CHRIS' CORNER

Volume 2, Issue 1

July 28, 2006

Fellow Toastmasters,

Here is the first issue of Volume 2 of Chris’ Corner - truly a collector’s item.  Some reflections on the year that just ended:

• A job well done on many fronts. Lots of new clubs, members, educational achievements
• Of the 4 Critical Success factors (that I discussed in detail last issue) we made 3 - and only missed by a little on membership (as did 50 other districts!).  The success factors are designed to measure whether we are serving our MEMBERS.  It is clear that we are.
• We did, however, lose more members and clubs than we would have liked to.  Turnover is expected, but we need to focus more on meeting members needs.  This might even involve sending someone to another club.

For those of you that helped in the final push, thank you.  We should be getting the information from TI that will enable us to award the Darren LaCroix (King of Comedy) webinars for anyone who brought in a new or dual member in June.  If you were a sponsor, feel free to let us know, and we will verify your award and let you know how to collect.

Now for Education & Training – My new job.  I will focus on what I consider to be my 3 critical success factors – since we are good at meeting 3 goals, I will limit it to that!  Mine are Training, Contests, and Educational Awards.

• Training:  Training has been conducted in every Division.  I have been to a training session in every Division except A.  Sorry Paula.  There will be some more make up training dates, that will be posted on the website, and Division D will be having a training on August 12.  I will be making a guest appearance, so be sure to attend.  I have begun to enter the training data on the TI website, so you will be able to track progress.  Each club should be striving to get all officers, but at least 4, trained.
• There will be remedial training by conference call on Sunday August 20 at 8:00 pm.  A sort of Sunday Night Edition of Monday Night Toastmasters, a.k.a  Chris’ Clinic.  You will receive your GED & I will record your training with TI – but there will be an asterisk next to your name in the District 38 Record Book!
• Winter Training – Please let me know what you would like covered
• Contests:  Clubs, please check to find out when your Area Contest is and endeavor to have your Humorous Speech and Table Topics contest Prior to that date.  If you can’t, or just don’t, no need to panic – you can still send a contestant to the Area Contest.  Of course, it is much better to have a Contest.
• Please be sure your contestants are eligible – this means a paid member (recorded at TI) of your club at the time of your contest.  No 6 speech rule for the fall contest.  Please also remember, material must be original and a humorous speech is a SPEECH, not a series of jokes.


• What is involved in judging a humorous speech contest?  Judges and Contestants should be asking this.  I will devote the first 15 minutes or so, of Chris’ Clinic on August 7, to that topic.  Please note this is the first Monday in August.

• Educational Awards:  Use the Toastmasters Program.  It is as simple as that.  Schedule 2,3, or 4 speeches each meeting, ensure they are book speeches and you will get several CCs and ACs, its inevitable.  Buy the new CL book, bring it to the meeting and get evaluated – CLs will be inevitable.  Mentor New Members, offer Toastmasters Educational Modules every other month and ALs will be…I think you get the idea.
• Your Area Governors should be asking how many awards you expect to get.  If they don’t tell them.  We want to keep track and help you serve your members.  Remember, every one needs a gently nudge now and then – but please, don’t run any one over!
• At least Two Lovely Ladies are assisting with Education District Wide.  Carol Graves is our Educational Coordinator, and Tonya Hartman is our DTM Coordinator.  More will be coming on their roles in the next issue. (hint to Tonya and Carol – I need some help with this)
• We also have a recognition committee.  On it are Ronni Laino, Terrell McMann, and Lauren Kuik.  More on that one next time too, I hope.

What Happened Recently

• Monday Night Toastmaster, Chris’ Clinic, You Make the Call.  The fourth call was June 12.  Some of the usual suspects attended (I don’t have the list in front of me) and we discussed the following:

1. Contests:  There was a request for judging training
2. New Year Tips:  Check your club info on line, coordinate with your Area Governor, work on Membership Retention (follow the DCP) use District and International Resources.
3. People want information on Mentoring and Evaluations

• Trainings:  You already read about that. 
• New Clubs:  Beats me, ask Ronni
• Educational Awards:  I got my NEW CL.  I can hear the cheering, thanks!
  (Yeah, I heard the jeering too)

What’s coming up?

• Training, all officers should attend (check tmdistrict38.org).  August 31 is the end.
• Set Your Contest Dates.

Closing Thoughts

• Use the New CL Book and Websites, www.toastmasters.org and www.tmdistrict38.org.
• Please let me know your thoughts, needs, concerns, complaints…whatever.

So long ‘til next time, Chris

NEXT CHRIS’ CLINICs, August 7, 9:01pm & Sunday August 20th 8:00 pm remedial training
605-772-3200 code 354724#

chris.rio@verizon.net
609-390-2326 (h)
609-485-6421(w)
609-425-5472 (c)