BeGes Newsletter July 2016

A Journey with Many Paths 

Much of what I experience in Toastmasters is like going on a solo journey, with other member as traveling companions. We're not heading to the same destination, yet we help each other get there. We're at different points along the way, yet we provide real-time help at every step.

A Journey With Many Paths - Peterashwoodsmith

 My goal this Toastmaster year is to complete the requirements to be a Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM). It means I need to give about 15 speeches (not all at BeGes) and put on a couple of special workshops. I can't do it without you: your support in leading meetings, sharing roles, providing feedback. 

In turn, I'd like to help you achieve your goals, and work with the club's executive team to do so. Do you have a skill you'd like to build in Toastmasters, such as getting comfortable with impromptu speaking? Are you looking to compete in a speech contest? Would you like to hone your marketing skills? Does leading a meeting terrify you? 

The club's executive team is here to help us achieve our goals, no matter where we are in our journey. Are you ready to take the next step? We'll be in touch to understand what your destination is, and how we can support you at every step. I'm looking forward to it  Mary Morrison, Club President

Treasurers Report  - Upcoming changes with Toastmasters' dues!

Beginning with the October dues, Toastmasters International dues will be increasing $9 for every 6 months period we pay dues and there will no longer be a grace period. If you don't pay your dues on time, Toastmasters International will not recognize you as a member. In order to ensure that all members are in good standing and dues are paid by October 1, the treasurer will collect dues from August 19 - September 16.    Mel West,  Beges Treasurer

The follow is an opinion piece that was recently published in Forbes. The author is a former Navy SEAL who struggled with public speaking after leaving the service. He provides a few good tips on preparing for a speaking opportunity. There are no shocking revelations, but a reminder of the basics presented from another point of view can be a good thing.  Eric Heller Former BeGes VP Education (Interim), Former BeGes Sergeant at Arms

6 Public Speaking Tips From A Navy Seal 

Whether your goal is to improve your leadership communication abilities, develop your thought leadership in a certain area or become a professional public speaker there are always obstacles to overcome before achieving greatness.

Getting up and speaking in front of an audience regardless of its size can be quite daunting. It requires regularity and practice to become totally comfortable. When I left the SEAL Teams and attended graduate school, we often had group projects that required a final presentation. During one of these presentations my heart was pounding and my hands were shaking. I’m a Navy SEAL combat veteran for crying out loud! It doesn’t matter. This was a totally new fear to overcome. Read more

OFFICER ROLES

Ever wonder what goes into making a Toastmasters Club run smoothly? The following are descriptions of the volunteer service opportunities available. 

President "C.E.O." of this club, responsible for fulfilling the club's mission.
VP -Education Second ranking club officer, responsible for planning, organizing and directing a club program meeting members' educational needs.
VP – Membership Official Third ranking club officer, responsible for planning, organizing and directing a program ensuring member retention and growth.
VP – Public Relations Fourth ranking club officer, responsible for developing and directing publicity informing members and the public about Toastmasters International.
Secretary Official Fifth ranking club officer, is responsible for club records and correspondence.
Treasurer Official Officer Sixth ranking club officer, responsible for club financial policies, procedures and controls.
Sergeant at Arms Seventh ranking club officer, responsible for club property management, meeting room preparation and hospitality. The sergeant at arms chairs the social and reception committee.

OFFICER TRAININGS

Toastmasters holds Officer Trainings twice a year for officers, however all TM members may attend. They are fun and informative! Here are the ones near us in July:

When: Wednesday, July 20
Time: 6:00-9:00pm
Where: Northwest Foursquare Church [click for map]
34800 21st Ave SW
Federal Way, WA 98023

When: Saturday, July 30
Time: 8:00am-12:00pm
Where: Poulsbo Fire Station [click for map]
911 NE Liberty Rd
Poulsbo, WA 98370

When: Saturday, July 23
Time: 10:00am-1:00pm
Where: Centralia Timberline Library [click for map]
110 S Silver Street
Centralia, WA 98531

BeGes Newsletter June 2016

"Is It Summer Yet?"

CLUB ELECTIONS

Picture by Steve Garvin

Here are the results of our recent election. Below is the list of the new officers who will take office at the end of June.
President - Mary Morrison
VP Education - Joan Newcomb
VP Membership - Myles Lasco
VP Pub Relations - OPEN - ANYONE INTERESTED? TALK TO MARIO
Secretary - Mario Lorenz
Treasurer - Mel West
Sgt @ Arms - Bonnie Wright
Immediate past Pres - Garrett Leque

Looking Back and Looking Forward
by Mary Morrison (interim President and President-Elect)
It's been nearly a year since I joined BeGes. As I reflect on the year, a few moments stand out that deserve a call out:
1. The opening and closing of the meetings. I was startled the first meeting to hear the 'shave and a haircut, two bits' knock to open and close the meeting. At least those are the words I recall learning. Maybe you have others. It only took one meeting for me to join in, and once I did, I recognized that the call and response from those present adds a sense of belonging that is so important for Toastmasters to work well.
2. Eric and Garrett: kudos for so consistently having the room prepared and the meetings organized. You are the glue that holds the club together, and allow members to have as much fun and grow as we do.
3. Mario's use of the joke of the day and table topics up front. Those meetings, and a few others, kept me thinking about the meetings, how to run them, and what it takes to engage everyone in the meetings. No risk of getting routine and bored in BeGes!
Many other speeches and moments stand out. Too many to recount. Looking forward, I'm confident that the officers for 2016-2017 will do our best to keep the sense of fun, growth, companionship going as we organize special events, membership campaigns, and our weekly meetings. My thanks to those who said yes to serving on the executive team. We'll do our best to uphold the traditions of non-routine, unique actions that makes BeGes...well...BeGes!

MORE ABOUT OUR MEMBERS 

Back in April we published some Members Bios
This time we'd like some different details. Please answer the following questions:

1. Why did you join Toastmasters?

2. What do you hope to achieve by being in Toastmasters?

3. What would you like to experience more of with our Toastmasters' group?

Here are our member's answers, in order of submission!
Raeanne Mitchell
1 As an accountant, my presentation skills to non-accountants were lacking. I needed to train managers and be understood.
2 I hope to continue this leadership journey and share my story.
3 I want everyone in Toastmasters to achieve more than they imagine possible.
(Ed. Note: Raeanne is our District Rep, she is currently recovering from surgery! Best wishes for Speedy Recovery, Raeanne)!

Steve Garvin - current secretary and resident cartoonist
1. To get more comfortable physically speaking in front of groups. I've been speaking in front of large groups (100+) for years, but I've never been comfortable physically with it until much more recently. Greatly facilitated by my time in TM.
2. Good question. Still pondering. Maybe to develop a sense of humor ;-) Seriously, maybe to be more playful in public.
3. Watch and help others develop their speaking ability. Maybe? Spontaneity?

Mel West - Treasurer Elect
1. Why did you join Toastmasters? I joined toastmasters to learn to communicate more effectively. I would like to become a better storyteller and increase my listening skills. My long-term goal is to develop a keynote and to share my message on a larger scale to make a positive impact on business owners lives.
2. What do you hope to achieve by being in Toastmasters? Become a better communicator. I would like to develop my skill to be able to relate and talk to anyone.
3. What would you like to experience more of with our Toastmasters' group? I'm not really sure. I look forward to each Friday. The group is so warm and knowledgeable, I learn from each meeting while having fun.

Sonia Pal
1. Why did you join Toastmasters?
I joined Toastmasters on the encouragement of my father to become confident in business speaking.
2. What do you hope to achieve by being in Toastmasters?
I hope to become more confident in business speaking and being succinct.
3. What would you like to experience more of with our Toastmasters' group?
I would like to get to know everyone better with more social time.

Myles Lasco VP of Membership elect
I joined TM to become a better public speaker in preparation of two upcoming conferences where I have been asked to give talks.
I hope to achieve better confidence when speaking to groups.
I’d like to see more members and as the new VP of Membership, I hope to help out on that front!

David Goodson - current VP of Membership

1. Why did you join Toastmasters?
I have always enjoyed speaking, but realize that without practice I fall into some poor habits. TM makes me aware that every time we speak, we need to strive to have the audience understand.

2. What do you hope to achieve by being in Toastmasters?
Like to advance in the contests to take my speaking ability to a whole new level.

3. What would you like to experience more of with our Toastmasters' group?
I love the group. Like to help people who struggle become proficient speakers

Three Universal Questions
by Mario Lorenz CC, CL , ATM Bronze
Why did I join?
What do I hope to achieve?
What would I like to experience more of?

These questions can and do apply to every organization I have ever considered joining or being a part of.   Although, it is seldom, I take time to think through the real and in depth answers to these most important concepts.
The first reason I joined a club was someone (my wife) suggested that I come for a visit and see for myself. The club I visited was a very active and exciting club filled with a diverse group that all seemed to be very enthusiastic about being at the meeting and improving their lives through speaking presentations, leadership opportunities and speech competitions.   Shortly thereafter I joined that club called the Metropolitan Executive Toastmasters Club in Austin, Texas!   That was back in 1985.  I have been in toastmasters ever since, accept for a short time when I was on the road doing shows.   But even then I would visit clubs around the country when possible.
The reason I joined and the reason I have continued has changed over the years.  At first it was fun, friendly, accommodating, and presented an opportunity for growth.   Then it offered the opportunity to experience leadership.   The most important aspect for me has been the consistent opportunity to stay practiced up and ready for public speaking opportunities whenever  they might arise.   I was given the gift of continuing to develop and grow my confidence, my humor, and develop a serious side to my nature through being a toastmaster.  
Were I to think of what further I might like to accomplish or experience with a toastmasters club it might be finding that perfect speech that would inspire up and coming toastmasters and others to find the center of their being and be able to successfully project it on the wall of life.  

NOT a real photo of baby Leque

Last, but not least:
Garrett Leque President on Parental Leave

Leif was born April 27 at 6:18am at 6 lbs 7 oz. that's all I have to report

UPCOMING EVENT:
Toastmaster Leadership Institute (TLI)
"This is not your Grandfather's Officer Training"
This training is for all Toastmasters, whether brand new or highly experienced. Every club member, not just officers, will find value. Club success is a team effort! Encourage all members to attend. Attendees will also meet their fellow leaders from all over District 32.
Divisions A - D TLI (Washington) | Kyle Hall, Division B Director
When: Saturday, June 11, 2016 | 8:00am-Noon (7:30 registration)
Venue: LCC @ Washington Farm Bureau | 975 Carpenter Rd NE | Lacey, WA 98516 | [click for map]
RSVP: The training is free of charge, but please [RSVP on Eventbright]
BeGes Toastmasters Meetings