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members.toastmasters.org Ingrid Betancourt’s Amazing Eloquence
TOASTMASTER September 2008
®
The Power of
Publicity
Be savvy and proactive in promoting your
club.
VPPR: When You
Host a Club Promote It, They Will Come
Open House
Meet Jana Barnhill, DTM, AS
Toastmasters’ 2008-2009 International President
Vision...
Reality
BOB PROCTOR is a world-renowned speaker and motivator with
more than 40 years of experience. He is author of the international
bestseller, You Were Born Rich and was featured in the blockbuster
hit, The Secret. Bob is one of the highest paid platform speakers in the
world today.
Now you have an opportunity to work directly with Bob and his
company, LifeSuccess Consultants, the world’s premier provider of
personal success training, seminars, and coaching services.
This is the one company that can turn your vision into your reality. Our
connections in the industry allow us to offer you the most extensive
programs with the best curriculum. By working with Bob Proctor you
will gain the access, influence, and experience you need to succeed in
your own business.
Contact us today to learn how you can join our international teaching team
• Special offers available for Toastmasters
Contact paul@bobproctor.com or 561-833-4404
TOASTMASTER Publisher DANIEL W. REX
VIEWPOINT
Editor SUZANNE FREY
Associate Editors BETH BLACK
PAUL STERMAN
Editorial Assistant JAMIE REYNOLDS
Graphic Design SUSAN CAMPBELL
TI OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
Founder DR. RALPH C. SMEDLEY (1878-1965)
2007-2008 OFFICERS*
International President CHRIS FORD, DTM
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
The Courage
Senior Vice President JANA BARNHILL, DTM, AS
Lubbock, Texas
Second Vice President GARY SCHMIDT, DTM
Clackamas, Oregon
Third Vice President PAT JOHNSON, DTM
to Conquer!
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Immediate Past President JOHNNY UY, DTM I know what it is to be so paralyzed by fear
Cebu City, Philippines
Executive Director DANIEL W. REX
that you cannot breathe. Many years ago, Bob
Mission Viejo, California
and I were flying to the 1985 Convention in a
Secretary-Treasurer NANCY LANGTON
Mission Viejo, California small plane. Along the way we were sucked into a horrific storm. We spent
2007-2008 DIRECTORS* the next two hours being tossed about by high winds and pelted by rain.
VAL ALBERT, DTM JOHN RICH, DTM
Saratoga Springs, New York Beeton, Ontario, Canada
The storm was too strong for the small aircraft; we couldn’t get around it.
ALENE HAYNES, DTM MICHAEL SMITH, DTM The strength of the wind would not let us. We couldn’t get above it. In fact,
Houston, Texas Bloomington, Illinois
two attempts to do so resulted in the plane stalling. We were at its mercy.
LEE HOLLIDAY, DTM RICHARD SNYDER, DTM
Johns Creek, Georgia Upland, California Finally, we ran out of gas and crash landed, coming to a stop after wrapping
CHARLOTTE HOWARD, DTM JUDY SOUTHWICK, DTM
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota
a wing around the kitchen of a small rural home.
LAUREN KELLY, DTM MARTHA TINKER, DTM For years after that accident, I could not step onto a plane without strong
Trabuco Canyon, California West Des Moines, Iowa
medication. I was at the mercy of my fears. Then I thought about what we
GARY MULL, DTM TEVIS THOMPSON, DTM
Riverside, Ohio Martinez, California do in Toastmasters. As our vision statement so aptly states, we give people
MOHAMMED MURAD, DTM DIETMAR WAGENKNECHT, DTM
Dubai, United Arab Emirates Lake Bluff, Illinois
the courage to change! How so? Week after week we come together in our
KRISTIN NICHOLSON, DTM MARGARET WAN, DTM club meetings. We stand before each other and practice what we are uncom-
Rockville, Maryland Saint Petersburg, Florida
fortable doing. We may struggle at first, but our fellow members look at us
SUEZY PROCTOR, DTM GEORGE YEN, DTM
Tacoma, Washington Taipei, Taiwan and say, “You can do this! Try it this way.” So we practice some more. Little
* 2008-2009 Board members not determined as of print date. by little we let go of our notes. We step away from that lectern. Each time
TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL we do, we build more confidence. That confidence eventually transforms into
P.O. Box 9052 • Mission Viejo, CA 92690 U.S.A. courage. That courage allows us to conquer our fears.
(949) 858-8255 • Fax:(949) 858-1207
Voicemail: (949) 835-1300 That is why I have chosen as my theme this year “Toastmasters: The
members.toastmasters.org Courage to Conquer!” We all come to Toastmasters with something we want
CONTACTING WORLD HEADQUARTERS
to conquer. It may not be on the scale of a plane crash, but the fears are just
For information on joining
as real! We may have a fear of speaking to clients, of leading a meeting, of
or building a club, visit: www.toastmasters.org believing in ourselves.
Article submission: submissions@toastmasters.org
Fellow Toastmasters, I am honored beyond words that you have placed
Letters to the Editor: letters@toastmasters.org
your faith in me to lead this organization this year. I would be lying if I said
To change address,
log in to: members.toastmasters.org I didn’t have just a little bit of fear! But as Peter McWilliams wrote:
• ADVERTISING INQUIRIES ONLY • “Come to the edge,” he said.
For information about advertising, please contact:
They said, “We are afraid.”
Melissa Austin Associates
2600 Ladybird Dr. • Calabasas, California 91302 “Come to the edge,” he said.
Phone: (818) 225-0466 • Fax: (818) 225-0675
maaustin@earthlink.net
They came.
The TOASTMASTER Magazine (ISSN 00408263) is published monthly by He pushed them…
Toastmasters International, Inc., 23182 Arroyo Vista, Rancho Santa Margarita,
CA 92688, U.S.A. Periodicals postage paid at Mission Viejo, CA and additional They flew.
mailing office. POSTMASTER: Send address change to The TOASTMASTER
Magazine, P.O. Box 9052, Mission Viejo, CA 92690, U.S.A.
Published to promote the ideas and goals of Toastmasters International, a
non profit educational organization of clubs throughout the world dedicated My challenge to us all this year is to come to the edge of our fears.
to teaching skills in public speaking and leadership. Members’ subscriptions
are included in the $27 semi annual dues. Allow our fellow members to push us. With that push we will fly, giving us
The official publication of Toastmasters International carries authorized
notices and articles regarding the activities and interests of the organization, The Courage to Conquer!
but responsibility is not assumed for the opinions of the authors of other
articles. The TOASTMASTER magazine does not endorse or guarantee the
products it advertises.
Copyright 2008 by Toastmasters International, Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Not
responsible for unsolicited material.
Toastmasters International, The TOASTMASTER, and the Toastmaster
International Emblem are trademarks of Toastmasters International registered
in the United States, Canada and many other countries. Marca registrada en
Mexico. Printed in U.S.A.
Jana Barnhill, DTM, Accredited Speaker
Printed on Recycled Paper
International President
September 2008 TOASTMASTER 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS September 2008
Volume 74, No. 9
FEATURES
Meet Toastmasters’ 2008-2009
International President
ARTICLES
& DEPARTMENTS
Jana Barnhill, DTM, AS 3 Viewpoint: The Courage to Conquer!
Our new president shares her theme By International President Jana Barnhill, DTM, AS
and goals for her term in office.
PAGE 8 5 Letters to the Editor
6 Profile: Fashion with Fido
Toastmaster promotes pooch projects.
By Julie Bawden Davis
The Power of Publicity
Be savvy and proactive in 12 Opt to Be an Outstanding Orator
promoting your club. Is your focus on not looking really bad
By Joe Cooke, ATMB or on looking really good?.
By Richard R. Bonner, CC
PAGE 16
14 Can We Talk?: Ingrid Betancourt’s
Amazing Eloquence
When authenticity and character are
more important than technique.
Set SMART Goals for By Florence Ferreira
Speaking Progress
What’s your dream and how 20 VPPR: When You Promote It, They Will Come!
are you going to achieve it? Tips for VPPRs on promoting
By Dena Harris, ACB, CL their clubs worldwide.
PAGE 24 By Craig Harrison, DTM
23 How To: Hosting a Club Open House
Boost membership in your
The Toastmasters Vision: club by hosting a party.
Toastmasters International empowers people to achieve their full potential and realize
their dreams. Through our member clubs, people throughout the world can improve By Lindy Sinclair, DTM
their communication and leadership skills, and find the courage to change.
The Toastmasters Mission:
Toastmasters International is the leading movement devoted to making 27 Manner of Speaking: Get Paid to Speak
effective oral communication a worldwide reality. How to get started on the
Through its member clubs, Toastmasters International helps men and women path to professional speaking.
learn the arts of speaking, listening and thinking – vital skills that
promote self-actualization, enhance leadership potential, foster human By Jane Atkinson
understanding, and contribute to the betterment of mankind.
It is basic to this mission that Toastmasters International continually
expand its worldwide network of clubs thereby offering ever-greater numbers 30 Tribute: In Memory of Past International
of people the opportunity to benefit from its programs.
President Jo Anna McWilliams, 1948-2008
4 TOASTMASTER September 2008
Do you have something to say? Write it in 200 words LETTERS
or less, sign it with your name, address and club
affiliation and send it to letters@toastmasters.org.
Grammar Dispute current members. It has energized a fade-out/fade-in gave additional
Marc Delesclefs’ letter and the the end of our meeting. As part of information. When the hero and
editor’s response to it ( July) neatly the Reports section of the meeting, heroine embraced and headed for the
encapsulated one of the problems the Radio Host (now a regular bedroom, the “fade” meant a scene
facing the Toastmaster. This is the meeting role) calls into our service change – usually to the next morn-
magazine of Toastmasters Interna- (http://hipcast.com). The Radio ing. The audience knew, or thought it
tional and ought to reflect the inter- Host talks about the highlights of did, what happened during the fade.
national nature of the organization, the meeting and interviews other The PowerPoint presenter should
including differing from American Toastmasters in the room. provide a verbal fade to introduce
grammar and usage in favor of a Members of our club say that the next topic while leaving the last
broader view where necessary. recording a TOTV Radio episode slide on the screen. Stay with the
The editor’s statement is correct has an edgy, Table Topics feel to it “flip” and go to the next slide like the
only within the USA and other places – propelled by the awareness that old days with slide projectors. Power-
that share its usage of English. It is the episode will be published Point should be used to present
incorrect when looked at from the instantly to our podcast stream. information, not theatrical effects.
point of view of English speakers We have even pushed the enve- Bob Ziller, CC • New Richmond Toastmasters
New Richmond, Wisconsin
away from the United States. lope and have recorded a couple of
The editor was correct with the video podcasts!
Keen on Green!
comment “Grappling with grammar Members have a variety of
One thing I’ve always noticed at
rules is always a challenge,” par- options for listening to TOTV Radio.
Toastmaster meetings is the large
ticularly when the “mistake” she is They can subscribe via iTunes. They
amount of paper (for agendas,
correcting is seen as being proper can subscribe via Google, Yahoo or
Table Topics, etc.) and plastic water
usage by a large number of English a host of other personal Web pages
bottles that are used. These items
speakers. It would have been so easy and news readers. They can go to
then wind up in the garbage at the
to let the letter be published without our Web site (http://www.
end of meetings. As a suggestion, at
comment. I ask the editor to be more uppervalleytoastmasters.org/)
the end of the meeting, appoint one
internationally aware in the future. and listen to the stream. They can
person to collect the discarded
Brian Duckworth, DTM • Mercury’s Motivators even subscribe via e-mail using our
Buderim, Queensland, Australia paper, and one person to collect
Feedblitz account. We track sub-
the plastic water bottles. The
scriptions and “hits” to our podcast
The Power of Podcasts. appointed people will take the
using Feedburner.
I have been a Toastmaster for about items home to their recycling boxes.
Join us and take your club to the
Mitch W. Klinger • Woodbridge Toastmasters • Woodbridge, ON, Canada
1½ years. I have wondered why so airwaves! Energize the power of
much of Toastmasters’ communica- your voice with the Internet! Welcome Advice
tion is written. This is ironic, consid- G. Scott Graham, ACB, CL • A Toast of the Valley • Fairlee, Vermont
Hats off to Aileen Storoshchuk for
ering our organization promotes
writing the wonderful article “Small
giving one’s voice potential. For Present Information – Steps to Successful Speech Writing”
example, I would much rather listen Not Special Effects ( July). I have been a Toastmaster
to a DTM talk about how to deliver Sally Herigstad’s article (“Giving
for less than a year and am exactly
a humorous speech than to read Effective Financial Presentations
at the point she describes –
about it in the magazine. with PowerPoint,” July) was excel-
pondering how to write and deliver
I brought this issue to my club in lent. Her suggestion on going easy
speech three in the Competent
February. The result: TOTV Radio with transitions cannot be empha-
Communication manual.
(a.k.a. Toast of the Valley Radio), a sized enough. It seems that many
The article is very perceptive
“live” mobile podcast at the end of PowerPoint presenters love to get
and offers tremendous analysis,
each meeting – during the meeting! overly creative with transitions. They
advice and encouragement for
The impact has been phenomenal. accomplish nothing but are distract-
people on the foothills of
It has helped promote our club to ing and waste time.
Competent Communication.
potential members, while at the In the movies, transitions denote Stephen McClelland • Tube Talk Toastmasters
same time communicating with major scene changes. In the old days, Camberley Surrey, United Kingdom
September 2008 TOASTMASTER 5
PROFILE By Julie Bawden Davis
Toastmaster promotes
pooch projects.
Fashion with Fido
T
ell Jo Jo Harder she’s really Less than a year after
gone to the dogs, and she’ll becoming a member in
take that as a compliment. October 2007, Harder
This Florida Toastmaster is proud of has found the experience
her canine-related accomplishments, invaluable.
which include creating and hosting “I am much more at
America’s Top Dog Model Contest ease and confident about
and writing her newly released speaking now,” says the
book, Diva Dogs: The Style Guide to author, who regularly
Living the Fabulous Life. appears on television and
Harder, who started her career as in front of audiences of
a fashion designer and stylist, created more than 400.
the dog model event in 2005. She
says it is considered “one of the hottest
Jo Jo Harder and her Italian
and most stylish dog contests” in
America. “I started the contest and Greyhound, Romeo.
decided to write the book after doing
research about the increasing popu- little nervous about public speaking
larity of dog events such as parties A STYLE GUIDE and as a result appeared somewhat
TO LIVNG THE reserved and shy,” says Novek, who
and parades, and finding that it was
an untapped market,” says Harder. became Harder’s mentor. “Since
After the dog model contest joining, she has become an incredi-
boomed in popularity, she sought the ble speaker who uses gestures,
assistance of Toastmasters and even- body language and vocal variety to
tually joined the Boca Raton Toast- her advantage.”
masters club. “I had heard about Toast- Harder’s initial idea for the dog
contest and book took root when
she was talking to a friend a few
“Toastmasters was the best investment years ago about how they had both
for success that I’ve ever made.” spent their Halloween holiday.
“My friend told me that she was
masters over the years, and decided “Toastmasters was the best invest- invited to doggy parties where you
it was time to join and improve my ment for success that I’ve ever dress up your dog and go out and
speaking skills when I realized that made. I’ve learned to be comfort- parade them around, and then she
my business was growing quickly able speaking in any setting and to suggested that I think about styling
and I was required to speak at more any-sized crowd, and I owe it all to doggy events. I was intrigued,” says
and more events,” she says. “From Toastmasters.” Harder, who grew up with dogs and
the moment I walked in the door, I Karen Novek, a member of the has a 10-month-old Italian grey-
was impressed by the professional, Boca Raton club, has been impressed hound named Romeo.
nurturing atmosphere of the [Boca with Harder. “Jo Jo is very elegant After attending the popular annual
Raton] club and decided to join.” and proper, but she was initially a pet parade on Worth Avenue in
6 TOASTMASTER September 2008
Lights, Camera, Action –
Are You Ready for Television?
ot long after she started America’s Top Dog Model Contest, Jo Jo Harder found
N herself in demand on the interview circuit. As an expert in canine fashion, she
was invited on TV to talk about the subject. If you, too, are an authority in your
field and may have TV appearances in your future, Harder has some helpful sug-
gestions to make the most out of such opportunities.These are drawn from her
own experiences and the lessons she learned along the way. Using the informa-
tion and skills provided by Toastmasters, Harder has developed a personal plan
to prepare for what she calls a “red carpet” interview. Consider her top tips:
Be prepared and know your subject matter. “Research your topic if necessary, and practice,” says Harder. She
says she prepared for a live interview on The Morning Show, Channel 10 Miami, which included bringing along
three dogs, with thorough practice sessions with a partner. “Despite the short lead time – only two days – the
interview went amazingly well,” she says, “and I’ve since had more TV appearances.” Besides knowing her subject
and practicing, Harder also prepares “concise opening and closing remarks that make a memorable impression.”
Get all the facts about the TV program. The more information you have, the more confident you will feel. Find
out air time, the basic format of the show, where the interview will take place, and the producer’s name and
contact information. Also, inquire about the topic of discussion and how long you will be expected to speak.
Look professional. Harder recommends wearing tailored business attire, such as a suit. “Bright, rich colors look
best on TV, such as navy and royal blue, magenta, buttercup, hunter green and cocoa brown. Avoid white, ivory
and pastels, except for blouses and shirts under a jacket. And definitely avoid bold prints, plaids and checks.
Jewelry should not be large, dangling or shiny.” And if you are offered the services of the studio’s makeup pro-
fessional, Harder says to accept. Even if you normally do not wear makeup, matte lipstick and translucent powder
can help eliminate a “washed out” look under the bright lights. Hair should be well groomed and nails neatly T
manicured. Make a final check of your appearance in the restroom prior to going on the air.
Maintain composure. Once in front of the camera, Harder says to sit comfortably with legs crossed away from
the camera and hands arranged calmly in your lap. “Look at the person interviewing you. Smile appropriately,
matching your look with the content of the interview. Keep answers short and to the point. Recognize that
anything can happen during a television interview, so be prepared for unexpected changes, and maintain your
composure at all times.”
Florida’s Palm Beach, Harder The winner of the dog contest contest is professionally done and
became truly inspired. and the remaining 11 finalists incredibly organized.”
“I had never seen dogs dressed appear in an annual calendar. The Novek, the fellow Boca Raton
so unbelievably well,” she notes. 2008 champion, Maia, a pug from Toastmaster, adds of Harder: “When
“There were hundreds of dogs on the Minneapolis, Minnesota, graces this she talks about something she
runway being judged for different year’s cover dressed to the hilt in a loves, her passion really comes
categories – such as best tail wagger.” black satin gold-trimmed cape and through. Every time she gives a
Soon after starting the Top Dog matching crown. speech, you learn something new.”
Model Contest, Harder began writing “Jo Jo is definitely a doggy For more information about Jo Jo
Diva Dogs, which highlights glam- dynamo,” says Sherry Frankel, Harder and America’s Top Dog Model
orous high-fashion photos of dogs president of the Worth Avenue Contest, visit www.americastop
entered in the event, as well as Association, which holds the annual dogmodel.com. T
spectacular dog “spaws” (dog party pet parade. She met Harder three
themes with photos and planning years ago when she invited her to Julie Bawden Davis is a freelance
tips), “petiquette” rules, and an inter- be a judge at the event. writer based in Southern California
national and national resource guide “She has tremendous vitality and and a longtime contributor to the
of 150 boutiques, stores and bak- enthusiasm and is such fun to be Toastmaster. You can reach her at
eries that cater exclusively to dogs. around. Her ideas are great, and her Julie@JulieBawdenDavis.com.
September 2008 TOASTMASTER 7
Meet Toastmasters’ 2008-2009
International President
Jana Barnhill, DTM, AS
N
ewly elected International President Jana Barnhill is a
Distinguished Toastmaster in more than one sense.
Not only is she the fourth woman President in the
organization’s history, she is also one of a handful of women
who have earned the prestigious Toastmasters Accredited Speaker
award – and she has twice competed in the World Championship
of Public Speaking, placing second in 1996 and third in 1993.
8 TOASTMASTER September 2008
She is married to Toastmasters Past
International President and Accredited
Speaker Robert “Bob” Barnhill, DTM,
and joined Toastmasters 24 years ago
because she says her husband “seemed
to have so much fun at these meetings,
I wanted to check it out.” He took her
to their first conference and she was
hooked.
Bob and Jana live in Lubbock, Texas,
where they run a professional speaking
and training business called L.I.V.E.
Speakers, Inc.
Explain why you chose your theme –
“Toastmasters: the Courage to Conquer!”
I have always been inspired by the Toastmasters Vision But when I mentioned it to one of my fellow members,
Statement, which concludes with the words: “ ... people he said, “Jana, you can do it! We’ll help you!”
throughout the world can improve their communication They did. I practiced at my club and they really provid-
and leadership skills, and find the courage to change.” ed me the encouragement I needed to be able to stand in
I have watched so many people come into front of all those people and honor my grandfather.
Toastmasters, and as they have developed their confi-
dence, that confidence has expanded into courage – the
How has Toastmasters benefited your career?
Courage to Conquer! Currently, my home club consists
of many doctoral students from China and Taiwan. Actually, I wouldn’t have the career I do were it not for
Those young men and women have left behind every- Toastmasters. I never joined this organization to become
thing they know to come to a new land with a different a professional speaker! It just evolved. I did well in the
language, different customs and a different culture. That speech contests and then became familiar with the Ac-
takes courage! They have all shared how Toastmasters credited Speaker Program. I became friends with Sheryl
has helped them develop that courage.
I have seen Toastmasters instill in
others the Courage to Conquer a new “There are few things as gratifying as seeing
job, a new relationship, even a devastat-
ing illness. Personally, there were many
new members come into our organization
times in my life, before Toastmasters, and watching their transformation.”
when I simply lacked the courage to
do something I wanted to do, or to say
something I wanted to say. Roush, an Accredited Speaker sister, who at the time
Author James Allen wrote, “Whether you be man or was a trainer for the seminar company CareerTrack.
woman, you will never accomplish anything in this You couldn’t even secure an interview with that com-
world without courage.” I believe we all want to accom- pany unless you were recommended by one of their
plish something. We all have challenges we wish to con- trainers. Sheryl was kind enough and had enough confi-
quer. I know of no other place that instills that needed dence in me to recommend me, and I was hired! That
courage like Toastmasters! was my first experience as a professional speaker. Today,
my husband, Bob, and I own our own company, L.I.V.E.
Speakers, Inc. Starting your own business, by the way,
Give us an example of when Toastmasters
also took some Courage to Conquer!
gave you the Courage to Conquer.
I had been a Toastmaster just a short while when my
What are some of your hobbies and interests?
grandfather died. I have two older brothers, but my aunt
told my parents that she wanted me to speak at the Bob and I are theme park fanatics. There isn’t a roller
funeral. I couldn’t believe it! And I didn’t want to do it. coaster out there we haven’t found the Courage to
September 2008 TOASTMASTER 9
Conquer! We plan to ride all the world’s top-rated roller
You have been a Toastmaster for 24 years now.
coasters and we joke that when we are 90 years old, we
Why do you stay?
will still be going to Disneyland – and the younger peo-
ple better not get in our way! Several reasons: One, I know that I will never be perfect.
I still have a lot to learn, both as a speaker and a leader.
I am also a nut about Christmas. I go all-out decorating
inside and out. As of now, we put up nine Christmas Two, there are few things as gratifying as seeing new
trees inside. One of them creates fabulous memories members come into our organization and watching their
transformation. Seeing
how our program can
“Serving as an officer, at any level, can and should help shape lives is
be one of the best experiences of your life. That truly amazing! That
is a tremendous thing
doesn’t mean it’s easy. There are many times when to be a part of.
doing the right thing takes a great deal of courage!” Finally, some of
our best friends are
Toastmasters. It is
every year, because every ornament on it was given to fascinating to me that this organization brings people
us by Toastmasters. This past year we had our outside together who otherwise may never have met. We have a
lights and decorations choreographed to music, which close group of Toastmasters friends who does not have
played through people’s radio stations. It made the local the same political or religious affiliations. We live in dif-
news and we were told there were nights that the line ferent states and countries. We are not the same ages.
of cars to see it was more than 11 blocks long. Some are married, some are not. Some have children,
Fortunately, we have wonderful neighbors who never some do not. Yet we vacation together, spend holidays
complained! I loved it and can’t wait to see what the together. We celebrate together and cry together. The
man who designed it all comes up with this year! skills, the experiences and the lifelong friendships are
why I stay.
What book are you currently reading?
Tell us about your worst speaking memory.
Right now I am reading Presidential Courage – Brave
Leaders and How They Changed America. In light of the Ugh! In Toastmasters it would be the first year I compet-
work Toastmasters is doing on governance reshaping, ed in the International Speech Contest. I had only been
I have also read several books on change, and I in Toastmasters nine months and I had won the district
frequently go back and look at Ralph Smedley’s The level of the competition. I was so overwhelmed at the
Story of Toastmasters and Personally Speaking, books regional contest that I never saw the lights – until the
I believe every Toastmaster should read. red light had been on about a minute! I never went
overtime again!
Outside of Toastmasters there was a time when I
You and your husband are both Accredited Speakers.
hosted a 30-minute interview program on our local PBS
He is a Past International President and now you are
television station. One of my very first interviews was
President. Those are both firsts. Are you two competitive
with the new president of one of our local universities.
with each other?
Almost every question I had prepared was a close-ended
Oh, that’s funny. Not long ago Bob was a speaker at an question. We had gone through every one of my
advanced club where we are both members. In this club questions in about 10 minutes! Thank goodness for
we do round-robin evaluations. I was the last to offer an Toastmasters! It gave me the Courage to Conquer the
evaluation to Bob and when I was finished, one of the most uncomfortable speaking situation I have ever
members said, “Wouldn’t you love to go home with them?” encountered. I have since gone through the Advanced
The fact is, we are each other’s toughest critic and at Manual Communicating on Television more than once!
the same time, each other’s biggest supporter. Any time
either one of us starts to beat up on ourself, the other
Who are some leaders you admire and why?
simply will not allow it. There is no doubt that has con-
tributed greatly to what we have been able to accom- In American politics, Abraham Lincoln had an impecca-
plish. But you will never see us in a speech contest ble talent for bringing people together, even those who
against each other! fought vehemently against him. Ronald Reagan was the
10 TOASTMASTER September 2008best I’ve ever seen at connecting with everyone, even Conquer distractions that, while possibly are good ideas,
across party lines. In business, Bill Gates not only built, take the focus away from their mission.
but defined, an entire industry. He was not only a vision- Serving as an officer, at any level, can and should be
ary but a pragmatist as well. one of the best experiences of your life. That doesn’t
I also have to mention Helen Blanchard, the first mean it’s easy. There are many times when doing the
woman president of Toastmasters International. In my right thing takes a great deal of courage!
eyes, she exemplifies the Courage to Conquer! She had
the courage to be a part of this organization before
If you had a message for every Toastmaster, what would it be?
women were even allowed. And the obstacles she had to
overcome in order to serve as our first woman president Do not leave Toastmasters until you have at least earned
were unbelievable. Thank you, Helen, for paving the way your Competent Communicator award and served as a
for Pauline Shirley, Jo Anna McWilliams and now me. club officer! I believe if we made a diligent effort in our
clubs to introduce the members to the multitude of
opportunities available to them beyond the Competent
How do you hope clubs and districts will fulfill your theme?
Communication manual, and encouraged them to serve
One of the things I would like to see is an increased as officers, they would stay much longer than they do.
focus on quality, at every level. That means raising
expectations. For clubs, that means a president may
What are your dreams and goals for your term in office?
need to find the Courage to Conquer meetings that
aren’t as organized as they should be. It may mean My dream is to see a significant increase in the number
challenging those who aren’t following the program and of Distinguished clubs. Our clubs are the catalyst of this
are not delivering manual speeches or providing effec- organization and we want to feel confident that when
tive evaluations. It may mean having the Courage to any visitor walks into a Toastmasters club anywhere in
Conquer the status quo in a club that hasn’t lived up to the world, they are seeing the very best we have to offer.
the officer standards by attending training, having regu- I believe that quality clubs are the key to both member-
lar executive committee meetings and striving to be a ship growth and retention.
Distinguished Club. I also dream that we will all have the Courage to
At the district level, it means district governors may Conquer any changes necessary to catapult this organiza-
need the Courage to Conquer clubs that are “on the tion into the future and embrace those changes with one
books” but are not viable. District officers may need to voice and one purpose – to see our strategic goal of
find the Courage to Conquer the temptation to charter becoming the world’s leading movement devoted to the
new clubs that do not have the foundation to be sustain- development of communication and leadership skills
able clubs. They may also need to find the Courage to become a reality! T
September 2008 TOASTMASTER 11By Richard R. Bonner, CC
Is your focus on not
looking really bad or
on looking really good?
Opt to Be an
Outstanding
Woodrow Wilson Orator
M
any of us joined Toastmasters satisfaction that comes from becom- and it wasn’t long before he became
with the expectation, or at ing a standout speaker. the highest-paid member of the fac-
least the hope, that it would ulty; from there he became presi-
better our job and career prospects. Woodrow Wilson’s Inspiration dent of the school. Next, he drew
We probably thought in terms of Consider the case of U.S. President upon his speaking skills to help
improving our communication skills Woodrow Wilson, as related by his himself win the governorship of
in staff meetings, thinking more official biographer, Ray Stannard New Jersey and finally the presiden-
quickly on our feet when questioned Baker. While a student at Princeton cy of the United States.
by the boss or customers, making University, Wilson read a magazine All the while he felt buoyed by
creditable presentations both to staff article about great orators, which the sheer exhilaration of public
and clients, and, if called upon – included his hero, British Prime speaking, “because it sets my mind
God forbid – giving bona fide Minister William Gladstone. The arti- – all my faculties – aglow... I feel a
speeches before live audiences. cle so excited and inspired him that sort of transformation – and it’s hard
In all those endeavors, we likely he vowed he, too, would become a to go to sleep afterwards” (from
cared more about being competent great speaker and statesman. He Baker’s Woodrow Wilson: Life and
for our job performance than about practiced aloud in the woods near Letters, published in 1927).
being excellent for its own sake. We campus and, when on vacation, in
had neither the time nor the inclina- his father’s church on weekdays. The Making the Commitment
tion to try to be outstanding speakers young Wilson soon gained a reputa- Let’s say that some of us wanted to
and communicators; we simply want- tion as a fine speaker and debater, become outstanding speakers. What
ed to be good enough to get what we which eventually brought him back might be our first step? Simply
needed. We didn’t care so much about to the school as a professor, despite deciding to make the commitment,
looking really good as not looking an indifferent academic record. as Wilson did.
really bad. In essence, it came down In no time Professor Wilson’s We could make the commitment
to wanting a quick fix for promotions lectures drew some of the most privately to ourselves or, if we need
and raises. Show us the money! enthusiastic audiences on campus. to feel the spur and the lash to keep
But if truth be told, that kind of By continuing to feed his fire and from backsliding, we could
thinking grievously shortchanges us, passion for public speaking, he announce our decision at a
denying us the brawny passion and began to draw even more notice, Toastmasters meeting. Making the
12 TOASTMASTER September 2008commitment sets the fire, and to Besides, we’re already doing “the the pain of the process, it just
keep it stoked and fueled, to keep doing” in Toastmasters! And that dawns on us that we’ve become
the interest and passion up, we doing should include entering speech darned good speakers.
could immerse ourselves in the contests. (Granted, somebody’s got Second, if competent speaking
study of public speaking through to lose in a contest, but everyone ability will likely help us on the job,
books, CDs, DVDs, lectures, semi- who learns something – who im- what might outstanding speaking
nars, the Internet and classroom proves from the experience – wins.) ability do?
courses. Such sources could include Aside from the book learning, Certainly we can at least consider
rhetoric, great speeches of history, we have ourselves as resources to making the extra effort, feeling a
grammar and usage, diction, voice draw upon. soul’s awakening as we uncage the
improvement, gesturing and body In 1830 U.S. Senator Daniel oratory beast within ourselves.
language, the lives of history’s Webster responded to a speech Maybe we’ll lie awake some nights,
famous orators, and other topics. from a political opponent by quick- not in dread of a speech to be
Perhaps we, too, could feel in- ly preparing and delivering one of given but from a lingering high
spired – transformed – by the words the great orations of history. When we’ve gotten from a speech just
of, say, Queen Elizabeth I addressing asked how long it had taken him to given, and given well. Put a dollar
her troops at the approach of the prepare, he replied: “20 years.” figure on that! T
Spanish Armada: “I know I have the For 20 years Webster had thought
body of a weak and feeble woman, hard about, and agonized, over the Richard R. Bonner, CC, a former
but I have the heart and stomach of sentiments that had led to his oppo- writer for several daily newspapers,
a king, and a king of England too.” nent’s position, drawing heavily upon is a member of the Jewel City
Or a poignantly anguished Nehru the resources of his own life, accord- Toastmasters club in Glendale,
eulogizing the assassinated Mahatma ing to the book Discussion and California. You can reach him at
Gandhi: “All we know is that there Debate: Tools of Democracy by Henry Bonner1301@yahoo.com.
was a glory and that it is no more; Lee Ewbank and J. Jeffery Auer.
all we know is that for the moment Virtually all of us in Toastmasters
there is darkness, not so dark cer- have at least 20 years of life to draw
tainly, because when we look into upon: our education (formal and
our hearts we still find the living informal), our hopes and fears, our
flame which he lighted there.” triumphs and tears. In looking over
Or the thrilling hope of playwright our life journeys, many of us might
Vaclav Havel upon assuming the see only vast unremarkable stretches,
presidency of the newly liberated but they’re not wastelands. They’re
Czechoslovakia after decades of com- fallow fields whose rich potential
munist rule: “Let us teach ourselves awaits the skilled orator to unearth.
and others that politics can be not
only the art of the possible – especial- The Incremental Approach
ly if this means the art of specula- “Enough,” says a show-me-the-
tion, calculation, intrigue, secret money type. “Spare me the poetry.
deals and pragmatic maneuvering – Who needs, and who can take, all
but that it can even be the art of the the effort required to become an
impossible, namely, the art of outstanding speaker? Being a decent
improving ourselves and the world.” speaker is all you need to be.”
That’s possible, but first let’s real-
From the Page to the Podium ize that the commitment and effort
Of course, “doing” is usually the needed to excel in speaking seem
most effective way of learning, but far less unnerving if we demand
don’t scant the study and book only small but continuous steps of
learning here. It’s invaluable. It gives improvement from ourselves. This
us the substance and direction incremental approach takes major
needed. It provides the theory for pressure off us yet puts improve-
the practice – the theory we take ment on a comfortable auto-pilot.
from the page to the podium. Then one day, without our feeling
September 2008 TOASTMASTER 13CAN WE TALK?
When authenticity and
character are more
important than technique.
Ingrid Betancourt’s Amazing Eloquence
Any Toastmaster who watched “They got us out grandly,” she with statements such as “I am free
Ingrid Betancourt address the media exclaimed, as she described her bril- of envy, vengeance and bitterness…
and public in the immediate days liantly masterminded deliverance The people who stayed behind there,
following her spectacular rescue from just a few hours earlier as “an extra- I forgive them ... The first thing we
the Revolutionary Armed Forces of ordinary symphony,” “a miracle with have to do is change hearts. We have
Colombia learned an invaluable les- no historical precedent,” an “opera- to change the vocabulary of hate.
son on the relation between extem- tion [that] was absolutely impecca- When I dreamed of being free, I told
poraneous speech and authenticity. ble,” and “a moment of pride for myself that I could not engage in
When I heard of how this woman Colombians” – all figures of speech hate or rancor ... The guerrillas are
– along with 14 other hostages – had that would have kept a grammarian our enemy, but we shouldn’t insult
been liberated by Colombian com- busy at a Toastmasters meeting. And them. We should show them how to
mandos on July 2nd, I immediately she merrily swung back and forth seek a dignified exit through peace-
went online to catch the event on between Spanish and French in the ful negotiations. If we don’t defeat
video. All I knew about Ingrid Betan- next few days, with the same ora- them correctly, we will sow the seeds
court was that she was a French- torical dexterity. of hate for the future.’’
Colombian politician who had been Woven into the obvious articulacy Being a polished, technically-
abducted by rebel forces in 2002 and were also some lengthy pauses and versed speaker is important, but
held captive in the jungle ever since. hesitations, some emotional looms, nothing is more powerful than
As I watched the landing of her some awkward gestures – in other authenticity and character. When
plane at a military airport in Bogota, words, transgressions to the usual you speak with your heart, even if
I expected to witness the emergence rules of proper public speaking. Yet you lack practice and bend a rule,
of a human wreck, with the ensuing these were the most powerful you will impact your listeners.
immediate evacuation to a medical moments. For all of her poise and During her first address at the
facility. Instead, Mrs. Betancourt facile use of language, it was the military airport in Bogota, Ingrid
came out looking bubbly and sur- times she grasped for control or Betancourt said, “I’m sorry, but this
prisingly composed, even carrying expression that moved us the most. has to be a hug,” and she moved
her own backpack. These were the instances that told the away from the microphone to
Like the other millions of viewers real story – the nearly seven years of embrace the founder and host of
around the world who heard her first deprivation and brutality she and the “Voices of Kidnapping,’’ a radio pro-
few words (in Spanish or its translat- other hostages endured, chained by gram that broadcasts messages to
ed form), I was spellbound; and for the neck day and night, sleeping on hostages from their family members.
five consecutive days, I listened to mud, often under torrential down- She explained that the words read
every one of her multiple deliveries, pours, forced to march without boots over the airwaves helped her fend
interviews and press conferences. for days, infected by jungle parasites, off suicide. I wept, as did everyone
My interest, which was initially undernourished, arbitrarily humiliated else on site.
prompted by curiosity and compas- and abused, and with no opportunity When authenticity and character
sion toward her unimaginable saga, to either read or converse. are present, even leaving the lectern
quickly shifted to fascination with Mrs. Betancourt, who is already will be forgiven! T
her eloquence and “onstage pres- called by some “the Colombian
ence” under the circumstances. Nelson Mandela,” not once expressed Florence Ferreira is an intercultural
The Toastmaster in me replaced hate and bitterness against her communication consultant, founder
the news “voyeur,” and I found oppressors. Her captivity seemed to of SpeakGlobal and member of
myself instinctively wrapped up in create in her a greater sense of Boca Raton Toastmasters and the
the role of evaluator – a very grace and generosity of spirit. She Florida Speakers Association. Reach
humbled one. went right to our hearts and souls her at f.ferreira@speakglobal.net.
14 TOASTMASTER September 2008One day, his son would
speak to the world.
He wanted them
to understand.
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Offer expires December 31, 2008.The Power of
Publicity By Joe Cooke, ATMB
Be savvy and proactive in promoting your club.
T
here are people in your town right now who need Toastmasters
– but they may not even know your club exists! One of your
responsibilities as a member is to promote your club and the
organization, but that doesn’t mean you have to stand on the
corner thumping on the Competent Communication manual.
In fact, the best way to promote your club and to increase with up to 5,000 advertisements every day. Radios come
membership is to show how Toastmasters members can with scan and seek buttons, and TiVo allows consumers
change lives for the better, and the best way to demon- to fast-forward through annoying chatter and ads.
strate this to the public is through publicity. Be honest, when you read the paper or listen to the
news, do you focus on the advertisements or the stories?
Publicity vs. Advertising Most people focus on the stories. We want and need
We often fall into the trap of thinking that placing an ad good stories – but we are tuning out the advertisements.
in the local paper is the best way to promote a cause – That’s why an article – a story – about you or your club
or a club – but traditional advertising is becoming less and its life-changing benefits is more effective than an
and less effective. According to statistics, we are now hit advertisement.
16 TOASTMASTER September 2008Your Publicity Generator Look for a slant that is of interest to the readers.
Most clubs and organizations send press releases to Always ask the question from the reader’s perspective:
commemorate awards, advancements and competition “So what?” If you can re-cast an award to be of gener-
victories. Those are all good opportunities to get the al interest, do it. Maybe Joe Smith has a comment or
club name in front of the public, but they are not the two on a current event or topic of broad interest,
most powerful sources of publicity. such as real estate values, the price of fuel or the war
The best sources for new releases are the things your in Iraq. All of these topics are relevant and interest-
members do outside the club. Look especially for region- ing, and the award can be embedded in the story
al and national tie-ins. For instance, suppose one of your along with a quote.
members travels to the state capitol to lobby for health- Even if you have a good slant, a newsworthy story and
care reform. Write it up. “Local Business Owner Testifies a well-written press release, without some kind of person-
for Health Care Reform” is far more compelling than al connection that release will likely end up in the can.
“Toastmaster Wins Award.” You may have a speaker in
your organization who can promote Toastmasters by Make the Media Work for You
giving a talk at a local school or service organization; According to publicity expert Joan Stewart, the number
that talk could be on public speaking, literacy, success one thing anyone can do to help launch an ongoing
or any other topic of interest to the students and teach- publicity campaign is to develop personal relationships
ers. “Bartender Serves Up Literacy Program to Public with the reporters who cover issues related to your
Schools” could generate some publicity energy. press release.
You can take this concept one step further. Look “Reporters are looking for sources,” says Stewart.
around your community and find a need. Maybe your “Get to know the reporters and then send them leads.”
town is suffering from growing pains. Have a couple of What you may not know is that many news stories
members prepare presentations on urban growth, afford- are provided by the company or person that is the sub-
able housing or the environment. Contact your local ject of the story. That is because good publicity hounds
radio talk show and offer to share the information. know three things:
Be sure to mention that these speakers polished their Reporters are extremely busy and are looking for
presentation skills at Toastmasters, and give detailed good leads, experts to interview and fresh ideas.
information on how to contact local clubs. An article, radio interview or even just a short quote
by representatives from your organization can be worth
Putting Energy into a Press Release hundreds or even thousands of dollars in advertising.
Learn how to write a press release. There are two key Publicity generates more publicity. A news article
elements to a good story – the hook and the slant. The will prompt a radio interview. A radio interview could
hook is embedded in the first
line of a press release and is
designed to grab the reader. “Even if you have a good slant, a newsworthy
Some stories create their own story and a well-written press release,
hook, such as earthquakes, polit-
ical scandals and alien abduc- without some kind of personal connection
tions. For an ordinary story, it will likely end up in the can.”
though, you may need to play
with the hook a bit.
For the story on health-care reform, you might come lead to a guest appearance on a TV show.
up with a hook like this – “Local business owner and You may think that these reporters already have a
Toastmaster Joe Smith faced off against the state legisla- line-up of tipsters doting on them. Don’t make that
ture last week in a heated debate about affordable health assumption. Your local reporters are always hungry for
care.” This is just an example; every story needs its own, eloquent experts. And, for that matter, so are the national
unique hook. reporters.
In addition to the hook, use quotes and statistics as
much as possible. Always put quotes in present tense – Looking Beyond the Traditional Press
“We’ll never give up,” says Joe Smith. Press releases are more important today than ever – but
The slant of a story is like the viewpoint. Many the rules have changed a bit. In the past, we tried to
times, we write a story from our own viewpoint, write press releases to please reporters, but now a press
such as the traditional “Joe Smith Receives CC Award.” release posted to your Web site improves your content,
September 2008 TOASTMASTER 17A Publicity Primer By Joe Cooke, ATMB
ccording to publicity hound Joan Stewart, there are more news outlets today than ever before. Here are a
A few ideas for ways to promote your Toastmasters club through speaking opportunities and publicity efforts:
Speak at free seminars, especially ones like “Public Speaking 101” (and be sure to send out a press release
about it before and after the event.)
Public speaking engagements – contact your local service organizations, such as Kiwanis, Rotary and the
Chamber of Commerce. Organizations are always on the lookout for good speakers.
Local morning talk shows – find experts in your club, get to know the reporters and be a source for them.
Also try the following: teleseminars, webinars, podcasts, e-zines, traditional newsletters, writing a column for
the local paper, submitting articles to local Web sites and online newsletters, and, of course, the venerable
press release.
Send a press release when someone wins an award, does community service, fills a board position or partici-
pates in any worthwhile venture. Always send a picture of the member or members you are highlighting after
getting their permission. Readers will skip sections of text, but a picture catches their attention.
Check out Joan Stewart’s comprehensive on-line tutorial for writing press releases at
www.publicityhound.com.
makes your site more valuable and increases your rank- hour of radio advertising during the morning rush and
ings on the search engines. you’ll see how valuable your media relations are.
If your club doesn’t have a Web site yet, get one. Go Your work in the community, networking with reporters
to www.freetoasthost.com and sign up for a free site. and your ability to write and speak in public will eventu-
The service is sponsored by Toastmasters International ally generate a feature article in your local paper. The
and the template is quick and easy to use. You’ll have a local article will land you more radio spots. You can hire
professionally designed Web site up and running in a someone to transcribe the radio interviews and turn
few hours. them into online articles or podcasts that you can then
Once your publicity machine is running, you’ll want submit to local, regional and even national Web sites.
people to be able to find your club quickly and easily. For those members of your club that have an aptitude
A professional-looking Web site is a necessity in today’s or desire to do more work in the area of public rela-
business world. tions, publicity and promotion, make sure they check
out Toastmasters International’s Public Relations Manual
How Publicity Gathers Steam in the Advanced Communication and Leadership
Besides being more effective than advertising, public Program as well as Let the World Know, Toastmasters
relations has two bonus features: It’s free (a big bonus) PR and publicity manual which is available for free
and it generates more publicity. downloading at members.toastmasters.org.
Once you get to know your local reporters and they Take your club up a notch by developing a strong
realize they can count on you for leads, tips and com- public relations campaign and you will find that new
mentary, more and more opportunities for publicity members gravitate to you. Your club will grow, your
will appear. members will benefit and you will be doing good things
In our club, we have several members who nurture in your community. T
contacts with the media, and it pays off. Recently, a local
radio show host in our town invited us to fill a spot in
his programming. Three of our members spent an hour Joe Cooke, ATMB, is a business consultant and novelist,
on the radio show during the morning drive talking and writes articles on business, marketing and real estate.
about Toastmasters – what it is, what it does, how it He is a member of High Noon Toastmasters club in Walla
works and how it benefits the members. Try buying an Walla, Washington. Reach him at www.joecooke.info.
18 TOASTMASTER September 2008You can also read
