Leadership Quote for Public Speaking Northwest:

"Leaders aren't born, they are made. And they are made just like anything else, through hard work. And that's the price we'll have to pay to achieve that goal, or any goal." - Vince Lombardi

The members of our club are not born leaders, they are made with the help of each other and our Toastmaster program. 

Barb, Ken, Prema, Jan, Emery, Yanhong, Pierce, Cary, Lynne, Jean, and guest, Kim, were ready to start the meeting.

Prema, our toastmaster of the meeting, came prepared with an agenda set   at each member's place. With a glance each member checked the agenda and confirmed their role. Prema's theme was "Green." Throughout the meeting she gave wonderful suggestions for recycling.

Our grammarian, Pierce, offered "Abhorrent" as the word of the day. When anyone had a chance to talk they needed to use the word or be fined. This helps build our vocabulary and our treasury. Pierce defined it, used it in a sentence, and posted it for all to see.

Emery, our first speaker, presented, "Evaluate to Motivate." With a power point presentation he educated us on how to make positive evaluations that motivate our speakers. He made the following points:

1. Talk to the presenter beforehand to find out the speech objectives.

2. Personalize comments with phrases like, "I suggest." and  "In my opinion."

3. Be positive.

4. Build the speaker's self-esteem by noting the good parts of his talk.

5. Evaluate the presentation truthfully and kindly so the speaker will say to himself, "That was fun. I want to speak again."

Like the pro that he is, when there was difficulty with the equipment, Emery calmly continued without it. 

Ken, as Emery's evaluator, gave at least 7 compliments. He praised Emery's style and his use of power point. Ken felt that Emery was quite successful in pointing out the importance of building the speaker's self-esteem.

Lynne gave her second speech entitled, "Fog, Fish Nets and Grace."  Lynne told us about her boating adventure from Friday Harbor to La Conner. She showed us the route with a large framed map. 

Lynne's gestures matched her words as she told us her story about fog and fish nets. As she and her husband Don were traveling through heavy fog and were anxiously avoiding other boats, Lynne called out, "Net!" The boat was caught up in a fishing net and, after much effort, they finally needed to cut the net. In the process Don cut his hand deeply. The open gash needed stitches. 

The rest of the journey was spent looking for a doctor. When they found one after walking for miles and waiting a long time, the Doctor said he couldn't help because of liability. On the way back to their boat, Don stopped to help a fellow having trouble with his truck. Lynne's only concern was for Don's hand. But Don went out of his way to help the stranger anyway. 

Lynne told the man's wife about Don's wound. As Grace would have it, the woman was an emergency room nurse. She sewed it together beautifully. To this day Don's scar is hard to see. In the end, Grace prevailed over fog, fish nets, and deep cuts. Lynne believes it's because Don turned outward in his moment of need to help others.

Yanhong gave her first evaluation ever and did a fine job. She showed how well she listened to Lynne's story by pointing out the many parts she enjoyed. Yanhong told Lynne that she  listened with anticipation throughout the adventure.

Jean, as table topics master, tricked Pierce. Since "abhorrent" was Pierce's word for the day, she asked, "If you won the lottery, what's the first abhorrent thing you would buy. Pierce didn't miss a beat. He picked up his Starbucks coffee cup and said he buy a franchise and drink coffee all day. 

By the end of the meeting, it was easy to see that Vince Lombardi was right. Our leaders did work hard to make our time together educational, fun, and rewarding. We supported each other and used our Toastmaster program successfully.

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If you'd like to join us for polishing your presentations, developing leadership skills, and making friends, we welcome you. 

We meet every Tuesday from noon to 1:00 PM. You'll find us at the Seattle Times Building in Bothell ~ 19200 120th Avenue NE. Feel free to bring your lunch.

To find out more contact: Emery Jordan at: gejordan9@comcast.net  (206) 235-1356

Respectfully submitted,

Jean Tracy, DTM

Secretary

Public Speaking Northwest Helps Speakers Succeed!

Leadership Quote: “A good orator is pointed and impassioned.” ~ Marcus Tullius Cicero

President Barb turned the meeting over to our pointed and impassioned toastmaster, Pierce. His theme was PEACE. Pierce’s cast of characters included, Cary, Prema, Emery, Jan, Lynne, Barbara, Ken, and Jean.

With Pierce as head toastmaster, we knew he would promote kindness, peace, and generosity through his theme, stories, and quotes. He ran a focused meeting with attention to members, time, and detail.

Our first speaker, Ken, gave a dynamic presentation from the Successful Club Series ~ Finding New Members. His title “But…I Am Not a Salesperson,” exemplified enthusiasm, humor, and getting the audience involved with questions to answer. One question was, “Did you come here with a dream.” We all answered, “Yes!” Many wanted to become better speakers. Several wanted to get over the jitters and feel confident. Still others wanted the practice and support they needed to share their message.

Ken quoted the founder of Toastmasters, Ralph Smedley, who began developing our program in the basement of a YMCA during the 1920’s: “Let us share the benefits we have gained for ourselves with others.”

Ken encouraged us to share our benefits with potential members from our family, friends, and neighbors. Then we brainstormed even more ways to share our toastmaster benefits.

Emery evaluated Ken’s fine speech with high praise for Ken’s ability to “Sell.”

Our second speaker, Barb, gave an impressive speech starting from the present, going back in history to 1215, and coming back to the present. Her title ~ “Magna Carta” began with the question, “Do you remember how you felt after 9-11?” Then she made reference to historic dates like the first man standing on the moon, the first African American President, and the Emancipation Proclamation.

Barb took us in her Time Machine back to the time of Robin Hood and King James. Everyone hated his taxes which paid for his lavish lifestyle and "stupid" wars. Barb took us into the mindset of the serfs. Everyone was overtaxed and finally the Barons challenged the King. They took away his divine rights and had him sign a peace treaty, the Magna Carta. It became the first bill of rights. Government was to serve the people not the other way around.

Barb brought us forward 500+ years to our own Declaration of Independence which requires the consent of the governed.

Barb gave this amazing presentation in 9 minutes. She is an inspiring toastmaster and gifted speaker.

Jean evaluated Barb’s grand speech with praise and awe.

Jan our Table Topics Master ask Cary and Emery to talk off the cuff about our new toll bridge, and our sleeping giant, Totem Lake.

Prema, our General Evaluator, encouraged us with her creative evaluation of the meeting from top to bottom.

The Blue Ribbons and Trophies Went To:

Best Speaker ~ Barb

Best Evaluator ~ Jean

Best Table Topics ~ Tie between Cary and Emery.

We ended the meeting with several humorous puns from Lynne. For example, ‘What does BERNADETTE mean? Answer ~ the act of torching a mortgage. You should have been there to hear the rest.

We hope to see you next Tuesday!

Visitors are welcome. Bring your lunch!

Where: The Seattle Times Building

19200 120th Avenue NW

Bothell, WA 98011

When: Every Tuesday from Noon to 1 PM

Contact: Emery Jordan 206-235-1356 or gejordan9@comcast.net  

Respectfully submitted,

Jean Tracy, DTM

Public Speaking Northwest Leaders Meet ~ April 3, 2012

Leadership Quote: “Managers help people see themselves as they are; Leaders help people to see themselves better than they are.” — Jim Rohn

President Barbara Katz led the meeting with Ken, Emery, Jan, Prema, Pierce, and Jean in attendance.

Our treasurer, Jan, gave her report. She is currently taking inventory and will be presenting us with a budget.

Emery will be meeting with 4 HR directors as our Vice-President of Publicity.

Barb will be discussing membership with our Area Governor, Lesley Hobbs.

Both Ken and Barb are close to achieving more points toward our Distinguished Club Program (DCP). Emery’s striving to win the Triple Crown for giving 30 speeches this year.

So far we have achieved Select Distinguished toward our DCP. With Barb, Ken, and Emery’s achievements we could become President’s Distinguished by June 30th. The one thing we’re striving for is an increase in membership. Several ideas are on the table. One from Pierce is offering a scholarship fund.

As Jim Rohn said, “Leaders help people to see themselves better than they are.”  Our leaders are proving Jim Rohn right.

Respectfully submitted,

Jean Tracy, DTM

Secretary

Public Speaking Northwest

Leadership Quote for Toastmasters:

"When an effective leader is finished with his work, the people say it happened naturally." - Lao Tzu









Toastmaster, Jan, made our backwards meeting fun and natural. Along with Barb, Ken, Emery, Pierce, Prema, Cary, Lynne, Ana, and Jean, Jan ran the meeting  celebrating April Fools Day.
 



 

Jan included the background for April Fools Day then opened the meeting with President Barb adjourning the meeting and presenting the awards. Yes, it was truly backwards.

Lynne won best speaker before she even spoke.

Lynne's title: Saddle Up

Lynne shared her Ice Breaker (First Speech) about para-sailing in Cozumel. She opened with a quote from John Wayne, "Courage is being scared to death...and saddling up anyway." 

Lynne found herself  saying, "I'll go with you," to a friend who couldn't para-sail with her husband due to a weight limit. Lynne chose to take this opportunity (risk) even though she was scared to death. The amazing photos of her experience brought her bravery to life. 

We laughed at Lynne's natural humor and applauded her as she compared her fear of para-sailing to public speaking and  joining toastmasters. She received rave reviews for overcoming her fear and presenting her award winning speech. Way to saddle up, Lynne!

Pierce evaluated Lynne's speech without hearing it first. This was a backwards evaluation to be sure. Pierce carried it off with gusto! We were awed by his dramatic gestures and how well they fit Lynne's actual speech. He told Lynne how inspired he felt by her presentation. 

Little did Pierce know how "right on" he was. Great job, Pierce!

Ken's title: The Touching Story "Lost" Part 2

Ken spoke from the Advanced Communications Series and showed his skills by arousing emotion while telling his true story.

Ken, badly dehydrated, while mountain climbing with his daughter and friends, knelt to pray and couldn't get up. He used his bright red kerchief to wipe his sweat while explaining to us that his group was completely lost. 

His prayers were answered when he remembered he had flour tortillas, peanut butter, and honey in his backpack. That little bit of food gave Ken and the group the energy they needed to find the path. 

This experience increased the bond he already had with his daughter. 

Thanks for sharing this inspiring story Ken. You are a master storyteller.

Prema evaluated Ken's presentation without hearing it. Like Pierce she did a masterful job in relating his excellent skills. It was as if she'd heard it before and knew what to say.

Prema won best evaluator with her special talent for finding the good in Ken's talk without even hearing it. We all wondered about her psychic abilities.

Super evaluation, Prema!

Ana, our Table Topic Master for the day, came up with fun questions to ask us.

We each received a slip of paper from Ana asking:

Have you ever been tricked on April Fools Day?

If yes, then share with us your most unforgettable experience.

If no, then tell us how you would like to play a prank on your friends or loved ones.

The room filled with laughter as we answered her question. 

Everyone loves table topics.

Thanks Ana. You're a super Table Topics Master!

A special thanks to Jan for creating and toast-mastering this fun meeting. Thanks for the corny and nutty snacks too.

See you all next Tuesday!

Visitors are welcome. Bring your lunch!

Where: The Seattle Times Building

19200 120th Avenue NW

Bothell, WA 98011 

When: Every Tuesday from Noon to 1 PM

Contact: Emery Jordan 206-235-1356 or gejordan9@comcast.net 

Respectfully submitted,

Jean Tracy, DTM

Area 54, International Speech & Evaluation Contest Results

On the evening of Wednesday March 21, 2012, Barb Katz and Ken Knucky performed in the Inspirational and Evaluation contest for District 2, Area 54. The event was held at the Redmond library. Barb performed her wonderfully honed speech of', " A Bad Time" or was it "Spilled Milk", which was successful in winning first place and advancement to the District level competition.

"Winner"

Barb's cheering family with Ken

Ken

                          Ken presented a masterful evaluation of the target speech, however, was disqualified for exceeding the time limit. We thank both of our champions for the time and energy spent reaching this competition.

Barb and Ken's speeches were cheered on by some of there fellow Toastmasters from Public Speaking Northwest- Club #9406 and the family of Barb Katz.

Submitted by Emery Jordan, VP of Public Relations.

 

Public Speaking Northwest Wows Its Members with 2 Great Speeches

Public Speaking Quote: “The right word may be effective, but no word was ever as effective as a rightly timed pause. ~ Mark Twain.

Barb, Ken, Jan, Emery, Prema, Cary, Jean, and honored guest, Lynne, cheered our 2 speakers today.

President Barb began the meeting and Emery, as the toastmaster of the day, prepared the agenda and ran the meeting with ease and confidence. Emery provided us with facts about, his theme, “The Ides of March.”

Public Speaking Northwest Encourages You As You Practice Your Presentations!

Ken’s Presentation:

Ken entitled his talk, “Mom.” He spoke from the Storytelling Manual and chose the folk tale, “Goldilocks.” He related how his mother told dramatic bedtime stories and he enchanted us with one of his favorites. Like the Mark Twain’s quote above, Ken used effective pauses to emphasize his points.

Ken kept us in awe as he told a very different version of Goldilocks. He used his large 6’3” frame to move across the front of the room with big gestures as he acted out each character.

If you weren’t there, you missed out on the amazing improvement in Ken’s speaking abilities. (Such an improvement takes place in all our members after completing just one manual of ten talks.) Ken has consistently taken every opportunity to speak and we are witnessing his growth.

Emery evaluated Ken’s talk.

Barb’s Presentation:

Because Barb will be competing in the Area Contest on the 21^st, she practiced her contest talk one more time. It inspired us with its theme of failure, guilt, and forgiveness. Her gestures showed us exactly what she meant. Her voice rose and fell with the drama of her true story.

We can’t give too much detail because this is a contest speech and there has to be some surprises. We can say we are proud of Barb’s courage, her drive to perfect her talk, and the inspiration she shares within the talk itself. If you’d like to hear it and experience a toastmaster contest, come to the Redmond Library on the evening of March 21^st.

Jean evaluated Barb’s talk.

Prema ~ Today’s Table Topics Master

Prema prepared our table topics and got all of us thinking with her on the spot questions. (One thing about Prema is her grace and gentle manner. She effectively uses her leadership skills within the community. She attributes this to the confidence she’s gained in Toastmasters.) 

Her question to Cary was, “Describe your perfect day.” Of course fishing was one of his responses as he took us through his fun day.

The trophies and blue ribbons went to:

Best speaker ~ Barb

Best evaluator ~ Jean

Best table topics speaker ~ Cary.

The meeting ended on time. Many members stayed around to chat. Our guest, Lynne, kept remarking on how warm and welcoming the members treated her.

******

Your Invitation to Join Public Speaking Northwest

Members of Public Speaking Northwest invite you to visit us.  Perhaps you’d like to  increase your leading and public speaking skills too.

When: Every Tuesday from Noon to 1:00 PM

Where: Seattle Times Building

            19200 120^th Avenue NE

             Bothell, WA 98011

For more information contact:

             Emery Jordan
             206-235-1356

             Gejordan9@comcast.net

Respectfully submitted,

Jean Tracy, DTM

Secretary     

Public Speaking Northwest Holds March Officers' Meeting

Presentation Quote: “The best way to sound like you know what you’re talking about is to know what you’re talking about. ~ Author Unknown

Officers present included: Emery Jordan, Ken Knuckey, Pierce Loftin, Jan Skoog, Barbara Katz, Jean Tracy, and Prema D'sa.

Our President Barbara Katz led the meeting because she knows what she’s talking about. With her leadership we sailed through our agenda.

 Business Accomplished!

1. Our club dues every 6 month will be $14. It will be added to our International Toastmaster dues of $36 to make it an even $50 twice a year. This is such an inexpensive education for speaking and leading which gives each member plenty of practice. The dues are for:

·       Blue ribbon awards

·       Ballots

·       Trophies

·       Manuals

·       Special manual achievement awards

2. The officers agreed that Table Topics enhances our meetings by giving more members opportunities to speak, laugh and have fun. We will do our best to include them at each meeting.

3. To help Ken schedule members more easily, our president will pass the roster at each meeting for members to fill in their roles throughout the month.

4. To save time our timer will give very brief timing explanations for speeches, table topics, and evaluations. We will also ask our toastmaster of the day to keep comments brief.

5. Emery shared his public relations activities which included reaching online venders, cities like Bothell, Bellevue, Woodinville, and Redmond, local newspaper calendars which list meeting times and places. He will post flyers to local colleges, libraries, and churches. Honestly, we’ve never had such an active PR officer. Emery's terrific!

6. Since we don’t meet on April 1^st, we’ll have our April Fools Day Celebration on Tuesday, April 3^rd. This will be an Open House for members of the community. Tasty snacks will be included. Jan S. will be our toastmaster for this celebration.

Respectfully submitted,

Jean Tracy, DTM

Secretary

 We welcome visitors at every meeting. Feel free to join us at:

Seattle Times Building

19200 120th Avenue NE

Bothell, WA 98011

Time: 12 Noon to 1:00 PM

For more information contact:

Emery Jordan

gejordan9@comcast.net

206.235.1356