Blogger of Peace Speakers Ends the Hiatus

The mission of a Toastmasters club is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every individual member has the opportunity to develop oral communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth. 

It's official!  I'm now serving as the new president for Peace Speakers.  I accepted this officer's role at the urging of encouraging members who recognize my leadership potential.  I'm a professed "worker bee" type who works well behind the scenes, and this year I'm be positioned to grow skills I wouldn't otherwise.  This is what Toastmasters is all about - stretching you in ways that expand your confidence, communication and leadership skills. 

A lot has transpired since my last blog for Peace Speakers.  A hiatus from the blog was taken, and this is our meeting's Word of the Day.  A hiatus is a pause or gap in a sequence, series or process.  Now it's time to get back on the horse!  Furthermore, the new Peace Speakers' officers just came on board in July, and they are ready to serve our Toastmasters club and guests to the best of their ability:

President:  Kay Chambers
VP for Education:  Eva Stimson
VP for Membership:  Betsy Blocker
VP for Public Relations:  Perry Chang
Secretary:  Katie Conkle
Sergeant-at-Arms:  Octavia Coleman
Treasurer:  Catherine Reuning

I also want to thank our outgoing officers, Megan Sherehiy and Malinda Spencer.  We greatly appreciate their service to our club as well!

The theme for our meeting today is vacation and travel, and we happen to have a Distinguished Toastmaster who drove in from Williamson, Virginia. Charles Gates travels often, and wherever he goes, he checks out the local Toastmasters clubs and visits 4 or 5 of them.  Even though Toastmasters clubs worldwide are similar in structure, the members and personalities all vary.  Charles obviously has fun with it.  As a Toastmaster, you always have that option to visit other clubs locally or across the globe.  It keeps you on your toes and is a great way to learn.  Fortunately, Charles also offered us some tips for our meetings that are most helpful!

It's time to shift gears to the educational portion of our meeting.  I introduce Eva, who comes to the lectern to serve as today's Toastmaster.  She's an accomplished writer, editor and artist.  In keeping with today's theme, Eva reminds us that the journey is more important than the destination.  We mustn't miss the joys and surprises along the way to our destinations.  Toastmasters clubs understand this as well, offering opportunities couched in fun that keep members growing as they travel along different paths. 

Eva introduces Distinguished Toastmaster, Charles, who's volunteered to give a speech today at our club.  He moves the lectern to the side, not wanting to use it as a crutch or impede him in any way.  In short, his presentation tells his story from the first time he was introduced to Toastmasters (2007) to the present.   His speech is an Ice Breaker Speech from Pathways, our new and exciting educational program. 

Charles uses his words to draw a picture of his journey.  He's on a road trip from New Jersey to Virginia listening to an audio book by Robert Kiyosaki and Zig Ziglar. Charles wanted to become a master communicator like these men, who are acclaimed motivational speakers and authors. Listening to those tapes, Charles heard about Toastmasters, understanding that if you want to go somewhere, it's best to find mentors who've already been there. He soon discovered that there were 46 Toastmasters clubs in his area within a 25-mile-radius!  A jackpot for mentors!!!!!

Charles recalls being warmly welcomed at his first Toastmasters meeting.  If you wonder how he became a DMT, or a Distinguished Toastmaster, it's because Charles threw himself into the workings of the club whole-heartedly.  Encouraged to expand his natural talents, he eventually served in every one of the officers' roles within the club.  

Later, an area governor encouraged Charles to join district leadership.  Charles jumped right in.  He knew there was so much more to discover and experience.  Taking on the top district positions gave him a free ticket out of the country to an exotic location for the semi-finals.  He's still on a journey in Toastmasters to continue his learning and knows there's great joy in that.  

Charles encouraged us to take advantage of every speaking opportunity that's available to us.  "Even when you fail, there's a great gift in that," he insisted.  "Explore all of the benefits that Toastmasters provides you!"  Charles obviously doesn't take a hiatus from Toastmasters just because he's on vacation!!!!

Who knows where in the world he'll end up next, but Charles knows that it's a given that he'll visit some Toastmasters clubs once he lands.  He hopes each of us will follow our dreams as well, and Toastmasters can be a vital key for realizing them!  

Our Table Topicsmaster, Catherine, has created prompts that relate to the theme of vacation and travel.  This is an opportunity for members (and guests, if they choose), to draw a question and answer it spontaneously in 1-2 minutes time.  It fosters thinking on one's feet, and the practice is good for us.  One of the greatest perks, though, is getting to know each other better.  We often are moved by a thoughtful account one shares or end up laughing at the humor that's imparted.  

What is a place many people love to visit but you have no desire to visit. Why not?

Betsy shares that she's aware that most people love to travel to Hawaii, but she's not interested in going there. After all, there are molten lava rocks coming out of volcanoes.  The travel to get there requires a long plane ride, so she'd much rather go to Florida.  She already knows she likes the place, and it's all connected.

What is the most memorable vacation you've taken, and why did you love it so much?

Charles admits that his favorite vacation was to Hawaii, where there are spectacular trees, flowers and indigenous animals that are only found there.  His visit was right before Kilauea's eruption.  He saw orange fumes rising from it but didn't realize until he left and returned home that the lava bed fell where he and his daughter had been standing.

If affordable space travel was available, would you go?

Eva claims she's not one to venture out to the unknown where she'd get way out of her comfort zone.  Outer space just doesn't look like a comfortable place to land.  It's bleak, there's no air, and it's rocky.  She's pretty happy with being on earth and wants to stay where she is.

What is a place you'd love to visit but haven't yet?  What's its appeal?

The place Octavia hasn't been that she'd love to visit is Europe.  Her niece just returned from there and the pictures are so interesting and appealing.  She wants to go there to experience the different kinds of food, wine and beautiful scenery. 

What would your perfect "stacation" look like?

If I (Kay, the blogger) couldn't seek foreign cultures, I'd just enjoy more of what I like here in the area.  First of all, I'd see more movies in the big theaters and go on more romantic dinner dates with my husband.  This is something we love to do and have enjoyed for 25 years now. I'd also increase the times I do my Bowspring yoga and Nia exercise classes, which are a lot of fun.  (Reflecting back on it being PERFECT, I would have added in massages, art museums and concerts!  I'd relax during Table Topics and use my imagination more!) 

A vote is taken after the Table Topics talks, and the one most favored is by Charles, our visitor.  He's awarded a dark chocolate bar for his efforts.  His visit was timely and one we greatly appreciated.  All visitors to our club are warmly greeted.  If you're checking out this blog, I hope you'll join us for a 1-hour meeting some day.  The sooner the better! 

Eva, today's Toastmaster and the evaluator for Charles' speech, shared the following:

Charle's Ice Breaker speech was excellent - very inspiring and a good model for our club members.  

Strengths:  Didn't use the lectern, did not use notes;  strong opening and conclusion; good use of body language and gestures; strong volume; effective use of repetition;  gave us a sense of the many opportunities Toastmasters provides beyond our club; and had lots of positive energy.

Suggestion for improvement: Include a story about a failure or time when fears were overcome so that less confident people can relate.

Before closing the meeting, Kay draws a name from those who've served as either Toastmaster or given a speech in the last quarter.  Betsy goes home with a Heine Brothers gift card!  This is one way we can thank members for their service to our club.  Engagement is key to individual growth and the viability of our Toastmasters club, and we hope everyone stays on this journey!!!

As president, I bring the meeting to a close with a themed quote from Mark Twain:  "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness."  May your travels be often and your joys be abundant!

I set my camera down and run to get in this last timed shot of the day.  It was a small meeting but a great one.  Taking a hiatus from any club meetings means we miss growth opportunities and chances to support one another.  I hope to see visitors again at our next meeting along with more of our members.  Let's make it a fun and expansive year!

Oh, let's add some more kudos!!!!  Thank you, Catherine, for taking 3 shots of us at the lectern with your iPhone.  It forced me to learn how to send those images to my Google account so that I could crop them and use them in this blog.  And Betsy, thank you for being the secretary today when Katie was out for jury duty while you also were the Ah Counter and Grammarian.  Peace Speakers rise to the occasion.  I'm proud of our members!

OUR NEXT 2018 MEETINGS:

Wed., Aug. 1 - Conference Room B

Wed., Aug. 15 - Conference Room B

Wed., Sept. 5 - Room 5000

NO MEETING Wed., Sept. 19 (Only Officers Meet) 


Wed., Oct. 3 - Conference Room B

Wed., Oct. 17 - Conference Room B

OPEN HOUSE
Wed., Nov. 7 - Conference Room B 

Peace Speakers Toastmasters Club

1st and 3rd Wednesdays (usually)

1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

100 Witherspoon Street

Downtown Louisville, KY

Respectfully submitted,

Kay Chambers

President and Blogger for Peace Speakers

 

Peace Speakers Committed to Olympian Outlook

The mission of a Toastmasters club is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every individual member has the opportunity to develop oral communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth. 

PRESIDENT PERRY OPENS OUR MEETING

Perry, our Peace Speakers president, opens our Toastmasters meeting with reference to today's agenda created by Betsy.  When his family lived in Minnesota, his son tried his hand at snow boarding and found it (to his surprise) very challenging. Perry notes that we also face challenges in life that bring us to Toastmasters where we fight through discomfort and adversity to achieve communication and leadership skills.  Like the Olympians, we struggle but overcome, and that takes commitment, which is the Word of the Day (in noun form).

PATHWAYS - A NEW OFFERING!

At our Peace Speakers meeting today, we embark on bringing Pathways into our awareness and usage.  It's Toastmasters International's revitalized educational program that's been rolling out worldwide recently.  A considerable upgrade from the original Legacy educational program, Pathways has more flexibility, choice and opportunities for growing communication and leadership.  

As the blogger, I volunteered to work with Perry to go to Toastmasters International online https://www.toastmasters.org and show our members and our guest just how simple it is to take the Pathways assessment.  I had established a password previously and logged in easily.  The questions were clear and the length of time for answering was minimal.  Out of 10 possible learning paths, 3 were suggested based on the responses I gave to their prompts.  I didn't choose a path today, but I will at a later date when I've given it some thought.  As a committed member of Peace Speakers, I plan to finish my 10th speech this year to earn my Legacy certificate.  In the meantime, I can still embark on Pathways, before or after my last speech in the Competent Communication Manual.  Lots of flexibility in Toastmasters...depending on my individual needs!

TOASTMASTER  MOVES US ALONG

Betsy, our Toastmaster for the day, runs with the theme of the Olympics for our meeting. With the PyeongChang Winter Olympics in full force, she knows that the athletes' Herculean efforts relate to our drive to overcome personal challenges as well, even if the skill sets are different. 

As the Toastmaster, Betsy developed the agenda for our meeting today and leads the educational part of our program.  This gives more members and willing guests the opportunity to speak and practice getting comfortable with communication and leadership roles.

Betsy introduces our prepared speaker for the day, sharing that even though Sharon has been a Toastmaster for a decade, she is new to our club, so she is giving an Ice Breaker speech today, which we love.

PREPARED SPEAKER, SHARON, TELLS US "WHO'S THIS CHICK?"

The basics of Sharon’s Ice Breaker speech are shared today in this blog.  When she began her speech, she said she used the word “chick” in the title in reference to herself because it denotes a lightness and fun, and that’s what she’s about.  As the blogger, I’m already interested in what she has to impart!

When you meet a person in the business setting or socially, one of the first questions you ask them is “What do you do?”  Generally, this question means “What do you do for a living?”  Over the past 40 years, I’ve had many different answers to this question.  In my twenties, the answer was “I’m a sales Manager for Frito Lay.  In my thirties, it was “I’m a mom and small business owner.”  As I moved into my forties, I answered with “I’m an entertainer and track mom.”  Now, I don’t really have an answer.

I don’t work for a big corporation.

I don’t run a business.

I don’t manage a team.

My kids are in college; I quit my job and moved into a simple loft apartment.  At first, I slept a lot.  Watched far too much TV, and took long walks with my dog.   Then I began asking myself, “What do you do?” All my adult life I have been identified by my marital status, my job title or my children’s level of achievement. 

Now when someone asks me, “What do you do?” my answer is “As little as possible.”  I learned to relax and enjoy my life.  Be sure, I work! I’m not independently wealthy. But I try to only do things that I enjoy.

Simon Sinek talks about understanding your “why”.  My why is to add value to whatever situation I decide to place myself into.  I’m employed at St. Stephen Baptist Church.  It doesn’t pay what I could make in a sales position, but I don’t care.  I see vision of how I can add value to the people I work with and the congregation for which I work. Right now, that is enough. I’m a mother of two 19-year-old college students and an employee of St. Stephen Church, and it’s most relaxed I’ve been in years.

And relaxed Sharon was giving this Ice Breaker speech!  With so many achievements under her belt, she's earned this more laid-back time in her life, which she keeps meaningful.  The Ice Breaker speech always gives us delightful and insightful information about our new members.

OLYMPIAN TABLE TOPICS

Our Table Topicsmaster, Eva, is on the prowl for members and any willing guests to answer questions she's created that relate to our Olympics theme.  This gives everyone at our meeting a chance to think on their feet and share a response that's 1-2 minutes in length.  It's fun, the answers are usually quite interesting, and it helps individuals grow their communication skills.  Eva asks for volunteers first.

The Olympics contribute to global peace and understanding by bringing together athletes from around the world to compete in a nonpolitical environment.  Do you agree?  Why or why not?

Betsy agrees that the environment at the Olympics is basically nonpolitical.  Athletes from all over the world compete and become friends.  One person congratulated the others who received medals.  It is obvious that their commitment and respect for others is awe-inspiring.

What is your favorite or least favorite sport in the Winter Olympics?

Dorothy, a visitor to our club today, shared that her least favorite, yet interesting sport is curling.  She finds it interesting that the U.S. team members won the gold, but she thought their moves made them look like they were just cleaning the floor.  Her favorite Olympics sports are figure ice skating and bob sledding.  (We love it when our guests jump in and play Table Topics with us!!!)

Many of the Olympic athletes have inspiring stories about overcoming odds and setbacks to become gold medal contenders.  Imagine that you're competing and tell us your story.

Kay says that as an Olympic ice skater, one of the biggest hurdles was just coming up with outfits that would fit her 6-foot frame, so she had to choose her tailor very carefully. And the long hours of practices she committed to day-in and day-out plus the costs of this sport were grueling.  Learning how to do the twizzles, flips and turns in sync with a partner was just so demanding. She loved ice skating in the Olympics, but it could be so debilitating!

     SPEECH EVALUATOR SHARES HER OPINION

Sharon's speech evaluator, Katie, notes there was great content and visuals for this Ice Breaker speech.  Dividing the speech into decades and sharing a PowerPoint image for each one made it interesting and easy to follow.  Katie notes that Sharon seemed very comfortable and that she is a natural storyteller.  She made us want to know more and suggested that the audience would have appreciated an expanded version to some of her stories.  She enjoyed Sharon's speech and looks forward to others she'll give in the following months.




Betsy begins to wind down the educational part of our meeting by calling on the members, who agreed to take on different roles, to give their reports.  After listening to those who spoke today, the Ah Counter/Grammarian shares the number of space fillers like "ah, um, you know" and the sentence shifts she heard.  There were at least 3 uses of the Word of the Day (committed).  The Vote Counter notes that Kay (your blogger) won the Table Topics votes for the best short talk, and the Timer shared how much time each speaker spoke, which keeps our meeting neatly packed into its 1-hour time frame.  Like the Olympics, we gave it our best shot today.  The practice empowers us.

Perry, our president, closes the meeting referring to the hometown favorite Korean speed skater who failed to win a gold medal and was so upset that the winner, a Japanese speed skater, rushed over to console her.  Similarly, Peace Speakers are supportive to those who give their best and need encouraging words to continue putting themselves out there.  Toastmasters is that and so much more!







If you're a visitor to this blog, you are likely thinking about making a life-changing decision to visit a Toastmasters meeting.  Whether you want to better prepare yourself for the rigors of professional life or want to improve your personal communication, Toastmasters has a path for you.  Pay us a visit soon!  Peace Speakers are friendly and will support you as you move your own pace through the program.  We look forward to bringing you into our club and working with you!

OUR NEXT 2018 MEETINGS:

Wed., Mar. 7 - Conference Room B

Wed., Mar. 21- Conference Room B
Due to inclement weather, we are canceling our Wednesday, March 21, Peace Speakers Toastmasters Club meeting.  We will back at 1:00 p.m. at 100 Witherspoon Street on Wednesday, April 4 for a meeting with as many as two prepared speeches.

Wed., Apr. 4 - Conference Room B

Wed., Apr. 18 - Conference Room B

Wed., May 2 - Conference Room B


Wed., May 1 - Conference Room B

Wed., June 6 - Conference Room B


Wed., Apr. 20 - Conference Room B

Blog visitors, it's been a while since I've been able to blog our meetings, but they are still continuing every 1st and 3rd Wednesdays.  Please visit us!

Peace Speakers Toastmasters Club

1st and 3rd Wednesdays (usually)

1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

100 Witherspoon Street

Downtown Louisville, KY

Respectfully submitted,

Kay Chambers

Blogger for Peace Speakers

and VP of Education