Don’t forget to register for the Fall Conference
Why should I attend the Fall Conference? Kelly Sargeant – Second Place World Champion and Motivational Speaker will speak on how to improve your speaking skills and club leadership. Meet our District 39 Trio. Share your challenges, concern and successes with them. Club Growth Director Wes Johnson DTM, Program Quality Director Jane Taff DTM, District Director Zack Souza DTM. Noralee Cole DTM will present 23 DTM medals to 23 District 39 recipients that worked hard to attain the title “Distinguished Toastmasters”. Cheer your fellow Toastmasters! Friday Fun Night promises to be a Rockin good time. Meet and chat with members from other clubs. DJ Music and Dancing. Costume Contest. This is the last District 39 Fall Conference and this is the last Humorous Contest. Attend, root for your club members competing. Sign up now, it’s not to late. Click here to register On-Line or mail in Registration Form!
Meet Your Fall Conference Keynote Speaker Kelly Sargeant
Kelly Sargeant was named 2nd Runner-Up World Champion of Public Speaking in 2014 after surpassing over 32,000 participants worldwide. Kelly was the only female finalist in the 2014 competition and the only American, (female or male) to place in the coveted top three. Kelly was also dubbed as the “Best Female Public Speaker in the World” 2014 through 2015. Find out more about this dynamic speaker your District 39 Fall Conference keynote speaker in this video and in this interview. D39: How long were you a Toastmaster before competing in Malaysia in August 2014? Kelly Sargeant (KS): Four years. D39: Prior to Toastmasters- what was your experience with public speaking? KS: I did not have any experience with public speaking. Although I have always had a very outgoing personality, I was terrified to speak in front of a crowd. And to me, a crowd was three people! I joined Toastmasters to overcome my fear and it worked. D39: Are you still competing for the World Championship of Public Speaking? KS: No. I am now using my skills to coach contestants with the goal of coaching a champion. D39: Where are some of the more interesting places you have travelled as a Public Speaker? KS: I’ve spoken in Paris, France! The most interesting places were at the Pentagon and the Library of Congress! Just to be able to say that I’ve done so is an amazing sense of accomplishment. D39: What are some of the less glamorous aspects of being a professional speaker? KS: I honestly cannot think of anything that isn’t glamorous about what I love to do, other than having to speak early in the morning! I am not a morning person so the thought of a morning speech is just dreadful. D39: How can we motivate ourselves and others to take leadership positions within and outside of Toastmasters? KS: By changing your perspective. The thought of taking on leadership typically conveys taking on more responsibility. I have found that taking on leadership opportunities is actually taking control of your life! A leadership role allows you to gain the skills and the confidence to take the lead in other areas of your life. So instead of thinking of leadership as more work; think of it as taking your life by the horns and having the power to steer your life in the direction that you want! D39: Can you talk about your mentors who helped you with your journey to the World Championship Stage? KS: There were two women who were constant supporters, Jan Poscovsky and Linda Migura. They saw something in me. I had only been in Toastmasters for a few months when they suggested that I compete. They read my speeches and provided me with honest feedback after watching me deliver each speech. I cannot imagine where I would be without their guidance and belief in me. D39: How did your journey to the World Championship of Public Speaking impact your leadership opportunities in your career? KS: During my journey to the WCPS, I held numerous officer roles for my club. The skills and experience gained by taking on those roles prepared me for leadership opportunities in my career. Placing 2nd Runner-up World Champion provides me with the credibility that I need to become a professional speaker and professional coach. D39: Can you talk about the qualities of your mentors who have helped you take other leadership positions? KS: My most recent mentor at work always gave me challenging assignments to see if I could deliver a good work product with little or no guidance and supervision. Once he realized I could excel at these asks with little guidance, he started to give me leadership roles with more responsibility every time I excelled. I love that he gave me opportunities to prove myself. I also appreciate his acknowledgement of my success by rewarding me with a promotion. D39: How did your service in the army help prepare you for your career in corporate administration? KS: It helped a lot, although I did not realize it at the time. In hindsight, my military experience has helped me excel in life. My military job title was “Administrative Specialist.” I learned how to type more than 100 words a minute in the military. I also learned all aspects of being an administrative assistant; from how to answer a telephone, write a letter, filing, etc. My first corporate job was as a receptionist and I worked my way up quickly thanks to my training and experience in the military. Overall, I believe the military has helped me become disciplined and organized. D39: How has your service as a mother of two helped prepare you for your current career? KS: Being a mother of two young girls helps me relate to my coaching clients. I have learned how to teach in a way that people can understand and relate to younger people. D39: Anything else you would like to add? KS: I am so excited to share with everyone all that I’ve learned, how far I have come and what I have accomplished since changing my perspective on leadership. I am also thrilled to show everyone a strategy that I used to overcome my fears and become successful! Kelly will be providing her keynote “The Transformational Power of Taking the Lead” and her workshop, “The Journey to the World Championship Stage” Saturday, November 11, at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. For more information about Kelly Sargeant, check out her website: www.kellysargeant.com.
Meet Your Rockin Fall Conference Co-chairs
By Kristi Beres Carmela Porcella and Bill Inman met in 2004 when they both were selling Avon products for Bill’s sister. This dynamic duo married in May 2016. Find out more about these adventurous rock-stars from Carson City, Nevada who are your District 39 Fall Conference Co-chairs. D39: When did you join Toastmasters and what clubs do you belong to? Bill Inman (BI): I joined Toastmasters in April 2009 Capital Nevada, We the People, Carson Valley. Carmela Porcella (CP): April 2009. Capital Nevada, We the People. D39: What attributes do you have that made you decide to be conference chairs? CP: Volunteering and realizing that things will go wrong and not to worry about it. To paraphrase Tim Gard, “We’re going have fun and no one is going to stop us.” BI: A good appetite and naive enough to volunteer. D39: What projects and activities do you two do as a couple outside of Toastmasters? BI: We have taken some grand adventures- we hiked and ate at Furnace Creek, Death Valley, at 200 feet below sea level and also to the “Eleven 53 Cafe” on top of Mammoth Mountain – at 11,053 feet ABOVE sea level. CP: As a true New Yorker, I had never been to the top of the Empire State Building until I went with Bill in August 2017! We love cruises, hiking, and the numerous road trips to Sacramento when we write our now famous songs! D39: What experiences in Toastmasters have helped you with conference planning? BI: I know from experience that any new Toastmasters role is a learning opportunity, and being a conference (co)chair is a new role. CP: When Noralee Cole was our Division Governor and we were new Area Governors, she told us we knew what we were doing. She’s a great mentor, and she taught me to trust my instincts and let other people do their jobs. Thank you Noralee! D39: How did you pick the Rock and Roll theme? BI: When we found out it was at it was going to be at the Hard Rock Hotel/Casino- it was obvious what our theme would be. CP: I love the Beatles! Fall Conference- yeah, yeah, yeah! D39: What will be the vibe of Friday Night Fun Night? CP: Dress like a Rock Star! Sing! Dance! Try and ditch the paparazzi! BI: There will also be the DTM ceremony and a bunch of other awards. D39: What new things are you trying for the District 39’s last Fall Conference? BI: Other really ROCKIN’ it near Lake Tahoe? Leave your banners at home because we will have a digital banner parade. CP: Origami Flowers and singing live on stage as the D39’s. D39: How can folks volunteer for the conference? BI and CP: Contact Volunteer Chair Division B Director John Velasco johnrand.v.316@gmail.com to volunteer. D39: What is the best part of attending conferences? BI: The food. Grrr! CP: Seeing TM friends, meeting new Toastmasters, keynotes, contests, and shopping for new clothes. D39: Saturday is the District Evaluation Contest. What one tip do you have for an awesome evaluation? BI: Listen carefully to the speech and come up with something that will help the speaker. CP: There is no wrong evaluation since it is your opinion. Just remember to offer suggestions for improvement and summarize your evaluation at the end. Also have fun! D39: Saturday night will be the District’s Humorous Speech Contest. Who outside the District makes you laugh? CP: Tim Gard and Kate McKinnon’s parodies of Clinton and Conway on Saturday Night Live. BI: I agree- Tim Gard. That guy is funny! Like Carmela said earlier- we’re adopting his motto: “We’re going to have fun and no one is going to stop us.” D39: Why are you hyped about this conference? BI: Because it’s gonna ROCK!!! CP: I’m gonna dress like a Rock Star, and I love Rock ‘n Roll and Toastmasters! D39: Why should D39 members sign up today for the full conference? BI: It’s an excuse to come to Tahoe for the weekend. Also, the humorous speeches, and this will probably be the last chance to see a District Humorous Speech Contest in a conference format. CP: Lake Tahoe is so beautiful. What would be more fun than to spend the weekend with your Toastmasters friends enjoying the conference and contests? Then spend Sunday exploring the lake, ride the gondola to the Heavenly Ski Resort, have dinner on the MS Dixie night cruise. D39: For more information about the Fall Conference visit District 39 Fall Conference Website: https://www.district39.org/2017-fall-conference/ We will see you November 10 and 11 in South Lake Tahoe.
2017 Fall Conference – Calling for Presenters
Call for Education Session Presenters 2017 Fall Conference Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Lake Tahoe November 10/11, 2017 At our District Conferences, the goal is to offer members education sessions that inform, entertain and broaden their Toastmasters’ experiences. Education sessions are a primary reason for conducting conferences, typically offering from 3 to 9 or more sessions. You are invited to apply to be a presenter of a 55-minute education session at the upcoming Conference. Please review the criteria below and submit an application if interested. We appreciate your willingness to share your knowledge and skills with your fellow Toastmasters! Some Suggested Topics: Leadership – How to be an effective leader, developing teams, leadership principles Effective Evaluations – Organizing your thoughts, delivering observations effectively Effective Meetings – Preparing an agenda, Robert’s Rules of Order, coordination Power Point or Prezi Presentations – How to and how not to use these applications Goal Setting and Planning – Techniques, getting buy-in, adjusting plans Effective Speaking − Types of speeches, words and phrases to avoid, appropriate language Storytelling – What makes a great story, types of stories, why and how to use them Delivery Techniques – Add pizzazz with voice, appearance, gestures, stage presence How to Sell Yourself – Using Table Topics in the job interview process, networking benefits Leadership – Being the boss you always wanted, getting others to follow with minimal effort The Professional Toastmaster – Emcee at company parties, family reunions, community benefits, wedding receptions Typical candidates for whom we are looking: Toastmaster members in good standing who have completed Competent Communicator or Competent Toastmaster award. Members who have previously presented at the District level, have equivalent professional experience, or have coordinated and conducted registered Success/Leadership, Success/Communication, or Youth Leadership programs. If you do not meet these requirements, you may request an appointment to audition your program for the District 39 Fall Conference Education Committee. Persons not eligible to present: Members competing in Area, Division or District Fall speech or evaluation contests Declared candidates for District Office Expectations and Information: Presentation should be appropriate for a large audience (50 members) and relevant to new and experienced Toastmasters Team or panel presentations will be considered First preference will be given to those presentations that have an interactive element and encourage audience participation, not solely lecture style Sessions are usually 55 minutes in length, including 10 minutes of Q & A Presenters at the conferences will present at their own expense. There is no reimbursement for conference registration, meals, travel expenses or printing of handouts. Indicate any requirements for electronic support equipment in the course description Call for Presenters Application – Click Here
Who is Lark Doley, DTM?
First Vice President Lark Doley, DTM , of Jonestown, Texas, is a senior training coordinator for MAXIMUS, where she has worked since 2007. She manages the professional development strategy for the MAXIMUS Texas Project, which includes webinars, computer-based training and instructor-led workshops. As chief executive of Second Wave, Inc., a company she founded in 1987, Doley led a team that manufactured hardware peripheral devices for Apple Macintosh products. A lighthouse homeowner, Doley served as secretary of the Lighthouse Estates Homeowners Association. She also served as president of the Metropolitan Breakfast Club, an Austin business group that meets weekly and features business and government speakers presenting topical issues of importance to the city and state. A Toastmaster for 25 years, Doley is a member of two clubs, including her home club in Pflugerville, Texas, the Arthur Storer club that was chartered in honor of her father-in-law after his death in 1997. Doley has held a number of high-profile leadership positions within Toastmasters and has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation—the highest level of achievement in the organization. Doley says, “I have used my improved communication and leadership skills to found and lead a successful company. I now have the privilege to work for a company where I use my skills daily to teach others.” As a member of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Doley is a “working ambassador” for the organization. She works with the Board to develop, support and modify the policies and procedures that guide Toastmasters International in fulfilling its mission. District 39 has the honor to have Lark Doley DTM as our Spring Conference Keynote Speaker. You need to hear what she has to say – register now. Limited seating. Click Here To Register
2017 Spring Conference
Speak like a 5 Course Meal!
D39 Toastmaster Spotlight: Donny Crandell
In this interview, we learn insights from Donny Crandell after his experience at the 2016 Toastmasters International Conference in Washington DC. He won first place in his semifinal speech contest and then competed in the final 10 in the World Championship! Can you recommend an extraordinary Toastmaster for our next spotlight? Email the roving reporter at davidgoadspeaks@gmail.com Q: Donny, which club do you belong to and how long have you been in Toastmasters? A: I’m the current President of Washoe Express in Reno, NV. I’ve been a member of Toastmasters for 5 years. Q: Let’s start with the most important question, how is the new baby? A: I love having a baby! He’s already learned an incredible talent: before I can even get a new diaper buttoned up on him he poops again, making me hurry to put a second diaper on. Then, he grins and gives me a little laugh. Q: Congratulations on winning the semifinal. That’s an achievement that very few speakers accomplish. What did you do differently this year that helped propel you to the win? A: This year’s contest was a little different than last year. This year I used two call-backs from contestants who spoke before me. I also knew what to expect from being on the semifinal stage and about how many people would be in the audience. It helped to have a year of experience. I appealed to the international audience by talking about different geographical areas in my speech. But the main difference was that I was more comfortable with myself and the contest this year. Q: What did you share in your contestant interviews on stage? A: In my first interview, I gave a shout out to District 39 and thanked the Toastmasters who gathered at UNR at 5:00 A.M. to eat donuts and watch me speak. But, my best line was sharing how “I joined Toastmasters to learn how to preach shorter sermons”. Everyone clapped! In my second interview, I shared how one of my rituals before giving a speech is taking a minute to pray. I gave a list of four things I pray about, but the last one got the biggest laugh: “I pray that God helps me not go over time. Sometimes He answers my prayer and sometimes He leaves me to my own devices.” Of course, I already knew that I disqualified myself by going over time to 7:34. I also cut it close in the semifinals at 7:28! Q: What are some of the comments you received from audience members after your speech that really stuck with you? A: After winning the semi’s, I felt like a celebrity as I walked through the Marriot Marquis lobby. For a day, I thought I was Donald Trump instead of Donald Crandell. I was stopped by dozens of people who congratulated me and wanted to take selfies. After the championship, I had to remind those who stopped me that I didn’t win or even place and their response was….” that doesn’t matter, YOU WON! You made it to the World Championship.” Very few people had a critique, maybe because they knew I disqualified myself. Overall they liked both my speeches and they made them feel good and inspired. There were a couple folks who asked permission to give constructive criticism and they shared valuable insights with me about being more conversational and not pacing as much. Q: Which of the other finalists were you most impressed with and why? A: There were 5 men and 5 women, which I think had never happened before on the championship stage. It also seemed there was a divide between older folks (like me) and millennials. The last contestant, Katina was very nice and we whispered our evaluations to each other after every speech. I was number 9 speaker and she was number 10. I would say the final 10 were a pleasant, diverse, international group of contestants. But, like the Olympics, we had more from the United States than any other country. As far as my favorite speech, I liked Aaron’s message, “You can say a lot without saying a lot of words.” Darren’s championship speech about “bullying” was well-done, but in my opinion not as original as the first one I mentioned. Okay, the underwear was original! Q: What did you learn from the experience competing at this level that you most want to share with your fellow District 39 Toastmasters? A: My take-aways? If I ever make the championship stage again, I will use a winning speech I’ve already done, instead of writing a new one. I challenged myself this year to write a new semi and championship speech. I had only given my championship 1 time before giving it on the championship stage. If I had used my semifinal speech from last year, I’m convinced I would have at least placed. Secondly, make sure you get some sleep the night before the contest. My wife couldn’t go (because of our pooping baby), so I had a buddy join me for the conference. He snored so loud, I didn’t sleep 10 minutes the night before the championship contest. And finally, pray harder about God helping you not go over time, and help God answer your prayer by shutting up sooner. Q: Anything else you want to add that I did not ask you about? A: It was awesome to have our district members support me. They sat together, cheered together and made me feel like a winner. I was especially impressed with those who got up at 5:00 A.M. to watch the contest live stream. I wish every competitive Toastmaster could experience the Big Stage. It’s a natural-high like no other. Now that I know what to expect, I leave you with the words of Arnold Swartznegger, “I’ll be Back.” I also want to thank the clubs who offered and allowed me to practice with them. District 39, I tried my best to get us on the map again and make you
2016 Fall Conference – Register Now
2016 Fall Conference Registration 2016 Fall Conference Keynote Speaker: About Lance Miller, DTM Lance Miller is an award-winning public speaker and trainer. When he is on stage or behind a podium, he brings his distinctive talent and views on life that has shaped his philosophy and understanding of the world. Lance graduated from Michigan State University with a Degree in Food Systems, Economics and Management. He began working as a teenager in his family’s milk and ice cream company, where he learned real life lessons. Working in the processing plant, running delivery routes, and managing retail stores instilled in him the values of hard work and importance of interpersonal communication when handling employees and customers. His unique perspective is that of someone who has lived life. He has an extensive background in business. He has sat atop 14,000 ft. peaks. He has rafted some of the roughest whitewater in the U.S, sailed across the Atlantic from the Virgin Islands to Norway, and piloted his own aircraft for hundreds of hours. Lance has scuba dived under frozen lakes in the middle of winter and hitchhiked through Europe. He is a philanthropist who has worked in numerous humanitarian causes around the world.
The Road to Distinguished Toastmasters
Honorable, Eminent, Notable—These are some ways that organizations describe those members who have reached the pinnacle of success. In Toastmasters, we call those people Distinguished Toastmasters (DTMs)—the highest award a Toastmaster can achieve. Webster’s dictionary defines distinguished as: successful, authoritative, and commanding great respect. Distinguished Toastmasters are a rare breed. Less than one percent of all Toastmasters ever achieve that designation. In District 39 we have about 140 DTMs currently. These members have persisted in achieving all of their educational awards, every leadership goal, and have served the clubs and district by being officers, conducting speech crafts, and starting or helping to start new clubs. Why become a Distinguished Toastmaster? What makes these people strive for that mountain of achievement? There may be as many reasons as there are Distinguished Toastmasters. Some are life-long learners and want to continue learning. Others are focused on job promotions. Many continue to achieve goals to help their clubs to success. Still others want to have the prestige of the initials, DTM, behind their names. Whatever the reason, achieving a DTM award is not the end of a Toastmaster’s career but the beginning of an advanced opportunity to apply what they have learned to attain even higher levels of leadership and communication competency. A graduate degree, so to speak. Are you ready to be a Distinguished Toastmaster? Check out the requirements below. You may already be closer than you think. Need help? Contact your District leaders and/or look for special training at the Toastmasters Leadership Institutes in June, July, August, December, January and February. For more information contact: Noralee Cole, DTM – DTM Encourager Phone: 916-524-5895