Dallas Singles Toastmasters

A Record Number of Guests!

2012-01-16T16:22:00.002-06:00

We had 10 (yes, 10!) guests at our last meeting, which is a record! (I think the previous record was 6 guests for one of our regular meetings.)

We love New Year's Resolutions! Let DSTM help you reach your career and life goals! Many employers reimburse the cost of your Toastmasters Membership as a training expense. Check with your employer today!

DSTM Makes President's Distinguished, 3rd Year in a Row!

2011-07-05T21:10:00.002-05:00

Lee just checked Toastmasters International's official records, and DSTM has been recognized as a President's Distinguished club for the third year in a row! We also closed Toastmasters' 2011 year with more members than we had at the close of 2010.

Congratulations to our officers and members who made this award happen!

Meeting 6/23 at La Madeleine near SMU

2011-06-19T12:40:00.002-05:00

Our meeting on 6/23/2011 will be at the La Madeleine near SMU, northwest corner of Central/75 and Mockingbird, on the Airline side of the shopping center. See the map available from our homepage.

We hope to see you there!

Our Membership Special expires on June 30th

2011-06-19T12:35:00.002-05:00

Check out our Membership Special for new and returning members on our home page. Rates that are as low as 54% off our normal membership price!

We're growing again!

2011-05-20T22:20:00.002-05:00

We have 2 new recent members! Dallas Singles Toastmasters would like to welcome Martin and Austin to our club.

Both joined during our Membership Special, running now through the end of May, and we look forward to seeing both grow as speakers and leaders!

Welcome to you both!

DSTM Raids Big D Toastmasters and Captures Their Toastmasters Banner

2011-01-17T22:48:00.003-06:00

Last week, DSTM sent a group of our members to Big D Toastmasters -- enough to capture their banner and bring it back to our club! Now it's their turn. We anticipate being raided at any time by members from Big D to retrieve their banner -- 5 of their members to get their banner back, and if they raid us with 10 people, they will also steal our banner!

This is the first successful "banner raid" by DSTM in about 2 years. Let's see how long we can keep it!

On Our Way to "All Officers Trained"!

2011-01-17T22:39:00.004-06:00

Four of our officers were trained at the first full Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI) sessions on January 15th at the University of Texas at Dallas. Our remaining three officers plan to attend this week's TLI Lite.

Our goal is "All Officers Trained" and we are well on our way! Thanks to all the officers for completing this important milestone!

A New Distinguished Toastmaster in DSTM

2010-05-23T00:17:00.002-05:00

Denise Cothern was recognized for completing her DTM (Distinguished Toastmaster Award) at the Hall of Fame luncheon at the District 50 Conference today. Denise sets a tremendous example by selecting a date for this achievement and completing it on schedule!

Be sure to congratulate Denise for her incredible effort. Fantastic work, Denise! We're proud you are part of our club!

DSTM Awarded 1st Place for "Outstanding Website"

2010-05-22T23:35:00.006-05:00

Dallas Singles Toastmasters has been awarded first place in the "Sparkling Pixel Award" recognizing Outstanding Websites, at the District 50 Conference. This award for Spring 2010 was presented at the Hall of Fame luncheon during the Conference on Saturday, May 22nd. The banner graphic on our website now includes a promotion of this honor.

Dallas Singles Toastmasters last won the award for Outstanding Website in Fall 2007. This is the first Conference that DSTM was eligible for consideration again.

Second Place was awarded to Penny Partners, Third Place went to Plano Presenters, and Honorable Mentions were awarded to Plano West and Speak Up Frisco.

Please check back for photos from the Conference, which we hope to have up soon!

May 13 Meeting

2010-05-13T21:21:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to our winners of May 13th, meeting.

The Best Speaker was our guest Zhanat Ellison, good job, Zhanat, Extraordinary speech.

The best Evaluator was Kristin Herring, evaluating Zhanat. She was in this role for the first time and did a great job.

And the last but not least - the Best of the Big Three was Susie Campbell, our Toastmaster for this meeting.

Great job Susie, she made the meeting very well-organized as well as very informative, we all got tips how to get prepared for a successful interview!

Meeting of April 15, 2010

2010-04-22T11:57:00.001-05:00

Congratulations to the winners of our last meeting. It was full of new people and interesting speeches, our club is definitely growing.

The winner of the Best Speech was Stephanie Lewis, who had her first speech and hit the ground running by impressing our toastmasters with the speech “The Lazy Perfectionist”. Who would say that she was shy? Good job, Stephanie.

The prize for the Best Evaluator goes to Mark Schroeder. It seems like there is nothing to add, he was great, very attentive to detail, gave great feedback, well-deserved winner.

And the best of the Big Three was yours truly, Zarina Sullivan. Nothing to add there, thank you for voting for me, folks

March 25th Winners

2010-03-25T21:36:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Lee King with the best speech “The End”. It was wonderful to see him accomplish his 40th speech in Toastmasters. Here-Here to the true Toastmaster!

Best Table Topics Master was Susie Campbell, boy she likes those Carpenters, inspired many to listen to them again.

Rus McCoy does not like to be called on Table Topics when being the General Evaluator. He likes to be perfect in one area and not deviate from his role, which helped him win the Best of the Big Three this meeting.

We also had 5 guests joining us, hope to see them come again, although Allen Gorman warned us not to come if we are in a sensitive mood. What can I say, Dallas Singles Toastmasters are full of surprises!

January 28th Meeting Winners

2010-01-31T13:22:00.002-06:00

Last meeting was accompanied by a heavy rain, which did not stop our guests from coming. Our regulars warmly welcomed 5 possible new members, who definitely liked our friendliness and cheers - bad weather can’t stop us from enjoying our meetings.

Congratulations to the winners of shiny ribbons:
Jin Wang won the contest as the best speaker with her speech on the longest word in the English Language. It turned out to be the word “Smiles”.
Sharleen Taylor won the best table topic with her Winter Tale.
Allen Gorman won the best of the Big Three.

Hope to see our new members coming,
See you next meeting.

Habitat For Humanity Fall 2009

2009-09-04T11:49:00.000-05:00

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITY!

My employer, Chase Bank, has committed to build four houses this Fall and will schedule volunteers for this on Saturdays from 8 a.m. - 4 pm during the months of October, November and December. You do not need prior building experience to get involved. Habitat will teach you what you need to know!

Check your Calendars for your availability!
(I've removed week #5 since that's the TM Conference weekend!)

EMAIL ME: Kathy.g.corcoran@jpmchase.com
Since this is a Chase Bank event, I'll have to register you.
Let me know what date(s) work for you.

CARPOOL with ME: I will confirm your registration and provide all logistical details.

THE CHALLENGE: Can YOU get me to work for 7 Saturdays?
I will sign up for ALL DAYS that my fellow Toastmasters can volunteer.

Week #1 1/17/09 Project: Framing
Week #2 10/24/09 Project: Trusses
Week #3 10/31/09 Project: Decking
Week #4 11/07/09 Project: Roofing
Week #6 11/21/09 Project: Painting
Week #7 12/05/09 Project: Landscaping
Week #8 12/21/09 Project: Dedication

Congratulations to the Winners of the DSTM Fall Speech Contest!

2009-08-27T16:36:00.008-05:00

Speech Evaluation:
First Place- Tifany Curtiss
Second Place- Priyanka Patel

Humorous Speech:
First Place- Tifany Curtiss
Second Place- Sharleen Taylor

Make Yourself Layoff-Proof

2009-07-22T00:44:00.005-05:00

Serving your club as an officer may help you become "layoff-proof" by developing and strengthening your leadership abilities. In this post, I'll show you some of the opportunities offered by being an officer and a leader in our club.

The Toastmasters speaking program is designed to improve your communication skills. In an analogous manner, being an officer will improve your leadership skills with just a small amount of effort on your part. Before I start my examples, let me emphasize that leadership has nothing to do with the title of "officer". Having a vision of a better future and leading others toward that future is what makes a leader, not a title. What the title of officer does impart, however, is the authority to be easily accepted as a leader. If you're normally shy or reticent to express your ideas, you're given instant respect and an expectation to act.

Let's get to some opportunities as an officer:

Getting good information while leading meetings, not as an emcee like a Toastmasters meeting, but among a smaller group where pulling ideas out of every participant is important, not just the few who always naturally speak up
Performing long term planning, whether it's a membership drive, a website upgrade, an anniversary celebration, or even an organized sequence of blog articles ;-)
Communicating your ideas clearly, generating support for them, and demonstrating your vision for changes that will improve the future
Gaining experience with small working committees, breaking down large tasks into smaller tasks, scheduling and assigning them, and delegating the work to others
Learning to get the best from each member of the team, providing support when they succeed and feedback when they fail, acting simultaneously as mentor and mentee to other officers

Sounds like work, huh? No, I mean really... This sounds exactly like what I and most employees do in their jobs every day!

And that's the point. As an officer, you will learn the same skills that are highly valued by your employer -- if you make the effort to identify improvements, speak up for your ideas, and work either individually or as a team to make your ideas a reality. That's what leaders do in all walks of life. Please consider your role as an officer -- and a leader -- and start layoff-proofing yourself as a Toastmasters officer.

Spring Contest Results

2009-06-07T19:51:00.005-05:00

On March 12, Dallas Singles Toastmasters participated in the Spring Contest. Our Club President, Lee King was the contest master, and put together a great St. Patrick's themed contest. Many members participated, so the competition was tough. Contestants pictured: Kathy Corcoran, Tifany Curtiss, Brad Miller, Contestmaster Lee King, Allen Gorman, Katherine Compton, Susie Campbell, and Karen Lee. The Table Topics contest challenged the members to discuss 'green' in the springtime. Katherine revealed her leprechaun side by giving her Table Topics response while wearing a bright green wig! The International Speech contestants inspired us to get fit, improve our strategy skills, and be daring. Susie's speech reminded us that inspiration can be in the most unexpected places, even a tiny fortune cookie. After delightful display of oratory dexterity, here are the results:

Table Topics
1st place - Tifany Curtiss
2nd place - Kathy Corcoran
3rd place - Allen Gorman

International Speech
1st place - Susie Campbell
2nd place - Kathy Compton
3rd place - Brad Miller

The 1st and 2nd place winners went on to compete in the Area 33 contest on March 25. Here are the results from that contest:

Table Topics
1st place - Brenda Durant, Toast of Guaranty
2nd lace - Matthew Fogel, Leisure Speak

International Speech
1st place - Susie Campbell, yaaaay!
2nd place - Matthew Fogel, Leisure Speak

These contestants went on to compete at the Metro Division contest on April 18. Matthew Fogel won 2nd place in the Table Topics competition and went on to represent his club and Area 33 in the District 50 competition.

The competition was very challenging, and contestants at every level should be proud of their participation. For those of you who missed out on the thrill of competing, start working on your humorous speeches now! The fall contest will be here before you know it!

AWARDS!

2009-05-06T01:27:00.003-05:00

AWARDS!!!

For those of you who may have missed a meeting, or others who may want to once again relish the victory of winning a shiny ribbon, here's a breakdown of awards for several weeks:

February 5, 2009
Best Speaker - Tifany Curtiss
Best Evaluator - Tammy Esselman
Best Table Topic - Susie Campbell
Best of the Big 3 - Dagan Newland

February 12, 2009
Best Speaker - Kathy Corcoran
Best Evaluator - Tifany Curtiss
Best Table Topic - Marty May
Best of the Big 3 - Susie Campbell

February 19, 2009
Best Speaker - Jonathan Gonnet
Best Evaluator - Dagan Newland
Best Table Topic - Vonda Walker
Best of the Big 3 - Katherine Compton

February 26, 2009
Best Speaker - Tifany Curtiss
Best Evaluator - Brad Miller
Best Table Topic - Heather Hartman
Best of the Big 3 - Jing Wang

March 5, 2009
Best Speaker - Brad Miller
Best Evaluator - Heather Hartman
Best Table Topic - Tifany Curtiss
Best of the Big 3 - Mark Schroeder

March 12, 2009
Spring Contest: More on that later!

March 19, 2009
Best Speaker - Mark Schroeder
Best Evaluator - Tammy Esselman
Best Table Topic - Kathy Corcoran
Best of the Big 3 - Tifany Curtiss

March 26, 2009
Best Speaker - Allen Gorman
Best Evaluator - Vonda Walker
Best Table Topic - Kathy Compton
Best of the Big 3 - Earl Esquejo

April 30, 2009
Best Speaker - Lee King
Best Evaluator - Susie Campbell
Best Table Topic - Mark Schroeder
Best of the Big 3 - Vonda Walker

Congratulations to everyone!

There are a few weeks missing, and this list will be updated once I have gathered the information.

DSTM JANUARY NEWSLETTER

2009-02-01T01:53:00.005-06:00

Just in the nick of time (okay, maybe not), it's the January newsletter for Dallas Singles Toastmasters! Hello fellow Toastmasters, my name is Tifany Curtiss and I'll be your VP of PR for this term. In this month's newsletter, you'll find information on:

-Our NEW MEMBERS!

-TLI report

-Officers' goals for this term

-January meetings

Dallas Singles began 2009 with the addition of three members. Please welcome Kathy, Jonathan, and Miranda! Take some time to get to know them.

In lieu of our regular meeting format, we met at the TLI (Toastmasters Learning Institute) session on January 22. I am proud to announce that all of our officers attended TLI this term! That earns our club 1 DCP (Distinguished Club Point). We also had two enthusiastic new members attend the training session. Susie, Heather, Kathy and I attended the "Advanced Officer" training. This session emphasized the importance of teamwork within our clubs. We learned some methods for keeping our meetings fun and enriching.

WIth the new year, Dallas Singles Toastmasters inducted its new officers:
President: Lee King
VP Education: Earl Esquejo
VP Membership: Vonda Walker
VP Public Relations: Tifany Curtiss
Secretary: Dagan Newland
Treasurer: Karen Lee
Sergeant at Arms: Suzie Campbell and Tammy Esselman

At the Officers' Meeting on January 31st, the new officers stated their goals for this term. You can look forward to some changes to make our website easier to navigate, and a monthly newsletter right here in our blog. March will bring our spring contests; Table Topics and The International Speech Contest.

At our January 8th meeting, Allen completed his role as Toastmaster for the very first time with confidence. Jin completed her very first speech: The Icebreaker. We got to know her passion for researching the eye, and her fondness for figure skating. During our January 15th meeting, I told you how I was tackling my new year's resolutions. Mark shared some tips for getting happy, and Marjori described just how comfortable we can feel at Hotel Lumen.

If you have any information that you'd like to see in the February newsletter, please let me know at the next meeting!

The First Move

2008-11-19T23:51:00.009-06:00

You're at a party and open to a new relationship. Who usually makes the first move, and what is proven to work?

The Holidays are approaching and this is a primarily singles group, so I thought for this week my tip would be on "first moves". Studies indicate that women make two-thirds (2/3rds) of the approaches that work. A researcher named Monica Moore did a study where she observed more than 200 women at a party and recorded what are known as nonverbal solicitation signals. Here are the top 10 successful approaches from that study, including the number of times each was used successfully:

Smile at him broadly - 511
Throw him a short, darting glance - 253
Dance alone to the music - 253
Look straight at him and flip your hair - 139
Keep a fixed gaze on him - 117
Look at him, toss your head, then look back - 102
"Accidentally" brush up against him - 96
Nod your head at him - 66
Point to a chair and invite him to sit - 62
Tilt your head and touch your exposed neck - 58

So ladies, don't hesitate to make the first move. You'll be in good company! If you are shy and need more courage, or feel he'll think you are too forward for smiling or brushing up against him, the fact is that he most likely won't. The male ego takes over, and 10 minutes later, men usually think they made the first move. (Yes, this is also proven by Moore's research.)

But what about first moves for men? The advice is "move fast", meaning to immediately make your presence known and signal your interest with steady eye contact, smiles and nods returning her glance, and moving close enough to talk to her.

May these tips warm up your Holiday party mingling!

Sources: Moore, M. M. 1985. "Nonverbal Courtship Patterns in Women: Context and Consequences." Ethnology and Sociobiology 6:237-247.
Lowndes, L. 1995. How to Make Anyone Fall in Love with You 50-51.

Guests

2008-10-22T15:22:00.004-05:00

Hello, it's Tifany, your friendly neighborhood VP of Membership. As you may know, Dallas Singles Toastmasters is having a membership drive currently having a membership drive. That means we have a goal to add 5 members to our club. The best way to get new members is to have guests check out our club. I have put together some tips we can all use to bring in guests to Dallas Singles Toastmasters.

Most of these tips are from the District 23 Toastmasters website:

* Bring your boss
* When someone notices your progress, tell them why and invite them
* Hand out fliers and brochures
* Have a host for each guest
* Hand out invitation/business cards
* Members constantly promoting and raving about Toastmasters
* Make prospective members feel important
* Network with coworkers, friends, and family
* Members give talks at other organizations
* If you’re the boss, encourage your employees join
* Share your Toastmasters experience with others
* ASK your guests to join
* Hold joint meetings with non-Toastmasters groups
* Smile
* Hold smooth meetings
* Practice selling Toastmasters at Club meetings
* Ask someone (everyone)
* Pamphlets in doctors’ offices, hospitals, cafeterias, libraries, etc.
* Warm greeting
* Distribute extra magazines in waiting rooms, etc
* Participate in community events
* Write letters to community groups
* Have a Club newsletter
* Never cancel a meeting
* Members should be prepared
* Mention Toastmasters at meetings of other organizations during announcements
* Talk up Toastmasters to those who express problems with public speaking
* Make it FUN

When we have guests visit our meetings, it's up to all of us to make them feel welcome. It is primarily the VP of membership's duty to welcome visitors, but everyone is encouraged to introduce themselves and answer any questions guests may have. Our guests should never feel like they are being ignored!

Our club has "guest packets" that are presented to all guests. While this is a great tool for explaining DSTM and Toastmasters International, our current members are the best resource for describing the Toastmasters Experience. District 23 gives a couple more tips for talking to guests:

*Explain all the Confusing "Stuff!"
Seat your guests next to a 'friendly face' who can answer questions and clarify what's happening during each part of the meeting. Spend a few minutes during the break or after your meeting, covering the following: • why they decided to visit a TM club • how the program can benefit them • how it has benefited you personally • what would happen after they join (new member kit, speech scheduling, mentor assignment, etc.). Let them ask lots of questions.

*ASK them to join!
"If you don't ask, you won't get!" Let your guests know that you'd love to have them as a member, because (...and give them a few reasons: you like their enthusiasm, it would be interesting to hear about their own life experiences, you could learn from them, etc.) Don't beg. Don't tell them about all your membership "heartaches." Don't treat them like a "point" in the DCP. Keep it positive and upbeat!

DSTM is a great club with a lot to offer. Use some of these tips to increase our membership. With more members, we have more to offer and more to learn!

The X's and O's of Organizing a Speech

2008-09-26T20:37:00.003-05:00

How quickly can you organize a speech? An evaluation? A table topic response? One outline that demonstrates good organization is:

Introduction
Give Roadmap of Topics to Cover
Transition Into Topics
Topic #1
Topic #2
Topic #3
Transition Out of Topics
Summarize Topics Covered
Closing

This sequence can help you organize your thoughts in a way that makes presenting them easier. And there's an easy way to remember the steps. Just think X's and O's!

This progression is easily represented with a version of Tic-Tac-Toe, as shown in this diagram:

When you are planning to speak, whether a prepared speech or an impromptu one, consider starting off with a blank Tic-Tac-Toe board, and fill in the center row of squares with the ideas you want to present. Then form your "roadmap" giving the audience an initial overview, and a summary of what you've just covered. Finally, add the double punch of an attention grabbing opening, and a close worth remembering!

This technique allows you to focus on your topics, while organizing them immediately as you write them down. And the visual simplicity makes it a snap to remember!

I'd like to thank one of our experienced members, Marty May, for this great suggestion, and one I'm happy to pass on to you as he did to me!

Room(s) For Another Memorization Technique

2008-09-03T22:02:00.008-05:00

This week's tip comes from Brad Miller, who joined Toastmasters just last October. Brad has already stepped into the role of Club President, and recently competed in our club contests! Thanks, Brad, for sharing your experience with our members!

----------

Great speakers attract an audience! They comfortably use all of the available stage space; they look directly at the audience; and they speak to the audience rather than at them. Great speakers also share a common trait in what they don't do. They don't use notes! Memorizing a speech that is only a few minutes long is easy – but how do the great speakers memorize a speech that lasts 15 minutes or longer?

One technique a speaker uses to remember his speech is to use note cards. He will break his speech into the main topics he wants to cover, and then break each topic into subtopics which he writes on note cards. While giving the speech the speaker uses the note cards to jog his memory and help him stay on track. Note cards provide a tool to make the transition from memorizing a speech word for word to just remembering key points the speaker can use as a roadmap. When finished with a point, he moves to the next card in order to make his next point. Note cards allow a speaker to adjust his speech for individual audiences, and they prevent the speaker from appearing stiff and over-rehearsed. The drawback with note cards is that it is still difficult to really look at the audience and gain their full attention. But what if you knew a way to store each of the note cards in your head? What if you could jump from topic to topic as your speech demanded? Such a technique would empower you to pick and choose what points you want to spend more time on and what points to gloss over depending on the demands of the audience. Imagine if remembering a speech was as easy as describing the rooms in your house!

The memory technique I like best was developed by the ancient Greeks (or so I was told by the teacher who taught this technique). With note cards, the first step is to break your speech into its main topics. In my memory technique, these topics are represented by the rooms in your house. The first point you want to make might be represented by your kitchen; the second point – your living room; and the third – the bedroom. Each of the subtopics you use to support your main point can be placed in each room, either along the walls or on the furniture. Then, when giving your speech you simply walk through the rooms in your house "looking" at the objects you placed in your rooms to help you remember your speech.

The easiest way to show you how this works is to give an example. One of my first speeches I gave in Toastmasters was comparing skills learned while you are playing games, with skills that help in life. One of the points I wanted to make was how games teach us to take the offensive and take charge of our lives. As I was giving my speech I imagined myself standing in my kitchen. I looked at the sink and saw it filled with chess pieces and rolls of film. The image reminded me that I was going to discuss "developing your pieces." By developing many and varied skills we are better able to take advantage of opportunities when they arise. After I made my point I turned my attention to my stove. I saw a knight on horseback attacking a pawn standing on the ground (this was keeping in line with the chess theme of my speech). Suddenly the pawn rises and attacks the knight, knocking him from his horse! This may seem to be a crazy thing to picture but the more extreme the image the easier it is to remember when you are giving your speech. The image reminded me that I wanted to discuss ways to always be on the lookout to take the offensive, even when it seems we are losing.

As I worked my way through my speech I worked my way through my house in my imagination. My living room was where I kept my points for defensive strategies, and my bedroom was where I kept my ideas for general strategies. The nice thing about this mental strategy is that I can immediately move to any room of the house in my imagination so I can rearrange my speech at any time without too much difficulty.

With a little practice you will find that this technique will help you remember longer speeches with less effort. You will remember every point and sub-point that you want to make to the audience. You will be able to move from room to room and back again with ease so you can custom tailor your speech to any audience. Once the rooms are set you will look your audience in the eyes; you will use the entire stage, and you will have their full attention. Your audience will believe you are a great speaker!

Mindmapping -- A Technique For Remembering Your Content

2008-08-24T21:39:00.008-05:00

I have a terrible time remembering the content, or "flow" of my speeches. I'm prone to blanking on what's supposed to come next. I've tried several techniques with varying success, and want to share one of the ones that has worked best for me -- mindmapping.

To use mindmapping, I start from a central idea (my topic), and then I place my content, in order, around that center. When I need to recall specifics about a subtopic, I likewise arrange subitems around that subtopic. I prefer drawings and pictures to words because it's easier for me to remember the pictures as I move through my speech. It's also very easy to glance at the diagram as "notes" to figure out what comes next, without having to try to read a lot of notes to find my place. I use the drawing both for rehearsal (to memorize the order of my content), and sometimes for the performance as well (as notes).

I've shown the mindmap I used for one of my actual speeches. (Click on the diagram for a larger version.) The center was left blank in this case because I had no trouble remembering the topic -- it was "Joined at the Hip". The speech begins in the upper left (about 11 o'clock), and progresses clockwise around the center circle. If you want to hear the corresponding speech, it will be available here for a limited time.

This technique works extremely well for me because I am a visually-oriented person. I can easily visualize this diagram in my head after seeing it a few times. Having everything as drawings helps especially in this regard -- words in the same locations would be much harder to picture in my head.

Remembering the progression through your content can be challenging, and I recommend using whatever works best for you. Mindmapping has worked well for me, and can be a powerful technique to improve your recall of your speeches. Try it the next time if you find yourself during a speech wondering, "What do I say next?"

Help! My Speech Is Too Long!

2008-08-17T00:07:00.003-05:00

How often has this happened to you? Your speech is planned for 5-7 minutes, but on your first rehearsal, you find yourself going on for 10-12 minutes.

It happens to all of us. I have a real phobia of running over my time, almost as if "disqualification" is followed immediately by flogging. I'll share a couple tips that I've used to cope with it.

In preparing my speeches, I usually plan "optional" material. I plan an extra side point or two -- nothing critical for the listener to remember, but still of interest -- and points which fit in well right before my conclusion.

Next, I time my conclusion. Let's say that my conclusion runs about one minute in length. If my speech is supposed to be 5-7 minutes, this means that I have to start my conclusion by at least 6:30 or risk being disqualified for running over 7:30 (and being flogged). As I speak, I watch for the green, yellow, and red flags. I know that once I see the green, I can skip all the optional points and still qualify. At the yellow, I have to wrap up whatever I'm talking about and start my conclusion -- quickly. Red? I'm toast. (Flogged toast, but toast none the less.) My ideal goal is to include some of the optional points, finishing them right at the yellow light, meaning my conclusion will finish right as the red appears.

This concept dovetails into a recommendation by Darren LaCroix in the current Toastmasters magazine. When cutting down a speech, he recommends not only cutting down the number of words, but also cutting down the number of ideas. Don't cut anything critical that your listener must remember; cut points that are side points, or just add flavor to your central theme.

The same technique can be used for longer speeches, even those lasting hours. On longer speeches, I recommend planning breaks, or at least breaking the speech up into clear sections. You can prepare optional material like this for each section, then watch your progress in each section and decide whether to include the optional points for that section. If it's a 15 minute section and you're already near the end at 12 minutes, include it. If you're running late, or questions have slowed you down, then cut it.

If you worry about meeting your time goals as I do, or if you are just interested in using every second of stage time you are allowed, consider preparing optional material and making a decision while speaking how much of it you need or can include to get your perfect time!

Using Callbacks

2008-08-06T23:10:00.002-05:00

Whenever you use a phrase from earlier in your speech, especially a phrase that got a laugh, you are using a "callback". Using callbacks is a technique which works because it builds on a previously established relationship or shared joke, even if a very small one. When the phrase is humorous, often each callback brings out the same or even a larger laugh.

For instance, if someone notices that you're wearing a polo shirt which bears your employer's logo, you remark, "It's not just a job. It's a wardrobe", which is likely to get a laugh. Later, when talking about the doughnuts you scored in the breakroom, you can say, "It's not just a job. It's a free buffet". If you have to work late, "It's not just a job. It's a paying lounge act", and so on.

If you listen to many comedy routines, you'll find that many comics incorporate callbacks like these into their routines. Dennis Miller and Rita Rudner are masters at it, selecting one particular callback and using it throughout their routines, often ending with the same callback.

Callbacks are an effective way to generate rapport with your audience, get them involved, and build on each successive laugh. Incorporate them into your speech, and end with a humorous callback to leave the stage with the audience laughing!

Tips For Writing a Speech

2008-07-30T13:33:00.003-05:00

This week's tip comes from Tifany Curtiss, our VP of Membership.
Thanks, Tifany!

----------

The July issue of 'Toastmaster' included articles on improving your speechwriting. Here, I'd like to share my steps for speechwriting. It's a Toastmaster Speechwriting Bonanza!

First of all, let me clarify: I don't actually write my speeches out completely. I usually work with an outline, which is my opening statement, at least three main points, my closing statement, and any other specific phrases that add "punch" to my speech. So my final draft is five or six (usually incomplete) sentences. I've found that if there are fewer notes to refer to, I don't rely on them as much, which means fewer opportunities for long pauses while I search a sheet of paper to find where I left off. This also means that I seldom give the same version of the speech twice. I get a thrill out of going to the podium without a script; even I don't know which variation of my presentation will come out of my mouth! If this kind of excitement is not your bag, this method of speechwriting is probably not for you.

A crucial part of writing speeches is selecting a topic. I choose an extremely familiar subject for two reasons: I don't have to refer to notes often, and it's easier for me to be comfortable in the spotlight. I also choose a subject that allows for three distinct points to talk about. If I have trouble stretching it to three points, or narrowing it down to four, I scrap the idea and look for another topic. The last thing you want to do is force a theme to work. It adds tension to an already tense situation. If you are rushing to get all your information in, or if you are stalling to meet your time requirement, it will show, and maybe distract your audience from your point.

Finally, I rehearse. (Thanks for the tip, Mark!) I try to include five phrases that have "punch" whether it be humor, alliteration, a quote, a vivid image, a startling fact, etc. This gives my introduction, my three points, and my conclusion more impact and therefore makes them more memorable to the audience. However, these punches will fall flat if they are not delivered well. When I nail that first phrase, and I get the audience response that I've anticipated, the rest of the speech just flows. If I am running out of time to practice my speech, I try to at least get these five or six sentences perfected. It may not be my best performance, but at least I can keep the momentum of my speech.

My techniques may not work for everyone, but you may find using another person's approach beneficial. I've applied others' suggestions and tips occasionally, and it has helped me develop my own style to arrive at a way of speaking that is distinctively 'me.' I hope some of my methods help you speak like a better 'you'!

--- Tifany Curtiss

A Twist on Table Topics

2008-07-22T23:28:00.017-05:00

Do you panic when called to speak on a subject before a group without any preparation? Do you have trouble coming up with good, I mean really good answers to interview questions? There are dozens of techniques for handling these situations, and I'll discuss one such technique: telling a story you know well.

You have many stories and experiences in your life which you know well. The technique or trick of this approach is to "twist" the question you've been asked to fit the story you already know well. Then you just tell your story, making small adaptations as you tell it to fit the question.

Let me give you an example. I have a story about going with my sister, brother-in-law, and niece to Six Flags amusement park. During that trip, my niece, who's 12, was excited to ride many of the rides that I couldn't stomach, many of which involved "falling" in some way. Since my sister wasn't riding much either, she and I spent the time talking and catching up while my brother-in-law and niece were waiting in the lines. My brother-in-law got really sick on one of the easier rides (the Sombrero) -- apparently he has problems going backwards.

How can this story be "twisted" to the question?

If asked about closeness with my family, I can tell this story, emphasizing the quality time I spent with my sister and her family. If asked about dealing with people, I tell the same story, except this time it's about not making fun of my brother-in-law while he was feeling sick, and trying to fill in for him with my niece on some of the rides I otherwise would have skipped. If asked about accepting change, it's the same story, and how moving backwards just leaves a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach, too. If I want to add some self-deprecating humor, I can play up that my 12 year old niece can leap over a building in a single bound (the Superman ride), when the best I can manage is eating 2 scoops of ice cream sitting on a bench.

Can this help you at times other than Table Topics? Absolutely!!!

Suppose you have a success story about how you handled a very upset customer whose business you were about to lose. You're being interviewed for a new job and the interviewer says, "Tell me about a time that your actions turned a bad situation around". You've already got your story (answer), just emphasize how you regained the customer's trust. Or maybe the interviewer says, "Describe a recent success that you've had." Same story, emphasize the business impact. Or maybe the interviewer's question is completely open, such as, "Tell me about your ideal job", or "Tell me about your typical day". These are almost useless as interview questions, but they open the door wide for you to relate your biggest successes! You tell the same story, talking about how your ideal job would present opportunities to make a difference like this every day, or how solving tough customer problems is what energizes and invigorates you every day you come to work!

To ace an interview, prepare about 10 of your success stories beforehand, and match up each story with a question during the interview to get "your story" told. What's more, being able to twist interview questions like this puts you in control of the interview, and lets you talk about your successes, even when the interviewer isn't particularly competent. That can give you a tremendous leg up against the other people competing for the same position.

We all have stories and experiences -- of all types -- that can be twisted by focusing on particular aspects of each story as they relate to a new question that's being asked. Being able to pair a question with a related story is a memory association technique that gets better with practice, and Table Topics is a tremendous way to perfect this important communicaton and leadership skill.

--- Mark Schroeder

Practice, Practice, Practice? No Way!

2008-07-14T23:44:00.006-05:00

We often hear that "Practice makes perfect", and think that the same rule applies to speaking. Well, not quite...

"Practice" can include going through the text of your speech in the shower, while driving to work, while exercising, or in many other environments that are not at all like those in which you will be delivering your speech. A better method is:

"Rehearse, Rehearse, Rehearse!"

The difference between practicing and rehearsing is that when rehearsing you are presenting your speech exactly as if in front of a real audience -- with a full voice, complete inflection, varying speed and pitch, broad gestures, and full use of the space.

Rehearsing is the best way to perfect the timing between the words you are saying and the gestures which emphasize them so that they look natural. It's also the best way to make the full use of the stage flow smoothly as you speak, so that you don't have to figure out where to stand "on the fly" and lose your place in your speech while you're thinking about it.

I recommend finding a quiet room at home or perhaps an empty conference room at work in which to rehearse your speech several times before delivering it before a real audience. Yes, I've given several "speeches" to empty conference rooms where I work. With flipcharts, no less... I've found it especially helpful for any speech involving props, even props as simple as flipcharts. (You can figure out what to do with the paper sheets as you tear them off in rehearsal, or you can be told in your evaluation that throwing them all over the floor was "distracting". Your choice!)

Try rehearsing your speech a few times and you'll be amazed at how much difference a few rehearsals will make!

-- Mark Schroeder

A Great Start for the New Year!

2008-07-13T01:01:00.002-05:00

Our first meeting of the new Toastmasters year was held on 7/10/2008. Our Toastmaster, Susie, chose "Summer Means SUNSHINE" for the theme, and related facts and tips on sunscreen. We had three speeches: an icebreaker from our new member Eddie Vinson, the second speech, on aromatherapy, delivered by Vonda Walker, and an advanced speech on allergic reactions by Lee King.

Ribbons were awarded to:

Denise Cothern (Area Governor) for Table Topics
Eddie Vinson for Best Speaker
Tifany Curtiss for Best Evaluator
Susie Campbell for Best of the Big 3

Our new slate of officers were inducted by Denise Cothern at this meeting.

Changes to our meeting schedule: We currently plan to meet at an alternate location (to be determined) on August 21st. This is the only exception to our meeting schedule that we know of at this time.

Take the DSTM Blog With You!

2008-06-26T01:19:00.003-05:00

Want access to the DSTM Blog on your home page or mobile phone? You can add our blog feed to your Yahoo!, Google, or other home page. Also, if you have a web-enabled phone with a minibrowser, you can view recent entries to our DSTM blog from your mobile phone.

Setup For Yahoo! Personal Home Page (Requires a Yahoo! ID)

On your PC:

Go to http://my.yahoo.com (Your personal Yahoo! home page)
Log in using your Yahoo! ID and password. You should be on your "Front Page"
Click on "Personalize this page"
Under "Content", click on "Add RSS Feed"
In the add box, type:
http://dstm-blog.blogspot.com/rss.xml
Click the "Add" button

You should now see the DSTM Blog feed on your Yahoo! personal home page.

On your WAP-enabled mobile phone:

First, add the DSTM Blog to your personal home page using your PC as above
In your phone's browser, go to http://mobile.yahoo.com
Navigate down to and click the "News" link
Click on "My Headlines"
Log in using your Yahoo! ID and password
You should see our DSTM Blog feed on your phone. Click on "Dallas Singles Toastmasters" to read recent posts to our blog

You should now see the DSTM Blog feed on your mobile phone at http://mobile.yahoo.com under the "News" link whenever you are logged in to Yahoo!.

Setup For Google Personal Home Page (Requires a Google/gmail Login)

On your PC:

Go to http://www.igoogle.com
Click "Sign in" and log in using your Google account id and password
Click on "Add Stuff"
On the left, click on "Add RSS feed or gadget"
In the add box, type:
http://dstm-blog.blogspot.com/rss.xml
Click the "Add" button

You should now see the DSTM Blog feed on your Google personal home page.

On your WAP-enabled mobile phone:

First, add the DSTM Blog to your personal home page using your PC as above
In your phone's browser, go to http://www.igoogle.com
Click "Sign in" and log in using your Google account id and password
You should see our DSTM Blog feed on your phone

You should now see the DSTM Blog feed on your mobile phone at http://www.igoogle.com whenever you are logged in to Google.

Problem or questions? Contact Mark Schroeder for help.

Photos from the Grapevine Zombiewalk are up!

2008-05-30T22:44:00.005-05:00

At long last, the photos from the Grapevine Zombiewalk associated with Texas Frightmare weekend are online! Check them out from the link on our "Social" page:

DSTM Social Page

Keep your hands away from Tifany and Peter -- if you want to keep them, that is. Also hold space open in your calendar for a haunted house outing this October, maybe to The Boneyard in Arlington, Haunted Verdun Manor, or another local choice.

Officer meeting

2008-02-17T21:00:00.002-06:00

We held our first officer meeting today and I just wanted the club to know that you have a really strong set of officers. I think we are lucky to have these dedicated individuals working for our club!

Over the next months we will be work on recruiting/retaining members, collecting dues, and offering social and service events for everyone's enjoyment.

If you have an idea for a social/service event, please let Marjori know! We also talked about maybe moving our post-toastie time to another location... maybe out to the patio or maybe another bar in the area (Milo's? Across the Street Bar?) Let me know if you have any ideas about this. It sounds like fun to me.

And the last thing I'll mention is that if you aren't already bringing your Competent Leader manuals to the meetings, please start to do so. Just about every week you can work on something in that manual and accomplish it. So let's figure this out together! See ya Thursday with your CL manuals!

Latest Roster, Progress Charts, and Upcoming TLIs

2008-01-31T23:53:00.000-06:00

Roster and Progress Charts
--------------------------
The latest roster and an update to the Educational Progress Chart are now available in the secure members-only area of dallassinglestoastmasters.com. Please check the progress we show for you toward your next award, and send Susie any updates or corrections.

Officer Training and TLIs
-------------------------
This weekend (2/2/2008) is the Eastern TLI in Shreveport. Our own Susie Campbell will be presenting an educational session at this TLI. If you're up for a weekend getaway, drive out and give Susie your support!

Finally, for any officers who have not yet been to TLI training, the "Last Chance TLI" is on Saturday, Feb 16 at the Custer Road United Methodist Church (Custer Rd between Spring Creek and Legacy). Help us get our DCP points by participating in this training as an officer! You need not be a member. Open to all!

Details for these events can be found on the DSTM calendar, or on the District 50 website. Block schedules of the sessions offered are on the D50 site now.

Jane's Educational Progress

2008-01-21T23:41:00.000-06:00

I just received an email from Jane who became a member during the summer. She had a work presentation she was preparing for. She finished her semester at Harvard and is now at Stanford finishing up her MBA. She also mentioned how much her experience in DSTM helped her during the summer.

----
Mark Schroeder

Philip Blaiklock in Dallas During the Holidays

2008-01-06T20:45:00.000-06:00

Philip Blaiklock was in town during the holidays, and a few of us got together on Dec 30th at Cafe Express to catch up with him. Here's a photo of those who were able to attend.

Philip says he's doing well in grad school, really enjoys it, although he's finding it's a lot of hard work.

minutes from the 10/18/07 meeting

2007-10-24T18:43:00.000-05:00

Members present were Wahid Manawi, Kim Crandall, Tifany Curtiss, Lee King, Brad Miller, Irina Shytova, Sonya Jackson, Kurt Parten, Richard Hunter, Heather Hartman, Susie Campbell, Marty May, and Karen Lee.

Tifany Curtiss asked for a motion to vote Brad Miller into the club. Heather made the motion. Susie Campbell seconded the motion. Everyone voted to welcome Brad Miller as an official member into the club.

The next officer's meeting will be Sunday, October 23,2007 at 1:00 p. m. The location will be determined.

Heather Hartman went over the schedule for next week. Elena Korotkina was scheduled as the Toastmaster. Lee King was scheduled for the Table Topic Master. Kathy Perkins was scheduled as the General Evaluator. Susie Campbell and Tifany Curtiss were the scheduled speakers. Wahid Manawi and Karen Lee were the scheduled evaluators. Sonya Jackson was the timer. Marty May was assigned the ah horn duty. Irina Shytova was the Grammarian. Marty May was also assigned the Invocation and Pledge.

Sonya Jackson will coordinate a demonstration of an herbal drink, Bazi, next Thursday after the meeting. Bazi is made of Chinese herbs and vegetables. The drink boosts the immune system. The drink tastes good. The drink looks like V8 juice.

Rebecca Hillcurt was a past Addison Singles Toastmasters member. She was a past district 50 club president of the year. She was interested in forming a singles cycling group. She wanted interested people to contact her. Tifany Curtiss has her contact information.

Members were asked to write the amount spent on food and drinks. Please give this information to Mark Schroeder.

Heather Hartman announced she will go to the State Fair Saturday at 3:00 p. m.

Awards
Heather Hartman won the Best Speaker. Marty May won the Best Evaluator. Tifany Curtiss won the Best Table Topic. Lee King won the Best of the Big Three.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:51 p.m.

Minutes from 10/11/07 meeting

2007-10-17T20:46:00.000-05:00

Members present were Marjori Rowell, Susie Campbell, Kathy Perkins, Kim Crandall, Marty May, Karen Lee, Neil Lemons, Richard Hunter, Tifany Curtiss, Lee King, Wahid Manawi, Sonya Jackson, Irina Shytova, and Sally Luttrell.

Business Meeting

Tifany Curtiss, Vice President for Membership, introduced our new members Neil Lemon and Marjori Rowell.

Mark Schroeder asked members to write on a piece of paper the amount of money spent at Ozona's Restaurant. He is keeping track of expenses.

Mark Schroeder stated the club is selling our Dallas Singles Toastmaster's Club T-shirts for ten dollars each.

Mark Schroeder, our Vice President for Public Relations, stated when Dallas Singles Social is entered in a Google search we are the first site. The ones listed before are paid advertisements.

Announcements
Sonya Jackson stated next Thursday night a distributor for Bazi, a high potency drink, will be giving a tasting demonstration and talk for thirty minutes following the meeting.

The Metro division contest will be tomorrow night.

Marqueza Petway, Distinguished Toastmaster from New York, wanted to come to our meeting to deliver a speech. Susie had received a call on her office phone.

Mark accessed the schedule for next week. Lee King will serve as Toastmaster. Wahid Manawi will serve as the General Evaluator. Marty May will serve as evaluator. Kurt Parten will serve as the evaluator. Sonya Jackson will serve as Table Topics Master. Richard Hunter will serve as ah counter. Irina Shytova will serve as the posture bell operator. Kim Crandall will be the Grammarian. Heather Hartman will deliver the Invocation and Pledge. Please check your e-mails for revisions during the week.

Awards

Sally Luttrell won the Best Table Topic. Tifany Curtiss won the Best Speaker. Susie Campbell won the Best Evaluator. Wahid Manawi won the Best of the Big Three. Kathy Perkins won the Most Enthusiasm.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:44 p. m.

Minutes from the 10/04/07 meeting

2007-10-08T19:47:00.000-05:00

Members present were Marjori Rowell, Marty May, Matt Cords, Mark Schroeder, Kurt Parten, Kim Crandall, Heather Hartman, Wahid Manawi, Karen Lee, Richard Hunter, Neil Lemons, and Kathy Perkins. Guests present were Leslie McCain, Jason Bates, Aaron Stone, Derek Weinbrenner, Jennifer Maitland, and Omar Khabaz.

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p. m.

Old Business

Heather Hartman moved to have Neil Lemons and Marjori Rowell voted in as new members. Mark Schroeder and Kathy Perkins seconded the motion. Neil Lemons and Marjori Rowell were voted in as new members.

Members are strongly encouraged to check the website for meeting location especially during the holidays.

Please write the amount of money spent on food and drinks on a piece of paper. Give the slip of paper to Mark Schroeder. He is keeping track of the amount of money we spend if we need a bargaining tool for an alternate location.

The Club Scheduler indicated Wahid Manawi will be Toastmaster next Thursday. Kathy Perkins will be Table Topics Master. Lee King will be General Evaluator. Sonya Jackson and Heather Hartman will be speaking.

The next officer's meeting will be at 5:30 p. m. on October 20, 2007. The location will be determined later.

Awards
Karen Lee won Best Speaker. Mark Schroeder won the Best Evaluator. Marjori Rowell won the First Timer Ribbon for her first Table Topic. Matt Cords won Best Table Topic. Kathy Perkins won the Best of the Big Three. Marjori Rowell won the Most Enthusiasm ribbon.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:48 p. m.

Minutes from 09/27/07 meeting

2007-10-02T12:06:00.000-05:00

Members present were Dawn Sand, Earl Esquejo, Marty May, Tifany Curtiss, Heather Hartman, Susie Campbell, Kim Crandall, Mark Schroeder, Kurt Parten, Wahid Manawi, Karen Lee, and Richard Hunter. Guests present were Neil Lemons, Neva Lindell, and Larry Baron.

The meeting began at 6:33 p. m.

Old Business
Heather Hartman went over the schedule for next week. Kathy Perkins will be the Toastmaster. Richard Hunter will be the Table Topics Master. Karen Lee volunteered to speak. Kim Crandall volunteered to take Karen Lee's place as the evaluator.

Susie Campbell will be speaking in the Area 46 contest at the First Bank of Canyon Creek in Richardson on September 29, 2007 at 6:00 p.m.

Dues are due. Please pay your dues now. Earl Esquejo was at the meeting to collect checks for club dues.

Announcements

Tifany Curtiss announced her employer, The Lakewood Landing, was recognized as the Best Dive Bar by the Dallas Observer on page 124.

Mark Schroeder announced to give him the total of money spent at Ozona's Restaurant. He is keeping track of our total expenditures over time.

Mark Schroeder had also put some information about our social gathering at the Arbor Hills Nature Preserve on the club Blog.

Mark stated to check the club website during the holidays for alternate meeting locations since Ozona's Restaurant rents the room for parties during the holidays.
A few alternate locations discussed were Marjori's hotel and Cassidy's Restaurant.

The date and time of the next Officer's meeting is to be determined.

Dawn Sand will be relocating to Austin for a new job. She will leave tomorrow. She will start her new job on Monday. She has a two bedroom with one bathroom. This real estate has a dishwasher and washer/dryer. The new owner will will need to bring a refrigerator. Dawn will keep the same cell phone number if someone wants to contact her about her real estate.

Heather Hartman will be going to Ennis next Saturday, October 5 to the Galaxy Drive Inn. She wanted to meet at Mockingbird/Greenville area to carpool if anyone is interested.

Awards

Tifany Curtiss won the Best Table Topics award. Tifany also won the Best Evaluator award. Marty May won the Best Speaker award. Susie Campbell won the Most Enthusiasm award. Heather Hartman won the Best of the Big Three.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:59 p. m.

minutes from 09/20/07 meeting

2007-09-27T15:16:00.000-05:00

Members present were Kim Crandall, Susie Campbell, Marty May, Irina Shytova, Matt Cords, Lee King, Tifany Curtiss, Richard Hunter, Mark Schroeder, Kurt Parten, Wahid Manawi, Dawn Sand, and Karen Lee. Guests present were Danica Hershberger and Marjori Rowell. Amy Lopez, Area Governor, also attended the meeting.

Business Meeting
Old Business

We had a party at the Arbor Hills Nature Preserve in Plano last Saturday, September 15, 2007. Sonya Jackson hosted the party.

New Business

Amy Lopez announced the deadline for dues is October 1, 2007.

The next Metro Division contest is Friday, October 12, 2007 at Callier Center for Communication Disorders at Inwood Road and Interstate 35 in Dallas from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The Fall conference is November 9 and 10th, 2007. The speaker on Saturday night will be Drew Pearson #88 from the Dallas Cowboys. He will receive his Communication and Leadership award.

The next Toastmasters Leadership Institute will be December 8, 2007.

Amy Lopez stated the club needed to vote for club officers soon.

Announcements

Susie Campbell will participate in the Area 46 contest on September 29th at 7:00 p.m. at "some" bank in Richardson, Texas.

Awards

Danica Hershberger won the Best Table Topic. Dawn Sand won the Best Speaker. Richard Hunter won the Best Evaluator. Tifany Curtiss won the Best of the Big Three.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:01 p.m.

Photos From Our Arbor Hills Nature Preserve Event

2007-09-19T00:32:00.000-05:00

Here are just a couple photos from our outing to Arbor Hills Nature Preserve on Saturday, Sept. 15th. We had a perfect weather day, with lots of dogs (both hot and canine), burgers, and brats.

Several of us walked through a few trails of this massive nature park. A great place for dogs, mountain biking, jogging, and walking.

Minutes from 09/15/07 meeting

2007-09-17T12:54:00.000-05:00

Members present were Marty May, Tiffany Curtis, Lee King, Heather Hartman, Susie Campbell, Kurt Parten, Kim Crandall, Wahid Manawi, Mark Schroeder, and Karen Lee. Guests present were Bill Baldwin, Priscilla Garcia, Marla Eisenberg, and Brad Miller.

The meeting began at 6:37 p. m. The theme was a Backward meeting. Kurt Parten served as our Toastmaster.

The awards were given at the beginning of the meeting. Susie Campbell received the award for the Best of the Big Three. The Best Speaker was Wahid Manawi. Kim Crandall was awarded the Best Table Topic. The Best Evaluator was Heather Hartman. The Most Enthusiasm award went to Tiffany Curtis.

The Announcement was Sonya's Jackson's pool party on Saturday, September 15, 2007 at 4:00 p. m. at her condominium in Plano. Susie Campbell had a flier.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:42 p. m.

Minutes from 09/06/07 meeting

2007-09-07T09:54:00.000-05:00

Members present were Dawn Sand, Marty May, Kim Crandall, Lee King, Kathy Perkins, Susie Campbell, Heather Hartman, Mark Schroeder, Sonya Jackson, Karen Lee, Richard Hunter, and Wahid Manawi. Guests present were Marat Derici, Marty Leigh, Brad Miller, Barbara Ward, and Marjori Rowell.

Business Meeting
Mark Schroeder introduced the guests.

Old Business

Members and guests were asked to record how much we spend. Mark Schroeder has been keeping a record of how much we spend on food and drink during our meetings.

A party was planned for Saturday, September 15, 2007 at 4:00 p. m. at Sonya Jackson's home. Sonya was assigning members to bring certain items. The party will be held at the pool. Members can bring a swim suit. Details will be forthcoming via e-mail.

Dues need to be paid this month. Dues are $59.00.

Mark Schroeder spoke about the problem with our meeting space at Ozona's Restaurant the past several weeks. The first week Ozona's staff members claimed they had left a message. None of our members got a message. The second week arrangements were made to meet at Spring Creek Barbecue. The third week Ozona's staff members did not call. Mark made sure the managers at Ozona's Restaurant had good contact information. He did ask members to check the website for meeting location. Members or guests can also contact one of the officers.

Awards

Susie Campbell won the Best Evaluator ribbon. Richard Hunter won the Best Speaker ribbon. Heather Hartman won the Best Table Topic ribbon. Wahid Manawi won the Best of the Big Three ribbon and the First Timer ribbon for his Table Topic Master duties. Marty May won the Most Enthusiasm ribbon.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:37 p. m.

Minutes from the August 30, 2007 meeting

2007-09-05T18:38:00.000-05:00

Members present were Kim Crandall, Marty May, Kathy Perkins, Heather Hartman, Elena Korotkina, Lee King, Mark Schroeder, Karen Lee, and Wahid Manawi.

Old Business

Dues are due in September. Dues are still fifty nine dollars. Dues must be turned into Toastmasters International by October 1, 2007. Dues can be paid on Pay Pal from the Dallas Singles Toastmasters website for a service fee.

Lee King placed second place in the Humorous Speech contest last Saturday. Sonya Jackson placed second place in the Table Topics contest last Saturday.

A party is planned at Sonya Jackson's house on September 15, 2007.

The next meeting will be at Ozona's Restaurant next week until further notice.

Wahid Manawi won Best Table Topic. Elena Korotkina won the Best of the Big Three.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:02 p. m.

2007 Fall Contest Results

2007-08-30T00:18:00.001-05:00

Sonya Jackson took second place in the Table Topics Area contest on August 25th. Lee King, one of our newest members, took second place in the Humorous Speech contest. I've talked/emailed with both contestants, and they both greatly enjoyed the experience.

I also heard it said that Lee must have worked tirelessly on his speech between Thursday night and the contest. His presentation of "Therapy Days" was tremendously improved even over the presentations he did for our club. There's no doubt that he benefitted from the feedback he received on each of his presentations. We have to give it to Lee, though, for making the most of it and being able to put it all together between Thursday night and Saturday!

Thanks to both of you for competing and setting such stellar examples for our club! We're proud of you both!

----
Mark Schroeder

Minutes August 23, 2007

2007-08-26T13:54:00.000-05:00

The theme for this week's meeting was "Early Attraction", the biology and science behind attraction between men and women from first sight through the first date. Topics presented include: how women actually make the first move, the "dance of intimacy" that occurs as strangers meet and demonstrate attraction, and how to turn the butterflies from a first date of rock-climbing, rides at an amusement park, or other adrenaline producing event to your favor.

Members present were Mark Schroeder, Elena Korotkina, Heather Hartman, Tifany Curtiss, Matt Cords, Richard Hunter, Susie Campbell, Dawn Sand, Marty May, Lee King, and Karen Lee.

Both Lee King and Sonya Jackson will compete in the contest on Saturday, August 25, 2007 at 7:00 p. m. at Bryan's House at 5840 Forest Park in Dallas.

A vote was taken among members to see if members were in favor of rescheduling the party at Sonya Jackson's house to Saturday, September 15, 2007. Members were in favor of rescheduling the Barbeque to September 15, 2007.

Guests recognized were Marjorie, Jennifer, Kay, Stephanie and Katie.

The schedule for next week was reviewed. One speaking spot is open.

Dawn Sand won the Best Table Topic. Lee King won the Best Speaker. Heather Hartman won the Best Evaluator. Mark Schroeder won the Best of the Big Three. Tifany Curtiss won the Most Enthusiasm award.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p. m.

Minutes 08/16/07

2007-08-19T20:36:00.000-05:00

Members present were Susie Campbell, Mark Schroeder, Kim Crandall, Heather Hartman, Karen Lee, Tifany Curtiss, Lee King, Marty May, Sonya Jackson, Earl Esquejo, and Irina Shytova. Our Area 33 Governor, Amy Lopez, was also in attendance. Tonya was a guest of Irina.

Lee King won second place in the Table Topics contest. Sonya Jackson won first place in the Table Topics contest.

Marty May won second place in the Humorous Speech contest. Lee King won first place in the Humorous Speech contest.

Our Area Governor, Amy Lopez, announced the Area 33 contest would be next Saturday, August 25th at 7:00 p. m. at 5940 Forest Park. The theme would be a Night at the Movies.

Marty May is investigating an alternate location for meetings. The alternate location is Cassidy's Restaurant. The room will be no charge. The management did expect us to eat.

Sonya Jackson will host a Pampered Chef party at her house on Saturday, September 1, 2007 at 4:00 p. m. Kathy Perkins will be selling Pampered Chef items. Barbecue will be served. Each member will bring a dish.

No officers meeting will be held on August 18, 2007.

The duty holders were recognized during our club contest. Our Contest Master was Susie Campbell. Our Timers were Amy Lopez and Mark Schroeder. Our Sergeant at Arms were Tifany Curtiss and Kim Crandall. Our Vote Counter was Karen Lee.

Mark Schroeder announced he had installed a members private area on our club website. We were supposed to log in with our first name underscore last name. If we forget our password, then the password can be emailed to us. An updated membership roster was already on the website in the members private area.

Heather will put each person's education progress record on the website.

The meeting location will be Ozona's next week.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:01 p. m. on 08/16/07.

Minutes August 9, 2007 meeting

2007-08-13T19:37:00.000-05:00

Members in attendance were Kim Crandall, Heather Hartman, Lucy Ilustrisimo, Mark Schroeder, Earl Esquejo, Marty May, Jane Chen, Karen Lee, Susie Campbell, Dawn Sand, Tifany Curtiss and Wahid Manawi. Our guest was Jason Turnbull.

Our Most Enthusiasm ribbon went to Earl Esquejo. Lucy Ilustrisimo won the best Table Topic. Kim Crandall won the Best of the Big Three.

The club contest will be next week. The contest consists of Humorous Speech and Table Topics. Lee King and Marty May have agreed to present Humorous Speeches.

Mark Schroeder has agreed to be the contact person for Ozona's Restaurant.

Heather Hartman moved to discuss the club proxy vote. Mark Schroeder seconded the motion. A general discussion took place about the dues issue and the club proxy vote. Marty May, Kim Crandall, Karen Lee, Lee King, and Lucy Ilustrisimo voted against the issue. The decision was made to allow members to vote electronically.

The Area 33 contest is scheduled for Saturday, August 25th.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:33 p. m.

Minutes for Meeting 08/02/07

2007-08-05T20:42:00.000-05:00

Members in attendance were Susie Campbell, Kurt Parten, Kim Crandall, Sonya Jackson, Marty May, Karen Lee, Kathy Perkins, Dawn Sand, Irina Shytova, Wahid Manawi, Jane Chen, and Mark Schroeder.

Guests were Jason Turnbull, Myra Phillips, Kelly Hickey, Anne Markwell, and Susan Zan.

Mark Schroeder, Vice President for Public Relations, explained the new club blog for posting club news, awards and minutes. Elena Korotkina, Dallas Singles Toastmasters Member, hosts our website for free.

The new Toast and Boast, the new District 50 newsletter, should be in everyone's inbox.

The Young Active Professionals club has a link from our website to their website. We also have a link to their website from our website.

The Humorous Speech and Table Topic contest are scheduled for August 16th. The Humorous speech is supposed to be from five to seven minutes. The Table Topics are one to two minutes. Each contestant will have the same question.

A backward meeting is scheduled for September 13th.

The Area 33 contest is scheduled for August 25th.

The District 50 Officer Luau is scheduled August 4th from 5:00 p. m. to 8:00 p. m. at Hillcrest Bible Church.

Awards
The Best Speaker was Wahid Manawi. Sonya Jackson was the Best Evaluator. Heather Hartman won the Best Table Topic. Susie Campbell won the best of the Big Three. Wahid Manawi received the Icebreaker award since he delivered his icebreaker speech. Susan Zan, Anne Markwell, and Kelly Hickey got the first timer ribbon for first time guests.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:11 p. m.

Fall Conference

2007-08-01T20:00:00.000-05:00

On November 9 and 10th the District 50 Fall Conference will take place in Mesquite, Texas at the Hampton Inn and Suites.

Minutes from the meeting of July 26, 2007

2007-07-27T21:07:00.000-05:00

Dallas Singles Toastmasters, Home of The Loud & The Proud had another fun meeting. Attending members were Karen Lee, Earl Esquejo, Lucy Ilustrisimo, Lee King, Kim Crandall, Marty May, Mark Schroeder, Dawn Sand, Wahid Manawi, and Tifany Curtiss.

Karen Lee was Toastmaster, and her theme was on dating. Marty May was Table Topics Master. Tifany Curtiss was General Evaluator. Lee King gave the only speech; it was an icebreaker. Tifany Curtiss won Table Topics. Karen Lee won the Best of the Big Three. Lucy Ilustrisimo won Most Enthusiasm.

Everyone sang Happy Birthday to Sonya Jackson who celebrated a birthday three days ago.

The officers' meeting is scheduled for Saturday, July 28, 3pm, at Metro Grill on 75 and Knox / Henderson in Dallas.

Mark Schroeder and Elena Korotkina have been working diligently to update our website. It looks as though those efforts are paying off!

There were some first timers last night: Wahid Manawi took his first turn as vote counter. Dawn Sand took her first turn as grammarian. Amy Lopez, our Area Governor made her first appearance as a guest and inducted the officers.

Recorded by Marty May, acting Club Secretary.

Membership Activities Are on the Move

2007-07-23T23:23:00.000-05:00

What a difference a couple of weeks make! In the last few weeks, we have had 5 new members join: Dawn, Wahid, Irina, Jane, and Lee, and have added around 5 new names to our guest list!

Which reminds me... Anyone interested in being a mentor, please contact Heather, our VP of Education!

Welcome to our new Blog!

2007-07-23T22:08:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Blog of Dallas Singles Toastmasters!
Home of "The Loud and the Proud!"