making vague, unsat- revision: “My father is the most intel- than destructive. Consequently, I am a isfying statements to prove our points ligent man I know. Even though he proponent of the popular “sandwich rather than providing juicy, specific dropped out of high school, his intel- method” often used in Toastmasters, details that hit the spot — and that’s ligence can be seen in his creativity.” which suggests we begin our evalua- where the “condiment” tenet comes If my critique approach seems tion with praise, then deliver construc- into play. For example, I have heard too coddling to you, perhaps you’ll tive criticism, and end with another many wedding toasts that consist of appreciate my colleague’s tough love positive statement. However, to ensure predominately vague statements such approach. When his students’ papers that every aspect of my evaluations, as, “I could tell from the first moment lack specific details, he doesn’t take including how I voice my criticism, is Bill and Alicia met that they were the time to encourage them; he simply positive and encouraging, I have taken made for each other.” If I were to cri- writes “WTF?” It stands for “Where the sandwich method a step further tique this speech, I would say that the [are]The Facts?” T by adding the following tenets: the meat of it is good but that it could use “Ziploc bag,” the “condiments” and some condiments to add flavor. And Jenny Baranick is an English profes- to be as helpful as possible, I would be the “curly toothpick.” sor based in Southern California. I employ the “Ziploc bag” tenet clear about what flavor it needs. For Reach her at [email protected]. when someone’s work gets off topic. example, I might say, “It’s a beautiful TOASTMASTER JUNE 2012 27 Q&A with FAYE DUNN, ACB, ALB

OvERCOMiNg BOUNDARiES Auditor learns new language and skills in her adopted country.

By Mary Nesfield

aye Dunn grew up in China a radio show in which people call in Chinese customs with an empty wallet and turned her life’s challenges with tax questions. and a suitcase full of toilet paper rolls. Finto an opportunity for per- Dunn, who grew up speaking I was told that toilet paper was very sonal development. Raised in a rural Cantonese, earned her bachelor’s expensive in Australia! and impoverished area of that coun- degree in Chinese language and try, she eventually moved to Aus- literature from Jinan University, in How do your communication tralia, worked hard to learn English Guangzhou, China. She moved to skills benefit you as an auditor? “I walked out of Chinese customs with an I need to communicate to the taxpayer, to my team colleagues and to other empty wallet and a suitcase full of toilet departments within the tax office. paper rolls. I was told that toilet paper was Without my communication skills, I would not be able to do my job at all. very expensive in Australia!” How do you deal with people and forged a successful career in the Australia in 1989, and is now an who are angry or unhappy Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Australian citizen. about their tax situation? The ATO, which has offices It is never easy to work with angry or all across Australia, has seven What prompted you to Q: unhappy people. The key is to defuse Toastmasters clubs; Dunn is vice move to Australia? their resentful sentiments. Sometimes president public relations of the A: I wanted to move away from one needs to walk in their shoes to Tuesday Chatters club in Moonee China and Australia offered me understand where the negativity stems Ponds, a suburb of Melbourne a student visa to study English in from. I work with taxpayers with in Victoria. Dunn says her com- Melbourne. My parents, my sister in more than $100 million in annual munication skills are a crucial asset in America and I all pitched in to buy turnover; the majority of the people I her job as an auditor, both in working me a one-way ticket to Melbourne work with are very professional. with taxpayers and with colleagues. and the tuition for a semester at She also uses those skills as a host of Victoria University. I walked out of How did you get the chance to do a radio show? Read about it @ www.toastmasters.org/magazine The Access and Diversity Unit of

28 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE TULLAMARINE, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA

Faye Dunn, an auditor for the Australian Taxation Office, hosts a Cantonese-language radio program where she Faye Dunn answers tax-related questions.

the Australian Taxation Office and Does your Table Topics a guest. I was a very nervous the Australian government-owned training help with that? speaker then. My brain stopped Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) When I am on the air, I need to be 100 functioning when I talked. I was jointly host monthly “tax talkback” percent focused. The program builds equally frustrated by my mistakes in programs to non-English speaking on a question-and-answer format. This English grammar. I decided to join communities in selected community differs from Table Topics, but the skills the Tuesday Chatters club after that languages. Mandarin and Cantonese I have learned in Toastmasters definite- meeting to become a better, calmer are two of the languages featured. I ly help me to enjoy the challenges. speaker and to improve my English. was approached in 2003 to be one of the ATO hosts — for the Cantonese What was the biggest challenge How does Toastmasters tax talkback program. that you faced after moving to benefit auditors? Australia? The Toastmasters training has What are some of the most My biggest challenge was overcoming provided me with the confidence common questions you get the language barrier. English is a very to communicate with taxpayers. from callers? difficult language to learn. My training in the Toastmasters Many Australians with a Chinese leadership program helps me background are astute investors. I get Did you know any English to seize the opportunity to many questions relating to equity and before you moved there? acknowledge taxpayers who have done the right thing. T property investment. I passed the English subject in high school and entered the university Is it difficult to give impromptu meeting the minimum English require- To learn more about Faye Dunn, answers to questions on the radio? ment. I could not understand conver- contact her at [email protected]. To answer questions on the radio, sational English when I first came to one needs to understand the ques- Melbourne, nor could I make others understand me. tion, know the technical aspects of Mary Nesfieldis a freelance writer the subject and provide a precise and and editor based in Southern succinct answer. This demands good Why did you join Toastmasters? California. You can reach her at listening, and analytical and commu- I was hesitant when I first walked [email protected]. nication skills. into a Toastmasters meeting as

TOASTMASTER JUNE 2012 29

28-29 Q&A with Faye Dunn.indd 29 5/4/12 10:42 AM FUNNY YOU SHOULD SAY THAT

THEY’RE PLAYiNg OUR SONg A saccharine explosion of lyrics.

By John Cadley

eople invented songs so And then there’s American country sang, “Some people want to fill the they could say stupid things music, which some people, praising the world with silly love songs / And Pand get away with it. Let’s face genre’s honesty and simplicity, refer to what’s wrong with that?” Apparently it — without the music,“supercali- as “three chords and the truth.” I refer nothing, since he just wrote another fragilisticexpialidocious” sounds like to it as “ridiculousness in 4/4 time.” one. Dean Martin crooned: “When someone having a seizure. And if Tony Hoyt Axton actually had a hit — a the moon hits your eye like a big Bennett had really left his heart in San hit, mind you — singing: “Work your pizza pie / that’s amoré,” while The Francisco, he wouldn’t be Tony fingers to the bone and what do you Platters sang: “Some day you’ll find / Bennett. He’d be dead. get? Bony fingers.” No, work your All who love are blind.” Maybe that’s I was listening to my car radio fingers to the bone and you get a trip to because they just got hit in the face recently and a song came on in which the emergency room, but who’s worry- with a pizza. the singer intoned, “I just want you to ing about details? Even the legendary Elvis Presley asks his woman for “a be my doctor / We can get it cracking, Johnny Cash, whom I admire greatly, big-a big-a big-a hunk o’ love.” Paper chiropractor.” This may be the first was not above a really bad lyric: “I’ve or plastic? And always, it seems, lovers love song where lower back pain plays been washed down the sink of your will swim the deepest oceans, climb the a romantic role. Then there’s a Top conscience / In the theater of your love highest mountains and walk the deep- 40 song called “Lotus Flower Bomb.” I lost my heart / And now you say est valleys. Forget about being in love If the title doesn’t scare you the lyrics you’ve got me out of your conscience — these people are in shape! will: “Flower bomb, let me guess your / I’ve been flushed from the bathroom Believe it or not, there is actually favorite fragrance / You got that bomb, of your heart.” Where to begin? He’s in a worldwide consensus on the worst huh, I’m tryin’ to detonate you.” I’m the bathroom, then he’s in the theater. lyric ever written. It’s Paul Anka’s not sure if this guy is going to spark Or maybe he’s in the theater’s bathroom “You’re Having My Baby,” a song so his lover’s interest or an investigation because he couldn’t wait till intermis- saccharine that it’s listed in the Physi- by Homeland Security. sion — and he gets flushed down the cians’ Desk Reference as a possible Madonna is always good for a toilet. After he’s been washed down the cause of diabetes. Mr. Anka sings: song. There’s one where she sings: sink! Where is this song going — be- “Having my baby / What a lovely way “Shoo bee doo bee doo ooh la la / sides to a wastewater treatment plant? of saying what you’re thinking of me.” When I look in your eyes / Baby here’s At least it’s not as bad as finding Of course, that’s from his point of what I see / I see so much confusion.” a corpse in your local tavern. That’s view. What is she thinking of him? I see Well, Madonna, I hate to tell you, but what Joe Diffie sang in the lyric: a hugely pregnant woman with morn- “shoo bee doo bee doo ooh la la” is “Prop me up beside the jukebox if ing sickness, hot flashes and swollen confusing. In another song she tells I die / Lord, I wanna go to heaven ankles screaming: You did this to me!! her love interest to stay so they can but I don’t wanna go tonight / Fill But it probably wouldn’t sell. T “scoop, scoop, scoop, scoodooly be my boots with sand, put a stiff drink bop.” If it’s the same guy she mentions in my hand / Prop me up beside the John Cadley, a former advertising in the “shoo bee doo bee doo ooh la jukebox if I die.” You know what? copywriter, is a freelance writer la” song, I’d ask for a translator be- Cancel my reservations for dinner. and musician living in Fayetteville, fore things go any further. Somebody The most prominent lyrical theme, New York. Reach him at could get hurt. of course, is love. As Paul McCartney [email protected]. 30 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE TRAVELING TOASTMASTER

Picture yourself here! Bring the Toastmaster magazine with you and pose with it in your  exciting surroundings . Email your high-resolution image to [email protected]. Bon Voyage!

Michelle Hyde, CC, from New York, New York, Jason Garrett from Kailua, Hawaii, stands on the summit of Olomana vacations in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica. on the island of Oahu, Hawaii.

Jeff Belotindos, ACB, ALB, and Annie Cel Cora D. Nava Bryce, CC, CL, from Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, Canete, CTM, CL, from Cebu City, Philippines, completes a pilgrimage through Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Bethlehem. visit the Ruins of St. Paul in Macau, China.

Samantha Tu from North District, Taichung, Taiwan, Allan Wong, ACB, ALB, from Montreal, Quebec, Canada, visits visits Angkor, Cambodia. Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.

More photos online @ facebook.com/ToastmastersInternationalOfficialFanPage.

TOASTMASTER JUNE 2012 31 REGISTER NOW! TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL 2012 CONVENTION August 15–18 • Hilton Bonnet Creek resort • o rlA ndo, FloridA

DISCOVER WHAT MAKES THE CONVENTION EXTRAORDINARY 4International Speech 4World Championship Contest Semifinals of Public Speaking 4Education Sessions 4Golden Gavel Dinner honoring John Maxwell 4Keynote Speaker Joel Manby Early-bird registration ends July 20

www.toastmasters.org/convention