July 2010 Todd Newton: on Top of His Game

www.toastmasters.org Expanding Your World with a Tweet® July 2010 Todd Newton: On Top of His GameLessons from PR DisastersCharisma: The Magic and the Menace V I E W P O I N T TOASTMASTERPublisher Daniel Rex Editor Suzanne Frey Associate Editors Beth Black Paul Sterman Graphic Design Sue CampbellTI OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS Founder Dr. Ralph C. Smedley (1878-1965)2009-2010 OFFICERSInternational President Gary Schmidt, DTM A Funny Thing Clackamas, Oregon Senior Vice President Pat Johnson, DTM Victoria, British Columbia, Canada Happened on the Second Vice President Michael R. Notaro, DTM Alameda, California Third Vice President John Lau, DTM Way to Toastmasters Kuching, Malaysia Immediate Past President Jana Barnhill, DTM, AS Lubbock, Texas Executive Director Daniel Rex One year when I was lieutenant governor, two other district leaders and I Mission Viejo, California Secretary-Treasurer Sally Newell Cohen drove together across the district, attending club-officer training programs and Mission Viejo, California division speech contests. We spent hours and hours in a small car, talking strategy and planning our district year. We also shared stories about our 2009-2010 DIRECTORS leadership experiences. We had so much fun! I never laughed so hard as Lyle Appleyard, DTM Pamela McCown, DTM when I was on those car trips – which was a challenge when I was the driver. Stonewall, Manitoba, Canada Pasadena, Texas Sal Asad, DTM Earleen Norris, DTM Now, a decade later, I still meet with these dear friends to reminisce about Richmond, Virginia Truckee, California those memorable Toastmasters experiences. (Thank you, Beryl and Adele!) Theo Black, DTM Keith Ostergard, DTM Wayzata, Minnesota Beijing, China Effective leaders have many common traits: courage, integrity, focus, Ken Cawley, DTM Michael V. Raffety, DTM passion, service and vision, to name just a few. But one of the most impor- San Jose, California Chicago, Illinois Pamela Christopher, DTM Mary G. Russell, DTM tant qualities is to be a master of merriment. That means fun! Every leader Union Grove, North Carolina Temple City, California I admire and emulate, both in Toastmasters and my profession, creates fun Susan Dalati, DTM Poh Kim Siong, DTM Manotick, Ontario, Canada Singapore memories and encourages levity from their teams. Kristal DiCarlo, DTM Heath Suddleson, DTM Whether it’s sharing stories on car rides, hosting recognition celebrations Westlake, Ohio Potomac, Maryland Emmy Hager, DTM Tim Swearingen, DTM or coordinating a unique club theme meeting, how do you create an atmos- Auburn, Washington Chandler, Arizona phere of fun in your club and on your leadership teams? Do you embrace Ron Kirchgessner, DTM Annelie Weber, DTM Greenwood, Indiana New Windsor, Maryland gales of glee? My Toastmasters memories all revolve around fun. I remember dressing up as Darth Vader from Star Wars at a district conference fun night – and TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL everyone knew the Vader character was me before I even said a word. Or P.O. Box 9052 • Mission Viejo, CA 92690 U.S.A. (949) 858-8255 • Fax:(949) 858-1207 traveling to Disneyland with some Toastmasters friends and enjoying rides Voicemail: (949) 835-1300 like “It’s a Small World,” “Enchanted Tiki Room” and “Splash Mountain.” members.toastmasters.orgOr attending a club holiday meeting where a Table Topics speaker uttered CONTACTING WORLD HEADQUARTERS a sentence that kept the audience laughing for more than 10 minutes. For information on joining Having fun experiences does not diminish the respect you get as a leader. or building a club, visit: www.toastmasters.org Rather, they enhance and strengthen your leadership. Building personal Article submission: [email protected] Letters to the Editor: [email protected] relationships is essential to leading others, and fun opportunities build and To change address, cement relationships. log in to: members.toastmasters.org As we begin a new Toastmasters year, where does fun fit in your agenda? Find ways to encourage creativity and novelty in all that you do. Make fun The TOASTMASTER Magazine (ISSN 00408263) is published monthly by Toastmasters International, Inc., 23182 Arroyo Vista, Rancho Santa Margarita, a priority in your Toastmasters, professional and personal life. CA 92688, U.S.A. Periodicals postage paid at Mission Viejo, CA and additional mailing office. POSTMASTER: Send address change to The TOASTMASTER Magazine, P.O. Box 9052, Mission Viejo, CA 92690, U.S.A. Toastmasters founder Ralph Smedley said, “We learn best in moments of Published to promote the ideas and goals of Toastmasters Inter national, a non profit educational organization of clubs throughout the world dedicated enjoyment.” As a leader, plan on frivolity! Your fellow club members and to teaching skills in public speaking and leadership. Members’ subscriptions are included in the $27 semi annual dues. high-performing teams are counting on it. The official publication of Toastmasters International carries authorized notices and articles regarding the activities and interests of the organization, Your focus on fun begins now! but responsibility is not assumed for the opinions of the authors of other articles. The TOASTMASTER magazine does not endorse or guarantee the products it advertises. Copyright 2010 Toastmasters International, Inc. All rights reserved. Repro duction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Not responsible for unsolicited material. Toastmasters International, The TOASTMASTER, and the Toastmaster Inter national Emblem are trademarks of Toastmasters International registered in the United States, Canada and many other countries. Marca registrada en Gary Schmidt, DTM Mexico. Printed in U.S.A.International President Printed on Recycled Paper2 TOASTMASTER July 2010 July 2010 TABLE OF CONTENTS Volume 76, No. 7ARTICLES &DEPARTMENTS FEATURES 2 Viewpoint: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Toastmasters By International President Gary Schmidt, DTM Todd Newton: On Top 4 Postcards: The Traveling Toastmaster of His Game Toastmaster and TV game-show 5 My Turn: Get Wise and Supervise veteran will keynote the International Study shows increased management Convention in Palm Desert. pays off for organizations. By Julie Bawden Davis By Bruce Tulgan PAGE 8 6 Corporate Profile: Caterpillar Builds a Winning Team A culture of learning helps this global manufacturer thrive . By Beth Black Charisma: The Magic 12 My View from Number Two and the Menace What is charisma and how can you get it? We’re all winners when we grow and improve. By Caren Schnur Neile, Ph.D., ATMS By Rory Vaden PAGE 16 14 Tech Topics: Expanding Your World with a Tweet Join Twitter to connect with Toastmasters members and events around the globe. By Jeff Bailey 19 Leadership: The Ultimate Mentor Sharing your expertise can bring great rewards. Lessons From PR Disasters By Lance Miller, DTM Effective crisis communication helps extinguish the media firestorm. 20 Update: A Bamboo Bursts Through By Dave Zielinski Recalling the explosive growth of PAGE 24 Toastmasters clubs in Asia. By Johnny Uy, DTM, PIP 22 For the Novice: Can You Hear Me Now? How to make sure your communication The Toastmasters Vision: isn’t breaking up. Toastmasters International empowers people to achieve their full potential and realize By Stacey Hanke their dreams. Through our member clubs, people throughout the world can improve their communication and leadership skills, and find the courage to change. 28 Become a Better Thinker The Toastmasters Mission: Sharpen your mind by honing Toastmasters International is the leading movement devoted to making your reasoning skills. effective oral communication a worldwide reality. By Howard Scott Through its member clubs, Toastmasters International helps men and women learn the arts of speaking, listening and thinking – vital skills that promote self-actualization, enhance leadership potential, foster human 30 Funny You Should Say That: And Now understanding, and contribute to the betterment of mankind. for Your Local News It is basic to this mission that Toastmasters International continually Musings on broadcast happy talk. expand its worldwide network of clubs thereby offering ever-greater numbers of people the opportunity to benefit from its programs. By John CadleyTOASTMASTER July 2 010 3 POSTCARDS The Traveling Toastmaster icture yourself here! Are you planning to climb a mountain or cross the Sahara? Will you travel to Tokyo, Paris or PDubai? If so, be sure to take along a copy of the Toastmaster magazine. Pose with it in your exciting surroundings – the more challenging and far-reaching, the better. E-mail the high-quality image to [email protected] and it might end up in the Toastmaster magazine or on our Web site’s Photo Galleries page. But here’s the hitch: You have to have the Toastmaster magazine in the picture!Vic Juorio of Telecommunicators Toastmasters in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, relaxes at the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden.Karen Robbins of Independently Speaking club in Independence, Ohio, visits the famous 1,100-foot-tall lone sandstone rock (aka Ayers Rock), in Uluru, Australia.Mandy Sandher of Town and Gown Toastmasters in Ontario, Canada, proudly stands in front of her country’s Toastmaster contributing writer Craig flag while volunteering with the United Harrison of Berkeley, California, Sikhs for disaster relief in Haiti. admires the Aurora Borealis in the Northwest Territories of Canada.The Toastmaster reaches new heights by arriving at Mount Everest Base Camp in Nepal with Sandy Robb of Inspiring Voices club in Ontario, Canada.2009 World Champion of Public Speaking Mark Hunter from Queensland, Australia, tries to keep his Toastmaster dry at Marilyn Abella of El Presidente Toastmasters in Niagara Falls in Ontario, Canada. Manila, Philippines, reads her Toastmaster while sailing around Boracay Island, Philippines. 4 TOASTMASTER July 2 01 0 By Bruce Tulgan MY TURN Get Wise and Supervise Innovations. Organizations found spelling out expectations, making Tulgan was the 2009 recipient of new methods of sourcing, design, the quid pro quo explicit and truly Toastmasters International’s most production, promotion and deliv- monitoring the production that’s prestigious honor, the Golden Gavel ery of their products and services. within the control of individual Award. He spoke at the luncheon in Increased supervision. Employees employees. Much of that involves his honor during last year’s Inter - received more one-on-one train- communicating effectively. Spelling national Convention in Mashantucket, ing, direction and feedback from out expectations, for example, Connecticut. managers. requires that managers speak clearly to employees – and use specific, Yet among managers employing instructive words. � As a leader, manager, teacher or only one of those strategies, those The recession-induced realization coach, or simply as a good citizen who used increased supervision that organizations fare better when in any endeavor, you are wise to reported the top financial results supervisors make their expectations heed the old-fashioned basics of by far in 2009. Cutting salaries and clear, monitor employees’ progress supervision. Whoever you are lead- benefits might have been necessary, and evaluate their outcomes has ing and wherever you are leading but organizations that stepped up made a dent in what I call the them, pay close attention to what their hands-on management were “undermanagement epidemic.” your team members are doing and able to reward staff with perks like Managers are finally getting back how they are doing it. flexibility and working from home. to the basics of managing. Spend time with them. Talk with Managers who started paying Human relations pros can take them in a clear and penetrating closer attention to who was doing this positive step even further by manner. Guide them, direct them what – and why and where – were recognizing it as a training chal- and support them. communicating more with their lenge. Start pushing your organiza- I’ve been teaching these techni - direct reports, and following up on tion to commit to a culture of ques to leaders and managers for their employees’ job performance strong leadership and to building many years. Over the last two years, more often. These managers were back-to-basics management training my firm, RainmakerThinking, Inc., conducted a study to learn the most effective business strategies used by “Start pushing your organization to U.S. organizations during 2009’s commit to a culture of strong leadership.” economic crisis. Our findings show that the one strategy most important to an organization’s financial suc- better able to reward their top- into the development process for cess was increased supervision and performing people, and less likely leaders at every level. management of employees. to reward those who performed Managers who already have More than 1,000 managers partic- poorly or didn’t work hard. return ed to basic supervisory prac- ipated in the study from different Managers began to view pay tices will find it difficult to walk organizations in the private, public raises and benefits as rewards away from that necessity in more and nonprofit sectors. Rainmaker - rather than as automatic or across prosperous times, because it has Thinking gathered data through the board. The result: They started been so effective during the most surveys, questionnaires, one-on- practicing real performance-based trying of times. T one interviews, focus groups and compensation. seminars. Managers who used the Most of the focus on performance- Bruce Tulgan is the founder of following three strategies during the based rewards by the comp-and- RainmakerThinking, Inc., a research, recession reported having the benefits community has traditionally training and consulting firm in New strongest financial results in 2009: been on changing the compensation Haven, Connecticut. He is the author system. Yet the best system will fail of It’s Okay to Be the Boss and Man - Cost cutting. This included elimi- miserably if managers on the ground aging Generation X. Contact Bruce nating staff, space and resources. are not doing the hard work of at www.rainmakerthinking.com.July 2010 TOASTMASTER 5 CORPORATE PROFILE By Beth BlackA culture of learning helps this global manufacturer thrive. Caterpillar Builds a Winning Team“ ey, want to buy a knuckle- sponsored many corporate clubs and Sales Operations Division, helped boom loader? You don’t encouraged employee participation. charter the Singapore Toastmasters Hknow what that is? Well, Cat University’s promotional Club in 2008 and is the club’s allow me to explain...” campaigns help maintain a burgeon- immediate past president. Arasapan A company that manufactures ing club membership. Messages is pleased with his progress in products with mystifying names are posted on TV monitors at the Toastmasters and says, “It’s critical such as feller bunchers, skidders and entrances to all main buildings. in the business world to communi- articulated trucks needs employees Managers are regularly reminded cate as quickly and concisely as who are strong communicators. When that Toastmasters is available possible without creating ambiguity that company is Caterpillar Inc., the through Cat University. Notices are in the message.” world’s leading producer of construc- e-mailed to the employees. When Caterpillar also has equipment tion and mining equipment, it be - an employee earns a Toastmasters dealerships scattered around the comes even more essential to develop educational award, the company globe, which also support Toast- an educated, competent staff who records that accomplishment on his masters clubs. All in all, Caterpillar’s can handle not only the big machines, personnel record. network of clubs offers a Toast - but the big accounts as well. Achievements in Toastmasters and masters program that, Greiner says, Caterpillar’s senior executives are at Caterpillar often work together. is “pretty deeply embedded” in its so sure of this, they founded Cater- Jon Greiner, DTM, is an Infor ma tion educational system. The program pillar University – Cat University – Solutions Manager for Caterpillar and has been around so long that man- consisting of more than a dozen is active in several company- agers support club membership internal “colleges,” each with a spe- sponsored Toastmasters clubs. He because they were members before cialty area of study. The company’s has enjoyed tremendous accomplish - reaching a supervisory level. Often, culture of education is emphasized ments in Toastmasters, culminating these managers are willing to cover on its Web site: “As Caterpillar con- with his term as International Presi - some or all of the members’ dues. tinues to expand into new markets dent in 2004-2005. Greiner can’t and our machines tackle increasingly pinpoint which dream led to the Caterpillar’s Reward: On-staff complex challenges, our career other, but says that the support of Communicators and Leaders development programs ensure every his company, while building skills Greiner says there is a joke among member of Team Caterpillar is pre- in Toastmasters, helped him reach Caterpillar Toastmasters that they pared and ready to lead the way.” many milestones along both paths. help teach the engineers how to Finding Toastmasters in the Cat speak English – even those who University Catalog is easy, as it plays A Worldwide Network of Clubs were born speaking English. These an important role in the General Caterpillar’s offices are spread employees habitually speak such Studies College curriculum. If clear around the globe, resulting in cor- technical language that ordinary communication is a Caterpillar porate Toast masters clubs in cities people can’t understand what they employee’s doorway to success, such as Sing apore, Bangalore and say. Their managers send them to Toastmasters hands them the key. Beijing, as well as in the U.S. states Toastmasters club so that they can of Ten nessee and Illinois, where the learn to speak to a lay audience. A Record of Promoting Success company is headquartered. All in all, Also, English-language learners In 1974, the first Toastmasters Speech - 15 Toastmasters clubs exist to meet are numerous at Caterpillar – and craft program was introduced to the the communication and leader ship they avail themselves of the lan- company, and company leaders needs of Caterpillar employees. guage skills they can build through immediately noticed the benefits. In Balakrishnan Arasapan, who the Toastmasters program. Those the ensuing 36 years, Caterpillar has works in Caterpillar’s Asia Pacific who are learning English as a6 TOASTMASTER July 2010 5 Members of the Caterpillar Employees Club (#79) in East Peoria, Illinois, enjoy strong foreign language total nearly a third became club president last year and company support. of the members at the Mossville, is an area governor now. Currently Illinois, Toastmasters clubs. Di a project manager, Wang says, “This Wang is one such Caterpillar job requires me employee. Wang’s language skills to contact people among multiple position. “My ability to serve as made her apprehensive about divisions and with different back- a competent IT project manager participating in Toastmasters. “I grounds. I think I am getting more would not be possible without didn’t really understand what I was comfortable in facilitating meetings, effective ver bal communication supposed to do and had trouble leading discussions, clarifying prob- skills,” she notes. understanding others,” she says. lems and removing roadblocks.” Andrews is also looking forward “I was confused and nervous.” Other Caterpillar leaders mention to the career achievements her As a result of these communication Toastmasters when discussing training will bring in the future. challenges, the corporation leans its support toward the basic communication skill-building aspects of club “Caterpillar’s success depends on a membership. How ever, Greiner and his group are working with represen- workforce that is constantly learning, tatives of Cat Univer sity to ex pand growing and striving for excellence...” the promotion of club, area, division and district leadership experiences – Caterpillar Web site as a means to strengthen managerial skills for corporate executive positions as well. accomplishments. Linda Andrews, “I firmly believe developing my Greiner notes, “The other group of the Progressively Speaking club Toastmaster skills will open the of Toast masters members at Cater - in Peoria, Illinois, has been a full- door to new opportunities,” she pillar is made up of those who are time Caterpillar employee for 15 says. “My career growth was at a candidates for supervisory positions. years and consulted with the com- dead end without verbal communi- They’re working to improve their pany for the eight years prior. Her cation skills. As I develop the nec- communication and leadership skills current title is IT Project Manager, essary communication skills, I am to prepare for these managerial roles.” though she wears many hats in the more confident that I am a valuable Wang is also a skilled leader highly company. Andrews joined Toast - and contributing member of the valued in Caterpillar’s Project Manage- masters three years ago. She credits Caterpillar team.” ment Environment. To prepare for a her Toastmasters training with the supervisory role at Cater pillar, she success she’s enjoying in her current (Continued on page 15)July 2010 TOASTMASTER 7 Todd Newton: On Top of His GameBy Julie Bawden Davis Toastmaster and TV game-show ike many children, Todd Newton veteran will keynote the International listened to the radio, but unlike his peers, he didn’t tune in for the latest Convention in Palm Desert. pop hits. “It was the voices that came on between songs that hypnotized me,” L what people find entertaining,” says Newton, a member says the television personality and of Quincy Toastmasters in Quincy, Massachusetts. “The Toastmaster. “At the age of 10, I wanted to level of competition, the varying set developments, and the extremes to which contestants are willing to go are grow up and be on the radio. Somehow I so different from country to country. knew that I would one day speak in front of “For instance, in our pilot episode I traveled to Japan to compete on a show. Here in the U.S., I’ve been on thousands of people.” Hollywood Squares, The Dating Game and Lingo, but I’ve never had to do what I did over there. To win, I had to Newton’s youthful prediction proved true. Not only carry a 15-pound octopus in my mouth while completing has he done extensive radio and TV work, but he is a an obstacle course on a tricycle.” sought-after presenter. In August, he will be the keynote The series is slated to air for five episodes, on speaker at Toastmasters’ International Convention in Thursdays at 10 p.m., from August 26 to September 23. Palm Desert, California. For over a decade, Newton brought viewers face to A Nod to Nana face with Hollywood’s biggest stars, hosting programs such The 40-year-old native of St. Louis, Missouri, credits his as E! Entertainment Television’s red carpet coverage of the grandmother, Eleanor Kruse, a comedienne in the St. Academy Awards. He has hosted a variety of TV game Louis area during World War II, for inspiring in him a shows, including Hollywood Showdown and Whammy! love of live speaking. “My Nana was one of my greatest on the <a href="/tags/Game_show/" rel="tag">Game Show</a> Network. Currently, he’s presiding role models,” says Newton, who has her name tattooed over The Price is Right Live! at Bally’s hotel in Las Vegas – on his right arm. “She was always able to bring out the it is a stage version of the famous TV game show. very best in people… I also saw, through her, how won- The Boston, Massachusetts, resident is set to unveil a derful it is to be able to entertain and make people smile.” new hosting adventure, one with a cross-cultural theme. Although already a media veteran, Newton became a Newton is hosting World’s Wildest Game Shows, a series Toastmaster in late 2007 to further improve his communi- debuting on the Travel Channel in late August. The pro- cation skills. “I joined because I wanted each moment on gram features him traveling around the world to com- stage to be as beneficial as it could be for the listeners,” he pete in a variety of game shows. says, noting that the attention of the audience is a great “As a game show host, I find the series particularly gift. “As a Toastmaster you learn that a connection with fascinating because it displays differences in culture as to your audience is the key to an effective presentation.”8 TOASTMASTER July 2010 “There is no better organization to improve your professional and personal life.” Todd Newton, a member of the Quincy Toastmasters – Todd Newton in Massachusetts, will host World’s Wildest Game Shows , debuting in August on the Travel Channel.He particularly appreciates the evaluation process in When working toward his Competent Communicator club meetings. “In television you don’t receive the same award, Newton gave more than half of his 10 speeches kind of feedback that you do in a Toastmasters meeting,” at clubs he visited. Speaking in diverse club settings is says Newton. “Or when you’re speaking to an audience enriching, he says. “You get a different perspective when of 5,000, you may get e-mails or Facebook messages if you visit other clubs. I met tons of great people.” it’s well-received, but as far as getting a true evaluation, nothing compares with Toastmasters. There’s great bene - Radio Roots fit to receiving constructive criticism.” Newton first hit the airwaves at 19, when he landed a When he became a member, Newton lived in Los job as a disc jockey at a St. Louis radio station. From Angeles, so he joined a club in nearby Woodland Hills: the there, his rise was rapid. He spun records at a few Mid - Dynamic Toastmasters. “I was impressed with how self- western stations and then held high-profile jobs in New motivated and un-intimidated Todd is,” says Cookie Horwitz, York and Los Angeles. At one point, he was featured in a member of the club. She praises Newton’s warmth and Seventeen magazine as one of the hottest DJs in America. charisma, saying, “He’s always candid about himself with - Newton is grateful to his father, Jim Newton, for out hitting you over the head with his message.” encouraging him to recognize and seize life’s every The TV host, who is also a certified life coach and runs opportunity. This enterprising approach led Todd to TV his own coaching organization, switched to the Toastmas - work early in his career. When he interviewed for the DJ ters club in Quincy – a city just outside of Boston – when job in Los Angeles, he stayed in Universal City, next he relocated to Massachusetts a couple of years later. door to the MTV (Music Television Network) offices. Newton has already visited a variety of Toastmasters “I thought, Who knows when I’ll be back in the clubs. For much of the year, he is on the road, giving area?” recalls Newton. “So I walked over and asked to speeches or working on TV projects, and he says that speak to someone regarding becoming a VJ (video jock - whatever city he’s in – Miami, Las Vegas, New York – he ey). The receptionist looked at me strangely, but put me makes it a point to visit a local Toastmasters club. He’s through to Curt Sharp, and I owe much of my career to seen all kinds of clubs – and he’s impressed: him.” The television programming executive, whose “There is no better organization to improve your pro - credits include The Golden Globe Awards , took the time fessional and personal life,” he says. to see Newton and referred him to his first agent.July 2 010 TOASTMASTER 9 That strategic visit catapulted Newton’s career. By company is growing rapidly, opening several new offices 1995 he was a host for E! Entertainment Television and throughout the U.S., he says. he entered the game show arena in 1999 with Hollywood “Coaching isn’t therapy,” he explains. “It opens up Showdown. While he enjoyed his red carpet work, your thinking and shows you different angles and per- Newton has a special affinity for game shows. spectives for achieving your dreams and can be more “What I love about game shows is that I literally stand valuable than people realize – even for already-motivated next to people when they receive money or a prize that individuals. When you talk with a life coach who sees will change their lives,” says Newton, who has given your life from a different perspective and is not locked away $26 million on air in cash and prizes to date. “I into your frame of mind, he or she can suggest you try can also watch game shows with my children. [Game different tactics that often turn out to be great insights. As shows] are just good, clean fun.” the legendary Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Landry said: ‘A TV producer Sande Stewart has created more than a coach is someone who tells you what you don’t want to dozen game shows and recalls the first time he met hear, who has you see what you don’t want to see, so Newton. When he was auditioning to host a show, “We you can be who you have always known you could be.’“ invited Todd in to do a run-through, which is an infor- Through his Health and Wealth seminars, Newton mal, in-office, mock playing of the game. Within minutes offers presentations by a variety of speakers on a range I knew he had everything you look for in a host. He of topics, including his own signature presentation, “Put was energetic, sympathetic and likeable, and it seemed Your Best Into Action,” urging listeners to look inward like he would relate to the camera.” for the keys to happiness, success and fulfillment. That is the same title of his International Convention keynote Call Him Coach speech, which will be tailored to the subject of commu- In 2006, Newton started Todd Newton Life Strategies nication skills – and how anyone can become a more (TNLS), a life-coaching organization that helps entrepre- compelling communicator. neurs, artists, athletes and business leaders reach new Newton also works with the Michael J. Fox levels of personal and professional development. The Founda tion for Parkinson’s disease research and the10 TOASTMASTER July 2010 Best Friends Animal Society for animal rights and rescue. “Every morning when I wake up, I ask myself what I Todd Newton will deliver the keynote speech at the can do that day to improve myself,” he says. “When the International Convention on Wednesday, August 11, sun goes down, I can rest easily knowing that I helped at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in create something worthwhile.” T Palm Desert, California. To learn more, visit www.toastmasters.org/2010convention. Julie Bawden Davis is a freelance writer based in South ern For more information about Todd Newton, visit California and a longtime contributor to the Toast mas ter. www.Toddnewtononline.com. You can reach her at [email protected].2010 International Convention to Showcase Top Speakers odd Newton is part of a top-rate lineup of speakers at this year’s International Convention. The four-day event Tin August will feature two keynoters – Newton at the Opening Ceremonies and Golden Gavel award recipient Carolyn Kepcher. Kepcher will address the audience at the Golden Gavel Dinner held in her honor Friday, August 13. A business leader, writer and television personality, she is a former executive vice president for The Trump Organization who now dispenses career advice through her new venture, WorkHerWay.com. The education sessions will focus on communication and leadership, with presenters offering tips and tools that everyone can benefit from. The presenters are: � Lynne Brasher, DTM – Businesswoman and veteran Toastmaster. In “Lead On!,” Brasher will explain the importance of “servant leadership” and “emotional intelligence.” � Ted Corcoran, DTM – Past Toastmasters International President. He’ll co-present a session with Past International Director Tammy Miller called “Communicating for Personal and Professional Success.” � Mark Eaton – Former pro basketball star, who played 12 seasons for the Utah Jazz. He’ll draw on his basketball background to share “The Four Commitments of a Winning Team.” � Jim Key, DTM –Toastmasters’ 2003 World Champion of Public Speaking will share “Speaking and Leadership Lessons to Laugh About.” � Terri Langhans – Marketing consultant and author of The 7 Marketing Mistakes Every Business Makes (And How to Fix Them). She will share her expertise in “How to Make Your Marketing Stand Out and Get Better Results.” � Connie Merritt – Life-balance expert and author of Too Busy for Your Own Good, Merritt will share time-management tips in “Too Busy for Your Own Good – Get that Spark for Life.” � Lance Miller, DTM – Toastmasters’ 2005 World Champion of Public Speaking will share “Finding Your Voice” and how to speak about topics you are passionate about. � Tammy Miller, DTM, PID – Speech coach and author of My Life is Just Speech Material … And, So is Yours will co- present with Ted Corcoran (see above). � Sheryl Roush, DTM – Internationally recognized motivational speaker and a Toastmasters Accredited Speaker. In “Be Real! How to Speak with Spirit and Sparkle,” Roush will offer trademark tactics for dazzling from the podium. � Sasha Strauss – This brand-strategy expert and managing director of the firm Innovation Protocol will talk about “The World of Brands: How Brand Strategy Makes and Molds Minds.” � Rory Vaden – Self-discipline strategist, World Championship of Public Speaking finalist and co-founder of Southwestern Consulting. Vaden will talk about “Great Leaders are Great Speakers: Bringing Your Leadership A.L.I.V.E. through Persuasive Speaking.”The International Convention takes place Aug. 11-14 at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, California. To learn more about the Convention and the complete schedule of events, visit www.toastmasters.org/2010Convention.July 2010 TOASTMASTER 11 We’re all winners when By Rory Vaden we grow and improve.My View from Number Two f you’ve ever lost a contest or an election, or been turned If we as competitors allow the down for a job or even a date, then you understand the subjective opinions of others to I determine whether or not our jour- agony that comes from ending up on the short end of the ney has been a success, then we subjective stick. In 2007, I finished 2nd at the World have failed. If we allow circumstances outside of our control to Champion ship of Public Speaking. I was the first runner-up, dictate the result of our pursuits, then we have failed. But if we press the Number One loser in the those who do become “champions.” on toward our goals in spite of Toastmasters world. I’m now 27, While the saying “no one remembers what may happen, then we’re a and the two years leading up to who came in second” is true, it’s also success. If, whether we win or we that moment and the three years true that after enough time, no one lose, we recognize the growth that following it have been a wild ride. remembers who came in first, either. is still available and we choose to Vikas Jhingran won that year’s For example, can you name the persist; then we win. As Toastmas- World Championship, and he was last five winners of the Academy ters who carry the flame of success very deserving of the title. But what Awards for Best Actor? How about and inspiration out into the world, about the rest of us participants in the last five gold medalists in the we must understand this principle. the International Speech Contest? Olympics 400-meter run? Or the last We win when we realize that suc- Were we all “losers”? To all those five Nobel Peace Prize recipients? cess is never owned, it is only rented, who have ever entered a contest I doubt that most people could and the rent is due every day. and come up short, and to anyone answer these questions. These were who has ever put their heart and not runners-up – they were the very Things We Can Control soul into a cause and lost, I have a best, yet how quickly the world for- We do have control over the amount message: Success is never owned, it’s gets about them. Competitions are of time and effort we invest into only rented; and whether you win or truly not about whether you win bettering our skills and our organi- lose, the rent is still due every day. or lose, but about the person you zation. When we put our self- Whether you are one of the become in the process. esteem into our work habits, the amazing World Champions of Public success we experience is not based Speaking or one of the thousands Things We Can’t Control on the results of any one event. like me who never quite won the Frustration and despair set in when We can lose almost any battle and big one, all of us are still on the we’re focused and concerned about still continue to win the war. journey to real success. Success is things that are beyond our control. One of the best lessons I learned not about a trophy, a title or a finish Subjective judgment in a competi- was from Darren LaCroix, Toast - line. Success is, as the great teenage tion is always outside the control masters 2001 World Champion of philosopher Hannah Montana says, of the competitors. We have no say Public Speaking. He said, “Stage “all about the climb.” in which individuals are selected time is what matters – not age time.” We often convince ourselves that to judge, where they sit or how Since the 2007 World Champion - if we reach a certain pinnacle, then they’re feeling that day. While ship, I’ve been fortunate as a we can officially be designated as judges determine who goes home professional speaker to speak with “successful” forever. It doesn’t work with the trophy, they don’t deter- and for people like Zig Ziglar, John that way, however, not even for mine who goes home a success. Maxwell and Dave Ramsey. I’ve12 TOASTMASTER July 2010 3 Rory Vaden (left) is congratulated by Toastmasters’ then-International President Chris Ford on his 2nd- place finish at the 2007 World Championship of Public Speaking. realize that somewhere along the way they’ve become successful. If I can attribute my success to one element, it is discipline and getting myself to do things I don’t feel like doing. Whether I win or I lose, I know that tomorrow I must get up and recommit to paying my dues. Can you bring yourself to relentlessly pursue the goals that matter most to you?In the End Toastmasters is not about contests, but about the preparation that we are all going through to become better communicators and leaders. It’s about the people you help, the people who help you, and those people who selflessly serve to keep the clubs and our organization been able to build a highly success- Getting Past the Discouragement running week in and week out. ful international speaking and Today, people see my polished So to the tens of thousands of training company, Southwestern performance as a keynote speaker my fellow “losers” and also to our Consulting, and I’m currently raising in front of 1,000 people and think, winners, I say: What sweet victory thousands of dollars for charity by “Goodness, he’s such a great speak- we can achieve through climbing the 10 tallest buildings in er and he’s only 27 years old.” What Toastmasters. Whether you finished the world. Because of some of these they didn’t see, though, was when first, second or dead last in any successes, many people think, I bombed at comedy clubs, got race, contest or vote, there is no “Wow, this kid’s lucky he was born heckled in high schools, or per- one ruling that will destine you for with so much natural talent.” I’ll be formed my speech in front of two success or failure. Success is our the first to acknowledge that I’ve people at the back of a Denny’s choice and one that we must make been blessed with a great deal. But restaurant. What people also didn’t each and every day. The real ques- I wasn’t just born a great speaker see was how distraught I really was tion is, Are you willing to pay the or great leader. It’s the “stage time” the night I came in second at the rent again tomorrow? that has made the difference. International Speech Contest. So how’s the view from Number From the day I decided to pursue It’s a characteristic of all success- Two? For people like you and me, the World Championship of Public ful champions, though, that they it can still be very sweet. T Speaking – October 27, 2005 – until are made “after hours,” “behind the day I earned that second-place the scenes,” “off-camera,” and in Rory Vaden, MBA, is a motivational finish – August 18, 2007 – I spoke “training camp.” Successful people speaker, author and co-founder on stage 304 times. The 11 trophies know they have to pay a price to of Southwestern Consulting. He I won along the way did not make get better. They know they have will present an education session me a great speaker, but the stage total control over how much they at the Toastmasters International time did. So I may be fairly young work. And they know if they work Convention in August. For more in age time but not in stage time, hard enough for long enough, information about Rory, visit not in experience. they’ll eventually look back and www.roryvaden.com July 2010 TOASTMASTER 13 TECH TOPICS By Jeff BaileyJoin Twitter to connect with Toastmasters members and events around the globe.Expanding Your World with a Tweet s Toastmasters, we love our � Full name. Enter your real create hundreds of accounts and club meetings. They are fun name here. then use them to send spam. To Aand educational. We get the protect us from this, Twitter will opportunity to meet new people � Username. Enter something show you an image displaying two and learn about them. It is a resembling your real name. You words. You must type the words rewarding environment that benefits want to make it easy for people you see and click “Finish” to prove each participant. How can we stay to remember you. I follow people that a live person, not an automated in touch with members away from who don’t use their names and system, is creating the account. If the weekly club meeting? it’s hard to remember their user - you don’t enter the correct words Twitter can enhance your names. I have to look them up. you can keep trying. Once this is Toastmasters experience. You can If you decide to change your done, your account will be ready connect with other members around username, you can. Think twice for you to begin finding others. the world and discuss clubs, pro - about this, however, because jects and any other topic of impor - your followers may not be able Browse topics to find people who tance to you. Twitter is a microblog - to find you. 5 share your interests. Following ging system that allows you to com - another user allows you to see their municate with others using 140 � Password. Your password must tweets (messages) in the timeline on characters or less. It lets you tell the be six characters or more. Choose your Twitter homepage (or cell world what’s on your mind and find a mix of upper-case and lower- phone). Feel free to browse the list out what others are thinking about. case letters, digits and special of the topics on the left. When you Many clubs have a Twitter account characters (I have used _@ and #.) click on a topic, a list or Twitter users that they use to spread the word Remember: Passwords based on related to that topic is displayed on about Toastmasters events and real words are not very safe. the right. You can click the “follow” attract new members. button to follow any of them. Once Getting started on Twitter is easy. � E-mail address. Twitter will con - you finish browsing, click the “Next You begin by creating an account. firm your account using this e-mail step: friends” button at the bottom of Just follow these easy steps: address. Moreover, if you forget your browser Window. your password, Twitter will be able Open your browser and navigate to send you a temporary password. Please note: Twitter will then 1 to http://twitter.com. Click the as k for your e-mail address and yellow “Join Today” button to begin Create your account by clicking on password. This is intended to scan the process. 3 the “Create my account” button. your contacts and allow you to see which friends are on Twitter. I really You will be asked for four pieces Prove that you are human. don’t like allowing applications to 2 of information on the page that 4 Unfortunately, there are people access my e-mail password and con - comes up: who will use computer programs to tacts, so I never do this. I think it is14 TOASTMASTER July 2 010 and add a photo. A photo says, “Hey, I am Follow the Convention a real person.” Twitter users like following real on Twitter! people. You can do this by selecting the ne of the best things about Twitter “Profile” menu. Be sure Ois you can keep track of Toast - to read the Twitter masters members and events in “help” section. real-time. A special Toastmasters You can follow some- Convention Twitter account has been one at any time, and you created so that you can follow the will see their tweets. happenings at the International While it’s great to find Convention in August even if you can’t out what others are doing, it’s also attend. And if you are attending, you can stay abreast of the latest fun to share your activities with activities and changes by sending tweets directly to your cell phone. your friends. Toward the top of Once you have a Twitter account set up, it’s easy to follow the your Twitter homepage window Convention on Twitter. Simply search for @TIConvention in you’ll see “What’s happening?” with the “Find People” search box on your Twitter homepage. a rectangle under it. Click in the Alternately, you can visit the Toastmasters Convention homepage rectangle. Now type, “This is my at www.toastmasters.org/2010Convention and click the first Tweet!” and then click the Twitter button. Sign up now to receive pre-Convention tweets! “Tweet” button. You have now officially tweeted. Congratulations! You’re now a full- best to start with a small group of me, select the “follow” button to the fledged member of the Twitter friends to learn to use the system – left of the profile. Don’t worry if online community! T together. So disregard that request. you don’t get a chance to do this: Instead, click “Next step: Others” You can always find people to fol- and search for anyone on Twitter. low. Twitter search is easy and you can use it at any time. Now click Jeff Bailey is a computer con - Search for people you know and the “Next step: You’re done!” button. sultant and trainer in Cary, North 6 others who interest you. Feel free Carolina. He writes about pre senta- to search for me. To do this, enter Tweeting Time tion skills on his blog, Wired “Jeff Bailey” in the search field and You are now a Twitter user. This is Presentations. Reach him at click the “Search” button. I should just the beginning. Take some time wiredpresentations.com or on be listed near the top. To follow to explore Twitter. Create a profile Twitter at twitter.com/Jeff_Bailey.Caterpillar development is critical to preparing direct reports. I could never have our employees of today to be lead- done that successfully prior to my (Continued from page 7) ers of tomorrow.” Toastmaster development.” Then As Cat University’s curriculum she notes, “I also believe I do a bet- Arasapan, of Singapore, values promotes an increasingly balanced ter job leading business meetings the leadership track. “Coming from combination of communication and and discussion groups.” T a corporate club, the leadership leadership practice, benefits to the track is a highly beneficial way of company are already emerging. developing employees’ leadership Andrews says, “I am now able to Beth Black is an associate editor of qualities – mentoring, creating and speak to larger audiences composed the Toastmaster magazine. Reach executing a vision,” he says. “This of upper management and their her at [email protected].July 2010 TOASTMASTER 15 What is charisma and how can you Charisma: get it? The Magic and th By Caren Schnur Neile, Ph.D., ATMS ou know the expression “she lights up a room”? I have a friend who does just that. If Ann is around, all eyes naturally turn to her, even if more physically attractive women are in the room. Whenever she shares a new idea for a project or an outing, her friends are eager Yto get involved. 16 TOASTMASTER July 2010 She recently left her employer to set up her own com- Charismatic individuals tend to hold our attention with pany and her clients followed without the slightest hesita- some combination of appearance, energy and a way of tion. And most importantly, she makes people feel good making us feel special when we’re around them. It’s not when she’s around, as if we’re in the center of things, typically something we can put our finger on – a flash of and something magical could happen at any moment. Anne has “it”: that certain combination of personality and vitality that compels us to pay attention and leaves “What’s also important to us wanting more. That’s charisma. The word comes from remember is that charisma Greek language; the literal translation is “gift of grace.” Charisma denotes extraordinary personal charm and can be developed.” magnetism, an ability to connect with others physically, intellectually and emotionally. It is usually accompanied blue eyes, perhaps, or a dazzling smile. Whatever it is, by tremendous powers of persuasion. by definition, few of us are immune to its power. Clearly, charisma – used wisely – is a wonderful It should come as no surprise that charismatic people communication tool. But even if you don’t naturally tend to be more successful and better liked than their have that quality of personal magnetism, you can work peers. Writing about charisma a century ago, the on it. You can make yourself more charismatic by doing German sociologist Max Weber noted that charismatic the following: leaders inspire devotion in their followers, making them effective agents of change. � Make a point to feel and express your emotions, However, charisma is a tool, and like all tools, it can rather than denying or repressing them. be used to fulfill a variety of goals, including malevolent � Continually improve your Toastmasters skills, such ones. Many Latin American caudillos (authoritarian mili- as vocal variety, eye contact and focused listening. tary leaders) and African “Big Men” greatly inspired their � Be optimistic and enthusiastic about the world followers, only to wreak long-term devastation on their around you. countries. The Rev. Jim Jones induced 900 people to kill “People who have that certain extra something are themselves in Jonestown, Guyana. Communist leader not sitting with a lot of negative emotion,” says Margaret Josip Broz Tito was responsible for a quarter million Page, a Toastmaster from British Columbia, Canada. deaths in a one-year period in Yugoslavia. Charles “They’re not carrying around this black bag of negative Manson incited his “family” to murder in cold blood. thoughts that is weighing them down.” Perhaps the most dramatic example in history of charisma’s danger is Adolf Hitler, who sent 6 millions Jews to Who Has Charisma? their deaths at the hands of his Nazi regime. Whether or not we can all precisely define charisma, we know it when we see it. Think of former U.S. Presidents Pathos vs. Logos Charismatic speakers effectively turn down the volume on the cognitive centers of our brains while sweeping us away in a flood of feeling. To put it in rhetorical terms, they emphasize pathos, or emotion, to the detriment of logos, or intellect. While it can be extremely exciting to be swept away, e Menace we don’t always want to cede control of our faculties in that way. That brings up the question: How can you Bill Clinton and Ronald Reagan, or ex-Prime Minister make sure you’re not persuaded by a charismatic speak- Tony Blair of Britain, all of whom were known to charm er to do something you shouldn’t do? You can protect even their fiercest political opponents. Picture Elvis yourself by following a few simple rules: Presley (not surprisingly, a favorite of Clinton’s), whose taped appearances are almost impossible to turn away � Before you make decisions or take action based on a from, whatever you think of his music. Then there are charismatic speaker’s appeals, step out of the situation. the people we all know – the boss, co-worker, family Leave the room. Calm down and allow yourself to member or friend who seems to be at the center of think logically outside the sway of the individual. If every party or meeting she attends. you are prevented from doing so, that should be a As Toastmasters, we have all seen speakers and lead- red flag that logical examination of the message could ers who have that certain magic spark that draws us in. cause you to change your mind. July 2010 TOASTMASTER 17 � Do your research. Check with reputable people or strongly than does the general public. (Conversely, in other sources to better judge the ethos, or credibility, some cultures it is the control of deeply felt emotion of the speaker. that is found to be compelling. This is important to � Try to get a copy of the speaker’s words in writing. check out when you are presenting to an audience That may eliminate much of your emotional connec- outside of your own culture.) In other words, if your tion to the speech. Next, outline the proposals, ignor- culture supports this, make it a point to express joy, ing the most flowery or poetic sentiments. What is it, anger, sadness, etc., rather than denying that you are really, that you are being asked to buy into? moved in certain situations. � According to Tony Alessandra, Ph.D., author of Seven Of course, many charismatic speakers have legitimate Keys to Developing the Magnetism that Leads to and worthy goals. Those who do will be glad to give Success, the key to achieving charisma is to improve you the time, space and information required to pause your communication skills. The speaking tools and reflect on them. learned in Toastmasters, such as vocal variety and speaking rate, will go a long way toward enhancing What If I Don’t Have Charisma? your likeability and persuasiveness. Nonverbal skills, First of all, don’t sell yourself short: You may have including eye contact, gestures, facial expressions – charisma and simply not be particularly flashy. U.S. don’t forget to smile – good posture, a professional President Barack Obama tends to display a quiet charis- wardrobe and the effective use of time and space are ma, which helped get him elected. also part of the equation. What’s more, a lack of charisma doesn’t necessarily � Be in the moment. Margaret Page, the Vancouver- doom us to failure. For one thing, the importance of that based Toastmaster, who is also an etiquette and pro- quality can vary, depending on the career you choose. tocol consultant, says that a key quality in people Charisma isn’t as vital for a job in the sciences, for who stand out is they are truly focused on the pre- example, as it is in politics and the arts. And even then, sent. “They are at ease in this particular moment,” Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, former U.S. says Page, a member of Sunshine Toastmasters in President Dwight D. Eisenhower and several of Sechelt, British Columbia. “They are fully present.” Australia’s recent prime ministers all did quite well for � Good listeners are often described as good conversa- tionalists. While this may sound counterintuitive, Toastmasters know that listening is a vital part of con- “Charismatic people are versation. Charismatic people are interesting in part because they are interested in us. Who doesn’t want interesting in part because to be around a person like that? they are interested in us.” � Individuals who exude the spirit of optimism draw people to them. And it’s not just what you say to others. When you think mostly positive thoughts, it gives themselves without being particularly charismatic. Of you a more self-assured, appealing quality, notes course, they had other gifts to compensate. Those lack- Page. “I call it ‘shining from the inside out.’” ing in personal charm may have qualities that charismat- � Be informed. If people are going to want to listen to ic folks sometimes lack: a good character and a focus on you, you must have something to say! Take a class, content over appearances, intellect over emotions, and, and keep up with current events through the Internet above all, old-fashioned work ethic. or other media. Before going to sleep, you might But what’s also important to remember is that charisma want to read a book on a subject that interests you. can be developed. Here are a few tips on ramping up your charisma quotient: As you can see, charisma is a powerful tool that most of us can acquire. Once you’ve got it, keep in mind your � Charismatic people tend to be – or at least feel – responsibility to use it wisely. And then, world, watch physically attractive. I’m not advocating cosmetic out! Whether you’re in the office, on the podium or at a surgery. Rather, maintaining good health and groom- party, there’ll be no stopping you. T ing will encourage people to seek you out. Most of us will never have movie-star looks. But we can cer- Caren Schnur Neile, Ph.D., ATMS, directs the South Florida tainly learn to make the most of what we do have. Storytelling Project at Florida Atlantic University in Boca � Research shows that charismatic people in many cul- Raton. She also chairs the National Storytelling Network. tures appear to feel and communicate emotions more You can reach Caren at [email protected].18 TOASTMASTER July 2010 By Lance Miller, DTM LEADERSHIPSharing your expertise can bring great rewards. The Ultimate Mentor � Imagine that you have a son and mentored you. What qualities did Keep the big picture of Toast mas - circumstances dictate you have to they have? What was it about them ters in mind. We all have a bad leave him in the care of another that you admired? speech, lose a contest, or receive a person for several years. This negative speech evaluation. These person would be entrusted with Chances are they were honest can be upsetting, invalidating and rep lacing you and teaching your with you; if you did well, they discouraging. Help the person you son all he would need to know told you so. And if you messed mentor to keep the big picture of about life and how to survive on up, they told you so. Toastmasters in focus. Toastmasters his own as an adult. You probably got the feeling that is a learning process, for everyone – This was a task faced by they truly cared about you. including speakers, judges and Odysseus, in Greek mythology, when They were interested in you and speech evaluators. There is always he left to fight the Trojan Wars. He in your success. something to learn from the experi- entrusted the care and rearing of They understood what you were ence. No matter how tough it may his son, Telemachus, to a wise old struggling with. seem, the program prepares us to friend and teacher named Mentor. A mentor is a friend as well as handle life outside of Toastmasters. Thus, the term mentor was born. a teacher and advisor. Used as a noun, mentor means: a Toastmasters works if it is fun and wise and trusted guide, advisor or Apply Toastmasters skills as you friendly. Keep it fun and friendly for teacher. Used as a verb, to mentor, mentor others. As a mentor, observe the person you mentor. Watch their or mentoring, means: to serve as a and listen to your mentee. Speech body language. Be alert for any trusted guide, advisor or teacher. evaluation develops the ability to negative issues they might experience, Being a mentor for newer mem- give concise and constructive feed- and help the person tackle them. bers in a Toastmasters club is one of back and to inspire a person to the organization’s most-challenging, continue to improve and achieve. In It is okay to not know an answer. least-defined and often-neglected mentoring, it is more important to You don’t have to have an answer duties. Yet when done right, it can find and reinforce what the person for every question. Be honest, car- be one of the most rewarding, ful- is doing right than to find what they ing, interested and willing to make filling and beneficial experiences in are doing wrong. Our actions should a mistake. developing our communication and inspire them to keep going forward. leadership skills. The ultimate benefit of Toast - If you’re considering becoming Toastmasters is a process. Toast - masters membership is becoming a mentor, you should understand masters – like many of life’s learn- someone who can help someone the following points: ing experiences – is a process. No else become a competent leader one gets 100 percent 100 percent of and communicator. Are you ready Why be a mentor? The final step the time. So as a mentor, your job to put these points into practice and in developing our skills in Toast - is to help your assigned person discover this for yourself? T masters is learning how to help continue to make gradual changes others become competent and avoid becoming discouraged. communicators and leaders. Being a Lance Miller, DTM, is a member of mentor may seem like it is all for Helping them identify and achieve the Renaissance Speakers club in the mentee, but the real benefit goals. Help the person to identify Hollywood, California. He was comes from knowing we can help and achieve his or her own goals. Be Toastmasters’ 2005 World Champion someone better their life. careful not to insert your own agen- of Public Speaking and will lead an da, but instead encourage the person education session at the Inter na - What does a mentor do? Take a to create realistic objectives. Em - tional Convention in August. Reach look at people who helped and power the person to think and act. him at lancemillerspeaks.com.July 2010 TOASTMASTER 19 UPDATE Johnny Uy, DTM, PIPRecalling the explosive growth of Toastmasters clubs in Asia. A Bamboo Bursts Through n July, Toastmasters Interna tion al’s Growth says Past International Director global structure will undergo a Les Brown, the 1994 recipient of Augustine Lee of Singapore. “When Imajor shift. Districts and clubs Toastmasters’ Golden Gavel Award, we want to do something, we make worldwide will be divided into tells the story of how when planting sure we do it well and are recog- 14 regions, replacing the current Chinese bamboo seeds, one has to nized for it, or we don’t do it at all.” system of eight North American water the ground for five years – Clearly, the Toastmasters leaders in regions and several districts not without anything growing. But if the Asia embraced excellence, and the assigned to regions (DNARs) planter is patient and diligent, after more they saw other Asian districts What seemed unthinkable just a five years the bamboo will shoot succeed, the more they wanted to decade ago – this kind of mem- out of the ground and grow to more succeed as well. bership growth outside of North than 100 feet tall in a few weeks. Another event that helped water America – has become a reality. Similarly, patience paid off with the bamboo occurred in 2000, when I find myself growing nostalgic Toastmasters in this part of the world. the Toastmasters International Board as I reminisce about how it all In the mid-1990s, members in Asia of Directors allowed provisional dis- came to be at least in my part began to discover something new: tricts to join district officer training at of the world: Asia. each other. the International Convention. Along In 1994, I was a lone visitor from with District 59 (Central Europe), the In the Beginning the Philippines to the District 51 provisional districts of Taiwan and Toastmasters came to Asia in conference. The attitude of the con- Japan proved the Board’s decision 1952 with the chartering of the ference participants blew my mind; wise, as they immediately grew by Tamaraw Toastmasters club in they were all so enthusiastic! The leaps and bounds. Manila, Philippines. Other clubs following year, I invited Toastmas - Around that same time, the clubs chartered in that decade that ters from around Asia to attend the in India and Sri Lanka, receiving are still active today include the District 75 conference. Ten mem- advice and support from Past Inter- Hong Kong Toastmasters club in bers from Taiwan and two from national President Dilip Abayasekara China (1954), Tokyo Toastmasters Japan attended. They, too, immedi- (2005–2006), joined hands in form- club in Japan (1954), Bangkok ately realized the possibilities that ing a Territorial Council, and in Toastmasters club in Thailand had eluded them. They promised short order, became District 82. (1955) and Taipei Toastmasters right then and there that their clubs Likewise, in China, Keith Ostergard club in Taiwan (1958). would achieve district recognition (now an International Director) of Growth was slow. It took the within the decade. Beijing, along with his ex-pat coun- clubs in the Philippines 29 years terparts Warwick Fahy in Shanghai to become a provisional district New Clubs Take Off and Mark Pixley in Guangzhou, (District 75). Twelve years after that, With more visits to each other’s pushed to build enough clubs in the clubs in the rest of Southeast conferences, the bamboo began to China to form a Territorial Council. Asia (Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, shoot out of the ground. Fueled by In just one year, enough clubs had Indonesia) were finally grouped a surge of new clubs, Taiwan was formed in the country to become together to form District 51. Clubs recognized as District 67 and Japan District 85. in Taiwan and Japan were grouped as District 76. Districts 51 and 75 into Territorial Councils when they jointly chartered nearly 200 clubs Lessons Learned reached 20 clubs per country, in a two-year period (1996-1998). Did such growth occur because though they were unable to build “The most important success people who want to learn English high-enough numbers to become factor I can put my finger on is the found an excellent avenue in districts for many years. attitude of Toastmasters in Asia,” Toastmasters? Yes, this reason20 TOASTMASTER July 2010 3 Enthusiastic Toastmasters pose for a photo during District 51’s recent Spring Convention. 6 Members of the Kota Kinabalu Toastmasters club from Sabah, Malaysia, celebrate their 20-year anniversary at the District 51 convention. is often cited for rising membership is not a problem,” he in countries where English is not says. “Instead, the need the first language. District 85 for effective and articulate actually gets as many as 50 calls a communication is the one week from companies wanting to and only reason for set up Toastmasters clubs to help [Toastmasters’] growth.” their employees develop English- Past District Governor speaking skills. Jack Tsai from Taiwan But Past International Director says people in Taiwan Maimunah Natasha, from Indonesia, join to improve both offers a contrarian view. She says English and Mandarin that often, people don’t join communication skills. He Toastmasters because they can’t suggests that networking communicate well enough in opportunities and the feeling of The Future English, thus “English only” clubs camaraderie also play a big role. The formation of regions outside are sometimes a hindrance to opti- “Many people go to their North America, the election of inter- mal growth. In fact, much of the Toastmasters club to relax and national directors from each region growth in Asia is attributable to the unwind after a hard day’s work,” and the appointment of region establishment of Toastmasters clubs adds Past International Director advisers marketing will effectively where the program is conducted Christine Temblique from the unify districts into a unit focused on in Mandarin, as well as Japanese, Philippines, where most club growth. Already, District 51 has split Cantonese, Malay, Tamil, Hakka meetings are held in the evening. yet again and District 82 will soon and other languages. Past International Director do likewise. Districts 79 and 85 are But there is more to it than that. Natasha cites the drive and encour- waiting in the wings to split. The The opportunity to improve regard- agement of TI leaders: “Motivation clubs in South Korea have the less of the language spoken, the and inspiration from leaders are potential to become a Territorial sense of belonging to a worldwide very important in growing a dis- Council soon. Truly, the formation organization, and a strong and trict.” International Director Oster - of regions outside North America focused leadership all were key gard, of Beijing, says of the growth is a giant leap by Toastmasters factors in the successful growth of of Toastmasters in China: “Had International toward achieving its Toastmasters clubs in Asia. there not been the unification of the vision of making effective communi- Past District Governor clubs [in China] to focus our direc- cation a worldwide reality. T Arunasalam Balraj from Sri Lanka tion, China would still be growing says the desire to learn English isn’t at no more than two to five clubs a even a factor in the rising number year instead of its average of 20-25 Johnny Uy, DTM, served as Toast mas - of clubs in Sri Lanka and India: annually. Leadership has been the ters International President in 2006– “India is the largest English-speak- driving force for continued develop- 2007. He is a member of the Tai-Pan ing country in the world, so English ment of our programs.” Club in Cebu City, Philippines. July 2010 TOASTMASTER 21 FOR THE NOVICE By Stacey Hanke How to make sure your communication isn’t breaking up.Can You Hear Me Now? e don’t know what we magazine. “There’s a real financial example: “I understand it hasn’t don’t know, and this is cost to organizations when the sec- been easy. We have a business to Wwhy communication can ond- and third-tier leaders aren’t run and you need to increase sales.” be challenging. How many of us good communicators.” Do you hear the difference in tone can honestly say we’re 100 percent How do you know if your com- and meaning? certain our messages are heard and munication is breaking up? You can Other times, people over-qualify that we’re consistently perceived as assume it is when what you say their statements before making their confident, credible and trustworthy? isn’t consistent with how you say it. points. I have a client who used to As a leader you must be able to For example, someone tells you, start off his statements to his team clearly communicate your organiza- “I’m so excited to have this oppor- by saying, “I’m probably way off tion’s strategy, vision and value. tunity to work with you” – but says base here…” He minimized his Most of us are under the blurred it in a monotone voice with lifeless credibility and influence with these assumption that if we communicate facial expressions. If, in addition, words. Sometimes when a team a message, it’s heard. In reality, the person doesn’t look you in the member asked him a question, he’d your message may not have been eye and is fidgeting with a pen, you begin his response with, “To be heard at all. Worse, it may have can safely conclude that he or she honest with you…” Did this mean he been unclear or misunderstood. isn’t sincere. wasn’t being honest with the team As a communications consultant, before? Over-qualifying your state- I’ve worked with clients ranging But You’re Breaking Up ments can undercut your authority. from Coca-Cola to the United States Your communication can also Recently during my communica- Army to AT&T. In 13 years of break up with the words you use. tion skills workshop, an executive research, I’ve repeatedly found that Consider the word “but” and be opened his presentation with: “I most leaders are not trained in how careful of the context you use it in. want to ask you a question. What to communicate effectively. Most Let’s say you’re in the boardroom is the number one challenge in your individuals continue to climb the discussing how to improve sales. A role as a leader?” This executive corporate ladder for what they team member says, “I’m really strug- would’ve had more influence had know rather than how they articu- gling in my territory because most he opened his presentation immedi- late to others what they know. of my clients have cut back on their ately with, “What is the number one Suzanne Bates, the author of budgets.” You respond: “I under- challenge in your role as a leader?” Motivate Like a CEO: Communicate stand it hasn’t been easy, but we People often inadvertently use Your Strategic Vision and Inspire have a business to run and you qualifiers to fill the gap at the start People to Act!, says it’s critical for need to increase sales.” The tone is of a sentence. These phrases pre- leaders to learn the communication negative, resulting in people tuning vent us from getting to the point, skills needed to be powerful moti- out after they hear the word “but” frustrate our listeners and minimize vators. (“I like you, but…”). Thus, they’re our ability to influence action. Here “If [leaders] aren’t communicating not as motivated. are some examples of those waf- effectively, you have bad client rela- To be assertive and direct but fling phrases: tionships [and] lost business oppor- not negative and critical, replace tunities,” Bates said in an interview “but” with the word “and,” or � “I was wondering if we might last year with Chief Learning Officer form two complete sentences. For consider …”22 TOASTMASTER July 2010 � “This might be a stupid idea but…” � “To be honest with you…” � “I want to ask you a question.” � “I’d like to tell you a story.”To communicate a message that impacts and influences people, follow these five tips:Pause – Um, what perception, 1 like, do you form, you know, of a speaker, uh, who uses words that, um, clutter their language? “Know- your voice needs to be at a 7 or 8 a gesture. Remember not to overdo ledgeable,” “credible” and “confi- when speaking to a group of 15 or it: If you’re constantly using ges- dent” probably don’t come to mind. more. When speaking over the tures, you’re not able to think on As all Toastmasters know, a key phone or to a small group, project your feet and you’re creating static. step to good communication is to your voice at a 4 to 5 level. replace filler words (like “um” and Vocal projection has nothing to Get to the Point –How do you “you know”) with a pause. We use do with yelling. It’s the realization 5 know if you’re going on too filler words to buy ourselves time – that you need to use different vol- long or wandering off track? One to think about what we want to say. ume levels so your voice reaches way is to pay attention to the cues But these words become distracting everyone in the room. No one your listeners give you: Are they and your listener can misinterpret should have to strain to hear you. attentive or fidgeting? To get to the your message. Instead, give yourself point, stay focused. When you find permission to think on your feet by Gestures – Most individuals I yourself starting to say too much, pausing. This benefits your listeners 4 work with fidget with their fin- pause and put the brakes on! by providing them time to hear and gers, rings, hair or pen when speak- To get back on track, keep your absorb your message. ing. If they don’t fidget, then they objective in mind. Think in terms of“There’s a real financial cost to organizations [when] the second- and third-tier leaders aren’t good communicators.”In addition, speak in shorter unconsciously talk with their hands. what your listeners needs to know, thoughts or sentences. Or they do the opposite: They hold not what you want to tell them. their hands and do nothing. Focus your message on, at most, Eye Connection – When speaking Confident speakers use their the three most significant points; 2 to more than two people, con- gestures to add emphasis to their it will be easier for you to get to nect with one individual for a com- words. To gesture with purpose, the point and for your listeners to plete sentence or thought. Take a avoid locking your elbows at your remember your message. moment to pause as you transition sides or creating the same repeti- Practice doesn’t make perfect – your eyes from one person to anoth- tive gesture. Instead, expand your it makes permanent, so be careful er. Only speak when you see your gestures from your sides and let what you practice! T listener’s eyes, and pause when you your hands emphasize and look away. describe your message. Effective Stacey Hanke is the founder of gestures grab your listeners’ atten- 1st Impression Consulting, Inc., Vocal Projection – If you want to tion. They add energy and inflec- and co-author of the book Yes 3 be perceived as confident, you tion to your voice and help you YouCan! EverythingYouNeed must speak loud enough to be channel your nervous energy. FromAToZToInfluenceOthers heard. On a scale from 1 to 10, with Add variety by relaxing your arms ToTakeAction. Reach her at 1 being inaudible and 10 too loud, back to your sides after you complete www.staceyhanke.com.July 2010 TOASTMASTER 23 urn the clock back one year and you’d find Toyota Motor Corp. riding high, enjoying an international reputation for high quality and reliability that was almost unsurpassed in the automotive T industry. In a blink the car company’s world shifted on its axis. The tumult that’s since transpired is well known, as problems with stuck accelera- tors, faulty brake systems and rollovers knocked Toyota from its lofty perch. These ills threaten to affect the company’s reputation and sales for years to come. What’s less understood is Toyota’s response to its public-relations crisis, an approach with both flaws and strengths that carries valuable lessons for any organization that suddenly finds itself under siege by the press or public. The Toyota case, along with a string of other recent cases involving celebrities such as David Letter man, companies like Domino’s Pizza and Global Crossing, the banking industry and even the venerable Catholic Church, may rewrite the textbooks on how to effectively handle crisis communications in the age of social media. Chief among those lessons: Don’t bury the bad news. To best limit the damage, accept responsibility and promptly communicate the information needed to address them. When possible, use social-media tools to help convey your message. All kinds of organizations and individuals can face public relations nightmares. Will you be ready if a crisis hits?Countering Human Nature The biggest obstacle to handling any such crisis well is – and likely will always be – human nature. When problems emerge, organizations and individuals alike are prone to display the three Ds – delay, deny and dismiss. “It’s natural human instinct to try to bury the worst parts of a story, thinking they won’t come out – but they almost always do,” says Brad Phillips, founder and president of Phillips Media Relations, a New York-based firm that specializesEffective crisis communication helps extinguish the media firestorm. Lessons PR Dis24 TOASTMASTER July 2010 “What you see time and again in crisis situations is that the cost of not communicating quickly and admitting error up front far exceeds the cost of taking those steps.” – Brad Phillips, Founder of Phillips Media Relations in crisis-communications consulting. “What you see time and again in crisis situations is that the cost of not communicating quickly and admitting error up front far exceeds the cost of taking those steps.” Speed and transparency, two factors that can strike fear into the hearts of cor porate communicators faced with a crisis, are ironically the most critical to containing public relations damage. Communicating immediately doesn’t make bad stories go away, Phillips says, but it usually makes them shorter lasting and less severe. Tackling problems with a sense of openness and directness also builds all-important credibility during a time when that trait is usually being questioned by onlookers. Case in point: David Letterman. When the U.S. late-night talk show host became embroiled in a blackmail case that revealed he’d had inap- propriate relationships with members of his staff, he wasted little time in going on air, facing the world directly, accepting responsibility and apologizing for his actions. As a result of Letterman’s head-on approach, media coverage of the story quickly died down. “David Letterman dealt with his problem forthrightly, and only had to deal with it once,” Phillips says. “There’s a belief in crisis communications that you should hold one press conference early on, and encourage journalists to ask every question under the sun until they’re almost exhausted from inquiry. But then you are done and can move on, rather from By Dave Zielinski sastersJuly 2010 TOASTMASTER 25 How To Do It Right: Survival Tips for mother driving her kids to school in a Toyota vehicle. Crisis Communication “For weeks Toyota let go unanswered the question of whether that family was at risk riding in that car, and hile it’s easy to make mistakes in the middle that damaged its reputation substantially,” Phillips says. Wof a crisis, knowing how to react can help mitigate the fallout. Help your group rebuild its Getting it Fast and Right good name by doing the following: Toyota isn’t the only company or individual to have reacted slowly to a crisis. When two rogue employees at � Plan for communications in potential crisis Domino’s Pizza posted a video on YouTube that showed situations. Outline, in advance, what and how them vandalizing sandwiches and pizzas prior to deliv- your group will communicate with the rest ery, company executives were slow to realize how big of the world. an Internet sensation the video had become before � Respond in a timely fashion. Delaying makes addressing the situation. Although Domino’s CEO posted it appear that you’re covering something up. his own video on YouTube apologizing for the stunt, � Admit any culpability, as much as you can much of the damage to the company’s reputation had without legal ramifications. already been done. � Discuss how you plan to make amends. Even the Catholic Church has come to see, albeit � Send your messages out on social media slowly, the value of communicating more openly about platforms. problems in its ranks. After going months without direct- � Monitor risk factors and work to reduce all ly addressing the new revelations of sexual abuse that risk that exposes your group to a future crisis. made headlines in the international press, Pope Benedict, in a May speech to reporters in Portugal, called the crisis “truly terrifying,” and suggested that than facing the drip, drip, drip of media reports and high-ranking church officials who downplayed or con- theories that extend the story over weeks or months.” cealed the problems were at fault. The speech marked a significant shift in tone from Damage from Delay and Denial earlier Vatican communications that blamed the media Although Letterman benefited from having another vil- and perceived enemies of the church for the crisis. lain in his case (the accused blackmailer), organizations In addition, the Pope indicated in the Portugal speech that have taken the opposite tact – delaying, denying or that the Vatican will be changing its practice of handling simply hiding in a bunker as problems become known – abuse cases inside the church instead of reporting them clearly have paid the price for their evasiveness. In to civil authorities. Toyota’s case, president and Chief Executive Officer Says Phillips: “The crisis with the church became so (CEO) Akio Toyoda remained silent for days after prob- big, in large measure, because of the way they tried to lems with its cars were made public, and even allowed a cover it up. They say, ‘It’s not the crime, it’s the cover lower-level executive to appear before legislative hear- up,’ but both were bad in this case.” ings to face the music. (Eventually, Toyoda did travel With the advent of social media sites like Twitter and from Japan, where Toyota Motor Corp. is headquartered, Facebook, the media cycle has shrunk from 24 hours to to appear before the United States Congress.) a few hours, or even minutes, says Jason Voiovich, prin- Cultural aspects also come into play in this particular cipal and co-founder of the Ecra Creative Group in St. public-relations dynamic. In contrast to the aggressive Paul, Minnesota, which specializes in crisis-communica- American political and media culture, Japan’s customs tion consulting. Bad news spreads like wildfire across are reserved – giving a quick and forceful response social networks, and that chatter – regardless of its wouldn’t come as naturally. veracity – can do untold damage to brand reputations. Phillips says while early media coverage about the That puts new pressure on companies to respond quick- Toyota crisis focused on the parts defects in the recalled ly in a crisis, but communicators still need to strike the autos, it quickly shifted to executives’ questionable han- right balance between accuracy and speed. dling of the crisis. “Fast is good so long as fast is right,” Voiovich says. “There were very serious accusations against the com- “Organizations that handle crisis the best are those that pany. Toyota knew about them but calculated that they respond quickly, but that also are predictable in its com- shouldn’t talk about them publicly yet,” Phillips says. munications, take control of the schedule and tell the But the public tends to see a crisis through the eyes of press and public what is going to happen when [in its victims, and in this case many visualized a young terms of responding].” 26 TOASTMASTER July 2010 While you don’t want to start sending out tweets 20 Its Web site reveals tabs for both Corporate minutes after a problem or accusation becomes known, Communications and a newsroom. Both contain updates some type of rapid communication is vital, crisis-commu- on the bank’s financial triumphs as well as challenges. nication experts say. “You do have to act immediately, and the only ques- Don’t Overlook Internal Audiences tion is what that action is going to be,” Phillips says. “In Equally important as communicating with external audi- Toyota’s case, the immediate crisis wasn’t whether its ences amid a crisis is the need to communicate openly cars were truly defective or not, it was that the public and frequently with your own employees – and ensure was perceiving them to be defective. Once there is a consistency across those different channels. That’s some- public perception, you have to act quickly. It doesn’t thing that Global Crossing, the Florham Park, N.J.-based mean you have to shut down production or recall every telecommunications firm, understood when it filed car. It does mean there needs to be some kind of clear, Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2002. The company, which has directed communication to all of the company’s stake- since emerged from that period stronger than ever, knew holders about the developing situation.” employees would have a high level of anxiety and uncertainty in the bankruptcy period. So CEO John What Toyota Did Right: Social Media Legere went out of his way to be “communicator in One area where experts give Toyota high marks is in its chief” during that trying time. use of social media to speak directly to customers who For example, the CEO held weekly worldwide open- now rely on those channels. For example, Jim Lentz, microphone conference calls to provide financial updates president and CEO of Toyota Motor Sales USA, fielded and field employee questions. No inquiries were off lim- questions from consumers on Twitter and Digg.com. its, says Jerry Santos, Global Crossing’s senior vice presi- “What was interesting is that traditional media report- dent of corporate communications. ing was overwhelming negative about Toyota during the “I can’t tell you how many times our CEO was put on crisis, but if you look at social media it was almost two the spot about executive compensation and every other to one in support of the company,” says Voiovich, who issue under the sun during those calls,” Santos says. closely monitored chatter about Toyota on social media “That built a lot of credibility with our workforce, networks throughout its crisis. “Toyota did an excellent because he was dealing with these issues head on and job of honing and cultivating the social media networks. not sugar coating anything.” They didn’t egg people on, but they provided them with data and worked hard to engage them. “When the traditional media whipped out its When the traditional media whipped out its sword, Toyota sword, Toyota used social media as a shield.” used social media as a shield.” – Jason Voiovich, Co-Founder of Ecra Creative Group The beleagured banking industry is also trying to marshal social media forces in its public-relations battle. As it struggles to Global Crossing took other actions to retain top rebuild the public’s trust amid the recession, the industry is employees and restore morale in its crisis period. An taking to the Web. For example, earlier this year Citigroup annual bonus program was augmented with quarterly launched “New.Citi.com,” a blog that features Citigroup cash incentives for achieving certain performance targets, CEO Vikram Pandit and other high-level executives (as and new investors approved the granting of stock units well as low-level employees) trying fervently to win back to all staff members who came through the bankruptcy public support. There are video testimonials, musical inter- period. In addition, CEO Legere worked hard to keep ludes and messages aplenty. Most notably, there is a mea employees’ minds focused on a brighter future. culpa from the CEO himself. Pandit says in a video: “Month after month if you deliver on your promises, “When you look at Citi and what we’ve been through employees start to believe you will survive and eventual- in the last two years, it’s clear we made some mistakes ly thrive once Chapter 11 is over,” Santos says. “Our coming into this environment. We have to acknowledge CEO was always very clear in stressing that once we that, we have to take responsibility for what we didn’t emerged from bankruptcy we’d be a whole different do correctly” company, and we have been.” T Northern Rock, a bank in the United Kingdom, was nationalized by the British government soon after it suf- Dave Zielinski is a freelance writer who lives in fered the first run on a UK bank in more than century. Minneapolis, Minnesota.July 2010 TOASTMASTER 27 Sharpen your mind by honing By Howard Scott, CC your reasoning skills. Become a Better Thinker re you an analytical thinker? Is your mind able to go Ato the core of an issue? Can you parse through the unessential to spot the essential? Do you ask provocative questions that make people pause? Sharp thinking and reasoning actually protects against cognitive processes are at the heart of decline – even in old age, [the brain] clear speaking. But not enough can grow new neurons.” Participating people think clearly. Why? in Toastmasters, of course, is a great One basic reason is this: Not form of mental stimulation. enough people use their thinking Here are suggestions for improv- skills. Too often we neglect our ing your mental processes: brainpower, or assume it is already fully formed. Regarding Ask questions. This is the core that last point, Buckminster Fuller, 1of critical thinking. Your mind the famous futuristic thinker, once should be continually alive to pos- said: “Everyone is born a genius, sibilities. Turn something upside but the process of living de-geniu- down and examine it from the sizes most of us.” underside. Seek out the reasons The brain is a muscle. Just as behind the rationals. If an issue physical exercise helps keep your contains several elements, separate body in shape, mental exercise helps the aspects and arrange them in a your brain increase its power to different order. analyze. The idea that some people For example, good Scrabble play- might be born smarter than others is ers don’t simply stare at their letters irrelevant. Similarly, the notion that to think of a word. They continually you develop your brainpower in rearrange the letters to spot other school, and then it’s set, is ridiculous. possibilities. It is this moving around The truth is, you can improve your that gives them their edge. In the thinking processes at any age. world of business, Frederick Smith As the Franklin asked: How can packages be Institute, an organiza- brought across the country speedily? tion dedicated to He puzzled through to the answer: science education, a fleet of airplanes picking up and notes on its Web dropping off packages at major cities site: “Your brain is around the country, often at night. a thinking organ that The result was Federal Express and learns and grows by the creation of the overnight delivery interacting with the industry. This isn’t an aberration. world through percep- Many business triumphs stem from tion and action. Mental questions and innovative thinking. stimulation improves What about issues in your daily brain function and life? Let’s say you frequently lose28 TOASTMASTER July 2010 accessory items – hats, gloves, NASDAQ index, which is composed electronically or the old-fashioned pocketbooks and keys. Ask yourself, of 5,000 stocks, has sunk from 5,000 way. Create different categories: fis- what would reduce these incidents to 2,200. So what does that tell you cal facts, social observations, eco- of forgetfulness? The answer might about risk? nomic observations and personal be to streamline what you carry and insights. The act of writing some- count what you came with. When Don’t be hoodwinked by labels. thing down helps you remember it. you leave the house, count your 3 “He’s bipolar.” “He’s a salesman.” You are more apt to bring up these disposable items: If you start with “She’s wealthy.” Labels inhibit ideas in conversation at a later time four, make sure you have four clear thinking. Labels set up images – or use them as material for every time you leave somewhere. that stick in the mind and are hard Toastmasters speeches. Also, you to unhinge. Labels limit your per- can periodically peruse these fold- Become a skeptic. Never accept ceptions of people to broad gener- ers to refresh your memory and 2 anything at face value. Know alities. Make yourself push through keep the ideas alive, ready to help that people can make both sides of the approximation and focus on you answer Table Topics questions. an argument simply by marshalling the specific to come to your own different facts. When someone says conclusion. Make people your school of life. that something is the truth, explore 5 Everyone has something to the assertion’s accuracy. Realize Become a serious reader. Stretch share. Never end a personal that experts do not necessarily 4 your knowledge base and encounter without learning some- have the answers. expose yourself to different kinds thing. Perhaps the other person has For example, a recent study of thinkers by reading diverse, an unusual hobby. Maybe he concluded that tall people are more challenging material. Digest big- learned life lessons from a difficult successful than short people. So picture thinkers like economist Paul divorce. Or she draws on special- you begin to think: Where was the Krugman, author Malcolm Gladwell ized knowledge for a job. population of surveyed individuals and political theoretician Kevin Ask people questions – about drawn from? How was the criteria Phillips. Become a fiction devotee, their careers, preferences or parent- for success established? How were burrowing through novels by ing philosophies. Then follow up the results evaluated? Could the eval- Orhan Pamuk, Philip Roth and each time by writing a note about uators have been biased? Perhaps a Toni Morrison – authors who have your discoveries and file it in the tall-men’s association initiated the something to say about society and folders you’ve set up. This method study. And if so, what about success- the meaning of life. will not only expand your insights, ful short men – Mahatma Gandhi, “There is no better way to inform it will also encourage a pattern of Yasser Arafat, Martin Scorsese, Pablo and expand your mind on a regular being curious, which is essential Picasso, Michael Bloomberg – all 5’4” basis than to get in the habit of to keeping the mind active. or less. Furthermore, what does the reading great literature,” writes Try to adopt these habits of the study mean – that short people can’t Stephen Covey in his book The 7 mind, making them part of your be successful? Finally, what exactly Habits of Highly Effective People. daily routine. Soon you will see that was the original purpose of the study? “You can get into the best minds your Toastmasters speeches reflect Statistics, especially, can be that are now or ever have been in a deeper dimension, because deceptive. For example, a person the world.” rigorous thinking is the structural makes the argument that the Dow Reading is to a person what fuel underpinning of clear speaking. Jones average has gone up from is to a car: It stimulates the mind Finally, consider the words 1,000 to 10,400 in 30 years, so one to keep churning. It increases your of Albert Einstein: “Imagination should invest in stock. This is a fal- vocabulary and challenges your is more important than knowl- lacy of oversimplification. For one perceptions. Well-written novels edge.” Meaning, no amount of thing, the index is composed of 30 demonstrate that easy answers are research, Googling or speaking stocks. Moreover, the composition seldom adequate, and all reading to experts will replace what occurs of the Dow has changed over time, magnifies and enlarges experience in that space in your head. Think presumably to increase the tilt. – carrying you forward in the about it. T Using any statistical average does development of your critical- not preclude that one could buy thinking skills. Howard Scott, CC is a member of the several bad stocks, or worse, pur- As you read, take down thoughts South Shore Soliloquy Toastmasters chase companies that go defunct. and ideas and insert them into in Kingston, Massachusetts. Reach In the last decade, the broader file folders. You can do this him at [email protected].July 2010 TOASTMASTER 29 FUNNY YOU SHOULD SAY THAT! By John CadleyAnd Now for Your Local News � Local news is an oxymoron. News would be forthcoming until the next Wow, what great camaraderie. is what happens to other people in council meeting. That’s because they’re part of a team, other places. If it happens in your ANCHOR 2: Still no resolution, and not just any team but “your local hometown, it’s not news – it’s life. huh? news team.” They even have slogans That’s why I feel so sorry for ANCHOR 2: Not yet. to communicate their commitment to local news broadcasters. To com- ANCHOR 1: We’ll have to wait your news. “Break ing news while it’s pensate for the lack of real news, for that next session, then. breaking.” (These guys are fast!) they have to be entertaining. This ANCHOR 2: Yes, we will. “The news behind the news.” (These involves a form of broadcast balder- That sort of thing. guys are smart!) “News you can use.” dash known as “happy talk,” in They get to be a little more (These guys really care!) “A higher which the on-air personalities trade entertaining when they introduce level of reporting.” (These guys sit unscripted remarks between segments the court jesters of the show, the on taller chairs!) to liven up the otherwise mind- weatherman and the sports guy. For And, boy, are they connected. numbing reports of water main the weather guy the anchor might They have laptops in front of them, breaks, town hall meetings and segue with something like: “So, right there on the desk. That way, they can break even more breaking news on top of the breaking news they’ve already broken. “Local news is an oxymoron.” What I love most, though, is their sincerity. Just the other day I saw an anchor doing a “promo” for his Memorial Day parades. Unfortunately, what’s it going to be this weekend, show. He was chatting casually with they’re not very good at it. These Bill, the golf clubs or the umbrella?” someone off-camera, his tie loos- aren’t actors. They’re communica- To which Bill replies: “A little bit of ened, drinking coffee from a paper tions majors with expensive hair. both, Lou, so hit the links and bring cup just like regular folks. He said, Watching them ad-lib clever chitchat an umbrella. If you hit a slice you “I don’t just report the facts. I tell is like watching the sailing team try can blame it on the rain.” you what those facts mean. If there to play varsity football. “I don’t need the rain to hit a are potholes on County Route 7, I First, there are the “anchors.” slice, Bill. I can do that in broad tell you what those potholes mean. They get to be the most serious, daylight.” Ha-ha-ha-ha. If there’s a kitten caught in a drain reading news of a break-in at the pipe, I tell you what that means – 7-Eleven like it was a raid on the Using Special Sports Words for the kitten and the drain pipe.” Federal Treasury. Because they The sports guy has license to be This is supposed to show his lack the weight of a national net- even more of a kook. That’s because commitment to the community, even work anchor, there must be two of he gets to use special sports words though he’s trying to get out of this them and they must be of the to break the interminable monotony community as fast as he can so he opposite sex in the hopes of of game results. “Mulloy edged can get a bigger job in a bigger mar- sparking a little on-screen “chem- Hudson 21-20, while Hamilton ket. When he does, he’ll be report- istry” that will make viewers won- blanked Greenwood, 14-zip. Jeffer - ing on what’s happening to other der how they really get along (i.e., son snuck past LaFayette 14-10, people in other places – and I’ll Do they like each other?) Lowery topped Dewitt 27-20, and finally get to hear some real news. T Usually their happy talk consists Benson routed Kirkville 30-3.” of commenting on each other’s stories: Then the comedy starts: “And that’s John Cadley is an advertising copy- ANCHOR 1: … and the mayor it for sports. No golf scores to report. writer in Syracuse, New York. Reach said no resolution on the matter Lucky for you, Lou.” Ha-ha-ha-ha. him at [email protected].30 TOASTMASTER July 2010Toastmasters International Convention 2010Register Now!August 11 -14, 2010 Desert Springs JW Marriott Resort and Spa Palm Desert, CaliforniaDiscover what everyone’s talking about! Each year, nearly 2,000 Toastmasters travel to the International Convention to learn, share and grow. If you haven’t yet attended a Toastmasters Convention, make this the year you discover what you’ve been missing. Convention 2010 will be bigger and better than ever. Here’s what you can expect:  Opening ceremonies and keynote speaker K Todd Newton eynote Speaker Todd Newton  10 communication and leadership skill-building sessions to help you grow personally and professionally  Nine International Speech Contest Semifinals  Hall of Fame Ceremony  Golden Gavel Dinner with honoree, Carolyn Kepcher t Golden Gavel Recipien  World Championship of Public Speaking Carolyn Kepcher  President’s Dinner Dance  Networking with Toastmasters from all over the world Early-bird registration ends July 9, so make your plans today! To register, view the schedule of events and learn more, go to www.toastmasters.org/2010Convention. TOASTMASTERS See you in Palm Desert! ® INTERNATIONAL

July 2010 Todd Newton: on Top of His Game

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