TOASTMASTER

THE MAGAZINE FOR COMMUNICATORS & LEADERS | AUGUST 2014

Convey
Confidence
with

Body
Language
Amy Cuddy reveals the
surprising power of poses.
PAGE 16

Training
Tomorrows
Leaders Today
Youth Leadership program
helps students speak up.
PAGE 22
VIEWPOINT

TOASTMASTER
A Journey of 10,000 Miles Publisher
Daniel Rex
2013-2014 OFFICERS
International President
Over the past year, my wife Jorie and I visited Managing Editor George Yen, DTM
Suzanne Frey
International President-Elect
11 districts in eight countries on four conti- Senior Editor Mohammed Murad, DTM
Paul Sterman
nents. Our journey allowed us to appreciate First Vice President
Associate Editor Jim Kokocki, DTM
the ancient wisdom in the Chinese saying, It Mary Nesfield
Second Vice President
is better to travel 10,000 miles than to read Junior Writer Mike Storkey, DTM
Jennie Harris
Immediate Past President
10,000 books. The districts we visited cover Editorial Assistant John Lau, DTM
Shaelyn Berg
the spectrum of the Toastmasters world, from Chief Executive Officer
Art Direction Daniel Rex
the veteran districts outside the United States Susan Campbell
Secretary-Treasurer
(District 21 in British Columbia and Dis- Graphic Design Sally Newell Cohen
Deidre Gaffney
trict 72 in New Zealand) to the fast-growing
provisional districts of South Korea (District 2013-2014 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tom Jones, DTM Kristina Kihlberg, DTM
93P) and West Africa (District 94P), and the Region 1 Region 8
predominantly Spanish-speaking District 34 of Mike Barsul, DTM Richard Peck, DTM
Region 2 Region 9
Mexico. As the Aussies of District 70 so eloquently phrased it in their 2014
Karen Blake, DTM Don Griffith, DTM
Sydney conference theme, its the Same, same but different. Region 3 Region 10

We saw a unity in diversity in our global organization, and observed Patricia Hannan, DTM Khaled Matlagaitu, DTM
Region 4 Region 11
certain trends that can be summarized: Alan Shaner, DTM Mike Helm, DTM
1. The growth of corporate clubs, which started in North America in the Region 5 Region 12

Lori Lococo, DTM Deepak Menon, DTM

1980s, is spreading to other parts of the world (e.g. about half of the clubs Region 6 Region 13

in District 51 in Malaysia are corporate). It is encouraging that organiza- Sharon Anita Hill, DTM Joseph Gomez, DTM
Region 7 Region 14
tions, both for-profits and nonprofits, have come to see Toastmasters as a
cost-effective means of employee development.
TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL
2. Toastmasters programs such as Speechcraft and Youth Leadership
P.O. Box 9052, Mission Viejo, CA 92690 U.S.A.
have come to be used as a means of community service as well as vehicles +1 949-858-8255 Fax: +1 949-858-1207 Voicemail: +1 949-835-1300
of member recruitment. www.toastmasters.org/members

3. There is a sense of excitement over the changes in our organization

CONTACTING WORLD HEADQUARTERS
since the 2010 Strategic Plan, and great anticipation for the revitalized For information on joining or
education program and what it promises. building a club, visit: www.toastmasters.org
Article submission: [email protected]
We are all unified in our common Toastmasters culture and core values, but
Letters to the Editor: [email protected]
we also have interesting differences. For example, club meetings take on dif- To change address, log in to: www.toastmasters.org/members
ferent formats and lengths. Instead of the sandwich approach of evaluation,
which is used in Asia and North America, District 72 uses the CRC method Toastmasters International Mission:
(commend, recommend and commend), and District 70 uses the PIP method We empower individuals to become more
(praise, improvement and praise). I believe the CRC and PIP methods are effective communicators and leaders.
easier to explain to rice-eating Asians than the sandwich metaphor.
Jorie and I are also able to experience firsthand the passion and dedica-
tion of Toastmasters in all parts of the world. They are indeed the driving
force behind our organizations growth. Behind their passion are individual
stories of how lives are transformed one by one. Speaking, like walking and WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE
www.toastmasters.org
even breathing, is a basic human skill, yet many of us are trapped in a silent
The Toastmaster magazine (ISSN 00408263) is published monthly by Toastmasters
prison, unable to connect with the world. International, Inc., 23182 Arroyo Vista, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688,
This Viewpoint marks the end of my incredible year-long journey of 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,
amazing personal growth. I would like to express my gratitude to this Mission Viejo, CA 92690, U.S.A.
wonderful organization for the privilege to serve. T Published to promote the ideas and goals of Toastmasters International, a
nonprofit educational organization of clubs throughout the world dedicated to
teaching skills in public speaking and leadership. Members subscriptions are
included in the $36 semi-annual dues.
The official publication of Toastmasters International carries authorized notices
and articles regarding the activities and interests of the organization, but respon-
sibility 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 2014 Toastmasters International, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction
GEORGE YEN, DTM in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Not responsible for
unsolicited material.
International President
Toastmasters International, the Toastmaster and the Toastmaster International
Emblem are trademarks of Toastmasters International registered in the United
2 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE States, Canada and many other countries. Marca registrada en Mexico.
Printed in U.S.A.
 LETTERS

my last opportunity to thank my dad for Whats Your Theme?

being my dad. Thank you for showing me I think a themed meeting is one of the
I could believe in myself. cleverest ways to conduct a Toastmas-
You never know when you are influenc- ters meeting. As The Theme Team by
ing someone to excel. Caren S. Neile (May) points out, a good
FRANK M. COSTA, ATMB theme can provide a lot fun and variety for
Im involved with Colonel Ledyard Toastmasters members and guests alike. In my clubs,
several organizations, Ledyard, Connecticut the Toastmaster and General Evaluator use
the meeting theme as a connection to in-
but Toastmasters is the Times Are Changing
troduce the speakers and evaluators. This
Im deeply impressed by the April View-
strongest community point (Cross-cultural Communication)
makes the meeting flow smoothly.
Sometimes our themes are related to
Iveexperienced. by International President George Yen, in
traditional holidays, thus providing op-
which he pointed out that the term cross-
Stacey Shipman, ACS, CL cultural communication was hardly used
portunities for members to get to know
one another better. What inspired me
in Dr. Smedleys time. But today, as noted
Creative Meeting Roles most about Carens article is the idea that
in the Viewpoint, more than 40 percent
members can make meeting themes more
I read the article Vive La Diffrence in of our members live outside the United
creative and dramatic by adding props or
Club Meetings! (April) by Jennifer Blanck. States. This means English is not the only
settings. If this can make a meeting more
It was gratifying to learn that my club has language spoken by Toastmasters.
meaningful, it deserves a try.
some of the same roles other clubs have, In 1998, I promoted and chartered the
such as Listening Master. Another club I first Chinese-language Toastmastersclub BRUCE YANG, DTM
Taichung Toastmasters
belong to has a Warm-up Master. We also in Taichung, Taiwan. Now, in the central Taichung City, Taiwan
have a monthly Magazine Quiz Master part of Taiwan, there are almost 20 clubs in
who questions us on that months issue which Chinese or Taiwanese, or both, are
of Toastmaster magazine. The result? spoken. Toastmasters is international be- DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY?
Everyone in the club is now an avid reader cause of its cross-cultural communication. Write it in 200 words or less. State your
of the Toastmaster! PAO-CHIN GRACE LEE, ACS, ALS name, member number and home club,
SUSAN BUTTERFIELD, ACB, ALB Happiness Toastmasters and send it to [email protected].
Federation Toastmasters Taichung, Taiwan Please note: Letters are subject to
Tenterfield, New South Wales, Australia editing for length and clarity, and may
The Triumph of Community be published in both the print and
A Proud Moment I enjoyed reading Sephora Pierre-Louis electronic editions.
Years ago, I conducted a series of Speech- From Tragedy to Triumph (April), which
craft sessions for a company in Groton, highlighted the strength of the Toastmasters
Connecticut. In one of the classes was a community and its role in her achieve-
man with a strong European accent. He ments. Im involved with several organiza-
struggled but was very attentive and vol- tions, but Toastmasters is the strongest
unteered for every assignment. I saw him a community Iveexperienced.Whenever I
few years later, and he told me his story: reach out for helpwhether at the club or
After the Speechcraft sessions, his district level (as an area governor)I hear Have you checked out
father passed away, and his family asked either Yes! I can help or No, I cant help; the digital Toastmaster
him to speak at the wake. He said to me,
Frank, I thought of your words during
let me refer you to someone who can. magazine yet?
Members want to succeed and see others
the Speechcraft sessions. You said, When succeed.I stay in Toastmasters for the
If so, please send your feedback to
we are the speaker, we are the person with consistent practice, the community and
[email protected].
the message to share. The most important the ability to make a difference. Thank you,
Your opinion matters!
person in the room. The one with the best Sephora, for sharing the strengthof the To find the Toastmaster magazine
information about the subject. It was very Toastmasters community beyond the club. app, visit the Apple App Store,
difficult, but it was the proudest moment STACEY SHIPMAN, ACS, CL Amazon Appstore or
of my life. It was my last conversation with Hanover Toastmasters Google Play store.
the most important person I ever knew Hanover, Massachusetts

TOASTMASTER | AUGUST 2014 3

CONTENTS

Features
16
22
LEADERSHIP

Training Tomorrows
Leaders Today
Youth Leadership program helps
students speak up, build skills.
The popular program fosters students lifelong
association with Toastmasters.
By Christine Clapp, DTM

Articles
12 12
EVALUATIONS
AN EVALUATORS
RECIPE
Mix these 11 ingredients to
produce a savory speech.
By Carlos David Arzeno

14
16
EVALUATIONS
THE IMPORTANCE OF
EVALUATION
COVER Its what makes our

Convey Confidence
education program unique.
By Daniel Rex, Chief 15
with Body Language Executive Officer,
Toastmasters International
How you and your audience
share the benefits of nonverbal
communication.
15
PERSONAL GROWTH
Social psychologist and Harvard professor FLORAS ALPHABET
Amy Cuddy confirms the link between the ADVENTURE
body and the mind. A Canadians journey in
pursuit of speech topics.
By Denise Graveline
By Sylvia Nilsson-Barkman,
Cover photo by Thatcher Cook for PopTech DTM

4 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

 AUGUST 2014 VOL. 80, NO. 8

Articles Columns
20 26 2
VIEWPOINT
MEMBER PROFILE
BARBARA SEYMOUR A Journey of 10,000 Miles
GIORDANO, ACS, CL: By George Yen, DTM
FROM THE HEART International President
Speaker coach uses
storytelling to make
connections. 11
By Linda Allen, ACS, CL MY TURN
Cat Got Your Tongue?

26 By Susan Miller, CC, CL

Q&A
JOSHUA TAHINDUKA, CC, CL:
30
FUNNY YOU
PUTTING RWANDA SHOULD SAY THAT
TOASTMASTERS ON Not So Quiet Desperation
THE MAP
28 By John Cadley
University of Rwanda
engineering student is his
countrys first CC and
CL recipient. Departments
By Julie Bos
3 LETTERS
28 6 AROUND THE GLOBE
RELATIONSHIPS
SOMETIMES THE
TOPIC IS LOVE 10 TRAVELING TOASTMASTER
Romantic relationships can
flourish in club settings.
By Mary Nesfield

TER
2014
| AUGU ST

TOASTMAS
& LEAD ERS
MUNI CATO RS
ZINE FOR COM
THE MAGA

3 ways to enjoy the

Body
Language Toastmaster on the GO!
See the August issue and past issues on these tablets: August Special Tablet Features
n iPad (second-generation iPad and newer) Take a tour via video of nonverbal communication
techniques, including Italian-style hand gesturing.
n Android (4.03 or newer)
n Kindle Fire HD See and read more about students who grow through
Toastmasters Youth Leadership program.
Simply download the Toastmaster magazine app
for your tablet from the Apple, Google Play or See more happy couples who met in Toastmasters.
Amazon app stores.
For more information, go to www.toastmasters.org/magazine.
TOASTMASTER | AUGUST 2014 5
AROUND THE GLOBE
MEMBER MOMENT

A Club Pioneer in Pakistan

Aneeqa Ali, CC, CL, is the only woman in the Islamabad What are the
Toastmasters club in Islamabad, Pakistan. She takes pride in that members of your
fact. One of the things she cherishes most about Toastmasters is club like?
its diversity. When Ali joined, suddenly, a new world of friends We have doc-
emerged from round the globe, she says. A vice president tors, engineers,
membership, she organizes membership campaigns and makes businessmen,
sure members enjoy their club experience. Ali works in the lawyers, accoun-
external audit department at the Islamabad branch of KPMG, tants, information
one of the largest accounting firms in the world. She will soon technology and
become a chartered accountant. marketing profes-
sionals, ambassadors
What is it like being the only woman in the club? and students in our
Initially it was not that easy. After every meeting, I called and sent club. Their ages vary
messages to a friend and former club member [who is a woman] from 20 to 60 years.
to come back and join once again. But with time I became so Aneeqa Ali, CC, CL
comfortable with my fellow members that I stopped bothering What is the best
about the fact that there werent other girls. And here, a big credit advice you have ever received?
goes to all my fellow members who supported me enough and To take Toastmasters seriously and keep the learning part in mind
were so gentle that they never made me feel out of place. while indulging in the fun of it.
Why did you join Toastmasters? How has Toastmasters helped you in your professional life?
After hearing about Toastmasters, I just dropped by the local club at When my colleagues are just thinking about how to say some-
Lok Virsa one day, very casually, to see how things happen. Since that thing and how to stand up and present it, I am already up, talking
day, I have never wanted to miss out on all the fun and learning, and I with confidencewithout any "ahs" or "ums," of course.
have become a very regular member.
What captivated me about Toastmasters was the idea of shar- What is one thing you would like people to know
ing my thoughts and views with an audience. about Pakistan?
Pakistan is not as unsafe as the world thinks it is. It is a wonderful
What topics do you enjoy speaking about the most? place with glorious tourist resorts and very friendly people. Nature
My mischievous childhood and social issues that I feel need to be with all its bounties can be explored here. People must know that
taken into account. Pakistan and its people have a very rich and interesting culture.

In Brief
INTERNATIONAL semifinalists. Each semifinalist will compete UNABLE TO ATTEND THE 2014
CONFERENCE DIRECTORY on Thursday, August 21, in one of nine INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION?
Find a great conference to attend at lanyrd. semifinal speech contests. One winner from You can still watch the action! Live
com or catch up on those you missed. each semifinal will participate in the streaming coverage of these popular
While on the site, why not build a speaker Toastmasters World Championship of convention events will be available online:
portfolio of the talks you have given? Public Speaking on the following Saturday. the Board Briefing, Opening Ceremonies,
International Speech Contest Semifinals,
CONGRATULATE YOUR GET A CONVENTION SNEAK PEEK and the World Championship of Public
DISTRICT SEMIFINALIST Dont miss the Toastmasters Podcast Speaking. Visit toastmastersondemand.
Do you know who is representing your series. Get a preview of the International com for more information.
district at the International Speech Contest Conventions speakers and education
Semifinals? Visit toastmasters.org/ sessions at toastmasters.org/podcast .
semifinals to see the names of all 91

6 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

 SNAPSHOT

In April, Ryan Avery, ACG, ALB, the 2012 Toastmasters World Champion of Public Speaking, attempted to break the world record for
most books signed by one author in a single session. The book, Speaker, Leader, Champion: Succeed at Work Through the Power of Public
Speaking, co-authored by Avery and Jeremey Donovan, DTM, examines winning speeches from the annual World Championship of Public
Speaking and provides tips for speaking success. Although the record was not broken, Avery, shown here with wife Chelsea, sold over 1,000
books in nine hours.

FACTS WORTH KNOWING

Are you CC S-M-A-R-T?

Toastmasters Initialisms Defined
The Toastmasters world has historically been filled with initialismsfrom awards and titles to nearly everything else related to the
organization. Heres a crash course on your A.B.CCs, presenting some of the most common initialisms used by members today:

Initials Full Name Initials Full Name

CC Competent Communicator SAA Sergeant at Arms
Advanced Communicator AG Area Governor
ACB
Bronze DG District Governor
Advanced Communicator PRO Public Relations Officer
ACS
Silver
Lieutenant Governor Education
Advanced Communicator LGET
ACG and Training
Gold
LGM Lieutenant Governor Marketing
CL Competent Leader
RA Region Advisor
ALB Advanced Leader Bronze
PID Past International Director
ALS Advanced Leader Silver
PIP Past International President
DTM Distinguished Toastmaster
AS Accredited Speaker
VPE Vice President Education
DCP Distinguished Club Program
VPM Vice President Membership
DRP District Recognition Program
VPPR Vice President Public Relations WHQ World Headquarters

TOASTMASTER | AUGUST 2014 7

AROUND THE GLOBE

WHATS THE BUZZ? INTERNATIONAL INTERPRETATIONS

Is there more to learn

after 25 years in
Celebrating the Dead
Toastmasters? In the United States, children anxiously
await Halloween night (October 31) to
dress in costumes and go door to door for
The genius of the Toastmasters program candy. The holiday, largely associated with
is that it meets you where you are and sweets, originates from the ancient Celtic
shows you how to improve through actual festival of the dead, Samhain. To the an-
practice. If you ever feel like you don't have cient Celts, October 31 was the day ghosts
anything more to learn, try a different club. returned to Earth, as it marked the final
The context you'll experience in each club harvest of the year.
will be unique, and will add to your varied Festivals of the dead are not uncom-
experience as an evolving communicator. mon: Many cultures hold annual celebra-
Melissa Triplett tions honoring the lives of the dead and
Plus Factor club People visit a cemetery in Mexico on
their brief return to Earth to visit relatives.
Saint Louis, Missouri Da de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).
Japanese Buddhists celebrate Obon, or the
At age 70, I took on the chair position for Festival of the Lanterns, in August. Relatives
the District 71 Spring Conference. It revital- leave meals in homes and temples for spirits, and at night they light paper lanterns to guide
ized me in between the odd panic attacks for spirits home. The festival ends when candles are lit and sent down rivers and bays, showing
taking on such an undertaking, and it was spirits back to the realm of the dead.
great fun! Grab your mojo, get in control During Pchum Ben, celebrated by Cambodian Buddhists, food is prepared before
and go spread the wordhelping others is a sunrise and left in temples and pagodas. A special rice and sesame-seed mixture is
worldwide lifelong learning process. spread in front of pagodas for hungry ghosts, or spirits without living ancestors. On
Brendan Haughton, ACB, ALB the 15th day, people dress in fine clothing, bring food to pagodas, and listen to music
Wicklow club and speeches given by monks and abbots.
Wicklow, Ireland In Mexico, November 1 marks Da de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. Known for
its food and parties, this two-day event blends indigenous Aztec rituals with Catholicism.
I had the honor of meeting a man who had
Relatives prepare altars with decorations, food and grooming supplies for spirits to
been a Toastmaster for over 30 years. After
enjoy during their visit. Calacas and calaveras (skeletons and skulls), the festivals most
holding almost every position in Toast-
recognized symbols, appear on sweets and altars and in parades.
masters, including international director,
what Doug Barclay, DTM, learnedand Sources: The National Endowment for the Humanities (edsitement.neh.gov/not-just-halloween-festi-
continued to learnwas how to give, how vals-dead-around-world) and National Geographic (education.nationalgeographic.com/education/
to teach and how to inspire. He also learned media/dia-de-los-muertos/?ar_a=1).
that he helped himself by helping others
become better Toastmasters.
John Constant, ACB, ALB
SHOW YOUR
TOASTMASTERS
Speakwell club
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

PRIDE
Members contributed to the discussion on the LinkedIn
Official Toastmasters International Members Group.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH Receive 10% off all apparel in August.

Ideal for work or play, Toastmasters-branded apparel
helps raise awareness of the organization and shows
COURAGE is what it everyone that youre proud to be a Toastmaster!

takes to stand up and Shop www.toastmasters.org/apparel

speak; COURAGE is Use Promo Code: TMPRIDE10
Offer valid August 131, 2014.
also what it takes to SIT
DOWN AND LISTEN.
WINSTON CHURCHILL

8 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

MEET MY MENTOR MEETING TIP

Kory May, ACG, ALB Make Your

No one has the potential to influence a members experience like a mentor. Beth Meetings Count
ODonnell, CC, member of the Town Criers club in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, and
promotional-products account coordinator at Summit Group in Itasca, Illinois, shares
how her mentor, Kory May, ACG, ALB, an employee of Procter & Gamble in Iowa City,
Iowa, has helped her.
Why did you join
Toastmasters?
Joining Toastmasters was Korys
idea! Kory and I have known each Weve all been in that meeting, whether at
other since our college days at work, in the community or at a Toastmasters
the University of Iowa. Although club. The one where the leader digresses
we went in different directions from the goals at hand, the discussion mean-
after graduation, we reconnected ders and the session drags on and on.
online. Kory shared his passion When a meeting lags, the mind wan-
for Toastmasters and offered to dersand thats not an efficient use of
mentor me right from the start. time. These tips can make meetings more
He said club membership would productive and worthwhile.
help me with my day-to-day FROM LEFT: Kory May and Beth ODonnell
n Bring an agenda. Its important that
sales calls and my interaction
the group has clear, tangible objectives to
with co-workers and managers.
accomplish. The meeting organizer should
As a result of his contagious enthusiasm, I joined in 2011. He was right! I feel more
spend time thoughtfully planning out a
confident with my speaking and writing skills than ever before.
useful agenda, with a series of action items.
What can you tell us about Kory? A little extra time [spent] at the front end
He is a passionate Toastmaster who served as an area governor in District 19, vice will save more time at the back end, writes
president membership at Quad Cities Advanced Toastmasters and vice president Victor Lipman on Forbes.com.
public relations at Affirmationists Toastmasters. [Both clubs are in Iowa.] He has a n Open strong. A meeting needs to
keen sense of humor and a fast wit. pull in the participants from the start.
How is long-distance mentoring working out? The Toastmasters International work-
Although we live in different states, we use technology to assist us in our mentor/ book How to Conduct Productive Meet-
mentee relationship. Kory is generous with his time and communicates through text ings includes these recommendations for
messaging, email and phone. opening a meeting: 1) Establish a friendly
He encourages me to read more to help with topic research, write and journal daily atmosphere; 2) start on time; 3) bring
to capture speech ideas when they hit, practice weekly and apply the lessons I learn to all everyone up to date; 4) open with an
areas of my life. attention-grabber.
n End on a positive note. Also crucial,
What have you learned from him? says the Toastmasters workbookwhich
Kory taught me to respect the Toastmasters processto respect the manuals, the is a module in the Success/Leadership
lessons taught for each speech, the evaluations I receive and the roles I take on at Seriesis how a meeting concludes. The
each meeting. I recently achieved my Competent Communicator designation and Im leader should summarize the progress
mentoring a new club member. made in the meeting, note the things that
What is your favorite thing about Kory? the participants agreed on, and end by
It is his communication style. Whether we discuss topics like speech ideas, careers thanking everyone in the group.
or even current events, he is a deep thinker who shares his thoughts and opinions Although meetings can sometimes seem
without hesitation. like an irritant, its important to remember
their value. As it says in How to Conduct
NOMINATE YOUR MARVELOUS MENTOR! Productive Meetings, such sessions produce
Do you know an exceptional mentor who has positively influenced you or other understanding, spark ideas, clarify goals and
Toastmasters? Send a 200-word description and photo (1 MB or larger) to solve problems. In many of todays organi-
[email protected]. zations, decisions are made [collaboratively]
in meetings, not by individuals.

TOASTMASTER | AUGUST 2014 9

TRAVELING TOASTMASTER
1 2

1 | BUNZO SUZUKI FROM HIROSHIMA, JAPAN, stands in

front of Mount Rainier in Washington state, USA.

2 | JOHAR AHAMAD AND WIFE FAUSIA JOHAR FROM

DOHA, QATAR, pose in front of the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim
Al Thani Museum in Qatar.

3 | ANU TOODU FROM TALLIIN, ESTONIA, visits tea

plantations in the Cameron Highlands of Malaysia.

4 | ANITA SHEEHAN FROM WATERLOO, BELGIUM,

hikes the Wicklow Mountains in Ireland.

View more photos on your tablet or on our Facebook

page: Toastmasters International Official Fan Page.

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

10 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

 MY TURN

Cat Got Your Tongue?

How I gained the courage to speak up for furry felines.
BY SUSAN MILLER, CC, CL

A s a shy girl growing up with a

stern father, the lesson I learned
best was: Children should be seen
to speak to university administrators
and scientists on the occasion of the
unveiling of new campus supercomput-
and not heard. Some adults remarked ing systems. Without Toastmasters,
on my uncanny patience, completely this would have been a very unpleasant
misinterpreting my fear of speaking up. experience!
Others taunted me with the question: Outside of work, I volunteer for a
Cat got your tongue? While I was a local no-kill cat shelter, PAWSitively
real scaredy-cat, I was proud to have CATS. Skills developed in Toastmasters
earned the good kid label. Timid are crucial when I don my fundraisers
obedience motivated me to earn top hat. Im quite comfortable calling do-
grades in school. After I graduated from nors and speaking about the work we do
college and entered the work force, my on behalf of homeless kitties. Recently,
bosses took on the scary father role and I was invited to speak to the Univer-
I strove to be a model employee. Being sity of Arizona Pre-Veterinary Club. I
a computer programmer reinforced my eagerly accepted the invitation, but was
introverted personality perfectly. surprised to learn that my presentation
Soon I was asked to give presenta- was to be 40 minutes long!
tions at meetings, a tortuous experience. Having just started the Advanced
Susan Miller uses her communication skills
Fortunately, a co-worker invited me to Communication Series, I decided this
to speak out about homeless cats.
join Toastmasters. I reluctantly agreed, would be perfect for the first project
and my first speeches were peppered in the Public Relations manual, The
with ums. The thought of being chosen Goodwill Speech. I began the talk by asking pre-vet students if
for Table Topics left me tongue-tied. Yet I was encouraged to see they would be nervous if asked to give a presentation to a large
that I was not alone in my fear of public speaking. My progress group. Nearly all of them raised their hands affirmatively. I told
them about the benefits of Toastmasters and about clubs at the
Skills developed in Toastmasters are university. I invited them to help me by alerting me each time
crucial when I don my fundraisers hat. I uttered the colloquial word gonna. For dramatic effect, each
time a student caught me saying gonna, I deposited a dol-
through the Competent Communication manual was slow, largely lar into the shelter donation box I had brought as a prop. The
due to my perfectionist tendencies. Nonetheless, I became more ensuing discussion on helping homeless cats was unforgettable.
comfortable speaking in the club and was determined to achieve The students came to realize that good communication skills are
a Competent Communicator award no matter how long it took. I essential, whether you are trying to facilitate an animal adoption
managed to complete only four speeches when our membership or interview for a job. As for the shelter cats, they earned $8 in
dwindled and the club disbanded. gonna penalty donations.
While disappointed at losing my club, I was secretly relieved at Participation in Toastmasters has transformed me from a
not having to prepare any more speeches. I had become more at scaredy-cat to someone who proudly advocates for stray ani-
ease being a presenter, and had managed to virtually eliminate my mals. Delivering presentations at work is now invigorating and
use of the filler word um. Satisfied with my accomplishments, I enjoyable, and I relish opportunities to speak about science and
didnt seek out a new Toastmasters club. But when a co-worker saving furry lives. Im grateful to Toastmasters for helping me find
started a new club, once again, I was in. Prior experience made me my voice and make a difference. Cat got your tongue? Let Toast-
a little bolder and soon I was taking on mentoring roles. masters help you overcome your fears and get it back! T
Throughout the four years it took me to earn my Competent
Communicator award, I enjoyed constant encouragement from SUSAN MILLER, CC, CL, is the club secretary for the Biosciences
club members as I continued to hone my skills. I looked forward club at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona. She enjoys
to making presentations, even though my boss was in the audi- speaking about life sciences data analysis as well as her adventures
ence. I was honored (and only somewhat nervous) when asked in cat rescue.

TOASTMASTER | AUGUST 2014 11

EVALUATIONS

Carlos David Arzeno, front and right of center, in the cream-colored shirt and dark tie, conducts speech evaluation workshops in clubs he
visits, including the Effective Communicators club in Munich, Germany.

An Evaluators Recipe
Mix these 11 ingredients to produce a savory speech.

L
BY CARLOS DAVID ARZENO istening to an engaging speech is a satisfying experience that charms the soul.
Growing up, I was always intrigued by individuals who could effortlessly captivate
others with their words. What is it about them that makes them so appealingis it natu-
ral talent, charisma, magic or all of the above? I asked myself many times as I observed
school teachers, team coaches and late-night comedians transfix their audiences.
This curiosity ultimately led me to the halls of the Pentagon, the headquarters of
the U.S. Department of Defense, where I have worked as a communications consul-
tant for the past three years. It was there that a stranger approached me one day while
I was adjusting my tie in a bathroom mirrorand said, Sharp tieyou should join
Toastmasters. I took his advice and joined the Helmsmen Toastmasters, a club that meets
in the Pentagon library.
I immediately felt at home and discovered a passion for the speech evaluator role. I
evaluated speeches relentlessly.I enjoyed comparing the qualities of great speechesand
was eager to identify common links between them. Day and night, I objectively dissected
hundreds of speeches at club meetings and online via Toastmasters speeches posted on
YouTube. This analysis helped me identify 11 speech ingredients that, if used effectively,
have the power to captivate audiences.
This awareness improved my evaluation abilities. I suddenly felt like a chef who could
sample a dish,savor the ingredients and explain how to bring even more delicious flavors
to life. Within a few months, I took my knowledge to the stage andwon the 2013 area-level

12 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

Evaluation Contest in Washington, D.C. Humorputs audiences in a good mood Next, provide specific suggestions by
Since then, Ivevisited clubs from Utah to (and helps reduce tension). Speakers highlighting two ingredients that can
Germany, sharing my tips through a speech can spark laughs from their audiences be added or improved upon and how to
evaluation workshop. through the use of sarcasm, irony and implement them. Conclude your evalua-
Here are the 11 speech ingredients, self-deprecation. tion with words of encouragement. This
presented in no particular order. Not all boosts the speakers self-confidence and
Energy is contagious. If a speaker is enthu-
ingredients are necessary, but the more motivates him or her to get started on the
siastic and cheerful, it becomes easy for
you put into the mix, the better the result. next speech.
an audience to feel that way too. The most
When brilliant speakers connect with
A relevant topiccaptures an audiences effective speeches contain peaks and val-
their audiences, I feel a deep appreciation
attention and enables you to make a con- leys, where the energy level fluctuates.This
for the recipe they use to produce that
nection.Even if a speech topic is very prevents audiences from becoming desen-
engaging experience. May you continue
specific, its still possible to relate it back sitized to a constant energy level.
to experiment with the ingredients that
to the audience. For example, a speech
Being unpredictablekeeps audience influence and inspire others. T
on yoga to a room full of Toastmasters
members on their toes. Speakers can be
could mention that yoga and public speak-
unpredictable by employing various meth- CARLOS DAVID ARZENO is a
ing are similar in that both teach the
ods, such as using vocal variety to make their communications consultant for leaders
importance of discipline, practice and
voices sound soft and then really loud, taking at the Pentagon and a member of
self-improvement.
deliberate pauses, banging on the lectern and the Helmsmen Toastmasters club in
Authenticityconvinces an audience that a making sudden stage movements. Arlington, Virginia. He is a keynote
speaker is honest and genuine. If speakers speaker, speaking coach and small-
Audience participationencourages commu-
are true to themselves and their purpose, business marketing adviser.
nication or connection between the speaker
they will naturally exude passion and
and the audience.This dynamic can be
conviction.

Speakers can spark laughs from their audiences

through the use of sarcasm, irony and self-deprecation. You can be a
published author!
Turn your speeches into chapters and self-publish your book.
An effective speech structure helps passive, where the speaker asks the audience
Promote yourself as an expert in your field.
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information.This occurs when a speech when you wake up in a bad mood? Or it can 1,000 copies as little as $1 per book.
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down from the very top of a rollercoaster look so amazing, that most of my readers assume I
basic recipe is formed, consider what comple-
the second before it plummets? have a huge publisher. Which I dont. Its just me in
mentary ingredients can enhance the speech. my living room.
--Scott Ginsberg, The Nametag Guy.
Metaphorical languageconveys ideas As a speech evaluator, note all the
through symbolism. Audiences are given a ingredients in the speech. Begin with a
new way of understanding a concept or idea broad reaction to the presentation, then
when a speaker uses comparisons, parallel focus on the positive aspects by highlight-
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TOASTMASTER | AUGUST 2014 13

EVALUATIONS

The Importance
of Evaluation
Its what makes our education program unique.
BY DANIEL REX, DANIEL REX
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER,
TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL

No Toastmasters club is fulfilling its Some members have debated whether Evaluations help speakers immensely;
obligation to its members unless it brings its best to evaluate speakers from the they boost members confidence and pro-
them the maximum of training in the art of third-person point of view or use the sec- vide tangible direction, such as where to
constructive criticism. ond-person approach. In the former, the place your hands, how to accentuate cer-
Dr. Ralph C. Smedley, evaluator addresses the club as a whole and tain parts of your speech, what to eliminate
refers to the speaker obliquelye.g., John and what to leave in. It provides a road
from the book Personally Speaking
did this well, but needs to improve here. In map for getting a speaker to where he
the latter, the evaluator speaks directly to wants to go.
the individual: Subha, your opening was Evaluation recipients also learn how to

C riticism, as Dr. Smedley referred to wonderful, but I recommend you work on a accept criticism gracefully.
speech evaluation, has been an inte- stronger closing for your next speech. The evaluator grows as well. Developing
gral part of the Toastmasters program The position that Toastmasters this skill is beneficial in many situations
since the organizations inception 90 years International takes is that the decision outside of Toastmasters, such as at home
ago. This is how members truly learn and about the use of voice by an evalua- or in the workplace. You learn how to
improveby standing up and speaking, tor is up to each evaluator, and that both listen more attentively, hone your critical
thinking abilities, and give feedback
Evaluations help speakers immensely; they boost tactfully, which often means balancing
support and praise with suggestions for
members confidence and provide tangible direction. improvement.
and then receiving feedback, encourage- perspectives have considerable merit Toastmasters International offers many
ment and suggestions. Evaluation is at because each speaking situationand tips and strategies about evaluating. You
the heart of experiential learning, which speechis unique. will find these in educational materials such
is what distinguishes Toastmasters from as evaluation guides, manuals, modules and
other organizations in similar fields. How it Works videos. Articles in the Toastmaster maga-
Constructively evaluating fellow mem- Most Toastmasters first experience speech zine and on toastmasters.org also provide
bers is a skillone that we all learn evaluation when they receive brief writ- insight and ideas on the topic.
through participation. Its important ten comments on small slips of paper from Evaluating speakers is an opportunity to
enough that the concept of an evaluation members at their club meetings. Those help others find their voice while strength-
contest evolved through the years, and giving a prepared speech are also assigned ening our own abilities in the process. To
today most clubs around the world con- an official evaluator, one who assesses the quote Dr. Smedley again from Personally
duct such a contest annually. Those who speech in a brief presentation and writes Speaking:
receive evaluations grow as speakers, com- detailed comments in the manual evalua- The privilege of serving as an evaluator
municators and leaders; those who give tion guide corresponding to that specific or critic is one of the choicest advan-
evaluations develop a skill that is valuable speech project. tages of membership in a Toastmasters
in all areas of life. A well-done evaluation makes a speaker club. No member can afford to miss his
The emphasis on evaluation will carry feel truly listened to and appreciated. When chance to listen, appraise, and suggest
even more weight in the revitalized edu- you offer a detailed appraisal of a members improvements. T
cation program. Evaluators will be given speech, youre paying respect to the speaker.
more training on how to best help their Youre saying that what he or she is doing is
club members. important enough to merit careful evaluation.

14 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

 PERSONAL GROWTH

Floras Alphabet
Adventure
A Canadians journey in pursuit
of speech topics. Flora and Ray Schalla travel to towns like Steinbach, which
displays a replica of the 1931 Rolls Royce Roadster to indicate
BY SYLVIA NILSSON-BARKMAN, DTM people have gone there since 1914 to purchase vehicles.

Choose something that interests you and Flora became an ambassador for Toast- of the Canadian northlands, drank from an
go out to find it alphabetically masters, often explaining our program and overflowing spring that had welcomed dusty
Flora Schalla sharing her speeches at places like the local travelers stopping there to water their horses
Chamber of Commerce. Whenever she left many years ago, and carried greetings from

E ver fret over your next speech topic?

Flora Schalla, CC, ALB, struggled to
select topics until she realized she could
a town, she left a copy of the Toastmaster
magazine behind.
It wasnt long before the radio station in
one mayor to another. My life has become
full with Toastmasters! she says.
Every speech was different because every
have an alphabet adventure. Flora, a mem- Southern Manitoba began to follow her ex- speech project has different objectives.
ber of the Carillon Toastmasters in Stein- cursions. People began to anticipate her visits And the material seemed endless. In the
bach, Manitoba, Canada, decided to give and thanked her for choosing their town. She club speeches she gave, Flora used words to
a speech corresponding to each letter of heard comments like, Of all the B towns in paint the picture of traumatic life in a native
the alphabet. She planned to methodically Manitoba, you chose Birtle! and Thank you residential school, gestures to demonstrate
visit towns she had not yet traveled tobut for making Gretna your G town! the skills of a pottery maker, vocal variety
to tell the story of a bloodstained Bible that
She heard comments like, Of all the B towns in stored a bullet and saved a soldiers life, and
visual aids to show recipes from a cookbook
Manitoba, you chose Birtle! and Thank you for given to her as a keepsake.
making Gretna your G town! Everyone who hears Floras stories
enjoys them. She says anyone can use this
had always heard stories aboutbeginning The only stumbling block was Q. With type of tactic to develop a list of speech
with one that started with the letter A and no town in Manitoba starting with Q, her subjects.
progressing alphabetically from there. husband Ray planned to take her to Quesnel Choose something that interests you
After exploring a town, she returned to Lake Caribou Lodge in Nopiming Provincial and go out to find it alphabetically, she
her club with a speech to give. Then the Park, where he would pitch a tent, declare says. If you are interested in museums or
retired healthcare aide made a trip to the himself mayor and show her the wildlife that tea houses, visit them; if you are inter-
next place on her list. makes the Manitoba site special. ested in ghost towns or fancy old hotels,
Not being a sun-seeker, Flora started As Flora pursued her adventure, the local seek them out; if you are interested in the
her journey in her home province of newspapers, and eventually a larger provin- wonders of the world or the flags of other
Manitoba. Her first stop was a town called cial newspaper, interviewed her. However, it nations, set sail for lands far away.
Altona. With each town she visited, she wasnt the publicity that drove her to keep ex- If you have an interest, you have a
started by researching its history and con- ploring. It was the fascinating speech material speech! T
tacting someone who could provide her she uncovered. She visited a rare gingerbread
with local stories and show her landmarks. house that was one of only three constructed SYLVIA NILSSON-BARKMAN, DTM, is
Usually, she contacted the municipal office, in Canada. She heard old legends of smug- District 64s lieutenant governor education
sometimes the librarian and other times glers on the United States-Canadian border. and training. She is a member of five clubs
an elected official. These individuals were She renewed her marriage vows at a black- in Manitoba, Canada, including the
delighted to show off their community. smiths shop, fished in the clear cold waters Carillon Toastmasters.

TOASTMASTER | AUGUST 2014 15

BODY MOVEMENT

Convey Confidence
with Body
Language
How you can benefit from
studies revealing the
power of poses.
BY DENISE GRAVELINE

If you think at all about body language Research shows that your body, and how you move it, can
bring significant benefits to you. Certain moves, which Ill men-
or what your body is saying when tion later, reduce stress and boost feelings of confidence. Some of
you speak, you probably focus on them can be made during your speech without anyone else real-
izing what youre doing. For other gestures, youll need a hallway,
what your posture and gestures are stairwell or other space backstage a few minutes before showtime.
communicating to the audience. But They will help you feel stronger, more assured and ready to speak.
Even better, youll get that beneficial effect in just seconds or a few
your body also is talking to itself, minutes, making this type of body language something you can
sending messages that can make a big use to quell those last-minute jitters.
difference in your confidence, stress Start with a Smile
levels and how smoothly you speak. The muscles that quickly boost your confidencewithout anyone
in the audience knowingare the ones in your face. When you
draw your facial muscles up into a smile, it can help reduce the
level of stress-enhancing hormones like cortisol, adrenaline and

16 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

In 2012, Harvard professor Amy Cuddy introduced the concept of power posing in her TED talk in Edinburgh, Scotland,
based on studies on primates and her research.

dopamine; increase the level of mood- and smile, and keep smiling. The bonus, stumble, stutter and use filler words as you
enhancing hormones like endorphins; of course, is that youll look happy and search for what you want to say.
and reduce overall blood pressure, says confident as well as feel that way. Gutman This insight comes from two different
entrepreneur Ron Gutman in his 2011 TED reminds us that smiles are evolutionarily studies. In a Columbia University study,
talk, The Hidden Power of Smiling. All contagious, so your smile also is more likely researchers observed both experienced pre-
at once, smiling improves your mood and to make the audience smile back at you. senters and less-polished undergraduate stu-
lowers your blood pressure. Not bad for a dents while they spoke, and gesturing helped
simple rearranging of the face. Free Your Hands people in both groups speak more smoothly.
I share this tactic when I coach nervous Want an easy way to avoid ums and Researcher Nicholas Christenfeld notes the
speakers, particularly if were backstage uhs? The answer lies in body language: If common-sense idea is that gesturing is point-
together before they enter the stage. Re- you leave your hands free to gesture, youll less, characterizing it as people groping for
minding them to smileand keep smil- speak more fluently and smoothly. Words words by waving their hands. But his study
ingbefore their talk ensures that those will come to you more easily. But if you suggests thats not the case. Instead, gestur-
confidence-boosting benefits will be well immobilize your hands by putting them ing seems to help your brain produce speech,
underway by the time they start speaking. If in your pockets, clenching them tightly or formulate words in your mind and get them
you find yourself getting nervous, go ahead gripping the lectern, you are more likely to to emerge from your mouth.

Photo: Courtesy of James Duncan Davidson TOASTMASTER | AUGUST 2014 17

BODY MOVEMENT

Cuddys pose onstage and those of the three people seen behind her illustrate how body language sends a message
to the audience.

Another study at Columbia had do. In her book Hearing Gesture: How Our your brain signals to you. Thats why I tell
students watch a complicated cartoon and Hands Help Us Think, University of Chi- speakers that public speaking fear is a mat-
then describe it in their own words. Some cago psychologist Susan Goldin-Meadow ter of body over mind; its a moment when
were asked to keep their hands immobi- says gestures may help the speaker to form your body takes over, reacting in auto-pilot
lized, while others were allowed to gesture ideas and concepts, and can help audience mode to a perceived threat.
as they spoke. When describing spatial members understand them better too. But Alison Wood Brooks, a Harvard
details, the students who held their hands Business School assistant professor who
had more trouble articulating and speak- Instead of Fight-or-Flight, Excite looks at the behavioral consequences of
ing smoothly. The researchers point to the Consider these physical symptoms: quick- anxiety, says theres a way to mentally
results as an example of how gestures can ened breathing and heart rate, blushing, reframe that physical fear to make it work
help your brain access the right words at turning pale, dry mouth and shaking. for you as a speaker. Her research, as de-
the right time. You probably associate them with pub- scribed in the New York Times, shows that
people perform better when they are aware
Just by standing or sitting in a powerful pose, of their physiological responses and can
re-label their feelings as excitement as op-
you can increase your confidence. posed to anxiety. This can be accomplished
by simply saying Im excited.
Gestures also can contribute to mean- lic speaking fear, but they are the classic Adrenaline, one of the chemicals released
ing, and perhaps the speakers thought pro- result of the bodys fight-or-flight re- when you experience stress, underscores
cess as well. The book Speak Italian: The sponsethe way your physical body reacts this idea. It can make you feel anxious or
Fine Art of the Gesture by Bruno Munari is to a perceived threat. Just the act of facing revved up and ready to go like an athlete. The
a photo-illustrated guide to the meaning of an audience can produce this instinctive next time youre about to speak and think,
scores of hand gestures in the Italian lan- reaction. After all, it is true that if every- I dread this. I have to do this, reframe it in
guage, just one of many languages around one in the audience rushed to the stage your mind as, Wow, I get to do this. Im ex-
the world where gestures contribute to to attack you, they could overpower you. cited! What a great opportunity. Your body
getting a point across as much as words At least, thats what the caveman part of will thank you for this reappraisal.

18 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE Photo: Courtesy of James Duncan Davidson

Strike a Power Pose
When social psychologist Amy Cuddy,
associate professor at Harvard Business
School, introduced the concept of power
posing to boost confidence in a June
2012 TEDGlobal talk, the idea took off
like a rocket. In fact, the talk is currently
the second-most-watched TED talk of
all time with more than 17 million views.
Thats because her research demonstrates
a simple idea: Just by standing or sitting
in a powerful pose, you can increase your
confidence. Its such a powerful idea that
her talk has been translated by volunteers
into 38 languages.
Whats a power pose? Essentially, its
one in which you take up as much physical
space as possible. Think of a runner cross-
ing the finish line in first place in a race:
Shell almost always put both her arms up
in the air in a big V, a classic victory pose.
It doesnt just say Im powerful to the on-
looker, it says it to the runner herself. Cuddy
notes that this is not about you talking to
other people. Its you talking to yourself.
Here are some power poses to try.
Stand or sit and:
n Put your hands on your hips with your
elbows out to the side. An illustration created by designers at TED and the Brazilian magazine
n Put your arms out to the sides, stretch- Superinteressante shows how posture changes not only how you look but also how you feel.
ing them as far as you can.
n Put your hands behind your head with
tactic is to be used privately, before you should give it away. Share it with peo-
your elbows out to the sides.
begin any activity where others will evalu- ple,because the people who can use it the
n Put your arms up highhigher than ate you. Public speaking, presentations and most are the oneswith no resources and
your shouldersand reach for the sky. job interviewsor even a meeting where no technology and no status and no power.
You should also be aware of low-power you expect to participateall qualify. Give it to thembecause they can do it in
poses, says Cuddy. Making yourself small Before you go into the next stressful eval- private.They need their bodies, privacy
might involve crossing your arms, put- uative situation,for two minutes, try doing and two minutes,and it can significantly
ting your arms low, hanging your head or this, in the elevator,in a bathroom stall, at change the outcomes of their life. T
hunching forward. These poses make you your desk, behind closed doors, she says.
feel less confident. Dont leave that situation feeling like, oh, DENISE GRAVELINE is a Washington,
What really happens when you strike I didnt show them who I am.Leave that D.C.-based speaker coach who works
a power pose? Your body starts to release situation feeling like, oh, I really feel likeI with speakers in corporations, nonprofits,
hormones that affect how you think and feel, got to say who I am and show who I am. government agencies and at conferences
Cuddy says. Two hormones are key in high- Toastmasters meetings might be a place like TEDMED. She also writes The
power leaders: they have high testosterone, to try out power posesI have partici- Eloquent Woman blog on women and
which is the dominance hormone, and low pants in my workshops do it as a group. public speaking (eloquentwoman.
cortisol, which is the stress hormone. The After all, everyones there to learn speaking blogspot.com).
combination equals power plus confidence. with confidence, and this is just another
Does that mean you should start your tool in your toolkit. But Cuddy urges
next talk with your hands held high in a you to make power posing more com-
victory pose? Not so fast. Cuddy says this monplace, saying of the research that you

TOASTMASTER | AUGUST 2014 19

MEMBER PROFILE

Barbara Seymour Giordano, ACS, CL:

From the Heart
Speaker coach uses storytelling
to make connections.
BY LINDA ALLEN, ACS, CL

Everybody has a story. And theres some-

thing to be learned from every experience.
Oprah Winfrey

C hances are you know Barbara Seymour

Giordano, maybe not in person, but
through her work as a speechwriter, pre-
sentation coach, public speaker, producer,
director, writer and Toastmaster. She has
appeared as a national spokesperson for
Lands End, Neiman Marcus and TJX
Companies, Inc. The benefits of her coach-
ing extend to speakers that include Fortune
500 executives, entrepreneurs, students
and TED presenters.

A Global Reach
Seymour Giordanos career began dur-
ing the Gulf War, when she worked
as an assignment editor in the San
Francisco bureau at CNN. She learned
how to choose and write local stories
that resonated with both local and
international audiences. Sharing these
stories that had global impact became
her primary focus. When the war ended,
she moved to Los Angeles and changed
direction to focus on entertainment at
E! Entertainment Televisions Emmy-
nominated E! News Daily.
Her entrepreneurial spirit and energy
Barbara Seymour Giordano coaches Ph.D. candidates preparing to present
their dissertations at the University of California, Los Angeles, California.
led her to strike out on her own. She began
producing and directing internal vid-
eos for global sales meetings and events The TED Connection A range of speakersfrom recognized
for high-profile companies like Amgen, As a TED and TEDx coach since 2011, experts to high school studentspresent
Cisco Systems, GlaxoSmithKline, Intel Seymour Giordano has worked with a innovative, problem-solving ideas on a
Corporationand Nike. Spurred on by suc- select group of TEDxOrangeCoast speak- variety of topics. Due to the organizations
cess and experience, Seymour Giordano ers. TEDan acronym for technology, strict, focused format, talks are limited to
expanded her services to include the roles education and designis a nonprofit 18 minutes. And they are posted online
of storyteller, pitch doctor, spokesperson, organization devoted to spreading ideas where you can view them for free.
corporate event director and producer, and throughout a global community. (TEDx Seymour Giordano describes her
TED writer/presentation coach. events are independently organized.) involvement with TED as sheer luck. For

20 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE Photo courtesy of UCLA staff photographer Paul Connor.
three years she worked with the investor self with your audience, she says, you will welcomes opportunities to talk about the
group Tech Coast Angels (TCA) to prepare make a connection. art of business storytelling and the impor-
entrepreneurs who present their business tance of visual communication in the age
start-up stories to investors in 90 seconds Transitional Storytelling of branding. She says she might eventually
or less. The president of TCA extended At the heart of Seymour Giordanos work write a book that encompasses both top-
an exclusive invitation to her to attend a is what she calls transitional storytelling. ics. Her mission, as listed on her website, is
TEDxOrangeCoast event. She helps experts, such as professors and clear: Making the world a more connected
While I appreciated the offer, what I doctors, speak about their work to make placeone story at a time. T
wanted was the opportunity to write for it understandable to a diverse audience
speakers the TED way. She asked the TCA which may be unfamiliar with their area LINDA ALLEN, ACS, CL, is a member
president to introduce her to the organizer, of expertise. My main objective is to take of Enid Speakers of the Plains Toastmas-
and the rest (as they say) is history, she says. the facts and cloak them in story so that ters in Enid, Oklahoma. She is a writer,
TED presenters share their ideas with the audience can understand their data, speaker and trainer who specializes in
passion, personality and the essential research or lifes work, and will want to professional and personal development
Toastmaster skills of vocal variety, gestures, leave the theater and share their story, and leadership programs.
effective pauses and storytelling. Seymour she says.

By sharing your authentic self with your audience,

you will make a connection.
Barbara Seymour Giordano On-camera Tips
Communications coach Barbara
Giordano uses her experiences on both She recently used that strategy with Ph.D.
Seymour Giordano is as confident and
sides of the camera to coach her clients in candidates at the University of California, Los
comfortable behind a camera lens as
behind-the-scene details to make their live, Angeles who were challenged with turning
she is in front of it. From her experience
on-camera performances authentic and their dissertations into 10-minute talks.
as producer and director, she offers the
engagingfrom the first word to the last. When we listen to a speaker deliver dry
following tips for a professional on-
Through Seymour Giordanos coaching, facts and figures, our immediate reaction is
camera presentation.
she tells her clients to take time to craft a to search for holes in the data or, worse yet, to
What may look good in a mirror can
cohesive, heartfelt story. Preparation is the tune out. Studies [by psychologists Melanie
be a disaster on a video. Avoid wearing
most important step in the process of cre- Green and Tim Brock] show that when we
busy patterns or the following colors:
ating any speech or presentation, she says. relate to a story, it has more influence on our
To me, vocal variation, gestures, pauses hopes and fears than straight facts or persua- Black: Avoid wearing a black shirt,
and a conversational tone are all inspired sion tactics can ever have. Unlike facts and blouse or sweater (black pants or skirts
by the words on the page. figures, a great story defangs us, opens our are OK)
hearts and allows emotions to pour in. We White: Avoid white because it bounces
Sharing Emotions are transported by the twists and turns of a light, making it difficult for the camera
Not only does she advise speakers to get to compelling story, and were deeply influenced to adjust brightness
the why of a story, Seymour Giordano also by its profound meaning, she says.
Red: This color has a bleeding effect on
encourages speakers to include emotion, to Seymour Giordano credits her involve-
camera
add authenticity and credibility to their talks. ment with Toastmasters with her success
A point that many speakers may not
Audiences are starved for even the and creativity as a communications
consider is the importance of staying
smallest of emotions because emotions are in professional.
hydrated. Seymour Giordano recom-
high demandand in short supply, she says. For me, speaking is like a sport, and
mends drinking eight glasses of water
Great stories can build an instant bridge Toastmasters gives me the chance to
throughout the day before you present.
of connection between the speaker and the exercise my speaking game every week.
On the day of your presentation, con-
audience. Therefore, when we share stories Whether Im acting as Ah-Counter or
tinue to drink water, but make certain
that genuinely matter to us, the odds are that grammarian, or giving a speech . . . every
it is at room temperature. Ice water
theyll matter to the audience as well. single role makes me a better player and
tightens vocal cords. Minimize your
Being emotionally connected to a story, team member in business and everyday life.
consumption of sugar, caffeine and alco-
she says, and actually feeling the meaning Her website tagline, storieswithheart.
hol the day before and the day of your
of the words were saying, increases the com, reflects Seymour Giordanos pas-
presentation. These dehydrate and can
likelihood that the audience will become sion. In addition to helping speakers share
give you the cotton-mouth blues.
transfixed by it. By sharing your authentic their ideas and dreams through stories, she

TOASTMASTER | AUGUST 2014 21

LEADERSHIP

Training
Tomorrows
Leaders
Youth Leadership program
helps students speak up,
build skills.
BY CHRISTINE CLAPP, DTM

Andrew Peter Bennett, DTM, is District 71s adviser

on Youth Leadership. In that role, he advocates
strongly for the Toastmasters Youth Leadership
program (YLP), saying he has seen young participants
benefit in many ways from it.

I have come to the conclusion that it is one of Toastmasters shyness, says her mother, Rebecca Huang. The Toastmasters
hidden treasures, says Bennett, a member of two clubs in program helped with that.
London, England. She used to have does not participate as one of her weaknesses
Indeed, the eight-session program is popular with parents and from [the time of her] pre-school teachers review all the way to her
educators to help students under age 18 develop communication sixth-grade teachers review, Huang says.This weakness is gone
and leadership skills so that they may become tomorrows leaders from her grade 7 review.
in business, industry and the community. YLP graduate Rachel Dunn, now 21, participated when she was
The YLP sessions are typically held once a week or every other a high school student at Gilroy Catholic College near Sydney, New
week, and they last one to two hours. They resemble a typical South Wales, Australia. After her experience in the program, and
Toastmasters meeting, with a format that includes impromptu with encouragement from her program coordinator, Rachel pre-
speeches, prepared speeches and evaluations. The final session sented as part of a youth showcase at a Toastmasters conference
is a showcase event for participants to demonstrate their newly and also at a youth leadership contest. The early development of
acquired skills for family members, friends, teachers, mentors and her speaking skills was a sign of things to come: Rachel went on to
community members. earn a bachelors degree in communications from the University of
Success stories abound. Take Angelina Zhou, for example, Western Sydney and is pursuing a career in the performing arts.
who recently completed a YLP program at the American Chinese For Toastmasters who conduct the Youth Leadership program,
School in Herndon, Virginia. Angelina has always struggled with the experience is highly rewarding. Its a wonderful feeling to see

22 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

Home-schooled students ages 9 to 17 honed their listening, thinking and speaking skills in a Toastmasters Youth Leadership program
held near Great Falls, Montana.

a child improving in eight weeks, says Allena Wesley, DTM, of extend enrollment to youth in the community at large and
Landover, Maryland. She coordinated the District 36 Speechcraft publicize the YLP widely to attract participants.
and Youth Leadership programs in the early 1990s. You know The club provides the members needed to present the pro-
you have been able to give them some encouragement and see gram, including the coordinator. The Youth Leadership Program
that they were able to absorb what you were trying to teach them.
Sarah Rollins, CTM, program coordinator of a Youth
Leadership program in Great Falls, Montana, says, It was
Its a wonderful feeling to see a child
inspirational to watch the students grow their confidence and improving in eight weeks.
leadership skills that will help them throughout their life!
Allena Wesley, DTM
Getting Started Coordinators Guide (Item 802), which is available in the
A local club can sponsor a YLP if it can find up to 25 interest- Toastmasters Online Store, offers information on how to organize
ed participants, usually middle or high school students. Many and present the program. Other YLP materials like workbooks and
clubs pair with area youth organizations (such as Boy Scouts/ certificates for participants are also available on the online store.
Girl Scouts, Key Club, 4-H, etc.), local schools, homeschool- The program is tailored to the many young people who can
ing associations, community centers, after-school programs benefit from improved communication skills. Participants learn
and religious youth groups to recruit participants. Other clubs to apply the principles of better listening, thinking and speaking.

Photo credit: Amy Grisak for the Great Falls Tribune TOASTMASTER | AUGUST 2014 23
LEADERSHIP

Tips for YLP Coordinators

Are you ready to coordinate your first Youth Leadership pro-
gram? Do you want to make your next one better? Here are tips
on coordinating a successful program.

1 Limit the number of participants. Some coordinators say 10

is ideal, others recommend having 1215 participants. Almost all
agree that 25 (the maximum allowed by Toastmasters) is too many.
Whatever your number, make sure you have enough time to listen
to speeches and provide thorough feedback. If you have a large
group, consider breaking it into two smaller ones that go through
the program concurrently.

2 Have fun. Remember, kids have a short attention span. So

dont make your meetings too serious. Incorporate fun, excit-
ing activities and speech topics that motivate your participants.
The Youth Leadership Program Coordinators Guide provides
session guidelines that you can implement creatively.

3 Be flexible. Avoid setting unrealistic expectations for YLP

participants. Seasoned coordinator Jimmy Thai, DTM, warns,
Be ready to work with overachieving kids with a lot of home-
Kendra Lundby, right, a ninth-grade student in Montana,
receives an award from Sarah Rollins, CTM, program
work, sports practices, school clubs, part-time jobs,and distrac- coordinator of the Youth Leadership program.
tions. Dont get upset if a participant misses one meeting. Help
him or her get caught up and encourage attendance at the next
session. You are there to plant a seed, says Thai. Michele Noel-Peake, ACB, ALB, a YLP coordinator from

4 Get creative with your showcase. While creativity is

a hallmark of successful YLP coordinators in general, it is
particularly important when it comes to session eight, the final
Crofton, Maryland, says that parents who know about the
program seek it out for their children as an enhancement to
coursework at school. Specifically, the mother of two teenagers
meeting, when graduates showcase their newfound communica- notes parents have a desire for their children to formulate their
tion and leadership skills to family members, friends and com- ideas and put their thoughts together effectively in both oral
munity members. and written communication.
For example, Thai has turned the showcase into a competition
where speakers tout a charity of their choice. Thai and his YLP as-
sistant each provide $50 of their own money to the two showcase That is the most rewarding thing
winners, who then donate the money to the charitable organiza-
tion about which they spoke. parents who can say years later that
Michele Noel-Peake, ACB, ALB, and Tammeca Riley, CC, allow you did something great for their
their YLP participants to set the theme of the showcase. A recent
group planned a Hollywood Superstars banquet, complete with child and that [the child] really
red carpet and celebrity interview interludes between speeches. looked up to you. Jimmy Thai, DTM
5 Gonsider making it a tradition. Many clubs have made
a tradition of sponsoring a YLP once or twice a year. Take,
for example, the alliance between the Hills District club in Arana Leif Gregersen, a resident of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada,
Hills, Queensland, Australia, and a nearby high school, Gilroy agrees that Youth Leadership is a great supplement to a
Santa Maria College. Since 1982, when Barry Haywood, ATM, co- school curriculum. He graduated from YLP almost 30 years
ordinated the first YLP at Gilroy College, the club has sponsored a ago, when he was a high school student. He says the program
program there every year. taught him a great deal, especially since his only exposure
More than 30 years later, Haywood still returns to the YLP show- to public speaking in school was through two classes. It
case, although Hills District members John Colebatch, ATMG, CL, wasnt enough, he says. Those two experiences didnt give
and Alan White, ACS, as well as others, have taken over the coordi- any depth, they didnt help you think on your feet, and they
nating responsibilities in recent years. The program is such a strong werent taught by experienced speakers.
tradition at Gilroy College that teacher Alex Wilson, who serves as Today, Gregersen uses his Toastmasters skills as an advo-
the schools YLP representative, participated in the program when cate for people living with mental illness and bipolar disorder.
she was a student there The program also introduces students to leadership skills.
Every session, I have students run the meeting beginning to

24 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE Photo credit: Amy Grisak for the Great Falls Tribune
Chatelech Secondary School students in Sechelt, British Columbia, Canada, celebrate their completion of a Youth Leadership program,
which has been part of the schools curriculum for the past three years.

end, says Jimmy Thai, DTM, an engi- For kids in front of a judge, having a and leadership skills to others, and to reach
neer and YLP coordinator in San Diego, Toastmasters diploma can make a differ- educational goals.
California. Young participants also ence, Johnson says. They wont get off The program also is a powerful mar-
hone leadership skills by listening to the [for their crimes], but it shows they are keting tool. Oftentimes adults become
speeches of fellow participants and pro- making an effort at self-improvement. interested in joining Toastmasters after
viding constructive feedback, as well as For this population, Johnson hopes attending a YLP showcase and witnessing
planning meeting agendas and the end- that YLP and later participation in a firsthand the growth of participants and
of-program showcase. Toastmasters club can help troubled the professionalism of the event.
youth get back on track and reintegrated While the goal of the program is not
Serving as Role Models into society. to recruit new members or form new
The value of the program goes far beyond The YLP not only helps the partici- clubs per se, Thai says, The more we
supplementing school education. Thai got pants; the coordinators grow as well. can introduce the YLP to high school
involved in the YLP to serve as a mentor Noel-Peake, the mother from Maryland, students, the more likely we can get
and keep kids on the right path. He wants acknowledges that the program has, them into the organization when they
to mitigate the pressure many youths face. above all, taught her patience. It teach- are in college or are young professionals.
YLP coordinators can be a positive voice es you patience whenever you work with Starting early can foster a lifelong
and can complement [participants] parents children, she quips. It takes a healthy association with Toastmasters that will
as a role model, he says. dose of creativity to plan exercises and help participants thrive academically,
Thai recalls hearing from one partici- select speech topics that resonate with professionally and personally.
pants mother about how much her child participants, she adds. The program truly is a hidden treasure
talked about the YLP leaders. That is the In addition, organizing a YLP counts that enriches the lives of those involved,
most rewarding thingparents who can toward the Advanced Communicator and it is high time that more clubs and
say years later that you did something great Gold (ACG) award. youths discover its riches. T
for their child and that [the child] really
looked up to you, he says. Other Benefits CHRISTINE CLAPP, DTM, is a regular
Some Toastmasters have conducted the Beyond program leaders and partici- contributor to the Toastmaster. She is the
program for youths whose lives have veered pants, the YLP is a boon to Toastmasters co-author of a new book, Presenting at Work:
off course. Peggy Johnson, ATMB, from as an organization. After all, it strength- A Guide to Public Speaking in Professional
Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, coordinated a ens sponsoring clubs by providing rich Contexts, which is available online at
spokenwithauthority.com.
YLP for juveniles incarcerated at the Duval opportunities for members to take on
County (Florida) Pre-Trial Detention Facility. leadership roles, to teach communication

Photo credit: The Coast Reporter TOASTMASTER | AUGUST 2014 25

Q&A

Joshua Tahinduka (bottom right, with hands to his head) is a founding member of the Kist
Toastmasters club in Kigali, Rwanda. Here he is crouched next to Matthew Kleinosky (in dark
sunglasses), a Toastmaster from Toronto who helped sponsor the first clubs in Rwanda.

Joshua Tahinduka, CC, CL:

Conn Jackson
Putting Rwanda Toastmasters on the Map
University of Rwanda engineering student is his countrys first CC and CL recipient.
BY JULIE BOS

T wo decades ago, Rwanda made world headlines for civil

unrest that led to a mass genocide. Today, however, this Af-
rican country has successfully bounced back, thanks to a growing
a founding member of one of themthe Kist Toastmasters club.
Another one is the Ijambo Nur Toastmasters club, and the third
did not continue. Thats how I got to know about Toastmasters.
economy centered on agriculture and tourism, a thriving culture,
improved healthcare and notable reductions in poverty. What did you find interesting about it?
Recent humanitarian efforts have also paved the way for I always loved public speaking, yet I was not confident at all. So
another positive benefitthe founding of not one, but two when I was told how Toastmasters could help me, I got involved.
Toastmasters clubs that are changing lives and opening new doors Since then I have not been disappointed. The club survived on
for its members. long-distance mentorshipfirst by a charter member of a Kenyan
Joshua Tahinduka, a 25-year-old student and original member club who visited several times, and then by a Distinguished
of the Kist clubone of those two clubsshares how Toastmasters Toastmaster from Toronto (Matthew Kleinosky) who visited once
in Rwanda was born and why he loves it. and provided follow-up help online. The rest has been done by
club members themselves. Today, Im more confident and Ive
How did you hear about Toastmasters? met people who are interested in my personal growth, which has
In 2011, a Rwandan-based non-governmental organization helped me gain purpose.
(NGO) called the Imbuto Foundation introduced Toastmasters
to three universities. I was attending the University of Rwanda You served as club president. What did you enjoy
College of Science and Technology, and was one of 20 students about that?
initially sponsored by the foundation to get their membership It was a challenging and fulfilling experience. Mentoring my
dues paid. Three clubs were started all at the same time, and I am colleagues and encouraging them to take on challenges or make

26 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

speeches has forced me to mature quickly. It has pumped into and leadership. Giving them a chance like the one I got is a great
me a strong love for people. It has been a chance to exercise way to conquer public speaking phobias, build community and
responsibility too. help people reach their full potential.
Outside of Toastmasters, I hope to continue with my engineer-
ing career, although I am also considering pursuing a career in
How does it feel to be the first Toastmaster in
public speaking, such as doing motivational speaking or
Rwanda to earn CC and CL education awards?
becoming an emcee.
I feel extremely fortunate, and at the same time, rewarded for the I am finishing a bachelors degree [at the time of publica-
four or five hours I invest every week. tion] in electronics and telecommunications engineering at the
University of Rwanda, and I plan to start my own company as an
How has Toastmasters benefited you and other Internet Service Provider in the country.
members in Rwanda?
Generally speaking, Toastmasters has changed our lives! Who are your favorite authors or speakers?
Toastmasters impacted me personally, because in less than The late Zig Ziglar is one of my favorites. His books, especially
four years I have been exposed to many different opportunities. See You at the Top and Better than Good, have helped shape my
Last September, I was voted the best speaker (debater) in a direction. I have also learned a lot from Myles Munroe [author,
national inter-university debate competition held in Kigali [the pastor and leadership mentor]. These two men have always been
capital of Rwanda]. My leadership skills have also been boosted. inspirations for me.
Last year, I pushed myself to run for the volunteer position of
minister of information of the student guild council. I became What was it like to grow up in Rwanda?
Actually, I grew up in neighboring Uganda where our ancestors
My dream is to have at least one fled after several instabilities in Rwanda. After coming back home
in 2008, I can look back on a good experience. I am proud to be a
district in the East African region. Rwandan in this generation.
the office-bearer simply because I had learned so much from
What kinds of challenges did you face growing up,
Toastmasters, like how to speak from the heart, use the power
and what challenges do you face today?
of persuasion and communicate for impact. Plus, I had gained
leadership experience by being club president. I cant say that I faced any kinds of special challenges while I was
For my fellow members, the same impact has been shared. growing up but, just like any child from an average African family, I
Some have been able to find jobs (even though they are still stu- faced some problems with school fees and traveling long distances
dents), often ahead of people with experience. Rwanda has a very to find a good education. But some of those stops have made me
small private sector, and few young people have skills, confidence who I am. I am stronger today because of those challenges.
and leadership abilities. Currently, I have no big challenges. I used to be challenged by
For others, Toastmasters has provided a unique opportunity the role of mentoring others, especially since I still have a lot to
to learn the English language since our country was previously learn, but thanks to Toastmasters, I have met very good people that
French-speaking. have surely driven me to higher steps. Among those is Distin-
guished Toastmaster Matthew Kleinosky, who has been a miracle
What are your ambitions (both outside and to me. He taught me a lot about Toastmasters and encouraged me
inside Toastmasters)? to take on new challenges. He also helped me complete my educa-
tion awards. I feel indebted for his dedication and immeasurable
Currently, my club suffers from a lack of information, partly
supportnot only to me but to all the clubs in Rwanda.
because it is undistricted, so we receive less training and mentor-
ship, and involvement in general is low. Fortunately, we are start-
How do you see Rwanda today, compared to the rest
ing to see a reversal in the trend.
of the world?
We organize seminars and receive training from a senior
Toastmaster. Plus we plan to organize national speech contests Compared to most countries I have known, Rwanda has great po-
between the clubs, and invite the press. tential for growth in different domains, and I see a lot of it coming
My dream is to have at least one district in the East African our way. This is squarely because we have a good, accountable
region. I will work with anyone who would like to make this a re- government now, and we also have long-distance learning that
ality. In the future, I also want to participate in a higher leadership never existed when I was growing up. Plus, we now have clubs
position in Toastmasters. like Toastmasters that specialize in things not included in most
I plan to charter dozens more clubs in the futurestarting school curriculums. T
with the first corporate club in the country, which is happen-
ing now. I believe there are people who are just like me here in JULIE BOS is a freelance writer for the Toastmaster magazine.
Rwanda and East Africa who also struggle with public speaking

TOASTMASTER | AUGUST 2014 27

RELATIONSHIPS

THE BLACKWOODS THE MCMILLENS

Sometimes the Topic is

Romantic relationships can
flourish in club settings.
BY MARY NESFIELD
Love
THE FULLENKAMPS THE PETSELS

28 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

W hen friendship turns into love,
Toastmasters find the words to
express their affections. Sometimes, those
Monicas Toastmaster father delivered
the wedding toast.Sure enough, Michael
says, he gave a very moving toast on our
to join the club. When she did, Marvin
asked her out for lunch.
I initially joined MetaToasters
words take the form of wedding vows, as wedding day. because of Marvin, Barb says. They
in the case of Michael McMillen and his When asked about his daughters became friends, fell in love and were
wife, Monica. marriage, Joseph says, Folks at married on April 25, 2009. Both are
Michael joined the Steinbeck club in Toastmasters want to improve their lives. now members of Plano Talkers Club in
Salinas, California, in 2012. Eileen Hu, That doesnt mean they are perfect, or Plano. We love starting our Tuesday
CTM, another club member, noticed how that it guarantees a successful marriage, mornings with this lively, fun, insightful
quiet and shy he was. He answered my but I think its a great place to start! group that helps us to stretch and grow
questions with a yes or a no, and a smile, Monica and Michael join the ranks of personally and professionally, Barb says.
she says. Eileen also recalls the first time other members who are off to a great start. Toastmasters has a special place in their
Monica visited the club, saying, She had hearts, she adds. I am deeply in love and
the most engaging smile. James Fullenkamp, CC, and happily married to the man who stole my
Michael remembers that smile too. Tracey Nicholson, CC, ALB, joined heart at a Toastmasters meeting!
She walked over and sat next to me, Toastmasters to improve their public
he says, and I did my best to hold in Scott Blackwood, from Orlando,
my enthusiasm by focusing on my role Florida, was a Marine security guard
for the day. stationed at the United States Embassy
Eileen approached Monica after the I am deeply in love in the Republic of Moldova when his
meeting and learned she was a third-
grade teacher. I immediately tried to
and happily married to boss told him Toastmasters was a good
place to interact with English-speaking
convince her to attend the Bayview the man who stole my Moldovans. He attended a meeting
Toastmasters club in Monterey, which
has lots of teachers. Michael had been
heart at a Toastmasters of the Chisinau Toastmasters club in
Chisinau, where he met Diana Rotaru,
listening, and immediately spoke up in an meeting! CC, CL, a Moldova native. After Scott
attempt to convince Monica to join his attended a few meetings as a guest, Diana
Barb Cheatham Petsel
club. He spoke for at least five minutes, encouraged him to give his Ice Breaker.
Eileen says, and I learned more about Scott stole my heart when I heard him
him in those five minutes than I had in deliver it, she says.
the previous two months. speaking. But they also learned to speak Scott recalls delivering that speech.
In the following weeks, Eileen watched from the heartto each other. It was a very positive experience, after
Michael light up whenever Monica Tracey became a member of the which I became a member, he says, and
showed up at meetings. Michael says, Coastmasters club in Dana Point, our relationship began. Besides speaking
Right away I knew that I wanted to get to California, in August 2007. Three years in English with Diana, Scott is attempting
know her, and they began to meet outside later, James, a native of Ecuador, joined to learn Romanian, and admits its been a
of Toastmasters. the club and requested a mentor. Tracey challenge.
Monica had learned about took on the role and over time, they fell After being together with Diana every
Toastmasters from her father, Joseph in love. On August 31, 2012, the two step of the way for 14 months, Scott was
Swain, CTM, a member of the Winning declared their love for each other in their transferred to Sudan. Were going to
With Words club in Modesto, California. own words and heartfelt voices. Leonard move in together, he says, after I finish
He encouraged her to visit a club in Szymczak, ACG, CL, officiated the out my tour. The couple plans to relocate
Fresno, where she began working and wedding. to Washington, D.C., and Diana looks
attending college. I was happily surprised forward to the move, saying, Home for
by how quickly she made friends at the Marvin Petsel, DTM, met Barb me is wherever my sweetheart is. T
Steinbeck club, he says. Cheatham Petsel, ACS, CL, in 2005 at
After knowing each other only four the MetaToasters club in Plano, Texas. MARY NESFIELD is associate editor of
months, Monica and Michael became At the time, Barbs self-confidence was the Toastmaster magazine.
engaged. I couldnt have found a more low, but she remembered what being a
perfect woman to spend the rest of my Toastmaster meant to her father. Barb
To see other couples who
life with, says Michael. Plus, I will always visited several clubs to find one to join, met in Toastmasters, go
have someone to evaluate my speeches including MetaToasters. Marvin noticed to the tablet edition of the
while I continue in Toastmasters. What her right away, and approached her after Toastmaster magazine.
more could I ask for? the meeting. He hoped she would return

TOASTMASTER | AUGUST 2014 29

FUNNY YOU SHOULD SAY THAT

Not So Quiet Desperation

Could everybody please just stop driving me crazy!?
I mean, really.
BY JOHN CADLEY

I t was Henry David Thoreaus observation that the mass of

men lead lives of quiet desperation. Im not sure what kind
of lives he thought women led in 1854 when they had to chop
Black box. This is what airplanes carry to record flight data
so the Federal Aviation Administration can know why the flight
went down. Only its not a black box. Its an orange box. I expect
wood, carry water, clear land, plough fields, feed chickens, my government to be bloated, misguided and at times breathtak-
cook meals, clean clothes, have babies (while doing all of the ingly incompetent. I do not expect it to be color blind. It makes
above)and take care of men who were leading lives of quiet me wonder: When America called communists Reds during
desperation. But thats not my point. My point is that I, too, lead the Cold War, what color were they reallysea foam green?
a life of desperation, but I dont have to be quiet. I have a column Enjoy Better. I am a subscriber to Time Warner Cable, a U.S.
that allows me to spout off about itand thats exactly what Im television service provider, and this is the companys tagline.
going to do. This may not be what old Henry David was talking Enjoy Better. What does that mean? It sounds like Im doing
about but desperation is desperation, people, and this is what something wrong. They seem to think Im not enjoying their
makes me desperate: programming enough and they want me to try harder. Consider-
Employees must wash their hands. When I see that sign over ing that 95 percent of whats on cable has to be endured rather
the sink in a restaurant mens room I want to scream. Who do than enjoyed, I think maybe they could do better. What are they
they think theyre kidding? That sign isnt for the employees. yelling at me for?
Its for me! They want to let me know that if I come down with The Next Shoe. I was having lunch with friends and one of
crippling gastrointestinal distress after consuming the Tart and them said, I was waiting for the next shoe to drop. I nearly
Tasty Topango Canyon Turkey Club, its not their fault. Their choked on my tuna melt. Youre supposed to wait for the other
policy was clearly posted. Thats all well and good except their shoe to drop. When she said the next shoe I was tempted to
employees dont use this bathroom! They use the one in the back look under the table to see how many feet she had.
marked Employees Only where the hot water doesnt work, the Emotions You Can Feel. When it comes to embarrassing self-
soap dispenser is empty, theres a roll of paper towels sitting on promotion, you cant beat a local TV station. Mine is no differ-
the toilet tank, and the last time anyone cleaned it was during ent. With dramatic music and a stentorian voiceover, the station
the Clinton administration. Somebody pass the hand sanitizer, implores me to watch the Six OClock News because it contains the
please. Id like to squirt it on my food. stories you care about, the emotions you can feel. Forget the fact
Amount Enclosed. Why do stores, utilities and credit card that they have no idea what stories I care about (and trust me, its
companies put that little box on my payment stub? I have clearly not pot holes, Fourth of July fireworks and a dog with three legs).
written the amount on my check, both in numbers and in words. Its that reference to emotions I can feel. Emotions are feelings,
They can see the amount enclosed. Ive written it twice. Now guys. Its the same thing. Guess what? I have thoughts I can think,
I have to write it a third time. I know what theyre up to. They too. How about that!
want to make it as difficult as possible so Ill switch to online I could go on but Ill be quiet now. And a little less desperate. T
payment, which is easier for them. Well, too bad. Im writing
checks, and some day Im going to write in the Amount JOHN CADLEY, a former advertising copywriter, is a freelance
Enclosed box: Take a wild guess. writer and musician living in Fayetteville, New York.

30 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

ADVERTISEMENT

TOASTMASTER SEPTEMBER 2011 31

THERES STILL TIME TO
EXPERIENCE THE
EXCITEMENT

Faang Pyng Kiang, DTM

District Governor, District 51

Toastmasters International Convention 2014

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
August 2023, 2014

The most anticipated event of the year is coming! Learn from world-class presenters

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International Convention. Dont miss your chance to: Cast your clubs vote for International Officers and Directors
Hear keynote speaker Robin Sieger, best-selling author Watch the 2014 World Championship of Public Speaking
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