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Twww.toastmasters.orgOASTMASTE AUGUSTR 2013

10 FORMER BLUE ANGELS PILOT CLEARS PATH FOR TRAVELING EXECUTIVES

16 COLLEGE CLUBS IGNITE GROWTH IN BUSINESS MAJORS

26 TIPS FOR NURTURING FUTURE LEADERS

A GARDENER’S APPROACH How to use tools to harvest ideas for speeches. Page 22

8.13 Cover_Garden Speaker.FINAL.indd 1 7/8/13 9:36 AM TOASTMASTER® PUBLISHER Daniel Rex VIEWPOINT MANAGING EDITOR Suzanne Frey SENIOR EDITOR Paul Sterman ASSOCIATE EDITOR Mary Nesfield JUNIOR WRITER Jennie Harris OUR THOUGHTS TODAY EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Julie E. Kim ART DIRECTION Susan Campbell BECOME REALITY TOMORROW GRAPHIC DESIGN Deidre Gaffney The month of August is special TI OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS because it is when the Toastmasters Founder Dr. Ralph C. Smedley (1878-1965) International Convention is held. It is 2012-2013 OFFICERS International President John Lau, DTM the time of year when as Toastmasters Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia we have a “family reunion” and get to International President-Elect George Yen, DTM Taipei, Taiwan meet members from around the world First Vice President Mohammed Murad, DTM Dubai, United Arab Emirates and learn first-hand about their journey Second Vice President Jim Kokocki, DTM in Toastmasters. By meeting people from Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada Immediate Past President Michael Notaro, DTM diverse cultures we also have the opportunity Alameda, California, USA Executive Director Daniel Rex to learn about their cultures. Mission Viejo, California Secretary-Treasurer Sally Newell Cohen I encourage you to travel to Cincinnati, Mission Viejo, California Ohio, August 21–24, to attend the convention. On behalf of the Toastmasters Board of 2012-2013 DIRECTORS Directors, I welcome you to experience this James Sultan, DTM Kristina Kihlberg, DTM Kirkland, Washington Pompano Beach, Florida life-changing event! Assigned to Region 1 Assigned to Region 8 Mike Barsul, DTM Wendy Harding, DTM The first convention I attended was in the year 2000. It was an eye-opening San Francisco, California Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada experience, as I got to meet world leaders, past international presidents and Assigned to Region 2 Assigned to Region 9 David McCallister, DTM Don Griffith, DTM directors, top district leaders and other fellow members. I also met two of Fort Worth, Texas Phoenix, Arizona Assigned to Region 3 Assigned to Region 10 my Toastmasters mentors. Since then, I have attended every convention. Patricia Hannan, DTM George Thomas, DTM Wahoo, Nebraska Doha, Qatar Assigned to Region 4 Assigned to Region 11 Andrew Little, DTM Mike Helm, DTM New Berlin, Wisconsin Perth, Western Australia, Australia If we are confident in our ability to be Assigned to Region 5 Assigned to Region 12 Lori Lococo, DTM Balraj Arunasalam, DTM Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada Colombo, Sri Lanka successful, we will achieve our goals and Assigned to Region 6 Assigned to Region 13 Viki Kinsman, DTM Joseph Gomez, DTM Oakton, Virginia Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia success will follow. Assigned to Region 7 Assigned to Region 14

On a separate note, August is the second month into the 2013–2014 TOASTMASTERS program year. Each year, I set a personal Toastmasters goal. Have you set INTERNATIONAL P.O. Box 9052 • Mission Viejo, CA 92690 U.S.A. your goals for the program year? If you are a club leader, have you worked 949-858-8255 • Fax: 949-858-1207 Voicemail: 949-835-1300 with the members of your club to decide on their educational goals? Set www.toastmasters.org/members achievable goals, and make them measurable, specific and realistic. Evaluate CONTACTING WORLD HEADQUARTERS your progress every month, and always have a contingency plan. For information on joining We share an important responsibility in upholding our Toastmasters values, or building a club, visit: www.toastmasters.org and in sharing the benefits with our friends, co-workers and family members Article submission: [email protected] Letters to the Editor: [email protected] as they learn and grow. As these new members undergo their transformation To change address, log in to: www.toastmasters.org/members process, we as more experienced members serve as role models. Our actions should echo the organization’s vision, mission and core values. The TOASTMASTER Magazine (ISSN 00408263) is published monthly by Toastmasters International, Inc., 23182 Arroyo Vista, Rancho Santa Margarita, Our thoughts today will become our reality tomorrow. If we are confident CA 92688, U.S.A. Periodicals postage paid at Mission Viejo, CA and additional mailing office. POSTMASTER: Send address change to The TOASTMASTER in our ability to be successful, we will achieve our goals and success will Magazine, P.O. Box 9052, Mission Viejo, CA 92690, U.S.A. Published to promote the ideas and goals of Toastmasters International, a follow. Let us work together in the pursuit of excellence, for the benefit nonprofit educational organization of clubs throughout the worlddedicated to teaching skills in public speaking and leadership. Members’ subscriptions are of our communities. By becoming effective as communicators in society, included in the $36 semi-annual dues. The official publication of Toastmasters International carries authorized notices and articles regarding the activities and interests of the organization, but we will create a better world. responsibility is not assumed for the opinions of the authors of other articles. The TOASTMASTER magazine does not endorse or guarantee the products Those who have strong and positive beliefs will live lives of greatness it advertises. Copyright 2013 Toastmasters International, Inc. All rights reserved. and strength. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Not responsible for unsolicited material. Thank you for your commitment, dedication and courage in serving Toastmasters International, The TOASTMASTER and the Toastmaster International Emblem are trademarks of Toastmasters International registered T in the United States, Canada and many other countries. Marca registrada en one another in Toastmasters, where leaders are made. Mexico. Printed in U.S.A.

JOHN LAU, DTM International President WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE 2 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE www.toastmasters.org

Viewpoint-Aug 13.indd 2 7/8/13 9:37 AM TABLE OF CONTENTS

August 2013 Volume 79, No.8 DEPARTMENTS VIEWPOINT: OUR THOUGHTS TODAY 2 BECOME REALITY TOMORROW BY JOHN LAU, DTM International President LETTERS 4 MY TURN: WE HOLD THESE TRUTHS

5 Toastmasters’ founder shares his vision. BY RALPH C. SMEDLEY

AROUND THE GLOBE 6 MEMBER PROFILE: DONNIE 22 1 0 COCHRAN, ACB, CL: UP IN THE AIR Former Blue Angels commander soars as a speaker at Coca-Cola. BY JULIE BAWDEN-DAVIS

HOW TO: THE RELUCTANT LEADER 26 Rise to the occasion—because someone has to. BY LYNN MARIE CHERRY, CC, CL

NEWS FROM TI: IN MEMORY OF 27 HELEN BLANCHARD, 1926–2013 First female International President 16 10 was an inspirational leader. BY PAUL STERMAN

ABOUT TI: HELLO, HOW MAY 28 I HELP YOU? FEATURES Member Support team strives to WHEN CLUBS MEAN BUSINESS wow you with their service. 16 Clubs at business schools give students BY JENNIE HARRIS an entrepreneurial edge. FUNNY YOU SHOULD SAY THAT: BY JENNIFER L. BLANCK, DTM 30 POOL RULES Trying to follow them leaves my head swimming. LESSONS FROM A GARDEN SPEAKER Follow the path of a green thumb to reap BY JOHN CADLEY 22 presentation rewards.

31 TRAVELING TOASTMASTER BY COLLEEN PLIMPTON, ACB, CL ARTICLES FROM ACTOR TO TOASTMASTER Since 1924, Toastmasters International has been recognized as the leading 12 How I gained the courage to be me. organization dedicated to communication and leadership skill development. Through its worldwide network of clubs, each week Toastmasters helps more BY JAMES WANTZ, ACS, ALB than a quarter million men and women of every ethnicity, education level and READ IT FOR RICHES profession build their competence in communication so they can gain the 14 How my business benefits from the confidence to lead others. Toastmaster magazine. By regularly giving speeches, gaining feedback, leading teams and guiding BY LESLEY STEPHENSON, ACG, CL others to achieve their goals, leaders emerge. They learn to tell their stories. They listen and answer. They plan and lead. They give feedback—and accept it. GO BACK TO COLLEGE— They find their path to leadership. 20 AS THE TEACHER! Toastmasters International. Where Leaders Are Made. Speak at alumni events to boost your career. AUGUST 2013 BY JENNIFER CUNNINGHAM TOASTMASTER 3

3 TOC 08.13.indd 3 7/8/13 9:38 AM LETTERS TO THE TOASTMASTER

AROUND THE GLOBE

WHAT’S THE BUZZ? MEMBER MOMENT INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE TIP WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO A VISIT A TOASTMASTERS INTERPRETATIONS EDUCATING YOUNG MEETING, AND B JOIN A CLUB? SAY YES TO SAYING NO PEOPLE WORLDWIDE HUGS MAKE THE WORLD GO ’ROUND Members contributed to the discussion on the Facebook Official Toastmasters Many people find it difficult Mike Douse, who has a Ph.D. in International Members Group: to say no to an invitation education, works with governments “A friend invited me to a ‘bring-a-friend’ night at a local club. What drew me in or request, in spite of their of developing countries, advising them that evening was a humorous speech one member gave about a talking dog—that ever-growing responsibilities on major education projects. During was 23 years ago.” — IAN MURRAY, CC, CL and full schedules. Learn to 2012 alone, he advised on educational ELSTERNWICK TOASTMASTERS, ELSTERNWICK, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA master the delicate skill of planning in Somalia, primary schooling “My girlfriend invited me to visit her club. It was the self-development aspect, saying no by keeping these in Sudan, and literacy and numeracy and the supportive environment, that spurred me to join Toastmasters.” tips in mind: learning in Tanzania. Over the last three — decades, Douse’s work has taken him ROBERT VAN DER MEER • Be polite. Don’t cut off TOASTMASTERS MAASTRICHT CLUB, MAASTRICHT, NETHERLANDS to 64 countries. A member of the Ennis Mike Douse someone who is talking. Toastmasters in Ennis, County Clare, Hugging is a near-universal “I wanted to find a way to use my words and experiences to make a difference. Listen to the full request Ireland, he has blended his devotion to international gesture of love enjoyed by the old I googled Toastmasters and found a club in my hometown. I shared my story before answering no. education with his passion for spoken communication. For example, while and young alike. It also has proven without knowing an Ice Breaker speech existed.” working in Australia early in his career, Douse helped initiate the World Schools “The hug is a common type of greeting here in health benefits, such as reducing — JEFF HUBBARD, ACB, CL • Decline an invitation in Debating Championships—now an annual event for secondary-school students, blood pressure and heart rate, and DENTON TOASTMASTERS CLUB, DENTON, TEXAS person, if possible, to avoid miscommunication, which is with more than 40 countries competing. increasing oxytocin, a hormone SNAPSHOT known to reduce stress. common in email or phone As an educator, how has Toastmasters helped you? In fact, University of North discussions. Spoken communication is crucial to everything I do. In November I had to Carolina researchers found in one • Offer options. For example, get some information across, through an interpreter, to more than a hundred study that the cardioprotective if a co-worker asks you to villagers, none of whom spoke English. I have also had to draft speeches for effects of oxytocin may be higher help out on a big project, you government ministers in developing countries. for women. But men all over the may not have time, but you world enjoy sharing a hug. might know someone else With all your traveling, do you visit Toastmasters in other countries? For example, in many Latin Recently, my wife and I visited Toastmasters in Brisbane, Australia, and in who can assist. cultures, male friends like to hug Nairobi, Kenya. I thought very seriously about getting some people together in the Arab world, and especially in Saudi Arabia.” and playfully slap each other on the • Think of the bigger picture. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and helping them to form a club (there are no clubs in back when they greet each other. Saying no might make Tanzania), but time was against me. you feel like a bad person In contrast, some American men Why did you join Toastmasters? use a more physically distant form temporarily, but consider I have always enjoyed speaking in public and, although there is always more of hugging, known as the “bro hug.” your reputation—it might to learn, I concentrate now on advising others, as sensitively and creatively as It consists of a one-armed embrace suffer if you can’t follow Denise McCluskey, DTM, from University Place, Washington, visited a classroom in I can. I am especially keen on encouraging youngsters to stand up and speak while shaking hands, with only the through on a promise KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Her tour guide decided to go back to school and look and to listen creatively. shoulders briefly touching. for a local Toastmasters club after being inspired by the Toastmaster magazine. or meet a deadline. — Mohammed Haneef KM, ACS, ALB BOTTOM LINE Renew Your Dues Attend Your District Free Brand Convention Count- Marvelous Mentors Videos Offer Tips Contact your club officers to Conference Consider Resources The Brand down Begins The 2013 Do you know an exceptional mentor Have you seen the Toastmasters ensure your dues get paid by attending a conference to gain Portal offers newsletter tem- International Convention will be who has positively influenced you video series of time-tested tips for April 1. In March, officers can valuable tips and to network. Check plates, stationery, fliers and held August 21–24 in Cincinnati, or other Toastmasters? Send a improving communication? Watch go to www.toastmasters. your district’s website at www.toast logos at no cost. www.toast Ohio. Check this section next 200-word description and photo the videos at www.toastmasters. org/DuesRenewals for more masters.org/DistrictWebsites for the masters.org/BrandPortal month for more information. (1 MB or larger) to MentorMoment@ org/Videos. information. date of your next conference. toastmasters.org.

6 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE TOASTMASTER MARCH 2013 7

Relishing the Recap through these sorts of speaking Hugging It Out Howard Scott’s article “Feedback opportunities. Let’s hear more about I enjoyed reading “Hugs Make the with a Recap” (June) was a great those times! World Go ’Round” (March) in the reminder of the value of club meeting Lou Ann Frederick, DTM, PDG magazine’s Around the Globe section. recaps for both members and guests. BBraun Toastmasters The hug is a universal form of physical Irvine, California Recaps are easy to do, yet you rarely intimacy. It is a form of nonverbal com- see them. Of some 20 clubs I visited Doornail Debate munication, especially when close friends in Paris, Latvia and Tokyo, only one I always enjoy John Cadley’s “Funny offer each other a hug and a kiss. sent out a meeting recap. You Should Say That” columns. His The hug is a common type of greeting My club, Paris Speech Masters, April column, “Crazy as a Loon,” was here in the Arab world, and especially sends a regular newsletter a week no exception, except that he was off in Saudi Arabia. The hug will not be after each meeting. In addition, base by lambasting the phrase “dead initiated by someone unless he is sure the reminders about meeting roles are as a doornail.” Nails were not cheap other person is a close friend. Otherwise, sent a day before each meeting. in the day of Charles Dickens and greetings are limited to a handshake. Such efforts make people feel like thus were reused. Doornails were bent Hugging applies as a greeting whether they belong. More than once I have over to prevent them from pulling people meet in the street, in an office, at heard members say that it was the out, so these nails were dead to reuse. a conference, in a restaurant or at home. quality of post-meeting communica- I agree we need to come up with an Hugs do make the world go ’round. tion that encouraged them to revisit updated expression, such as “dead as a Mohammed Haneef KM, ACS, ALB the club and eventually join. Abdul Latif Jameel TM Club bent screw” or “dead as an old joke.” Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Natalie Cernecka Brian Kinsley, DTM Paris Speech Masters Creativity+ Toastmasters Paris, France Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Editor’s Note: In January 2013, the Toastmaster Glued to Greenland Story Benefits ofDiversity magazine modified its submissions Carl Duivenvoorden’s article The article “Embracing Multicul- policy to only accept article queries “From Greenland to Everywhere” turalism” by Pierre-Andre Rheault (brief summaries or outlines) (May) was both engaging and (April) made me think of my club rather than completed articles. educational. I worried about the in Cleveland, Ohio. Our city is not This change is to better guide the technical challenges Carl faced, and often thought of as cosmopolitan, direction of your story. We continue then I celebrated his success when but if you dig deeper, you’ll find to accept submissions for My Turn, he overcame them. I hung onto that Cleveland was built by a wide- Letters and photos. To view the every passage and lived the moment ranging group of Europeans. The city revised guidelines, please visit vicariously. I cannot remember the now embraces a more diverse group www.toastmasters.org/writerguidelines. last time I was glued to an article of non-natives. like that. Our club has members from Do you have something to say? What an incredible opportunity— Mexico, Romania, India, China, to speak about climate change from Write it in 200 words or less. State Colombia and beyond. Such cultural your name, member number and Greenland. I hope Carl will write variety adds so much value to the home club, and send it to letters@ more articles about his professional club; the speeches are diverse and speaking engagements. Too many toastmasters.org. Please note: interesting, and each meeting is a Letters are subject to editing for Toastmasters think that professional learning experience. speaking is a staged, contrived act. length or clarity, and may be Diana C. Golob published in both the print and I know there are many Toastmasters Mid-Day Toastmasters electronic versions of the magazine. who have bolstered their careers Cleveland, Ohio

4 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

4 August Letters.indd 4 7/8/13 9:39 AM MY TURN

WE HOLD THESE TRUTHS Toastmasters’ founder shares his vision.

By Ralph C. Smedley Ralph C. Smedley

Editor’s Note: This essay by Ralph But in the Toastmasters club, certain opposition calmly and without losing C. Smedley originally appeared in the principles are held inviolable. Like our his temper or his balance. Toastmaster magazine in July 1948. [country’s] forefathers of 1776, “We Finally, every man has a right to At that time, women were not part of hold these truths to be self-evident,” share his thoughts, his ideas and the organization. although our list of “truths” may differ his convictions with everyone who slightly from theirs. will listen, but he has no right to ToastmastersToastmasters club club is is not not We hold that every man is entitled force his opinions on anyone who a propaganda organization. to freedom of thought, as well as will not accept them, nor to compel A It does not adopt resolu- freedom of speech. He must be permit- anyone to act unwillingly under his tions, sponsor candidates, nor go ted—even encouraged—to study, learn, dictation. out for “causes.” It cannot commit think and reach his own conclusions. I like the definition of individual its membership in support of any Every man, having thought, is freedom given by Dr. George controversial matter, for its mem- entitled to freedom of speech. But his Pinckard, an English scholar of the 18th century. A Toastmasters club is definitely a training “True liberty,” said Dr. Pinckard, organization. It welcomes men of all sorts of opinions “consists in the privilege of enjoying our own rights, not in the destruction into its membership and undertakes to train them of the rights of others.” to think logically and to speak honestly… And Frederic Farrar, another great Englishman, said it well with these bers come from all elements hearers have the right to demand that words: “Man’s liberty ends, and of society, and unanimity of opinion he speak intelligently, reasonably and it ought to end, when that liberty is hardly to be expected or desired. honestly if he expects them to listen. becomes the curse of others.” Different groups—social, political, Every man, speaking his well-con- The Toastmasters club stands for religious, racial and occupational— sidered thoughts, has a right the integrity of the individual, for are represented in the typical club. It to be heard. His right to be heard the sanctity of human character, and is a cross-section of its community. is in proportion to the worthiness for the right of every man to express A Toastmasters club is definitely of his thoughts, and the effectiveness himself—always with this eternal and a training organization. It welcomes of his speaking. unchangeable rule, that “your rights men of all sorts of opinions into its Every man, having spoken, has a are inviolable, and so are mine; your membership and undertakes to train right to listen to others. His listen- individual rights are limited as soon them to think logically and to speak ing must be with open mind, with as they cross my rights; every person honestly in behalf of whatever cause analytical attitude, with a purpose must recognize that personal rights or procedure they may believe in. to accept what is true and to reject are restricted by the rights of others.” The work of a Toastmasters club is what is untrue. That is the essence of the to help each member to be his best Every man has a right to disagree American ideal of individual free- self, as a member of society and as a with what other people say, but dom. That is what the Toastmasters protagonist of the things that seem to he must learn to disagree without club, in the final analysis, is proud to him most worthwhile. being disagreeable—to listen to the represent and advocate. T

TOASTMASTER AUGUST 2013 5

5 My Turn/Ralph Smedley.indd 5 7/8/13 9:40 AM AROUND THE GLOBE

INTERNATIONAL WHAT’S THE BUZZ? WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE FOR COMPLETING THE INTERPRETATIONS COMPETENT COMMUNICATION (CC) MANUAL? A TALE OF TWO CITIES The following responses come from a LinkedIn Official Toastmasters International Members Group discussion: “The projects in the CC manual are like building blocks—each skill you develop while working on a particular project will help you with your next speech. Project 2 is probably one of the most important projects in the manual. It teaches you how to have a well-structured speech. It is the basis for all of your future speeches. Once you have worked through the whole manual, you’ll know exactly how to prepare and deliver a speech that gets your message across clearly. “Also, if you don’t have a mentor yet, talk to your vice president education.” — STEPHEN GRANT, ACS, ALB, TORONTO BUSINESS TOASTMASTERS, TORONTO, CANADA The cities of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, have more “In our club, we encourage new members to build skills from the ground up and in common than merely being sites follow the projects in the order listed in the CC manual.” for the 2013 and 2014 Toastmasters — ROBERT BACHMAN, CC, ALB, ALLIS CHALMERS TOASTMASTERS, WEST ALLIS, WISCONSIN International Conventions, respec- tively. Both are known for their tasty SNAPSHOT cuisine and unique architecture. Cincinnati has its chili. Locals embellish theirs with flavors such as cinnamon or chocolate before serving it over spaghetti or hot dogs. In Kuala Lumpur, try the nasi lemak (coconut- infused white rice) topped with roasted peanuts, ikan bilis (small fried ancho- vies), fried eggs and sliced cucumber. After sampling the food in either city, take time to see the sights. Stroll the 25,000-square-foot Queen City Square pedestrian promenade near the Great American Tower—the tallest building in Cincinnati. In Kuala Lum- pur, walk the 190-foot-long skybridge that links the Petronas Towers—the Tammy Lim Guat Cheng, CC, from Crystal Toastmasters in Selangor, Malaysia, poses at the tallest twin buildings in the world. Mount Everest base camp in Nepal. She eventually reached the base of Kala Patthar, an adjacent mountain from where she viewed Mount Everest’s peak.

BOTTOM LINE

Get a Convention New District Another Free Resources Be Sneak Peek Don’t miss Toastmasters district has grown sure to take advantage of the the Toastmasters Podcast series. so large that it re-formed on free manuals and marketing fliers Get a preview of the International July 1. Welcome District 44 in that Toastmasters International Convention’s speakers and the southeastern part of the provides. Download them education sessions at www. U.S. state of Georgia. It split at www.toastmasters.org/ toastmasters.org/podcast. from District 14. digitalcontent.

6 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

6-9 Around the Globe-August.indd 6 7/8/13 9:41 AM LANGUAGE TIP MEMBER HELLO, GOODBYE MOMENT It takes years to master one TRICKS OF THE TRADE language. But a busy traveling Ta-Da! Clive Greenaway, CC, pulls out a professional must quickly learn pigeon from an empty paper bag. It’s one how to communicate with people of the tricks in his magic act. Greenaway who speak different languages. is a magician, after-dinner speaker and Learn how to say key words in auctioneer. He has entertained audiences various languages (listed alphabet- with a blend of humor and hocus-pocus ically), while keeping in mind that for more than 30 years. some words or phrases are formal Greenaway, whose stage name is (F) or informal (I). “Clive St. James,” is president of the • Hello: As-salām ‘alaykum Cottonwood Speakers Club in Bour- (Modern Standard Arabic, F); nemouth, Dorset, United Kingdom. salut (French, I); guten tag Many of his shows pay tribute to the (German, F); namaste (Hindi); late Tommy Cooper, a popular British comedian and magician. Clive Greenaway, CC konnichiwa (Japanese); nǐ hǎo (Mandarin); hola (Spanish). Why did you join Toastmasters? • Please: Mīn fāḍlīkā (Modern As a professional working magician, I wanted to continue enhancing my Standard Arabic); s’il vous plaît profile in the after-dinner speaking circuit. So I took the opportunity in (French, F); bitte (German); kripaya Toastmasters to practice bite-size pieces of my speeches—which are generally (Hindi); kudasai (Japanese); máfán 45 to 60 minutes long—to get feedback from club members. nǐ (Mandarin); por favor (Spanish). How do you connect with your audience at the beginning • Goodbye: Ma'a as-salāmah of a show? (Modern Standard Arabic); au I think of walking onto the stage—the entrance—as my first opportunity revoir (French); auf wiedersehen to entrance the audience. It is important to hold the moment, establish my (German, F); namaste (Hindi); presence and give audience members the chance to take a look at me and the sayonara (Japanese); zai jian way I’m dressed, and to see my obvious pleasure in being there with them. (Mandarin); adiós (Spanish). What inspired you to perform a Tommy Cooper tribute act? • Thank you: Shukran (Modern I grew up watching Tommy. He inspired me to be a magician. I love comedy, Standard Arabic, I); merci (French); and he brought comedy and magic together. danke (German); dhanyavād (Hindi, Clive Greenaway is a member of the famous Magic Circle in London. Learn F); arigatō (Japanese); xiexie more about him at afterdinnerspeaking.net. Watch a clip of his Tommy (Mandarin); gracias (Spanish). Cooper show at youtube/NdDmOK4yZIw.

Unable to Attend the 2013 Toastmasters International Convention? You can still watch the action! Live streaming coverage of the following popular convention events will be available online: the Board Briefing, Opening Ceremonies, International Speech Contest Semifinals, and the World Championship of Public Speaking. Visit www.toastmastersondemand.com for more information.

TOASTMASTER AUGUST 2013 7

6-9 Around the Globe-August.indd 7 7/8/13 9:42 AM AROUND THE GLOBE

ADVICE FROM FACTS WORTH KNOWING THE EXPERTS CONVENTION SITES COMPARED IN THIS MONTHLY COLUMN, While Cincinnati, Ohio, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, are continents apart, Accredited Speakers and both cities are worthy of hosting an International Convention. Toastmasters World Champions Lonely Planet, the travel-guide publisher, cites this city as third of Public Speaking share Cincinnati: on its list of top 10 U.S. travel destinations for 2012. Forbes.com ranked it lessons learned. ninth on its list of safest U.S. cities in 2009. Kuala Lumpur: CNN ranked this city as the world’s fourth best place to shop in 2012. In the same year, the annual Cities of Opportunity report named Kuala Lumpur the 18th most significant city in the world, based on social and economic performance.

This chart shows a comparison of the 2013 and 2014 convention-hosting cities. Cincinnati (2013) Kuala Lumpur (2014) Year the city was founded 1788 1857 2012 city population 296,550 people 1.6 million people Land size 78 square miles 94 square miles Randy Harvey, Ph.D., DTM, is August average high 86 F 89 F the 2004 Toastmasters World temperature Champion of Public Speaking. August average precipitation 3.6 inches 5.6 inches He lives in Sherwood, Oregon. Additional sources: Wikipedia, emporis.com, U.S. Census Bureau, worldcapitalinstitute.org and weather.com. What’s your take on writing a strong speech opening? The first 35 seconds, or approximately 75–80 words, make the strongest impression (hence, the first impression). Do not include banal language such as, “I’m glad to be here” or “Fellow Toastmasters.” Save those comments for the second paragraph. Stand silent until your audience is attentive. Deliver a line that draws in your audience. Use sentence structure that makes people think, such as simile, contrast, rhyme, echo (repeating parts of a sentence), alliteration and metaphor. Set the hook in the opening lines. Then use the rest of your speech to reel in the audience. FROM THE ARCHIVES The lobby and curved staircase in the first Toastmasters World Headquarters building, in Santa Ana, California.

8 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

6-9 Around the Globe-August.indd 8 7/8/13 9:42 AM MENTOR LEARNING ABOUT OUR PAST MOMENT INTERNATIONAL o one has the potential PRESIDENTS Nto influence a member’s experience like a mentor. Swati Gupta, CC, CL, a member of Docklands Toastmasters in Docklands, Victoria, Australia, shares how she has benefited from her mentor, Judy Murphy, DTM. Swati Gupta, CC, CL (right), with her Why did you join Toastmasters? mentor, Judy Murphy, DTM. Judy is a senior analyst at the [travel management] company where we both work. She told me about her experiences in Toastmasters. I wanted to improve my Robert “Bob” Barnhill, DTM, AS communication skills so in 2011, I joined a club. Past International President 1996–97 Tell us more about your mentor. Judy has been a Toastmaster for 20 Lubbock, Texas years. She is a member of a different club but she comes to support me when I give speeches and participate in contests. She tirelessly helps all What inspires you? aspiring speakers who approach her. Q: How does Judy give you feedback? I get feedback from her in person, A: I have always been a fan since I see her almost daily at the office. of music, but not necessarily Does she help you with speechwriting or listen as you practice? the songs you hear on the I discuss my ideas with her, and if I get stuck constructing a speech, radio. Inside each of us is a she offers me tips. special, unique song waiting to be sung. These are the songs What goals have you reached with Judy’s help? After serving that inspire me. When we sing as sergeant at arms and secretary of my club, I now serve as vice our song, we touch a heart. president education. Through my High Performance Leadership By touching a heart, we make project, I earned the Toastmaster of the Year award, and developed the world a better place. In the the confidence to successfully pursue my career interest in project process, we become a star. management. Nothing inspires me What do you like best about her mentoring style? It’s Judy’s more than seeing the glow generosity with her time that I value most. that comes when someone sings his song, and then witnessing the joy experienced by the recipient. Through DR. SMEDLEY SAYS Toastmasters, we can help Toastmasters founder Dr. Ralph C. Smedley people sing their song and shared many insights worth remembering, such as: provide a path of hope for the world to see. “Purpose determines the good, marks the path, and furnishes the motion power.” Dr. Ralph C. Smedley 1878–1965

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6-9 Around the Globe-August.indd 9 7/11/13 10:04 AM MEMBER PROFILE

Donnie Cochran, ACB, CL: UP IN THE AIR Former Blue Angels commander soars as a speaker.

By Julie Bawden-Davis

onnie Cochran, ACB, CL, “I knew I had to develop my 2013 due to military budget cuts.] a retired naval commanding problem-solving skills and create a Cochran flew with the team during Dofficer, grew up on his family’s pathway to achieving my aspirations,” two separate tours: initially from 1986 farm near Pelham, Georgia. As the Cochran says. Despite having some to 1988 as a demonstration pilot, and fifth of 12 children, Cochran moti- difficulty in middle school with keep- again from 1994 to 1996 as the first vated his younger siblings to get their ing up his grades, Cochran overcame African-American commanding officer work done before the heat of the day, his academic struggles. He earned a and flight leader. Between tours with the Blue Angels, Cochran spent several years developing his leadership skills “Superb communication is absolutely critical as a department head and an executive for safely executing close-formation flying and officer. He also led a team that de- ployed aircraft from a ship at sea as a — Donnie Cochran split-second timing maneuvers.” commanding officer of an operational F-14 squadron, another high honor. and developed his mechanical and scholarship in the U.S. Navy’s Reserve When he was an active member technical skills operating machinery Officer Training Corps (ROTC) pro- of the Blue Angels during the air and tractors. While farm work was gram so he could attend Savannah State show season, Cochran and fellow demanding and fulfilling, it didn’t College (now Savannah State Univer- team members regularly shared their make his heart race like it did when he sity). Cochran received a degree in civil experiences with various audiences. watched planes fly over the farm. engineering and was commissioned in The presentations were brief, but they “Our farm was located along a the Navy, which paved his way to his allowed Cochran a chance to share the route used by military pilots who dream career. thrill of close-formation flying and the trained by flying at low altitudes and After several years as a Navy dedication and teamwork required to high speeds,” says Cochran, a member fighter pilot flying off aircraft carrier execute those maneuvers. As he spoke, of 310 North Toastmasters in Atlanta. decks, Cochran underwent a rigor- Cochran discovered that he preferred “The aircraft were visible for only a ous and highly competitive screening to talk about his journey of becom- few seconds as they flew overhead, but process and was selected as the first ing a Blue Angel, including challenges it was thrilling to watch them.” African-American pilot to fly with the and triumphs, and specific values and That experience inspired him to Blue Angels, a flight demonstration qualities he had developed to be con- pursue a career as a naval aviator. squadron made up of elite Navy pilots sidered for this competitive honor. However, his prospect of becoming who perform popular aerobatic air In 2004, four years after retiring a pilot was challenged by a lack of shows. [In March, all performances from his 24-year naval career, Cochran financial resources for flight lessons. were cancelled for the remainder of was hired by The Coca-Cola Company 10 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

10-11 JBD/Donnie Cochran Profile.indd 10 7/8/13 9:48 AM ATLANTA, GEORGIA, USA

Donnie Cochran flew with the Blue Angels as the first African-American commanding officer and flight leader.

as a manager of aviation programs, and split-second timing maneuvers,” explains. The pilots use this cue to which fly the company’s executives he says. “It is an aerial art form that anticipate and execute a smooth pull- and guests around the globe. Cochran includes precise phraseology and tem- back on their control sticks so they provides leadership oversight for pilot pered voice inflexions to transfer clear, can stay in sync with the leader during training and safety programs, and man- concise and direct communication.” the maneuver. “Sharing ‘Up we go!’ ages dispatchers and flight attendants. During his speeches, Cochran uses with audiences provides a great lead- He later joined the company’s vocal variety combined with visual in to talk about effective teamwork Toastmasters club, 310 North Toast- aids, including props such as a model and individual performance,” he says. masters, so he could share his Blue plane and a video clip of the team Those who have heard Cochran Angels experience more effectively. flying, to demonstrate how the Blue speak report being positively affected Cheryl Zettler, DTM, has known Angels fly upside down. by his inspiring messages. “Donnie’s Cochran since he joined the club. She “I also share how to learn to be- message had a profound impact on says he has become a sought-after come more comfortable being uncom- me and how I thought about my speaker within the company, espe- fortable in difficult situations—in other career at Coca-Cola,” says Aok Deo, cially for leadership and high-perfor- words, getting out of one’s comfort president of 310 North Toastmasters. mance teams. zone,” he says. “After demonstrating “His speech was also one of the main Cochran says, “Becoming a Toast- the flying maneuver, I ask the audience reasons that I decided to join. He’s master helped me connect with audi- what happens when their world turns also warm and friendly and makes ences on an entirely new level. I was upside down. Do they experience fear, new members feel at home.” blessed to acquire unique and insight- a loss of confidence, or feel trapped Cochran’s life experiences have ful lessons from flying with the Blue by self-limiting beliefs? Then I raise changed his perspective about what it Angels. Now I’m in a position to not the attitude [orientation] of the model means to be successful. “I used to say only share my story, but also to inspire and remind them how important it is with a great deal of passion that you and influence people to take action on to maintain a positive and engaging have to pay the cost to achieve your their dreams or career aspirations.” attitude—especially when your life is goals,” he says. “Now, I know that Taking advantage of the techniques filled with challenges or despair.” you don’t pay the cost for a fulfilling and principles taught in Toastmasters, Cochran’s speeches also cover the life—you enjoy the journey.” T Cochran shares with audiences lessons term “Up we go!”—a phrase used learned from his Blue Angels experi- by the Blue Angels when executing a Julie Bawden-Davis is a freelance ences, including the need for excellent high-performance maneuver. “Before writer based in Southern Califor- communication skills. “Superb com- a climbing maneuver, such as a roll nia and a longtime contributor to munication is absolutely critical for or loop, the flight leader announces the Toastmaster. safely executing close-formation flying over the radio, ‘Up we go!’” Cochran

Blue Angels photo courtesy of the United States Navy. TOASTMASTER AUGUST 2013 11

10-11 JBD/Donnie Cochran Profile.indd 11 7/8/13 9:54 AM The author, James Wantz, is acting and speaking.

FROM ACTOR TO TOASTMASTER How I gained the courage to be me.

By James Wantz, ACS, ALB

or years I studied as a In 1991, while I worked as a I deeply understood his decision to stage actor. On stage I became performing arts reporter for my play a role for life. That’s what I tried to Fsomeone else, a character in a college newspaper, I interviewed do with every role I took on. I wanted play—someone big, bold and brash, or Ted Neeley, the actor who played to lose myself, and to become someone mousy, meek and mild. In contrast, as Jesus in the 1973 movie Jesus Christ else—villain or hero, it didn’t mat- a Toastmaster I am given the opportu- Superstar, the 1992 Broadway show, ter. The point was to escape my life of nity to be myself. Yes, seriously, I get to and thousands of other times on addiction, depression, neuroses and fear. be myself, and not a fictitious charac- stage. He played Jesus for so long By taking on a role, I was able to escape ter that I get to portray for a few hours that when I interviewed him, even myself for a few weeks or months, but as I “chew the scenery” and “tread the though he was out of character, the confidence I borrowed while onstage boards.” Not someone I wished I were, his language sounded biblical. He never lasted. I went back to being myself but who I am. told me how playing Jesus was after the close of each show. In theater you step into the skin of the greatest role in the world for another person. You borrow elo- him. He’d been so infused with Finding a Character quence from a playwright, you emote the character, as written by Tim The theater is full of stories about ac- as the director tells you to, you follow Rice and scored by Andrew Lloyd tors who are unable to step away from a script, and then, when it is over, you Webber, that he was no longer Ted a role they play and become that char- go back to being whoever you were Neeley. I got the impression he was acter offstage: the Othellos who murder before the show. happy with the trade-off. their Desdemonas because they can’t 12 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

12-13 Wantz/Step Into Confidence.indd 12 7/8/13 9:49 AM disconnect from the suspicious paranoia who I was, but I took his advice and This is the nugget I want to give that is so much a part of that Shake- started to talk about me—the real me, away: Step into your own self-confi- spearean role, the on-screen psycho- the one with problems, addictions, dence. Put it on, not as a role you play, paths who become suicidal off-screen, fears and, as it turned out, a sense of but as a choice you make. Be confident and those who voluntarily become humor. I am an introvert, and social in presentation and communication, typecast for the rest of their lives. Even engagements such as club meetings and, if you speak from your heart, knowing these stories, I remained deter- cause me anxiety and dread in a way two things will happen. One, you will mined to find a character to become for that makes it necessary to take on become even more confident, and two, the rest of my life. But when Randy J. a role simply to interact with other people will listen to you. The more Harvey, the 2004 World Champion of people. I would borrow a recent the- you practice, the easier it will become. Public Speaking, held a master class for ater role and become that person. Now that I am a Toastmaster, I make the choice daily to step into my It wasn’t really me giving the speeches—it was own self-confidence. It is not a role I have set aside when the speech is a character in a one-man show performing in done. It is a choice, and an action, I front of my fellow club members. make constantly. Now that I am a Toastmaster, I have my club, I walked away with his words I’ll never forget the day I got up to the self-confidence to finally be me. T ringing in my ears: “If you speak from speak without having my entire speech your heart, people will listen.” memorized and intricately rehearsed. James Wantz, ACS, ALB, is club How can I speak from my heart That was the day I was the most secretary of New Horizons Toast- if I don’t want to be me? I was busy frightened and vulnerable, and was masters in Tualatin, Oregon. He is trying to be someone else, and had no myself the most. I received so many an AutoCAD draftsman by day and idea what was in my heart. Resolved to positive and encouraging comments a writer by night. find out, I gave many speeches in my as a result of that speech that I went club. I worked through the Competent home feeling the best I’d felt in years. FROM ACTOR TO TOASTMASTER Communication manual in four That was my turning point. months using every bit of stagecraft Toastmasters continues to give me How I gained the courage to be me. I knew. I gave excellent speeches and confidence to be myself in front of won several club awards. But it wasn’t others. Thanks to club members, men- really me giving the speeches—it was tors and several advanced speaking a character in a one-man show per- manuals and leadership projects, I am forming in front of my fellow club more myself than ever. members. This fantastic speaker, with I don’t like the saying “Fake it ’til perfect diction, projection and stage you make it.” It is too much like what presence, was not a speaker. He was an I tried to do all those years as an actor. actor. He was not me. Now I use the saying “Step into confi- “You act too much,” my club dence.” It is what I tell myself when I mentor told me several times. “Stop feel nervous about speaking, when I do performing and just speak.” things I used to avoid or face first-time “But about what?” experiences, such as move to a new “Well, you are an expert in one city, start a new job or seek out a new thing. No one can contradict or disagree Toastmasters club—all of which hap- with you if you talk about yourself.” pened recently. Toastmasters has been Why would I want to do that? I essential in helping me continually thought to myself. step into confidence, no matter what the situation. Toastmasters improves The Real Me my self-confidence, even while I’m It was next to impossible to stop away from the podium and involved in performing and become myself. I was one-on-one interactions, small group certain no one wanted to know who discussions and conversations with co- I was. I didn’t even want to know workers—things I used to dread. TOASTMASTER AUGUST 2013 13

12-13 Wantz/Step Into Confidence.indd 13 7/8/13 9:49 AM READ IT FOR RICHES How my business benefits from the Toastmaster magazine.

By Lesley Stephenson, ACG, CL

sat in the Copenhagen Airport or engaged in some other field where course on writing business reports. on my way home from a company public speaking and leadership skills I already had a blueprint program, I training assignment. Heavy snow- are required, this resource will help you so I quickly began designing in-class fall delayed my flight by 90 minutes, succeed. It’s your personal invitation to writing assignments based on the but I wasn’t worried. In fact, I was participate in a first-class strategic alli- company’s needs. I created strong delighted. In those 90 undisturbed ance created by the many international text-reduction and image-based writ- ing exercises, but I knew I needed something more. Then I remembered I can list many income-generating ideas and an article I had read by Dave Zielin- engagements for my business that have been ski several months earlier (July 2011), which I filed: “Speechwriting Tips inspired by articles I read in the Toastmaster. from the Pros.” In that article, Zielinski shared minutes, I improved my skills and my communication experts who contribute a tip from Jim Endicott, head of the company’s profits. How? I read the lat- to it. Not reading the magazine is the coaching firm Distinction Commu- est issue of the Toastmaster magazine. equivalent of throwing money away— nication in Newberg, Oregon. When Toastmasters’ monthly magazine is lots of money. Let me show you why. Endicott trains his clients in Power- an invaluable resource for all members. Last year, I won a contract with a Point practices, he asks them to create Whether you’re a professional in the European financial institution to cre- the last slide of their presentations speaking or training sector (like I am), ate and deliver a customized training first to streamline its core message. 14 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

14-15 Stephenson/Read It for Riches.V2.indd 14 7/8/13 9:50 AM I transferred this idea to report chairmanship program. And with the articles I need right then, and writing and asked my participants the help of Mohr’s article, it also prioritize others. The problem is, to write the last paragraph of their led to a speaking engagement for they are generally all of use to me.” assigned report first. This exercise another company where one of the Fisher goes on to point out another boosted the overall content of the participants recommended me. important aspect of the Toastmaster training and was a big success. The My own business is certainly magazine: “I see comments and client company called me back for not the only one to profit from the opinions from Toastmasters around more engagements! valuable resources and alliances the globe, and I see that we’re not Now, this is not an isolated provided by the Toastmaster alone. As a result, I feel part of a example. I can list many other magazine. Other communication truly international organization.” income-generating ideas and professionals are quick to point To use the resources provided engagements for my business that out its advantages. Past District 59 in the Toastmaster, a filing system have been inspired by articles I read Governor Ellen Hermens, DTM, is is advisable. Rick Haynes, DTM, in the Toastmaster. the director of the speaking of Miranda Toastmasters club in Sutherland, New South Wales, Australia, keeps a file of past issues The next time you find theToastmaster in your dating back 10 years, housing a year’s worth of issues in a large mailbox, remember that you’ve just received folder. Alternatively, you may follow a pot of real gold. my practice, which is to remove and file only articles that are of particular relevance. My file dates For instance, while traveling by and leadership training company back to 2004, and I thin it out about train to a company venue where The Kingmaker Institute in Munich, once a year. Some articles, like early I was to deliver a program on Germany. She, too, acknowledges the PowerPoint articles, are outdated meeting chairmanship, I opened benefits of reading the magazine for and can be replaced by more current up the February 2012 issue of the her professional work: “I check each findings. Others, like Michele Toastmaster, and a title jumped out issue for interesting articles, and I Caldwell’s “You Gotta Have Bones” at me: “You Are a Brilliant Woman.” love the variety. One article helped (February 2005), are timeless. This article by Tara Sophia Mohr me develop my own use of humor, So, the next time you find provided a number of tips for women and I’ve been able to use several the Toastmaster in your mailbox, to enhance their leadership skills and others in my own business.” remember that you’ve just received public speaking performance. It was Reading the magazine each a pot of real gold. I strongly a warm and compelling article, and month requires time, but that time recommend that you read it I read it twice before I reached my is a sizeable investment in your carefully because it can, and destination. business or professional work. If will, enrich you. T That morning, all 13 participants you’re too busy to read it carefully in my training group were female. when it arrives, save it for days when They worked fast, and we had some you’re traveling, or for weekends or Lesley Stephenson, ACG, CL, is time left for general discussion at holidays. This is a practice followed a keynote speaker, corporate the end. Some of the women asked by David Fisher, DTM, a member of communications trainer and me about my perspectives on issues Professional Speakers Toastmasters director of the Swiss-based related to gender in chairmanship club in Sydney, New South Wales, training company Speaking and leadership, and raised some Australia, who makes sure he has Solutions GmbH. She is a points that related to Mohr’s article. the latest edition of the Toastmaster member of Zuriberg Toastmasters So I took out the article and shared it with him when he’s traveling. “I in Zurich, Switzerland, and with the group. As I told the author love the magazine,” Fisher confirms. Gourmet Toastmasters in Sydney, later, they loved it. “When I have to commute a lot, I New South Wales, Australia. The feedback from that group am very happy to sit on the bus and Learn more about her at was some of the best I received read every article. When I’m short lesleystephenson.com. during the delivery cycle of the on time, I comb through to find TOASTMASTER AUGUST 2013 15

14-15 Stephenson/Read It for Riches.V2.indd 15 7/8/13 9:50 AM University of Michigan Ross School WHEN CLUBS MEAN of Business BUSINESS Clubs at business schools give students an entrepreneurial edge.

By Jennifer L. Blanck, DTM

he Cass Toastmasters School of Management in West augment the curricular and extra- club means business. The Lafayette, Indiana, was founded “with curricular options designed to Tmembers—students enrolled immense excitement from the faculty, strengthen students’ speaking and at Cass Business School, City staff and the student body,” says club leadership skills. And there’s a very University London—plan to become member Debdeep Roy. “Our mission good reason: Research shows that Students at Cass successful entrepreneurs and working was to integrate business communica- communication and leadership skills Business School, professionals. They joined the club tion with public speaking, as well as are at the top of employers’ lists City University London, joined the to improve their confidence and with leadership-skill development, in across the globe. Cass Toastmasters business-communication skills. a safer environment.” club to experiment What Businesses Seek with their speaking “You may have ever-so wonderful ideas, Communication and leadership skills and leadership styles. but if you cannot sell them to others, you ranked at the top of employers’ list of attributes desired in new hires, in will not succeed.” both the 2011 and 2012 Corporate Mark Zupan, dean of the University of Rochester’s Recruiters Survey. The survey exam- Simon Graduate School of Business in New York ines the worldwide job and recruiting Purdue trends for recent graduate business Cass Toastmasters was formed for Examples of other business school students, as well as employers’ this very reason—for the business school-affiliated clubs include the focus areas. University students to hone their public speaking Toastmasters @ MIT club at the The survey report is produced by and leadership skills. “Toastmasters’ Massachusetts Institute of Technol- the Graduate Management Admission Krannert supportive environment allows ogy’s Sloan School of Management; Council, a global organization of members to test and experiment with Odette School of Business Toastmas- graduate business schools, in partner- School of their speaking and leadership styles ters at the University of Windsor in ship with the European Foundation at no or minimal cost, which helps us Ontario, Canada; and RSB Toast- for Management Development and Management to avoid paying for our mistakes in masters at the University of Michi- the MBA Career Services Council. the competitive business world,” says gan’s Ross School of Business in Ann In 2011, more than 1,500 recruit- club member Louise Luo, CC, CL. Arbor, Michigan. ers participated in the survey, Cass Toastmasters is not alone. These and other business representing 905 firms in 51 coun- The Krannert Graduate Toastmasters schools are benefiting by having tries. The employers were provided club, at Purdue University’s Krannert Toastmasters clubs on campus to with 19 skill sets from which to

16 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE TOASTMASTER AUGUST 2013 17

16-18 Blanck/When Clubs Mean Business.indd 16 7/8/13 9:51 AM 16-18 Blanck/When Clubs Mean Business.indd 17 7/8/13 9:51 AM University of Michigan Ross School of Business

Students at Cass Business School, City University London, joined the Cass Toastmasters club to experiment with their speaking and leadership styles.

Purdue University Krannert School of Management

TOASTMASTER AUGUST 2013 17

16-18 Blanck/When Clubs Mean Business.indd 17 7/8/13 9:51 AM Clockwise, from left: Cass Business School, City University London; members of the Toastmasters @ MIT club at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Sloan School of Management; members of the Odette School of Business Toastmasters club at the University of Windsor; and MIT’s Sloan School of Management.

choose their top five. Communication Preparation for the prepare students for business skills ranked number one not only Business World meetings where they have to speak overall, but also across all three In addition to the regular attention and assess products or ideas on delineated regions—the United States, on honing public speaking and the spot. “The business world Europe and Asia Pacific. leadership skills, business-focused is extremely fast-paced,” says In 2012, almost 1,100 recruiters clubs emphasize other aspects Kapustiak. “Knowing how to quickly from more than 800 companies in important in the corporate world. and efficiently evaluate an initiative 40 countries participated. Leadership Some clubs have their speech topics saves hours of rework.” skills topped the list, with recruiters focus solely on business issues. The University of Michigan’s focused on “employees who are able to They also place a greater RSB club uses Table Topics to lead and inspire.” importance on the possible hone analytical skills. “We try to Mark Zupan, dean of the networking opportunities through incorporate up-to-date Table Topics University of Rochester’s Simon and beyond the club. As Odette questions on real business problems Graduate School of Business in School of Business Toastmasters to analyze a situation, defend a point Rochester, New York, says commu- member Kevin Kapustiak, ACB, CL, of view and convince the audience,” nication skills are key to students’ notes, “Toastmasters are fantastic! explains club member Christian long-term professional success. “Our I’ve met so many interesting people Jarjouhi, CC, ALB. “This helps our advisory boards and recruiters tell us I otherwise would never have had members develop critical thinking that the most important skills our stu- the chance to talk to if it weren’t for while pushing them to stay current dents could further develop are their this organization.” with the latest business topics.” writing and speaking skills,” he says. Some clubs emphasize Table Benefits also result from the “This feedback is consistent across Topics as a means to help with leadership aspect of the Toastmasters every other leading business school of a range of business situations, program, as business clubs are which I have been aware.” including job interviews and sales mindful of how these leadership The Simon Toastmasters club meetings. Clubs using Table Topics opportunities relate to members’ helps students at the Simon Graduate sessions as interview preparation careers. Cass Toastmasters member School improve those skills. As Zupan drill students with questions and Luo says, “What I enjoy most about explains, “You may have ever-so prime them for even the toughest Toastmasters is that it provides wonderful ideas, but if you cannot sell corporate interrogations. Table me with the stage to lead and them to others, you will not succeed.” Topics and evaluations also help empower our members.”

18 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

16-18 Blanck/When Clubs Mean Business.indd 18 7/8/13 9:51 AM Tips for Starting a New Job Managing diverse teams, By Eugene Yiga, CC demonstrating vision and guiding groups toward a common goal Starting a new job can be tough. In addition to navigating are just a few of the opportunities relationships and expectations, you have to figure out the members have to foster their little quirks of that office copier. But with these five simple leadership skills. As Roy, a member ideas, you can achieve success: of the Krannert Graduate club, notes, If you didn’t do so during your interview “The feedback loop and abundant Define your role. opportunities to take on leadership or when finalizing your contract, now is the time to roles in club activities have shaped meet with your boss and define your role. Ask what the the future of the Krannert graduate company’s top priorities are and what is expected of you. MBAs, vis-à-vis business leaders.” Then ask to have regular feedback sessions to evaluate your progress based on these objectives. Business Skills Beyond Business Schools Avoid office politics. Every office has its sensitive topics, Although the Krannert club was and it can be very easy for “the new guy” to quickly get established for MBA students, the sucked into taking sides. Don’t waste your time with this. Krannert School of Management If you have to listen to the conversations, do so silently. found that scope too narrow; there And if you really must voice an opinion, make sure was too much of a demand from whatever you say behind someone’s back is something beyond the business school. “Over you would gladly say to his or her face. Dissension and the years, significant amount of disrespect will tear any team apart. interest from the Purdue University community has made it imperative Ask questions. As you learn how things work, you’ll that we open the club for the greater probably see processes that don’t make sense and good,” Roy says. “Even then, the could be better if done differently. But before making primary focus of the club’s activities suggestions to revolutionize the company, ask questions revolves around business topics and so you understand why the processes are that way in the networking opportunities.” It’s not surprising that other first place. clubs have also seen this expansion Develop your skills. Different companies want different of membership. The Toastmasters skills, so find out which ones your employer is looking for. program is an ideal fit with the Improve your knowledge by subscribing to industry-specific mission of higher education blogs so you can gain deeper insight into the competitive institutions. And improved skills and increased confidence are results environment and bring relevant ideas to the table. that everyone seeks and supports. Raise your game. Be a leader by taking on additional As Luo notes, “Strong public challenges. Find useful things to do in your spare time speaking and leadership skills instead of waiting to be assigned work. During your are essential tools of successful feedback sessions with your boss, ask if there are projects individuals in business and life.” you can volunteer for and other ways you can contribute And that’s good business sense. T more. Even if it’s not part of your job, taking the initiative will set you apart. Jennifer L. Blanck, DTM, is the founder of Georgetown Toastmasters in Washington, D.C. She is a career consultant Eugene Yiga, CC, is vice president education of The Grove club in and writer with more than Cape Town, South Africa. He is a writer, consultant and coach, and 14 years of experience in his website is eugeneyiga.com. university career services and seven years in public affairs.

TOASTMASTER AUGUST 2013 19

16-18 Blanck/When Clubs Mean Business.indd 19 7/8/13 9:52 AM GO BACK TO COLLEGE— AS THE TEACHER! Speak at alumni events to boost your career. By Jennifer Cunningham

ome people’s idea of the and, occasionally, parents of current and how it relates to the school’s perfect high school or college students, who enjoy connecting with mission. He says, “Some people focus Sreunion is to show up in a an audience and exchanging ideas.” on what they want to get out of the stretch limo, with wads of cash spill- So how can you learn more about experience, not what they can offer to ing out of their pockets and a hand- these speaking opportunities? the alumni or the school. Trust me—if some partner escorting them to the you focus on giving the audience useful event. But a more realistic way of Try Before You Commit and interesting information, they will connecting with fellow alumni may Your first step should be to attend an naturally want to buy your book or be to speak at an alumni event. As a alumni event that features a speaker, hire you as a consultant, for example. Toastmaster, you’re uniquely qualified to assess whether this type of speak- I’ll be happy to work with you when for this opportunity, even if you aren’t ing engagement is right for you. Most you connect the dots for me.” a celebrity or industry hotshot … yet! schools have a website dedicated to Thousands of universities around alumni, where they advertise upcoming Make Some News the world produce regional network- events and offer invitations to join email Other ways that alumni offices find ing events for alumni, community mailing lists. Poke around the site to speakers is through news stories, members, students and their parents. read about past events, to get a feel for Google Alerts, web searches and other Alumni relations teams and volun- the topics and how they’re marketed. research methods. Press agents or teer leaders are always looking for Many schools follow a similar formula, public relations agencies sometimes exceptional speakers who can attract with events that incorporate a network- send releases to alumni offices. and appeal to diverse audiences with ing reception and a speaker or panel. Beth Hammock, Vice President a variety of topics. They need charis- Wait until the end of the event to of Strategic Communications and matic presenters and panel members introduce yourself to the responsible staff Marketing at The University of who can give practical advice to recent member or host, when he or she has more Montana Foundation, says her staff graduates, share an insider’s view of time. Let that person know how much proactively looks for speakers who their industry, or offer smart commen- you enjoyed the event and the format, have been mentioned in news articles. tary on hot topics. and then ask for advice about pitching an They also comb notes submitted to the While the setting may be different, idea for a future event. Have a business alumni magazine. Before approaching the level of enthusiasm and encourage- card ready to hand over, with a note someone to speak, the Foundation tries ment at alumni events feels very simi- mentioning your interest in speaking. to determine the person’s public speak- lar to a Toastmasters meeting. “Alumni ing experience and whether potential audiences are among the warmest that Give Back to the School presenters can effectively translate a speaker could hope for,” says Jim Scott Pesner, Director of Alumni their expertise to a wide audience. Mazza, Associate Vice President for Affairs for Columbia University’s Alumni Affairs at Cornell University School of International and Public You Get the Gig. Then What? in Ithaca, New York. “People attend Affairs, says he gets dozens of requests Congratulations! Next up is to promote these events because they shared a from alumni who want to speak, even the event. The number one advice for common experience at a formative though Columbia, like most schools, this phase is to follow the lead of the time in their lives, and they are specifi- doesn’t usually pay speakers. How staff members or volunteers: They’ve cally interested in each other’s stories does he choose? put on dozens of events, so they know and expertise. Our job as staff in Pesner wants speakers to show him what works. You can make their choosing speakers is to identify alumni how their topic will attract alumni job easier by offering a professional

20 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

20-21 Cunningham/Alumni Network.indd 20 7/8/13 9:54 AM photo of yourself and an outline of If you’re asked to be part of a conversations. If the venue is turning your topic, so the hosts can spin it into moderated panel, it’s important to out the lights and you’re still there, attention-grabbing email invitations research the backgrounds of the other that’s a great sign that people enjoyed and Facebook posts. If you are asked to people on stage, and then focus just the discussion. write the content promoting the event, on your expertise when you answer But wait—it may not be over. Great ask to see past emails from events that questions. Unlike a prepared speech, speakers are hard to find. If you knock sold out and follow that format. speaking as part of a panel is more it out of the park, don’t be surprised if Speak at alumni events to boost your career. As you’re developing your speech, casual and off-the-cuff, but be sure to you are asked to speak again. Speaking remember that alumni who attend these use your Table Topics training. Most for your alma mater can be a wonder- events are expecting the unique intel- importantly, keep your points short ful way to reconnect with your school lectual and engaging experience they so you don’t dominate the conversa- and your fellow alumni. No matter experienced in college. Shane Dunn, tion, and mention other panelists’ where you went to school, chances are Assistant Director, Alumni Relations comments to create a sense of cohe- good that the alumni relations staff is and Annual Giving at the Massachusetts sion and camaraderie. looking for great speakers. That great Institute Technology’s Sloan School of Plan to stick around after the event speaker could be you. T Management, says “alumni are looking to network with other attendees and is a member of to learn something new that they can’t answer further questions. Also ask Jennifer Cunningham the Big Red Toastmasters at Cornell easily learn anywhere else. They’re also the staff at the alumni office if they University in Ithaca, New York. looking to meet other people interested will offer their own feedback and if She’s Cornell University’s Senior in the same topic, so presenters whose they can provide you with attendees’ Director of Metrics+Marketing in topics stimulate conversations during comments from the post-event survey. the Office of Alumni Affairs, which the reception hour or who are willing to If not, a good barometer of event produces or supports 1,400 events spend a lot of time engaging in Q&A are success is how long after the speech per year around the world. usually the most successful.” people stick around to continue their

TOASTMASTER AUGUST 2013 21

20-21 Cunningham/Alumni Network.indd 21 7/8/13 9:54 AM The author, Colleen Plimpton, tends an award-winning one-acre ornamental garden. She is shown lecturing at the Connecticut Home Show in Bridgeport in 2011.

Photos courtesy of Colleen Plimpton 22 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

22-25 Plimpton, Lessons from a Garden.indd 22 7/8/13 9:55 AM LESSONS FROM A GARDEN SPEAKER Follow the path of a green thumb to reap presentation rewards.

By Colleen Plimpton, ACB, CL

t was my own fault. I stood in out of my league. Even with my front of the audience at my local notes, my speech was disjointed. I Ilibrary, quaking in my gardening spoke too quickly and blushed furi- boots at the prospect of delivering ously. I avoided making eye contact my first paid speech. As the lights with anyone, and failed to hold my dimmed, I murmured, “What on earth audience’s attention. am I doing here? I’m not ready!” The next day, I joined Toastmasters. The crowd rustled. My face grew Today, several years down the warmer and redder as my eyes teared road, I have a thriving garden- up behind my glasses. My hands communication business. I speak shook as I furtively read my notes one to thousands each year at garden

As both Toastmasters and gardening have taught me, it’s important to sow the seeds of a talk by securing ideas as they occur.

more time. I glanced with apprehen- clubs, libraries, nurseries, resorts, sion at the clock ticking away the museums and historical societies. I’m a minutes until my certain doom. frequent guest on television and radio At the appointed time, I approached segments, and I speak with confidence the lectern, stumbled through the and enthusiasm. presentation, and fled the room in How did I overcome my trepida- relief when it was finally over. tion and become a success? Here, from Giving a talk on seasonal color in a gardener’s perspective, are a few of the garden had seemed like a good the lessons I learned along the way: idea at the time. As a longtime gar- dener I was certainly knowledgeable, Record your ideas: As both and the library staff was even willing Toastmasters and gardening have to pay me! I outlined a speech, gath- taught me, it’s important to sow the ered some photos for a PowerPoint seeds of a talk by securing ideas as presentation, practiced a bit, and they occur. Keep a notebook and jot awaited the day. But at delivery time down thoughts that may become the it quickly became apparent that I was nugget for a future speech. As you Photos courtesy of Colleen Plimpton TOASTMASTER AUGUST 2013 23

22-25 Plimpton, Lessons from a Garden.indd 23 7/8/13 9:56 AM or easily misunderstood. Pull out weedy, redundant concepts. Professional gardener Donna Balzer, a member of Arbutus Toastmasters in Parksville, British Columbia, Canada, has tilled the soil for 25 years. She co-hosted a garden show on HGTV, and was a radio show host for decades. She believes it is best to weed early and weed often whether it is thistle or extra words clogging your

The author gives tips for planting flower bulbs on a local Connecticut TV show. speech. She advises to “just get out there and do it” before the weeds or extra write, think of yourself as a story- flower border that enchant the viewer words overtake the effort. teller. We all love a tale, and stories and delight the eye. Your speech conclu- or anecdotes make any presentation sion, where you leave the audience with Enhance your presentation: Once more interesting. Sharon Closius, CC, a lasting impression, is similar to the the basics of your speech are down CL, of Bethel Toastmasters in Bethel, overall impact of a garden. Is it colorful pat, fertilize it with visual aids, Connecticut, tends an exquisite gar- and full of dwarf conifers? Is it a con- handouts, video or a PowerPoint den of shrubs and perennials. She says tainer garden with precious annuals? presentation. Add appeal by using variety in your vocalizations just as Your speech conclusion, where you leave the the gardener uses diversity in the garden. Avid gardener Carmine Coco audience with a lasting impression, is similar DeYoung, DTM, is a member of to the overall impact of a garden. three clubs in Connecticut, serving as president of Emerging Speech Masters to “bloom where you are planted.” In Or a thriving vegetable garden, bursting Advanced Toastmasters. DeYoung other words, speak about that with with good things to eat? says that the garden is a great place which you are familiar, and be aware to practice vocal variety, for plants do of your strengths, interests and aspira- Do your research: As you prepare indeed perform better when spoken tions. It’s good advice for gardeners your speech, research your topic as to. This variety helps keep the audi- as well as for Toastmasters. you would when planning a garden. ence focused on her talks, compelled Google Images has been a boon to by what they are hearing, just as the Let your thoughts sink in: Once garden planners. It allows us to see unfurling of Mother Nature beckons you’ve captured the kernel of an idea, the promise inherent in tiny plants to the gardener. let it germinate by granting yourself suf- and bare earth. In speech ground- ficient time to expand on the concept. If work, confirm your facts by devoting Use the best tools for the job: a topic excites you, the outline of your time to research. This allows you to Garden author Julie Bawden-Davis speech will develop easily into a speech use details confidently, just as the of Southern California, a longtime as you let your thoughts flow. When an gardener is certain, after adequate contributor to the Toastmaster maga- outline emerges, let it lie fallow a few exploration, that a specific plant will zine, offers this suggestion: Just as days, and then return to organize it. thrive in a particular setting. gardeners have implements that make the task of gardening easier and more Have a plan: Design the speech as Practice and prune your speech: productive—such as hand trowels you would a garden. The introduction, Grow your speech by practicing. The and rakes—Toastmasters have many where the talk is prefaced and the audi- adage is true: Practice makes perfect. valuable tools for improving their ence is intrigued, is analogous to the And in the case of speechwriting, it speaking. Have patience, she counsels, garden edge, which is marked by small simultaneously increases poise and and nurture your craft, whether it is interesting plants close to the observer. lessens anxiety. Rehearse in front of speaking or gardening. The body of the speech, where you a mirror with your outline in front of Just as the gardener employs focal fulfill the premise of the introduction you and a red pen at the ready, because points in the landscape design—such with facts, figures and ideas, is similar you’re going to compost what doesn’t as a weeping tree, special perennial to the robust plants in the center of the work. Prune words that are extraneous or rare conifer—use your body to

24 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

22-25 Plimpton, Lessons from a Garden.indd 24 7/8/13 9:56 AM The Importance of Enthusiasm! emphasize speech points. Gesture, The ability to communicate delight and confidence in one’s make eye contact, change your facial chosen topic is a hidden key to successful speaking. Of expressions, and vary your stance. course, a Toastmaster must always pay attention to orga- nization, vocal range, extraneous filler words and a host of Evaluate your progress: The gar- other items, but if a speaker doesn’t project pizzazz and show dener frequently stands back to assess devotion to her topic, the speech may still fall flat on its color echoes, height and harmony well-prepared face. in the garden. It’s equally important for a Toastmaster to be evaluated on Here are four helpful strategies to help you project enthusiasm: speech performance. While garden Let your body reflect your words. If you say “lean,” then clubs and tours provide unofficial sway to one side. Smile, not only at your audience but gardening peer review, formal evalu- ations at Toastmasters meetings offer during the humorous parts of your presentation. What is members the opportunity to advance your audience watching as you speak? Not your hands, in a measured manner on the road to not the lectern; they’re fixed on your face. So arch an becoming a better speaker. eyebrow, shrug those shoulders, nod your head when appropriate. Reap a successful speech: Your words—carefully chosen, tended, Your audience really wants to fertilized and delivered—will inspire, Use descriptive words. persuade and teach your audience. share an experience with you. Too often we speakers Collect your accolades, as horticultur- forget that we are performers as well as informers. So alists do, and consider joining another carry an audience into your speech by employing action club. When a gardener becomes profi- verbs and colorful nouns. Use all five senses, just as actors cient at perennials or flowering shrubs do in theatrical productions. or vegetable gardening, she will often enroll in another type of horticultural Be well-grounded in your topic. That’s where confidence troupe, perhaps one devoted to daylil- and enthusiasm intersect, and there’s nothing worse ies or organic gardening. Similarly, the many different Toastmasters clubs than coming up blank on something you should know. offer the prospect of increasing one’s Audiences are sharp, and they can sense when speakers skills. Consider joining an advanced are knowledgeable about and involved in their topics. or professional club, or one geared to a specific business. Use props. When I show pretty garden pictures, my voice As I began to use time-tested conveys how much I love the flowers, and that I know the gardening principles in my speaking bulbs are grateful to receive three helpings of fertilizer a career, my anxiety diminished and year. When a listener asks a particularly relevant question, bookings mushroomed. I increas- ingly realized that gardening and I ring a bell. “The winner!” I exclaim. “You’ve won the public speaking have much in com- prize!” I then delve into my supplies, and extract either a mon—both are soul-satisfying and compost bag or small potted flower and hand it over to productive endeavors that improve the pleased and surprised individual. What have I done by us as individuals while enhancing our my actions? I’ve dramatically engaged the participant and communities. The end result of each grabbed the attention of the entire room. is a fine and fruitful harvest. T

Colleen Plimpton, ACB, CL, is a This excerpt is from Colleen Plimpton’s article “Enthusiasm! professional garden communicator The Cure for the Common Speech,” which ran in the November who lectures, writes, teaches and 2010 issue of the Toastmaster magazine. coaches about gardening. Learn more at colleenplimpton.com.

TOASTMASTER AUGUST 2013 25

22-25 Plimpton, Lessons from a Garden.indd 25 7/11/13 10:53 AM HOW TO

THE RELUCTANT LEADER Rise to the occasion—because someone has to.

By Lynn Marie Cherry, CC, CL

very Tuesday at 9 a.m. some tips to help you draw a reluctant You will find that reluctant leaders I silently grumble my way leader out of her comfortable nest: mature and grow into the positions Ethrough a weekly staff leadership Have patience. Once you’ve identi- they accept. They also bring along meeting at work. This is a complete fied an unenthusiastic leader, move these valuable characteristics: waste of my time. I am not a leader. slowly. Encourage her to complete the Encouragement. Reluctant leaders I should be sitting at my desk actually Competent Leadership manual. This are great cheerleaders. We excel at doing my job. Unlike some people who was truly an awakening for me. Guide celebrating the accomplishments of actively participate in these meetings, her through the more challenging others, because, unlike many other I never dreamed of being a CEO or any projects. Connect her with another leaders, we don’t see ourselves in other three-letter executive. I don’t long quiet leader in your club. competition. We genuinely want to for that position; I am quite content Speak to their potential. Sometimes see people reach their goals, even if with my small piece of the puzzle. all a reluctant leader needs is someone they reach them before we do. Servant-hearted. Reluctant lead- ers tend to be compassionate and Sometimes all a reluctant leader needs service-minded people. We didn’t is someone to believe in her. campaign to be put in this position. We won’t demand anyone’s respect for our authority. Typically we rise to When I completed my Competent to believe in her. Identify the budding the occasion to meet a need or fill a Leadership project record last year, leadership qualities you’ve noticed. vacancy. We may be slow to embrace I was forced to quietly acknowledge Write these out in an email or in the a leadership role, but we are willing that I am indeed a leader, albeit a Competent Leadership project evalu- to serve. ations. Our area governor at the time, reluctant one. Toastmasters helped Delegators. Reluctant leaders are Ivan Gray, ACS, did this for me. Paint me realize this truth about who I am. wonderful at delegating. We are not a picture of the leader you see and Five years ago our club’s vice in this for personal glory, and, truth help the member see it too. president education joined the be told, we would rather have some- military, and I stepped up to take Present the need. When you learn of one else lead. We are quick to share on his role. I didn’t do it because an impending vacancy in a leadership opportunities that arise and are good I wanted to, but because no one position, share the opportunity with at rousing others who hesitate. else did. Someone had to do it, her. Explain the particulars of the Toastmasters really is a place where right? I have continued to serve as position and how she is suited for it. leaders are made. I never expected an officer each year, and was even Allow her time to process the idea of that to be true for me. Be on the look- president. Last program year I was taking on the role. out for reluctant leaders in your club. vice president education again, and If she waivers, do a risk assessment You will be pleasantly surprised by I had to acknowledge that our club together. Remind her that Toastmasters how much they bring to the table— flourished under my disinclined is a safe place to test out leadership and so will they. T leadership: It earned Distinguished wings, even though it may feel awk- Club recognition. ward at first. We often only discover You may have no qualms about what we are capable of when pushed Lynn Marie Cherry, CC, CL, is vice leadership, but perhaps you’ve spotted beyond our perceived limit. Help her president education of Shoreline a prospective leader in your club who remove the barriers so she can jump out Toastmasters in Austin, Texas. is hiding in the shadows. Here are of the nest and discover that she can fly. 26 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

26 Cherry/The Reluctcant Leader.indd 26 7/8/13 9:57 AM NEWS FROM TI

Tribute: In Memory of HELEN BLANCHARD, 1926–2013 First female International President was an inspirational leader. By Paul Sterman

he was affectionately known Helen served as Toastmasters’ served on the Toastmasters Executive as the First Lady of Toastmasters, International President in 1985–86. Committee in the early 1980s. Sin honor of her role as the orga- The theme she chose for her term “I really learned to appreciate what nization’s first female International was “Commit to Excellence.” Her an amazing person she was, let alone an President. Helen M. Blanchard, who Toastmasters friends recall her as amazing Toastmaster,” says Dunn. “One passed away in May at the age of 86, an influential and gracious leader, thing about Helen: She always put the left behind a legacy as a trailblazer in someone who inspired others not only interest of the organization first.” the organization she served for more with her pioneering accomplishments Blanchard’s story was a Homeric than 40 years. but with her positive words as well. one. In 1970, when she first became involved in Toastmasters, it was an all-male organization. So to disguise “One thing about Helen: She always put the her gender, she applied for membership interest of the organization first.” under the assumed name of “Homer — Past International President Eddie V. Dunn Blanchard.” By 1973, women were allowed to join Toastmasters and no Blanchard’s positive impact Joyce Persichilli, DTM, a past region disguise was needed. touched countless people, and she will advisor and past governor of District Blanchard’s home club was Naval be missed by all who knew her. 5—Blanchard’s home district— R&D in San Diego, and she eventually Her daughter, Cheryl Sonnenwald, remembers the encouragement she belonged to two other San Diego clubs says she was amazed that her mom received from her friend each time as well: Undersea Toastmasters and was able to raise two kids [Cheryl and she took on a new leadership role in Excelsior Toastmasters. her brother, Bruce], maintain a home, Toastmasters. “Helen would either give Dunn, a longtime member of the have a distinguished professional me a phone call or send me a note or Top O the Morning club in Fargo, career—and do so much in letter to tell me how proud she was of North Dakota, says of Blanchard, “She Toastmasters, to boot. “She was just a what I had been able to achieve,” says felt both the need and the opportunity pillar for everybody,” says Sonnenwald. Persichilli, the first recipient of District to blaze the trail for other women “I’m still in absolute awe of her. I feel 5’s annual Helen Blanchard Trailblazer who were in the organization. You honored to have her as a mother.” Award, established in 2010. could just tell that she took that Blanchard, a Distinguished Eileen Hope, DTM, another past responsibility very seriously.” T Toastmaster, grew up in Pender, a District 5 governor, adds, “It’s hard small town in Nebraska. As a 16-year- to think of anybody I’ve known To learn more about Helen Blanchard, old, she taught 24 children in a who epitomized what a leader really read a 2008 Toastmaster magazine remote one-room schoolhouse. In the is more than Helen did. A leader is profile atwww.toastmasters.org/ mid-1950s, she and her husband, John someone you don’t blindly follow— ToastmastersMagazine/Toastmaster Joseph Blanchard—a chief petty officer you follow them because you know Archive/2008/November/Departments /Profile.aspx. in the United States Navy—moved to it’s the right way to go.” San Diego, California, where Helen Past International President Eddie V. is senior editor of the lived for the rest of her life. John Dunn (1983–84), DTM, became good Paul Sterman Toastmaster magazine. Blanchard passed away in 1974. friends with Blanchard when the two

TOASTMASTER AUGUST 2013 27

27 Sterman, Helen Blanchard.indd 27 7/8/13 9:57 AM ABOUT TI

HELLO, HOW MAY I HELP YOU? Member Support team strives to wow you with their service. Director of Member Support Darci Maenpa (front, right) and her team By Jennie Harris are passionate about providing first-rate service to members.

even thousand phone calls simple ‘yes’ or ‘no,’” says Maenpa. is where members and the organi- and 10,000 emails a month. “Our job is to provide solutions to zation’s leaders elect international SThat is the average number of their challenges and a positive experi- officers and directors at the Annual member communications handled by ence. It is our hope that when they Business Meeting and conduct busi- employees in the Member Support hang up, they say, ‘Wow, that was a ness on behalf of the organization. It division at Toastmasters Interna- great call, because now I understand.’” is also where education sessions take tional World Headquarters. In these On average, the Member Services place and where the semifinal rounds thousands of monthly interactions, team processes approximately of the International Speech Contest the employees—called member 100,000 new member applications, culminate with the naming of the service representatives—identify 55,000 education awards, and 1,200 World Champion of Public Speaking. members’ needs, answer their ques- new club charters per year. They also If you receive a customer satisfac- tions and provide solutions to their process membership renewals, address tion survey from Member Services, challenges. Their job is to ensure that changes, product orders, club offi- take a few moments to complete it. your Toastmasters experience is both cer changes and club coach awards. Representatives appreciate members’ positive and fulfilling. They provide online support, such as positive comments, which are printed “My team believes in Toastmasters assisting with logins and passwords; and pinned on a cork bulletin board and in what they do,” says Director track shipments of items ranging from in the office. And, of course, in true of Member Support Darci Maenpa, education awards to New Member Toastmasters fashion, constructive who is passionate about supporting Kits; and answer questions about feedback is always welcome. T members and providing first-rate club officer training, club bylaws and Editor’s note: This article is one in customer service. speech contest eligibility. an occasional series about the various With 41 employees, Member The team is busiest during certain departments at Toastmasters’ World Support is the second-largest divi- months when club officers submit Headquarters. sion at the Southern California-based items required to meet Distinguished World Headquarters. Most of the Club Program goals, including To contact Member Services, call division’s employees work in the membership renewals (in October 949-858-8255, Monday through Member Services department, where and April) and updated officer lists Friday, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. they answer more than 200,000 for clubs that elect officers annually (Pacific Time). For a list of email member queries each year. (in June). contacts, visit Team members are trained to Other employees on the Member www.toastmasters. . Responses respond to a range of Toastmasters- Support staff coordinate Board org/departments to members’ frequently asked related questions. New hires typically of Directors meetings and Mid- questions are avail able at receive a minimum of six weeks of year Training. They also plan the . training to learn how to respond annual Toastmasters International www.toastmasters.org/FAQ accurately. Convention, which is attended by Jennie Harris is a junior writer for “When members call and ask a nearly 2,000 Toastmasters from the Toastmaster magazine. question, we never respond with a around the world. The convention 28 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

28 Harris/Member Support Profile .indd 28 7/8/13 9:58 AM ADVERTISEMENT ABOUT TI

HELLO, HOW MAY I HELP YOU? Member Support team strives to wow you with their service. Director of Member Support Darci Maenpa (front, right) and her team By Jennie Harris are passionate about providing first-rate service to members. even thousand phone calls simple ‘yes’ or ‘no,’” says Maenpa. is where members and the organi- and 10,000 emails a month. “Our job is to provide solutions to zation’s leaders elect international SThat is the average number of their challenges and a positive experi- officers and directors at the Annual member communications handled by ence. It is our hope that when they Business Meeting and conduct busi- employees in the Member Support hang up, they say, ‘Wow, that was a ness on behalf of the organization. It division at Toastmasters Interna- great call, because now I understand.’” is also where education sessions take tional World Headquarters. In these On average, the Member Services place and where the semifinal rounds thousands of monthly interactions, team processes approximately of the International Speech Contest the employees—called member 100,000 new member applications, culminate with the naming of the service representatives—identify 55,000 education awards, and 1,200 World Champion of Public Speaking. members’ needs, answer their ques- new club charters per year. They also If you receive a customer satisfac- tions and provide solutions to their process membership renewals, address tion survey from Member Services, challenges. Their job is to ensure that changes, product orders, club offi- take a few moments to complete it. your Toastmasters experience is both cer changes and club coach awards. Representatives appreciate members’ positive and fulfilling. They provide online support, such as positive comments, which are printed “My team believes in Toastmasters assisting with logins and passwords; and pinned on a cork bulletin board and in what they do,” says Director track shipments of items ranging from in the office. And, of course, in true of Member Support Darci Maenpa, education awards to New Member Toastmasters fashion, constructive who is passionate about supporting Kits; and answer questions about feedback is always welcome. T members and providing first-rate club officer training, club bylaws and Editor’s note: This article is one in customer service. speech contest eligibility. an occasional series about the various With 41 employees, Member The team is busiest during certain departments at Toastmasters’ World Support is the second-largest divi- months when club officers submit Headquarters. sion at the Southern California-based items required to meet Distinguished World Headquarters. Most of the Club Program goals, including To contact Member Services, call division’s employees work in the membership renewals (in October 949-858-8255, Monday through Member Services department, where and April) and updated officer lists Friday, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. they answer more than 200,000 for clubs that elect officers annually (Pacific Time). For a list of email member queries each year. (in June). contacts, visit Team members are trained to Other employees on the Member www.toastmasters. . Responses respond to a range of Toastmasters- Support staff coordinate Board org/departments to members’ frequently asked related questions. New hires typically of Directors meetings and Mid- questions are avail able at receive a minimum of six weeks of year Training. They also plan the . training to learn how to respond annual Toastmasters International www.toastmasters.org/FAQ accurately. Convention, which is attended by Jennie Harris is a junior writer for “When members call and ask a nearly 2,000 Toastmasters from the Toastmaster magazine. question, we never respond with a around the world. The convention

28 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE TOASTMASTER SEPTEMBER 2011 29

28 Harris/Member Support Profile .indd 28 7/8/13 9:58 AM 29 Bo Bennett ad.indd 29 7/8/13 9:58 AM FUNNY YOU SHOULD SAY THAT

POOL RULES Trying to follow them leaves my head swimming.

By John Cadley

swim at the YMCA for exercise. know how you could shower with- pump the person’s chest until he or (I won’t say whether or not I out water. As for the soap, I guess she is gushing water like a hot springs I swear a Speedo; I’d rather spare they want you squeaky-clean before geyser. Lifeguards don’t like to do you the visual.) After ruining my hips you go in, even though the pool is this. Training for it on a dummy is with running, wrecking my knees with so heavily chlorinated you smell like one thing, but seeing it for real is just biking, and splintering my shins from Michael Phelps for days afterward. plain gross. (The rule could also be power walking, it’s the only exercise Diapers are not allowed in pool. I’m for children who want to scare their left—and apparently one of the best. 67, so that’s not an issue for me—yet. mothers by slowly turning blue.) Aside from its obvious aerobic ben- Flotation devices are only allowed Please refrain from public displays efits, health experts praise the totally in the shallow end. Now there’s a of affection. Don’t worry. My wife nonimpact nature of the sport. There’s head-scratcher. and I don’t plan to get romantic in simply no way to hurt yourself except It’s like saying: You can use a life- wet bathing suits surrounded by by drowning, and that’s not really an saving device in the area of the pool screaming children, watchful mothers, teenage lifeguards and large men with Why don’t they just say, “Please don’t hairy backs. Please wear appropriate swim attire. kill yourself in the pool area”? Street clothes are not allowed in the pool. Thanks for the reminder, fellas, injury. It doesn’t hurt, you don’t have where you really don’t need it, because but I really wasn’t about to jump into to go to rehab, there’s no fighting with if you get into trouble all you have to the pool in a three-piece suit. And I the insurance company over reim- do is stand up. You cannot, however, know what appropriate swimming bursement, and it doesn’t affect your use one in the area of the pool where attire is … unless maybe I don’t. Maybe quality of life because you don’t have the water is way over your head, and that’s what they mean. They see me one anymore. where, if you don’t have one, you wearing a Speedo—OK, so I do wear I like the YMCA. Everywhere you could very easily sink like a cinder one—and they come up and say, “Sir? look there’s a banner extolling the block. On the other hand, lifeguarding We hate to tell you this, but you look benefits of righteous living: is a really boring job, and maybe this ridiculous in that thing. It was designed “ The family that plays together gives them a chance to save somebody for someone half your age and half stays together.” once in a while. your size. Could you please wear some- “Strong minds, strong bodies.” Please avoid excessive breath hold- thing a little more age-appropriate? “Courage, dignity and respect.” ing. Why don’t they just say, “Please You’re scaring the children.” It’s good to be reminded of these don’t kill yourself in the pool area,” We reserve the right to create things, and someday I may actually since that’s what usually happens any rules for the protection of our put a few of them into practice. when you deprive yourself of oxygen members. I’ve always wondered who The pool has a sign, too—a list of for too long? I can only assume this wrote these rules and when I read this rules outlining proper conduct in and is meant for those daring souls who one, I knew: It had to be a member of around the aquatic center. After swim- attempt to swim the length of the the U.S. Congress. T ming there for a number of years, I pool underwater. If they can’t, the finally decided to read them. A few in sympathetic nervous system auto- John Cadley, a former advertising particular caught my attention. matically starts gasping for air, only copywriter, is a freelance writer and musician living in Fayetteville, Please shower with soap and water instead of air it sucks in a big lung New York. before entering pool. Well, it’s hard to full of water, forcing the lifeguards to

30 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

30 Cadley.indd 30 7/8/13 9:59 AM TRAVELING TOASTMASTER

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

Suzanne Frey, Managing Editor of the Toastmaster, Miguel Manrique de Lara Cadiñanos from Madrid, Spain, visits Ipanema steps foot where the Southern and Northern hemi- Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. spheres meet at the Uganda Equator in Africa.

Shishir Lakhani from Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada, Martin Busik from Quickborn, Germany, takes in the Picos de Europa enjoys the Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England. mountains in the northern coast of Spain.

Naomi Takeuchi from Morrisville, North Carolina, Gloria Shishido from Kailua, Hawaii, is surrounded by cherry blossoms in stands outside Etimad-ud-Daula’s Tomb in Agra, India. Fukuoka, Japan.

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

TOASTMASTER AUGUST 2013 31

31 travelling toastmaster.indd 31 7/8/13 10:00 AM Stories and Ideas to Inspire Toastmasters Everywhere

Heart of a Toastmaster is an inspirational collection of stories written by and for Toastmasters International members.

heryl Roush is an international speaker and author, who offers humor, heart and hope to rekindle the spirit and boost morale. Her other Sbooks include Heart of a Mother, Heart of a Woman and Heart of the Holidays.

Purchase your copy at the 2013 International Convention or visit www.HeartofaToastmaster.com.

Sheryl Roush Ad V3.indd 32 7/11/13 8:31 AM