This week we have been in Brisbane attending training to improve our leadership skills. This training is delivered 3 times a year, and Toastmasters fly us to the training location for 2 days of intense and pointy training.

I have been an area governor for 2 years now. It’s a fun and challenging role. Here’s what I’ve learnt:

• When motivating volunteers, I must be humble, gentle, inspirational and thankful.
• Ask for help often. I can’t do everything by myself.
• Delegate, even when I don’t need to. The knowledge transfer helps others grow.
• Find a mentor, and check in with them often.
• Failing is normal. Fail quickly and move on.
• When I make a mistake, there are lots of people watching. Proofread, double-check and test.

The role of area governor is an excellent leadership opportunity for anyone wanting to improve skills in management, organisation and communication. There are lots of speaking opportunities in front of new audiences.

I enthusiastically encourage anyone seeking a new personal growth opportunity to try stepping up to be an area governor.

That’s when she met Isaac Egan and his video camera!  “Being filmed came as a bit of a surprise, so I was lucky that my Toastmasters practice helped me get through it” says Celia. ”You never know when an opportunity to shine might be just round the corner”.

A post about dolphins without a picture just won’t do.  Fortunately artist Sharon Davson has kindly given permission for us to display her image Good Directions, Great Discoveries to enhance your dolphin experience.

Good Directions, Great Discoveries by Sharon Davson

You can view the video and article at http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2011/11/26/193345_local-news.html

First place went to Michael McGarry and second place to Cheryl McLeod.  Thank you to all our contestants and congratulations Michael!

Michael will be representing our Club at the Area 32 Conference in Innisfail on Saturday 24th September in the next round of Table Topics contests.

Table Topics: first-place Michael McGarry & second-place Cheryl McLeod

On Monday 1^st August, our new Area 32 Governor, Kaj Haffenden and Mt Sheridan member Celia Berrell attended the Top Table Toastmasters Club meeting in Malanda.  Celia presented the “Beautiful Butterflies” speech she is preparing for this year’s “I Love Cairns” speaking competition (Saturday 20^th August 10am at the Pier Atrium).

“Practicing a speech with a new audience in an unfamiliar location is really helpful in preparing for a contest” says Celia.  “The feedback and suggestions offered to me by the Top Table Toastmasters Club Members were terrific.  I’ve now made some snazzy improvements, to make the speech even better!”

Top Table Toastmasters have recently chartered their Club and are having a Celebratory meeting on Monday 5^th September.  If you would like to attend, please check out their information and contacts at http://www.toptabletoastmasters.org.

The Annual I Love Cairns Speakers Competition will be held on Saturday 20^th August at the Pier Atrium in Cairns. This contest is open to everyone. You don’t have to be a member of any speaking club to compete. It only costs $10 to register at the Splash Offices on the Mezzanine Level at the Pier and the winners walk away with a great prize – $500 for the Open Section (adults) and $250 for School Students.

If you don’t want to compete, we would love you to support this entertaining event by coming to the Pier Atrium for 10am on Saturday 20^th August.

Two Mt Sheridan Toastmasters Club members have already registered for this year’s competition. Celia Berrell won the Open Contest in 2009 and 2010. Rod Sheather won the People’s Choice Award in 2009, but was unable to compete in 2010. They are both back for the 2011 Contest. Will Celia manage to win three contests in a row? Will Rod usurp the I Love Cairns Queen? Or will you?

Celia Berrell's 2009 speech "The Best Of Both Worlds"

You can view last year’s winners at http://www.ilovecairns.org/

Rod Sheather 2009 "It's Not The Long Legged Girls"

Twice-winner of the I Love Cairns Speakers Competition, Celia Berrell, will be trialling her latest I Love Cairns speech, titled “Beautiful Butterflies” on Wednesday 20th July.  This contest is open to everyone and will take place on Saturday 20th August from 10am to 2pm at the Pier Shopping Centre in Cairns.  For more info go to www.ilovecairns.org.

You will find the Toastmasters stall adjacent to Splash Marketing in the showgrounds.  You can pick up information about our region’s Clubs, the art of public speaking and how to have fun while facing your fears.  Toastmaster Club members will be there for the duration of the Show, just waiting to talk to you!

Birdwing Butterfly - excerpt from a painting by Sharon Davson

Lance was treated to an Aussie style barbecue breakfast at Cairns Waterfront on sunny Sunday morning provided by our illustrious chefs Nicky and Kaj.  Participants included (L-R) Jan Cocks (from Adelaide), Nicky Jurd, Lance Miller, Pocco (the pooch), David Burston and Kaj Haffenden.