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| Tentative Facebook Banner by Secretary Steve - all who think this is awesome say AYE!! |
President Garrett Recommends
Garrett Leque recommends listening to the first 30 seconds of this 3.5 minute TED talk not for the content, but for the following two reasons:· The intro: the speaker starts with “A few years ago…” instead of “Hi,” “Thank you,” etc.
· The pauses and clarity of the speech. No ahs, ums, etc. Good use of simple clear speech.
Membership VP David
The Right Way To End An Email To A Client
David Goodson says: This is one of the most valuable email tips I have ever read - already working for me. The concept applies to speaking as well. I encourage everyone to read it, just makes good sense.
BEFRIEND A GUEST by Mary Morrison
I think a lot about an effective way to work with guests at BeGes and other Toastmasters meetings. At a recent meeting, I sat next to a guest. I could tell she was very nervous. She told me she was very scared of speaking, and one of her new year resolutions was to address that fear. I knew this was her first ever meeting. Even with all that information, and talking her through some steps after the meeting, I wonder if I missed a step with her.
I know the boundaries of what not to do: don't overwhelm guests like a swarm of bugs, and don't ignore them, as though they are invisible. So how do we let guests know that we welcome them, support them, encourage them so they take the next steps? Here are some suggestions:
1. Meet them where they are. If a guest is scared of public speaking, they are likely feeling that at a gut level. Let them know we can help them learn how to breathe through their fears and trembling and sweaty hands. They may not care about how Toastmasters helps with making a sale, they want to know they'll be safe and survive. On the other hand, a guest who is very comfortable speaking, and wants to hone their skills may love the chance to speak during Table Topics.
2. Assign a member to work with the guest during the meeting. They may have questions, not understand what's going, wonder what's coming next. Any member can befriend a guest, and it's one of our activities in the Competent Leader manual, project #8: Motivation.
3. Refer the guest to an officer, particularly the Vice President Membership, to take the next steps. I don't know all the specifics of what it takes to join BeGes: costs, how to get on the mailing list, how to get on the schedule, etc. The club officers will usually know that, and have the application for membership handy. Once that's filled in, they also know about the handoffs so the guest/new member gets oriented to club culture.
I've found that most people who have the courage to walk through the door to attend a meeting have likely done some research about Toastmasters. They are looking to say yes to membership, providing we pay attention to the cues they share about where they are, and what needs they are looking to meet. In reflecting on my recent experience, next time, I'll find a way to let club members know where the guest is: too scared to breath? ready to jump right in? Doing so can make us a more effective team.
Last but not least - another illustration by our illustrious
Secretary Steve Garvin.
Because who doesn't love a round, brown, kitty kat?
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Beges Speech Contest!
March 4th & 11th
I know the boundaries of what not to do: don't overwhelm guests like a swarm of bugs, and don't ignore them, as though they are invisible. So how do we let guests know that we welcome them, support them, encourage them so they take the next steps? Here are some suggestions:
1. Meet them where they are. If a guest is scared of public speaking, they are likely feeling that at a gut level. Let them know we can help them learn how to breathe through their fears and trembling and sweaty hands. They may not care about how Toastmasters helps with making a sale, they want to know they'll be safe and survive. On the other hand, a guest who is very comfortable speaking, and wants to hone their skills may love the chance to speak during Table Topics.
2. Assign a member to work with the guest during the meeting. They may have questions, not understand what's going, wonder what's coming next. Any member can befriend a guest, and it's one of our activities in the Competent Leader manual, project #8: Motivation.
3. Refer the guest to an officer, particularly the Vice President Membership, to take the next steps. I don't know all the specifics of what it takes to join BeGes: costs, how to get on the mailing list, how to get on the schedule, etc. The club officers will usually know that, and have the application for membership handy. Once that's filled in, they also know about the handoffs so the guest/new member gets oriented to club culture.
I've found that most people who have the courage to walk through the door to attend a meeting have likely done some research about Toastmasters. They are looking to say yes to membership, providing we pay attention to the cues they share about where they are, and what needs they are looking to meet. In reflecting on my recent experience, next time, I'll find a way to let club members know where the guest is: too scared to breath? ready to jump right in? Doing so can make us a more effective team.
Last but not least - another illustration by our illustrious
Secretary Steve Garvin.
Because who doesn't love a round, brown, kitty kat?
Beges Speech Contest!
March 4th & 11th
March 16 - 26, 2016
Division contests
Division contests
April 1 - 9, 2016.
2016 Spring Conference
April 29, 30, and May 1, 2016
LaQuinta Inn in Tacoma, WA.
Fun, exciting, and educational!
Our keynote speakers will be:
Region 1's TM Int.'l Director, Margaret Page
District 2's Omar Rivas!
2016 Spring Conference
April 29, 30, and May 1, 2016
LaQuinta Inn in Tacoma, WA.
Fun, exciting, and educational!
Our keynote speakers will be:
Region 1's TM Int.'l Director, Margaret Page
District 2's Omar Rivas!
Fridays, 12-1pm
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