CHRIS' CORNER

Volume 2, Issue 2

August 22, 2006

Fellow Toastmasters,

Here is the 2nd issue of Volume 2 of Chris’ Corner – not as much of a collector’s item.  I am going to DC for International tomorrow and this will be quick and clean:

The two main items I wish to discuss are:

• Training:  Past, Present and Future
• Contests:  Fall Club, Area, Division, District

d)   Mentoring:  New member mentoring
(I hope you caught the humor in the numbering scheme!)

• Training Past:  Yes the fall training has pretty much passed…but if you did not get trained her is your last chance, courtesy of Jim Samuel.  This entry and more info. are on the website.

"LAST CHANCE" CLUB OFFICER TRAINING Hosted by Division B
WHEN:            Monday August 28
TIME:              6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
WHERE:           State Farm, Cafeteria, 1 State Farm Drive, on the Northeast corner of
                        Routes 1 and 202 in Concordville, PA.
RSVP is Required, Black Tie Optional: - Jim Samuel, 609-371-0800.

• Training Present:  Don’t expect any presents, but you can get a goal towards the DCP if you get 4 officers trained and I enter it correctly on the TI website.  I am presently doing that and am about 90% complete.  I will send out a list in September for all to view.  If you have any additions, I will make them at that time.

• Training Future:  District Conference Educational Sessions and Speech Contests.  You learn a lot just by attending and listening with a keen ear.  You learn even more by participating.  I believe there is still room for more educational sessions (submit form that you can find on the website).  Most clubs have not year had there contest – so step up to the plate!

District Sponsored Winter Club Officer Training will be held on December 16th.  Steve, Ronni and I will be even smarter (if you can believe that) because we get re-trained on Decmenber 1st, 2nd and 3rd.  Please let us know what topics you would like presented.  Divisions will sponsor club officer training (notice they don’t get capital letters) in January and February.  At the risk of repeating myself – check the website. The sessions will be posted, courtesy of Jim Marshall.

• Contests:  Humorous Speech and Table Topics.  Club Officers, please make sure you find out when your Area Contest is!  Have your club contest BEFORE that. Yes, the schedule is tight in the fall, but with 29 Areas and 7 Divisions, there is a lot to pack in.  There is no reason not to compete - any paid member is eligible.  If a club does not have a contest, they can still send a contestant to the Area Contest.  Hint:  You can compete in as many club contests as you wish (provided you are a member of that club).  This is a benefit of dual membership and is a must for the serious contestant.  Sometimes judges at the club level are not very experienced, and a good speaker may loose.  If you choose this route, keep in mind that you can only enter 1 Area Contest.

Clubs, in Areas which have 4 or less clubs assigned, may send 2 contestants to the Area Contest.  This has worked out well in the past.

Trophies and Forms for Area and Division Contests have been sent to your Division Governor.  Clubs are on there own – but there are some bandit PDFs floating around if you are looking for forms.

• Mentoring:  Please, please, please use the mentoring program.  Every new member deserves a mentor.  Sure, we are all helpful, but someone should take the new member under his/her wing.  Everyone wants to feel wanted/needed, and the mentee/mentor pairing is a good symbiotic relationship.  Our members, and therefore clubs, will do much better if we nurture and care for our young. (Did I just say that?  Is anyone still reading?).  Toastmasters International has training programs and other materials for mentoring, and you can search the website to get articles form our magazine.

What Happened Recently

• Monday Night Toastmaster, Chris’ Clinic, You Make the Call.  The fifth call was August 7 and we did remedial officer training on August 20.  Both were a resounding success, although I do not have my notes with me and can’t remember what we discussed on the 7th.  Remember, these are your calls and you can add agenda items.
• What almost happened.  Our PRO, Gary Nelson, diligently researched Toll Free Conferencing. He did set up numbers for use, but they, like mine have a toll for your land line call.  We, Gary and the top 3, based on the exorbitant cost of using our 800 number for conferencing, decided to stay with the service we have.  Gary – thanks for your efforts!!

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.
• Clubs, call your Area Governor if she/he does not call you.

So long ‘til next time, Chris

NEXT CHRIS’ CLINIC, September 11, 9:01pm – Subject:  Mentoring
605-772-3200 code 354724#

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