Dreaming the Future of Marshwinds Recap

The following is a recap of our November 29, 2007 Marshwinds Toastmasters meeting.

Dear Marshwinds Toastmasters,

It was my honor to be the Toastmaster for today's meeting. We were graced with two fine speechs and a basket of creative table topics.

Dr. Mike gave his sixth speech. The project was to give a speech that demonstrated vocal variety. His speech, evaluated by Susan Budig, explained the mystery of chiropractic subluxation. While a serious topic, Dr. Kennedy cracked us up with his humor that he stuck into parts of his presentation.

Sandy Ryan gave her third speech from the Speaking to Inform advanced manual. The project was a demonstration speech and was evaluated by Tom Schmid. Sandy showed us how to set our Toastmaster goals using the S.M.A.R.T. method and a form made especially for Toastmasters. Thank you Sandy, goals move us from dreams to achievement!

Jennifer Stensrud lead us in table topics. Each participate was giving a cloud complete with a new role in Toastmasters and sparkles.

Shaun Jamison explained how he would have it easy as the VP of Membership.
(the VP of Membership recruits, welcomes, inducts, and retains members for the club)

Larry Everett explained how he came to be the International President of Toastmasters and what a great experience being a president is.
(The International President leads the entire Toastmasters organization with 220,000 members in 11,300 clubs in 90 countries.) Larry also served as the General Evaluator.

Susan Budig told how she became an Advanced Leader Silver with the help of the club and Sandy's goal setting speech. (To be eligible for Advanced Leader Silver), a member must have:
Achieved Advanced Leader Bronze award (or "old" Competent Leader award)
Served a complete term as a district officer (district governor, lieutenant governor, public relations officer, secretary, treasurer, division governor or area governor).
Completed the High Performance Leadership program
Served successfully as a club sponsor, mentor or coach
Aimee Krebsbach explained how she became Toastmaster of the Year for District 6. She credit the amazing support from the club for her to win this honor after six meetings. (Each year Areas, Divisions, and the District select a Toastmaster of the Year to recognize one Toastmaster whose dedication, commitment, and effort make a significant contribution toward the Mission of the District. Learn more about District 6 at http://www.d6tm.org/) Amy also served as Timer at the meeting.

Tom Schmid proposed that as Treasurer, he would substantially raise dues to pay for his salary as well as nearly weekly parties. He won Toastmaster of the day on this platform (Mondale should take note?) (The Treasurer keeps the books, pays bills and dues.)

Dr. Michael Kennedy explained that his role as VP of Education was made easy by everyone going after their goals as well as mentoring and perhaps some persuasion by our president. ( Plan club meetings, completing schedules and assignments at least three weeks in advance and confirming each schedule five to seven days before the meeting. Promote participation in the educational program. Get commitment from members to earn the next level of achievement and track their progress toward these awards. Orient new members to the Toastmasters program within two meetings after they join.)

Our guest, Liz, explained that she was inspired by yours truly as Toastmaster, but that she would likely add Tom's suggestion of some wine. (The Toastmaster sets the theme of the meeting at least two weeks in advance and has the theme posted on the club calendar. The Toastmaster recruits meeting participants for unfilled roles. The Toastmaster encourages speakers to provide information to evaluators in advance. The Toastmaster is the genial host of the meeting and keeps the meeting on track. The Toastmaster creates an atmosphere of interest, expectation, and receptivity.)

Crissy Roeglin explained that she excelled as President of Marshwinds with the support of the club. She noted she would take the same salary as Tom. Crissy also served as Grammarian/Ah Counter at today's meeting. The word of the day was creative.

Sandy Ryan was the Sponsor of Up and Coming Toastmasters group. She was excited to help a group of people who wanted to improve their communication skills and needed encouragement. (Club sponsors help clubs beginning to form through chartering. Mentors help guide the club during the first few months after they form and a club coach helps a low member club build its membership back up.)

Thanks to all for an exciting and fun learning and dreaming experience! Aimee Next week Harlan will be Toastmaster. Any unfilled positions can be viewed and filled at http://marshwinds.freetoasthost.net/members/roster.cgi

Shaun Jamison