CHRIS' CORNER

Volume 2, Issue 6

January 2, 2007

Fellow Toastmasters,

Here is the 6th issue of Volume 2 of Chris’ Corner, covering the activities of December 06 – a busy month.  Ronni, Stephen and I went to Regional Training, we held our District Sponsored Officers’ Training, Ronni chartered the Graham Company Club, and we had 9 educational awards (5 of them were NOT mine – 4 were). 

Looking ahead – Many Divisions have already scheduled training and contests.  Training is open to all.  It is a good chance to meet people and learn.  The Evaluation Contest is open to any Toastmaster, and International Speech to anyone who has given 5 speeches.  Please take advantage of these opportunities.

• Chris’ Clinic Update:  The last call was on SUNDAY December 10th at 8:01 pm.  It would have been about various reports, and how to use them in helping clubs/members achieve their goals.  However, 0 people (no one) called in – well except me.  Next call will be on January 7 at 8:01 pm.  The subjects will include:  The HPLP (what’s that), educational goals progress, what you can do to help, and answers to your questions – not just by me, but by other much smarter callers.  Please remember that these are your calls – use them.

• 2006 Winter Officer Training was held at PECO in Philadelphia. Many thanks to:

Host Club:  Positively Charged, Debbie Brennan et al
Presentors:  Ronni Laino, Bill Zdankiewicz, Bill Krouse, me
Session Leaders:  Steve Fingerman, Janice Coleman, Ronni Laino, Evelyn Eastman, me
PDGs:  Janice Coleman, Evelyn Eastman, Robert Cranston, Nancy Holder, Jim Samuel
 (For their pearls of wisdom)
Check the District Calendar to find out where/when additional training will be held.
(http://www.tmdistrict38.org/calendar.html)

• Spring Contests (For the 3rd Time!!!):  The spring cycle of contests is for Speech Evaluation and the International Speech.  Clubs need to get their contest done by February 28th.  Well not really, just before your Area contest – so find out when it is.  Areas need to be done by March 24th. Well not really, just before your Division Contest – so find out when it is.  Division Contests need to be done by April 30 - according to our calendar.  Definitely not really as the District Contest will be on April 28.  SO PLEASE GOVERNORS AND OFFICERS PICK & PUBLISH YOUR DATES SOON.  Contestants – start working on speeches now, and think of entering more than one club contests.

Participating in contests, whether as a contestant, judge, model speaker, contest chair, toastmaster of the day, Interviewer or even spectator is a great learning experience.  Please support your club, area, division by attending and participating.  You will also have a good time.

What Happened Recently (All ready covered that)
What I would like to see happen

• Sunday Night Toastmasters, Chris’ Clinic, You Make the Call:  My vision – at least one person phones in (I’ll start small)
• Educational Awards:  My vision – people will get their books signed and turn in their awards.  Maybe even use the CL book too.
• Area Governor Visits:  My vision – Area Governors will visit each club, give a manual speech, and complete one assignment in the new CL book at each visit.
• Training: My vision – every club will make an effort to get their officers trained and the Area and Division Governors will call each club and encourage them
• Contests:  My vision – Each club and area will have a contest and there will be at least 4 contestants in each.  Also, the contests will be well attended and run properly.
• District Executive Committee Meeting:  My vision – All Division Teams will show up and map out their strategy for the last half of the year.
• Spring Conference:  My vision – Over 200 will attend and we will leave with on the way to be the next International Champion and a fully staffed team for the 2007/2008 TM Year.

As you can see, I have a lot of vision.  Only you can make these visions a reality.  You have paid for your membership (if not please do so), so take advantage of it.  Work the Toastmasters Communication and Leadership programs to their fullest – you will benefit from it.

Customary Parting Gems:

• Websites, www.toastmasters.org (check your information) & www.tmdistrict38.org
  Post your events on the district calendar by clicking on the link below Jim Marshalls picture and letting him in on it.
• Use you new CL book – or get one if you do not have one. 
• Submit your educational awards to TI.  The program only works if you use it.
• Attend Officer Training
• Participate in your contests
• Sign up for the spring conference (more information to come) .

So long ‘til next time, Chris

NEXT CHRIS’ CLINIC, January 07, 8:01pm
Subjects:  HPLP, educational goals progress,
what you can do to help, Q&A
http://www.toastmasters.org/dpr/dcpselect.asp
http://www.toastmasters.org/dpr/reports.asp?d=38

605-772-3200 code 354724#

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