Volume II | September 2017

Rochester Chamber Toastmasters Talker

WE'RE A "PRESIDENT'S DISTINGUISHED CLUB"

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Club Contest Winners

Everyone loves a good contest, especially when there's the chance to stump someone on a Table Topic, or to see what on earth will be offered as a Humorous speech. Our Table Topics contestants on August 31st did not disappoint. Jeff Burns and Clint Calvert dueled for top honors. We were pleased to see new member John Milliron try his hand at Humorous competition. He and Jeff Burns will give future judges much to consider very soon. Thanks to all who competed and made the contest a success!

The Area 52 Fall Speech Contest is Next The winners from our club contest will move on to face competitors from three other local clubs on Wednesday, September 13. The event will be held in Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center, Subway Level, Room 200. The Center's address is 565 First Street S.W. in Rochester. Registration begins at 6:00 pm, briefings start at 6:30 pm, and the contest is at 7:00 pm. There are still several roles behind the scenes available. If you can help, contact Roscoe Ramirez at the link below. Email Roscoe Ramirez for more info

Area 52's Director Offers a Challenge

Area 52 DIrector Roscoe Ramirez attended a recent Thursday meeting and offered these thoughts via email as the 2017/2018 Toastmasters year begins in earnest: I commend your club for achieving 10 out of 10 goals in the Distinguished Club Program last year. It is through your efforts as a member that keep Rochester Chamber Toastmasters "'the talk of the town'" in the Toastmasters world. Keep up the great work and let's do the 10 out of 10 goals again this year! OWNERSHIP I emphasized the importance of holding quality meetings so that you have a worthwhile Toastmasters experience. One key aspect of quality meetings involve ownership at all levels. For example, experienced members actively volunteer themselves to mentor new members. Current club officers work diligently to uphold the same standards that their predecessors did last year, as well as reaching out to members to let them know what their goals are. New members who are slowly learning the benefits of Toastmasters start talking about your club in their communities when you demonstrate excellence, engagement, and empowerment through ownership. Case in point - Nhien Chau stood up and said "'I am going to be the Contest Chair.'" It takes initiative, but once you do it, you will have helpers along the way. Way to go, Nhien, for taking ownership of having a club contest! ONE LAST THING... Please read the book, "Turn The Ship Around," by L. David Marquet. It only took me 4 days to read it. Very educational and you will definitely learn what it takes to be a responsible owner and leader of your own work. I am confident that your club officers will do a phenomenal job this year. I know they will do their best to benefit you, the member.

A Good Collider Confab

Roscoe Ramirez also had some thoughts about our recent meeting at Collider Coworking. "Today's meeting was great. Your club exemplifies what it takes to have an excellent, engaging, and empowering meeting," said Roscoe. The Collider is a wonderful place for someone who needs temporary workspace that is convenient to downtown Rochester and appeals to startup businesses and freelancers. The special location also attracted some extra attendees and got good reviews from the Collider's manager. Chances are we won't hesitate to use their meeting space again if we're invited.

District 6 Recognition It's nice to be recognized for hard work and dedication. District Six recently awarded Rochester Chamber Toastmasters a ribbon to mark a perfect 10 for 10 year in 2016/17, for training, membership and achievement. We also earned an additional ribbon for our continued involvement with the Youth Leadership Program, which offers public speaking skills to teens at the Rochester Alternative Learning Center.

'Time to Get Social'

Social Media, its ability to promote Toastmasters clubs, and the program received attention at last month's District Six Toastmaster's Leadership Institute in Plymouth, Minnesota. Rochester Chamber Toastmasters social media manager Dave Hansen tried to encourage his fellow Toastmasters by reminding them it is "Time to Get Social," and to share the content they find valuable if they want to promote their clubs and the program. Dave used his club's many ways of reaching out to potential new members as an argument for investing time in digital promotion. He also offered several suggestions on "best" practices for those who plan to use social media to reach a new audience.

"The Power of a Hug" Takes on World Class Competition

Mark Anthony Skipper is feeling good after his showing in Vancouver, BC last month even though it didn't quite turn out the way the Maple Grove Toastmaster had hoped. He arrived in Canada as District 6's Speaking Champion and its entry into the semi-finals of Toastmasters International's World Championship of Public Speaking. The competition featured a field of slightly more than a hundred speakers. As District Six Director Harold Osmundson puts it, "Mark did well. The competition was tough and the judging was tight. We could flip a coin for most of the contestants." "While I had my best performance yet, I didn't place," said Mark. Even so, he is walking away from the experience with something extra. "It was great! I left more confident than ever that I can compete at the international level." We hope to see Mark compete again, and we're hoping he visits our club like he did back in June to practice his speech.   We videotaped Mark's presentation. Even though he thinks his Vancouver version was stronger, watch the one below and decide if you aren't moved by the "Power of a Hug." He manage

Get to Know Our Newest Member

Gopu Shrestha is originally from Nepal, a country located in the Himalayan Mountain range in Southeast Asia. He calls the Twin Cities home, and is currently working with Mayo Clinic's IT Department. As Gopu puts it, "I joined Toastmasters to improve my English, but once I joined and excelled, I found it more and more interesting." He's worked hard on the Toastmasters program and his effort is being recognized. Just last month, Gopu was honored as "Best Area Director of the Year" in District Six.

Speakers Wanted-Cash Prizes!

Patriot's Day is once again going to be marked with a contest about "What it Means to Be an American." For the seventh year, Hiawatha Valley Toastmasters in Red Wing is hosting a very special speaking competition, allowing contestants to tell their story about what it means to be a part of what some call "The Great American Experiment." The organizers are still looking for speakers and hoping for a good crowd. Cash prizes are being offered to the top finishers. Click here for more details.

A New Toastmasters Meeting is Coming

Rochester Prepares to Play Host

‌ It won't be long before Toastmasters Fall Conference time is here for District Six. This year's gathering will be happening right in downtown Rochester at the Double Tree hotel on November 3 & 4. You can expect good competition between the District's best Table Topics speakers and those who excel at Humorous tales. Click the link below to learn more about the event and how you can volunteer to help. Check here for updates on the Fall Conference

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