CDO Toastmasters and Speakers

First round of Toastmasters Officers' Training held in Cagayan de Oro City

2010-07-11T02:49:00.000-07:00

First round of Toastmasters International Officers' training is going on at Marco Hotel, Cugman, Cagayan de Oro City today. After the training, there will be a handover ceremony for the incoming officers of Division F.

It was facilitated by the District 75 Officers led by District Governor Wilson Lee, Lt. Gov. for Educ & Training Vic Navales, Lt. Gov for Marketing Grace Paras.

Said seminar was participated by the different Toastmasters Club officers here in Division F namely: Iligan Toastmasters Club, Cagayan de Oro Toastmasters Club, Macajalar Bay Toastmasters Club, Golden Friendship Toastmasters Club, Butuan Toastmasters Club, Butuan Downtown Toastmasters Club, CARAGA Educators Toastmasters Club, Highlander Toastmasters Club and Koronadal City Toastmasters Club.

Its good to see and network with other Toastmasters club and Toastmaster Officers in the region and at the same time renew the vows to be a better speaker and better leader.

Toastmasters Tips on Toasting Well

2010-07-08T23:20:00.000-07:00

... an article by Michael Varma, ATMG, ALB

Two summers ago I witnessed a truly tragic toast – and as a professional entertainer with more than 25 years of experience, I know a train wreck when I see one.

The best man at a wedding, seemingly sober, grabbed the microphone and with a booming voice launched into a notably naughty limerick: “There once was a groom from Nantucket….” The guests were not amused. The newlyweds, their parents and grandparents were mortified by the off-color verse. This soon-to-be ex-friend thought his humor would be enjoyed by all, or perhaps he crumbled under the pressure of public speaking. Whatever the case, his major faux pas reinforced my resolve to provide practical tips on toasting etiquette.

Toasting Advice
The purpose of a toast is to shine a gentle spotlight and pay tribute to the honored guest or event. Toasts typically proffer well wishes, good fortune, long life, health, happiness, sage advice or other positive thoughts. Composing a toast that is eloquent, poignant, whimsical and witty can be a challenge but worth every effort.

Begin by introducing yourself, state your first and last name for non-family members, explain how you’re related to the guest of honor, then present the toast. Follow the three Bs for delivering a successful toast – be brief, be bold, be done:

• Be Brief. “No toast except his own should last longer than 60 seconds” was Mark Twain’s golden rule. Keeping your remarks short gives your toast a greater impact and gets you on and off the stage more quickly. Well-crafted words and a succinct delivery will be appreciated by your audience and make your tribute more likely remembered for years to come.

• Be Bold. Stand proud and speak loud. Ensure that everyone in the room, including folks sitting in the back row, can hear your tasteful toast. Belting it out to the rafters may not be needed; a quick run-through before the crowd assembles in the room will help you gauge how far to project your voice. It can also help calm your frayed nerves and provide valuable practice time.

• Be Done. When finished, sit down. Resist the urge to take a bow or return for an encore. Smile, nod and accept any applause or acknowledgements, then refocus the spotlight on the guest of honor.

A well-presented wedding toast will have every father of the bride raising his glass with glee and every mother dabbing her eyes – a true “tissue moment.” The following toast, which I wrote for my brother’s wedding, is simple yet heartfelt:

Your marriage makes a perfect start
For every life is a work of art
Paint a picture filled with bliss
Treasured in your lover’s kiss
Wedding vows are truly strong
May yours last forever long

Advanced speakers can add a humorous story about the guest of honor after they explain how they know the honoree and before the actual toast. I recommend avoiding dirty jokes and risqué stories. Veer toward the white wedding light with words that praise and inspire, and you’ll never be seen in the Toasting Hall of Shame.

Michael Varma, ATMG, ALB, is a member of BergenMeisters Toastmasters club in Orange, California. He can be reached at www.michaelvarma.com.

Cagayan de Oro Toastmasters Induction and Turnover of Post

2010-07-05T23:10:00.000-07:00

All Toastmasters and Toastmasters club in Cagayan de Oro City, Iligan City, Malaybalay City including Butuan and CARAGA will have their first round of Officers Training and Installation of Division F Officers as well as Club Officers. This will be held this coming Sunday - July 11, 2010 at Marco Hotel, Cugman Cagayan de Oro City.

District 75 Officers and Leaders headed by District Governor Wilson Lee, LGET - Vic Navales and LGM Grace Paras will conduct the said officers training. Expert speakers will also share their knowledge on topics assigned to them.

Here are the newly elected Division F Governor and Area Governors of Iligan, Malaybalay, Cagayan de Oro City, Butuan City and CARAGA Toastmasters Club.

Division F Governor: Atty. Maning Ravanera
Area 51 Governor: Joji Macabodbod
Area 52 Governor: Jaja Gaston
Area 53 Governor: Julie Aguilar

Division F comprises the following Toastmasters Clubs:

Area 51
1. Iligan Toastmasters Club
2. Cagayan de Oro Macajalar Bay Toastmasters Club
3. Highlander Toastmasters Club

Area 52
1. Cagayan de Oro Toastmasters Club
2. Golden Friendship Toastmasters Club
3. Koronadal City Toastmasters Club

Area 53
1. Butuan City Toastmasters Club
2. Butuan Downtown Toastmasters Club
3. CARAGA Educators Toastmasters Club

With the new officers, more and more Toastmasters Club for Division F will be formed in the following months.

New Set of Officers for Cagayan de Oro Toastmasters and Division F

2010-06-29T03:58:00.000-07:00

This coming July 1 , like the Philippine Government, there will be a change of officers from the different clubs, area and division of Toastmasters International all over the Philippines.

Here in Division F which is composed of the different Toastmasters clubs from Iligan City, Cagayan de Oro City, Bukidnon, Butuan City and CARAGA - will be headed by Atty. Maning Ravanera as the new Division Governor.

By the way, for first timers, Toastmasters International is a worldwide leading organization which is aimed to promote and make effective communication skills and leadership skills a worldwide reality. Founded in 1924 by Dr. Ralph Smedly,now it has grown to more than 12500 clubs in 108 countries worldwide. It is a proof that this organization has helped thousands of people around the world develop their own potential.

For more info about Toastmasters, please visit the website at www.toastmasters.org

Thanks to all Toastmasters who viewed my speech

2010-06-01T23:33:00.000-07:00

The District Convention 2010 in Bohol is a memorable one for me. This is because, i was back again to a place of my ancestors which remains so great - i.e. the beaches, the people, the tourist attractions and all. On the discon side, even if i didn't get the top prize - i still gained a lot of friends who commented positively on the speech i delivered in the Humorous Speech category.

So to all who have seen and put their comments and praises - thank you very much. It inspires me to improve and do better, whether in our club meetings or in contests.

If there's one thing i can share about the experience,it is that being humorous can be learned. And for that, if given the chance, i would be willing to help others write their "humorous" speeches.

Toastmasters Updates

2009-12-05T22:26:00.000-08:00

In our commitment to become a Distinguished District this year and to help our District Governor realize that goal - we at Division F will do our part by reviving old clubs and also chartering new clubs.

So here's an update for Division F.

1. There will be a demo and reactivation meeting for the Cagayan de Oro Educators club this coming Dec. 9, 2009 at VIP Hotel (6 PM)

2. We will also build the Malaybalay Toastmasters and Aboitiz club on Dec. 20 & 21, 2009 respectively.

So if you're from Cagayan de Oro, please mark your calendar on these dates because as our theme says: Communication and Leadership Excellence starts now.

Toastmasters Speech Contest at SM CDO

2009-11-09T05:27:00.000-08:00

This coming November 15, 2009 is another first for the Division F (this is Northern Mindanao) of Toastmasters International District 75.

First, because this is a contest that can be viewed by the Public because the venue will be at SM Cagayan de Oro (after the fight of Manny Pacquiao). Here the different speakers representing the different clubs will also fight - by delivering speeches in this challenging but engaging competition.

So mark you calendar and don't miss this opportunity to find out what Toastmasters is all about.

Fear Factor in Public Speaking

2009-10-25T07:31:00.000-07:00

Fear and loathing on the podium.

Believe it or not, your chances of dying of stage fright are extremely slim. You might feel as if you are dying on the stage, but chances are good your audience won’t even notice your wobbly knees and sweating armpits. Even the best speakers were once terrified novices, feeling the same symptoms as you when facing an audience. Fear no more! Toastmasters is the best place to learn, to build your confidence, and to push yourself outside your comfort zone. It’s a safe place where there is no penalty for failure!

P.S. Most, if not all of us have the same nervous feeling when we are called to speak in public. But in all honesty, joining Toastmasters is the best thing that happened because you'll be trained to conquer your fear. I invite you and once you are ready, visit a Toastmasters meeting.

Motivational Speech Techniques

2009-10-23T07:01:00.000-07:00

Five simple strategies to motivate your listeners.

One of the most important elements of leadership is the ability to motivate people. Without motivation, even the most skilled team of seasoned professionals is unlikely to achieve great things. A highly motivated group of talented people, on the other hand, can move mountains.

While it’s true that motivating people involves more than just changing the way you speak, there are some simple guidelines you can follow to help build team motivation with only your words and your voice:

* Be enthusiastic. Enthusiasm is contagious! Before you present your ideas, think about the aspects of the subject that you find most interesting, and don’t be afraid to let that interest come through in your voice.

* Use quotes, stories and anecdotes. Along with their obvious entertainment value, quotes and stories can lend authority to your topic and provide concrete examples that people can relate to.

* Speak with confidence. Deliver your message loud and clear. Maintain eye contact with your listeners. Don’t mumble or slouch.

* Say you and we, not I and me. Instead of telling people what you want them to do, present ways for them to work together to achieve their goals. Involve listeners in the success of the group.

* Keep it simple. People aren’t motivated by what you say; they’re motivated by what they understand. The best way to ensure audience understanding is to break down complex ideas into simple components.

P.S. I got these all from Toastmasters resources - from the website to the magazines which would be helpful as we continue to improve our communication and leadership skills. Here's the TI website for your cross reference: www.toastmasters.org

Speak Like a Leader

2009-10-21T06:56:00.000-07:00

Communication and leadership skills go hand in hand.

There are many good reasons why Toastmasters teaches both communication and leadership skills. People with good communication skills are more likely to be promoted to leadership positions, and good leaders need communication skills to be effective.

In other words, if you want to be a leader, you have to learn to speak like a leader. And Toastmasters is here to help.

P.S.There's always a Toastmasters Club in your country or in your locality. When you are in Cagayan de Oro City, you can drop by and visit the club meetings of Cagayan de Oro Toastmasters Club and Macajalar Bay Toastmasters Club. These clubs meet at VIP Hotel along Capt. A. Velez Sts.

Laws of Positive Leadership

2009-10-20T06:51:00.000-07:00

This is the other part of my previous post, also taken from TI website.

How to be a leader others want to follow.

Examples abound of poor leadership. Who hasn’t had a teacher or boss who invoked feelings of disrespect? A positive leader is someone who inspires, motivates, energizes and unites, while generating loyalty and producing results. In his article for the Toastmaster magazine, Victor Parachin offers 10 rules on how to be that kind of leader:

* Give more than you expect others to give.
* Combine optimism and perseverance.
* See everyone as a diamond in the rough.
* Express appreciation; accept responsibility.
* Keep your ego in check.
* Show respect for the people around you.
* Treat team members as family.
* Be a source of inspiration.
* Stress cooperation, not competition.
* Maintain a sense of humor.

P.S. If you want the complete PDF file, please make a comment andleave your email address.

Positive Leadership

2009-10-18T06:46:00.000-07:00

Here's what i read from the TI website which is worth sharing.

“It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to talk and remove all doubts.”

- Benedict J. Goltra

On Positive Leadership.

Healthy leadership always moves along a positive path.

Forget about those age-old images of the stern, dour-faced manager, cracking the whip and doling out punishments and hard work to embittered employees. In today’s world, great leaders are recognized by the positive effects they have on people. They promote teamwork, encourage excellence, foster growth and even offer criticism in a productive way.

Toastmasters provides many opportunities for members to practice positive leadership skills. Many corporations around the world encourage their current and future managers to join. If you’re looking for a good place to work on your leadership skills, why not give Toastmasters a try?

The Seven Secrets of Inspiring Leaders

2009-10-14T07:07:00.000-07:00

Here's the last part of the article i've mentioned in my last post.

5. Invite participation
- Inspiring leaders bring employees, customers and colleagues into the process of building the company or service. This is especially important when trying to motivate young people. The command and control way of managing is over. Instead, today’s managers solicit input, listen for feedback and actively incorporate what they hear. Employees want more than paycheck. They want to know that their work is adding up to something meaningful.

6. Reinforce an optimistic outlook.
- Inspiring leaders speak of a better future. Extraordinary leaders throughout history have been more optimistic than the average person like when Winston Churchill exuded hope and confidence in the darkest days of World War II. So speak in positive, optimistic language and be a beacon of hope.

7. Encourage Potential.
- Inspiring leaders praise people and invest in them emotionally. Richard Branson has said that when you praise people, they flourish; criticize them and they shrivel up. Praise is the easiest way to connect with people because when people receive genuine praise, their doubt diminishes and their spirits soar. Encourage people, and they’ll walk through walls for you.

By inspiring your listeners, you become the kind of person people want to be around. Customers will want to do business with you, employees will want to work with you, and investors will want to back you.

All in all, it all starts with mastering these seven secrets.

The Seven Secrets of Inspiring Leaders

2009-10-12T07:00:00.000-07:00

Here's an article from the Toastmasters Magazine which i find relevant to share to those who are leaders in their own way. Below is Leadership secrets 1 to 4.

1. Demonstrate enthusiasm constantly
- Inspiring leaders have an abundance of passion of what they do. You cannot inspire unless you’re inspired yourself. Passion can’t be taught. You either have passion in your message or you don’t.

2. Articulate a compelling reason to take action.
- Inspiring leaders craft and deliver a specific, consistent and memorable vision. Just like the vision of Bill Gates – putting a computer in every desk in every home.

3. Sell the benefit
- Remember, it’s not about you, it’s about them. The first thing to answer or satisfy when listeners are asking themselves “What’s in it for me?”

4. Tell More stories
- Inspiring leaders tell memorable stories. Stories connect with people on the emotional level. You cannot underestimate the power of stories.

Upcoming Division F Toastmasters events

2009-10-02T07:17:00.000-07:00

We all knew that the month of October is the Toastmasters month. Based on our meeting last Saturday, we will have the following activities to celebrate this Toastmasters Month. So all TM clubs here in Cagayan de Oro City, Iligan City and hopefully Butuan and CARAGA ragion can join.

1. October 18, 2009 (8:00 am)- Motorcade around the city then proceed to Marvilla Beach for bonding time.

2. November 15 (2:00 - 5:00 PM) - Division F Speech Contest to be held at SM. My first comment was, whew it's gonna be challenging for the contestants. But this is a good advertisement for the organization as a whole.

Others: Designing and ordering of our T-shirt is currently handled by Jet. We made sure that our shirt can be worn all the way to the 2010 Bohol Convention.

10 Biggest Public Speaking Mistakes

2009-09-30T07:59:00.000-07:00

10 Biggest Public Speaking Mistakes

Top executives often fall flat on their faces as speakers.

How come intelligent, business-savvy people end up boring their audiences? They fail to recognize that public speaking is an acquired skill that improves with practice and honest feedback. Speaking for 20 minutes before the right group of people can do more for your career than spending a year behind a desk!

Rob Sherman, an attorney and public speaker in Columbus, Ohio, says in an article in the Toastmaster magazine to avoid these mistakes:

* Starting with a whimper. Don’t start with “Thank you for that kind introduction.” Start with a bang! Give the audience a startling statistic, an interesting quote, a news headline – something powerful that will get their attention immediately.
* Attempting to imitate other speakers. Authenticity is lost when you aren’t yourself.
* Failing to “work” the room. Your audience wants to meet you. If you don’t take time to mingle before the presentation, you lose an opportunity to enhance your credibility with your listeners.
* Failing to use relaxation techniques. Do whatever it takes – listening to music, breathing deeply, shrugging your shoulders – to relieve nervous tension.
* Reading a speech word for word. This will put the audience to sleep. Instead use a “keyword” outline: Look at the keyword to prompt your thoughts. Look into the eyes of the audience, then speak.
* Using someone else’s stories. It’s okay to use brief quotes from other sources, but to connect with the audience, you must illustrate your most profound thoughts from your own life experiences. If you think you don’t have any interesting stories to tell, you are not looking hard enough.
* Speaking without passion. The more passionate you are about your topic, the more likely your audience will act on your suggestions.
* Ending a speech with questions and answers. Instead, tell the audience that you will take questions and then say, “We will move to our closing point.” After the Q and A, tell a story that ties in with your main theme, or summarize your key points. Conclude with a quote or call to action.
* Failing to prepare. Your reputation is at stake every time you face an audience – so rehearse well enough to ensure you’ll leave a good impression!
* Failing to recognize that speaking is an acquired skill. Effective executives learn how to present in the same way they learn to use other tools to operate their businesses.

P.S. The above topic is taken from the Toastmasters International homepage: www.toastmasters.org

10 Tips for Public Speaking

2009-09-28T07:52:00.000-07:00

10 Tips for Public Speaking

Feeling some nervousness before giving a speech is natural and even beneficial, but too much nervousness can be detrimental.

Here are some proven tips on how to control your butterflies and give better presentations:

1. Know your material. Pick a topic you are interested in. Know more about it than you include in your speech. Use humor, personal stories and conversational language – that way you won’t easily forget what to say.
2. Practice. Practice. Practice! Rehearse out loud with all equipment you plan on using. Revise as necessary. Work to control filler words; Practice, pause and breathe. Practice with a timer and allow time for the unexpected.
3. Know the audience. Greet some of the audience members as they arrive. It’s easier to speak to a group of friends than to strangers.
4. Know the room. Arrive early, walk around the speaking area and practice using the microphone and any visual aids.
5. Relax. Begin by addressing the audience. It buys you time and calms your nerves. Pause, smile and count to three before saying anything. ("One one-thousand, two one-thousand, three one-thousand. Pause. Begin.) Transform nervous energy into enthusiasm.
6. Visualize yourself giving your speech. Imagine yourself speaking, your voice loud, clear and confident. Visualize the audience clapping – it will boost your confidence.
7. Realize that people want you to succeed. Audiences want you to be interesting, stimulating, informative and entertaining. They’re rooting for you.
8. Don’t apologize for any nervousness or problem – the audience probably never noticed it.
9. Concentrate on the message – not the medium. Focus your attention away from your own anxieties and concentrate on your message and your audience.
10. Gain experience. Mainly, your speech should represent you — as an authority and as a person. Experience builds confidence, which is the key to effective speaking. A Toastmasters club can provide the experience you need in a safe and friendly environment.

Comment: This is found in the Toastmasters International website. Please click at the following address: www.toastmasters.org

Toastmasters Mission, Vision and Values

2009-09-25T07:46:00.000-07:00

Toastmasters Mission, Vision and Values

Mission
Toastmasters International is the leading movement devoted to making effective oral communication a worldwide reality.

Through its member clubs, Toastmasters International helps men and women learn the arts of speaking, listening and thinking – vital skills that promote self-actualization, enhance leadership potential, foster human understanding and contribute to the betterment of mankind.

It is basic to this mission that Toastmasters International continually expand its worldwide network of clubs, thereby offering ever-greater numbers of people the opportunity to benefit from its programs.

Vision
Toastmasters International empowers people to achieve their full potential and realize their dreams. Through our member clubs, people throughout the world can improve their communication and leadership skills, and find the courage to change.

Values
Toastmasters International’s core values are integrity, dedication to excellence, service to the member and respect for the individual. These are values worthy of a great organization, and we believe we should incorporate them as anchor points in every decision we make. Our core values provide us with a means of not only guiding but also evaluating our operations, our planning and our vision for the future.

The History of Toastmasters International

2009-09-23T07:41:00.000-07:00

History of Toastmasters

A basement brainstorm

When people hear the word “basement” they’re more likely to picture mold and spiders than the birth place of a global communication and leadership training organization. But a basement in a YMCA in Santa Ana, California, is exactly where, in 1924, Ralph C. Smedley held the first meeting of what would eventually become Toastmasters International.

Smedley began working as director of education for a Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) after he graduated from college. He observed that many of the young patrons needed “training in the art of public speaking and in presiding over meetings” and Smedley wanted to help them. He decided the training format would be similar to a social club. During the early 1900s the word “toastmaster” referred to a person who proposed the toasts and introduced the speakers at a banquet. Smedley named his group “The Toastmasters Club” because he thought it suggested a pleasant, social atmosphere appealing to young men.

When Smedley started the Toastmasters group at the YMCA in Santa Ana, California, members practiced speaking skills in a supportive, informal atmosphere. The seedling club blossomed. Word spread about Smedley’s YMCA experiment and soon people in other communities and even other states began asking for permission and help to start their own Toastmasters meetings. By 1930 the burgeoning clubs had established a federation to help coordinate activities and provide a standard program. Toastmasters became Toastmasters International after a speaking club in New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada, expressed interest in joining the organization.

A series of rented office spaces in Southern California served as Toastmasters International’s “home office” until 1962. That year the staff moved into its first World Headquarters building in Santa Ana, not far from the YMCA where the first Toastmasters club met.

Over the next three decades the number of Toastmasters grew, and so did the need for a larger staff to service them. World Headquarters relocated in 1990 to its new building in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, about 20 miles south of Santa Ana. See our timeline for a detailed account of Toastmasters' history.

The evolution of its educational programs and resources are a big part of Toastmasters International’s success and growth. Training has expanded from the 15-project manual Basic Training for Toastmasters, developed by Smedley, to include other materials to help members develop skills in listening, giving feedback, decision-making, delegating and mentoring.

With more than 12,500 clubs and more than 250,000 members in 106 countries, Ralph Smedley’s “basement brainstorm” continues to thrive in the 21st century.

What is Toastmasters?

2009-09-21T07:17:00.000-07:00

What is Toastmasters?

No, we don't make toasters!

From a humble beginning in 1924 at the YMCA in Santa Ana, California, Toastmasters International has grown to become a world leader in helping people become more competent and comfortable in front of an audience. The nonprofit organization now has nearly 250,000 members in more than 12,500 clubs in 106 countries, offering a proven – and enjoyable! – way to practice and hone communication and leadership skills.

Most Toastmasters meetings are comprised of approximately 20 people who meet weekly for an hour or two. Participants practice and learn skills by filling a meeting role, ranging from giving a prepared speech or an impromptu one to serving as timer, evaluator or grammarian.

There is no instructor; instead, each speech and meeting is critiqued by a member in a positive manner, focusing on what was done right and what could be improved.

This organization is so popular in helping speakers all over the world and is now available even in the Philippines. Toastmasters in the Philippines is known as District 75 and this is further divided into different divisions. Division F is where Toastmasters club from Surigao, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City belongs.