Division E Conference report - results and photos

On Saturday the 9th of April 88 Toastmasters from around the Wellington region descended upon the LifePoint auditorium from midday onward to celebrate the very best of our Division.

Arriving on buses, in taxis, and on foot (as per instructions because of the scarcity of on site carparks) they entered the auditorium to be greeted by welcoming slides and a stage ready for action:

Little did they know that the Division Conference team had been busy redecorating for hours before their arrival. It was a very different set up from the one we had walked into:

An especially big thank you has to go out to Tim Law and his partner Liz Lee who lifted the very heavy pieces of staging!

Although there was some concern about the acoustics, overall the feedback we received was very positive about the venue.

Of course, however the main reason everyone was in the room was to enjoy the speeches and celebrate the successes of our fellow Toastmasters.

Simon Lin, stepping up and taking on the role of Master of Ceremonies ably, kept the very full programme running. Gael Price, Division E District Director gave a timely reminder that the Distinguished Club Programme is an important part of the Toastmasters year, and that it does align with our personal goals. Achieving them within the programme is easily done when we take each step in our Toastmasters' journey.

The International Speech Contest

Following this presentation the conference moved into the International Speech Contest chaired by Area E6 Director, Owen Winter. The speeches ranged from the formula to always staying young to pushing our physical and personal boundaries and how we can apply Meyers Briggs personality testing to political candidates interwoven with insights drawn the speakers' lives and interests.

Although all of the speakers were fantastic, this was a contest and there had to be placings.

Third Place was awarded to Raymond Kemp, from Five Crowns for his speech “Sixty Kilometres in Sixty Hours” where he took us on a gruelling mountain bike experience filled with broken pedals and hurt knees. In second place Ella Kahu (Island Bay) shared her experience of learning Te Reo Maori for the same amount of time her grandson had been learning English - and the lessons she could learn from his attitude to life. In first place, going on to represent Division E at the District 72 Conference in Rotorua (www.tmcrotorua.co.nz) was Andrew Stott, of Taxing Toastmaters who shared his struggle of being a ‘Tax Therapist’ from the IRD and pleaded with us all to understand his plight.

L-R: Contest Chair Owen Winter, Andrew Stott (1st), Ella Kahu (2nd), Raymond Kemp (3rd), Sarah Bate District 72 Club Growth Director

After the initial contest, everyone adjourned to the community room to catch up with old friends and make new friends while enjoying some much needed and appreciated refreshments.
(Many thanks to Kai Chan and his team; John Lulich and Kent Stevens from Te Aro, and Ros Coote from Pipitea, who made that possible.)

District address & awards

Following afternoon tea the District Address was presented by District 72 Club Growth Director, Sarah Bate who shared her journey of creating a District wide marketing campaign, using the skills and passion of Toastmasters around the country to promote and connect with our communities. As a member of Division E there was a huge sense of pride in our one of our own demonstrating such initiative.

Sarah concluded her presentation with ‘one of her favourite parts of the role’ when she presented Tricia Walbridge of High Noon Bankers with a long service certificate, celebrating 25 years in Toastmasters.

L-R: Sarah Bate, Tricia Walbridge

The evaluation contest

Next up, the contests were in full steam with Mary Clarke chairing the Division E Evaluation contest. The seven contestants were given the challenge of evaluating test speaker Debby Emeny’s excellent speech reflecting on how a childhood trauma was blocking her in later life. Debby, from Porirua Central Toastmasters, is a newer Toastmaster. Her presence and participation really fitted the Step Up in 2016 theme of the conference!

The contest results were in third place Rebecca Barrow from High Noon Bankers , second place Peter Scholtens from Statistically Speaking and in first place, going on to represent Division E at the District 72 Convention in Rotorua next month, was Raymond Kemp, from Five Crowns.

L-R: Contest Chair Mary Clarke, Rebecca Barrow (3rd), Peter Scholtens (2nd), Raymond Kemp (1st), Sarah Bate

Celebrating new Distinguished Toastmasters

There were other successes celebrated throughout the afternoon with Pamela Snow from Public Service and Lillian Morris from Statistically Speaking receiving their Distinguished Toastmasters plaques. Mark Casson from Five Crowns and Carol Mitchell, District 72 Director, also honoured for their Distinguished Toastmaster awards, were unable to be present.

L-R: Gael Price Division E Director, Pamela Snow, Sarah Bate

L-R: Gael Price, Lilian Morrison, Sarah Bate

And the announcement you've all been waiting for! The Colin Perfect Award, presented by Joy Ackrill, went to Advanced Wellington.

Advanced Wellington Toastmasters club receives the Colin Perfect award from Past Distinguished District Governor Joy Ackrill (left) and Division Director Gael Price (right).

The afternoon conference was a great success and we want to thank all of those who made it happen - whether they had a role within the conference or those who came to support the division.  It was amazing to discover that nearly 50% of those who had preregistered were first time conference attendees. Great to see you along!

Last but not least

And as we all know the best round ups always end with … BUT wait there's more!

Have you booked your place for the Rotorua Convention yet?

Check the website for programme details, accommodation offers ...

Can you spare us a piece of your mind?

If you haven't already given it, we want your feedback on Saturday's Conference. It helps us do better in the future.

Click the link to enter your evaluation online. Thank you!

(With thanks to Owen Winter & Gael Price for text & edits.)

Why it's a good idea to Step Up in 2016

Are you dithering on the sidelines? Shall I? Shan't I? Maybe I will. May be I won't go to the Division E Conference. Then again ...

Here's 9 extremely good answers to common "will I/won't I/why should I?" questions. ( And yes, if we're honest, we've all asked them!)

FAQs for fence sitters

1. I’ve been to my club contest, my area contest and now you want to me to go to another contest?

While the Division E International Speech and Evaluation Contests will be a major part of the event the conference isn’t just speech contests. There will also be speeches filled with updates and inspiration from the District 72 (New Zealand) Club Growth Director Sarah Bate and our Division Director Gael Price. It’s also a fantastic way to meet new friends from around the region.

2. Why is it four hours long?

Four hours can seem like a long time, but this includes two contests, speeches, division awards, some quick fire games and a networking afternoon tea. The time will fly!

3. I don’t want to go by myself - what if I don’t know anyone there?

As you will know Toastmasters are supportive people - if you want to go to the conference but are worried that you won’t know anyone why not ask another member of your club if they would like to attend with you? Most clubs will have at least one member there - and many of your Area Directors will be present as well.

4. I would like to come, but what if I can’t make it to the venue?

As mentioned above Toastmasters are supportive people - if you are worried about getting to the venue ask another member if they can give you a ride, or even meet at a cafe before the conference and walk there together?

5. What if I turn up and I get asked to do something like timer or ballot counting?

Don’t worry about that! The conference organising team are working very hard to organise all aspects of the contest and they will make sure all of those roles are filled well in advance, you just need to come and enjoy the experience!

6. I haven’t got my Competent Communicator yet, am I too new a Toastmaster?

Of course not! Conferences are open to everyone, even if you aren’t a Toastmaster. No-one will know what manual you are working from.

7. Will I have to do a Table Topic?

That’s a tricky question. Although we don’t have a planned Table Topics session we can’t guarantee there won’t be the chance - but if you don’t want to take part just say so! No-one will be upset if you don’t want to do one.

8.What if people ignore me/don’t talk to me?

The easiest way to make sure people talk to you is to start a conversation with someone! Everyone has been to their first conference before so understands how daunting these can be. It does pay to remember that a lot of people have jobs on the day, and these conferences can sometimes be the only time people see each other, so don’t take it personally if it seems like you are in a sea of people who know each other - just start a conversation and make a new friend.

9. My question wasn’t answered here - who should I talk to?

If you have any further questions you can email the Conference Chair Mike McKee: area_e7@toastmasters.org.nz  Or Division Director Gael Price: division_e@toastmasters.org.nz

See you at the conference!

Many thanks to Owen Winter Area 6 Director for the post.

Division E Conference - have you booked the date?

Open your diary - and ring 9th of April - Saturday 1-5pm for the Division E Conference. Get ready to Step Out and Step Up!

The International and Evaluation Contests have been in full swing all over the Capital. Photos of finalists have been popping up on the District 72 FaceBook page and we're getting ready to host the Division E Conference - the event that will decide who goes forward to the next level.

Who will step up in 2016?

The poster is ready - thanks to design maestro Owen Winter. The venue is booked thanks to Conference Manager Area 7 Director Mike McKee. We've been and checked it over.

As you can see Life Point Church in Hopper Street will be splendid.

9th of April. Book that date and watch out for further details coming your way very soon.

Contests - Your time to Speak Up and Step out

Have you ever thought about moving out of your club with your speech skills? Perhaps you would like to get a few insights from evaluators who have never seen your speak before?

Why not volunteer as a speaker?

Volunteering as a test speaker for club Evaluation Contest is the perfect opportunity to push yourself to a new level. Not only do you get valuable speaking experience, but you also get to help out clubs with their contests.

Roberta Eykholt says YES

Recently Roberta Eykholt, a member of Wellington’s newest Toastmaster club Police Toastmasters, took the opportunity to be a test speaker. I (Owen Winter) asked her to share the experience, so that you will be able to see from a first-time test speaker what the experience was like, and what they gained.

And she lives to tell her story about being test speaker

“The call went out for a test speaker to take part in an Evaluation contest. The notice was short, a mere 22 hours. I was the logical choice having just given a speech that day at our local Toastmasters. I had something prepared and an open calendar.

How could I say "no"? Would it be a hostile crowd? Would I know anyone? I am just a baby toastie, what if my speech is too amateurish? As a dearth of excuses struggled to emerge I realised I had no excuse and, if I was serious about improving my speaking I needed to jump at every opportunity.

"Yes" was my response. I took on-board the evaluation I had received and some unsolicited feedback from trusted friends. I made the necessary changes, prepared new visuals and took a deep breath.

What an opportunity this turned out to be. All my fears were needless. 2 faces were immediately familiar, I was among friends. The first benefit was simply getting a second attempt at my speech having revised it according to the feedback received. I knew it was better and at the same time realised that I should have practiced the new version out loud.

I had changed the ending but the revision did not work. Always practice, never assume.

The second thing I learned is the value of independent evaluators. My home members know and love me. We are newly formed and all babes. This makes us a tad conservative with our recommendations. These independent evaluators commented on the basics I should have previously mastered. But they were not cruel. There were 4 evaluators and their recommendations varied; it was the themes that spoke loudly.

I actually felt liberated hearing their recommendations and realising how spot on those evaluations were. The final thing I learned was the format and atmosphere of a contest.

There were moments of awkward silence, people leaving the room and others not allowed to leave. It was all very serious and yet friendly at the same time. There will be a time in the future when I enter a contest and this experience will have prepared me for that event."

Go for it! You can do it!

You can step out in front of you club as a contestant, taking on an official role such as ballot counter, contest chair or judging at another club.

Each of these roles count toward your Competent Leadership Manual goals and is great chance to prove to yourself and your club that you are capable of doing something new.

More Judges please

One of the most important part of the contests is having reliable judges - and it’s extra important that new judges step up for the role. If you have never judged before this is the perfect time to let your club Vice President Education (or your mentor if you have one) that you are interested in learning about judging.

As well as asking your club members to help you with learning about judging you can find video tutorials on the Toastmasters International Website here.

If you are keen to judge as a contest why not contact one of the Area Directors and ask if there is a chance to judge at one the contests in their area? You can find their contact details here.

Post written by Owen Winter Area E6 Director.

Is our constant use of acronyms absolutely bananas?

One of things that we can easily forget at Toastmasters is that when we’ve been there a while we suddenly slip into speaking a whole new language without being aware of it, or that by doing so we are creating a barrier of entry for our newer members and guests.

The people who are eager to improve their own communication skills suddenly find themselves in a room full of people they have sought out as experts sounding as if they are randomly selecting noodles out of a big, steaming bowl of alphabet soup.

I am of course talking about our use of acronyms - to demonstrate that our use of acronyms is totally bananas I want you all to meet Cocoa D, Monkey:

Cocoa is eager to improve his communication and leadership skills and has arranged to visit Jungle Fever Toastmasters Club - at first it goes really well, and he’s having a great time:

Cocoa has seen some great speeches and even participated in Table Topics. Now he’s enjoying a snack with some of the Jungle Fever Toastmasters:

Then suddenly he overhears two members discussion, knowing that one of them is club President he keeps an ear out to listen, and hopefully learn something useful:

As Cocoa sat down for the second half his head was reeling with all the terms he had heard, wondering what the heck they meant and then he heard the monkey at the lectern say “As with all evaluations I will use the CRC method…” Cocoa felt completely lost...

To avoid your guests having the experience poor Cocoa D Monkey had we have created a quick and easy Cheat Sheet for you to print out and put in your guest packs - or perhaps as a reminder to avoid using them as much as possible.

Download the cheat sheet for your guest packs

Click this link: Toastmaster Terms - Cheat Sheet

Many thanks to Owen Winter Area E6 Director for this post.

Welcome Police Toastmasters!

Just before the Christmas break, Division E received an early Christmas present - a new Toastmasters club!

A group of Wellington Toastmasters - Erin Rose, Mark Casson, Christine Wren and Rose Wyse - have been working to build a Toastmasters club at Police National Headquarters in Molesworth Street. With support from Five Crowns Toastmasters club, especially President Kinnie Vermeulen, building the club has been "a fun journey", says Erin. The club has been meeting regularly since July, and by December there were enough members to officially charter the club with Toastmasters International.

When starting a new club, one of the biggest challenges can be filling all the meeting roles. Erin and Mark were very pleased to have roles in early meetings filled by Toastmasters keen to help out, including Peter Scholtens, Owen Winter, Denis McCord, and Mary Clarke.

At their final meeting of the year, the club enjoyed summer-themed table topics and a speech from Division Director Gael Price welcoming them to the Division. Gael's speech was competently evaluated by brand-new Toastmaster Kirsten Newman.

Police Toastmasters at their first meeting as a fully chartered Toastmasters club, December 21 2015.

Rose and Erin say the new club is in good shape and excited to be joining the Toastmasters community.

"Everyone is working through their manuals and learning about the program," says Rose. "Next we'll start thinking about club speech contests!"

Chartering a club is an exciting time for everyone involved. Erin and Mark have been working hard as sponsors to get the club chartered, and now they can begin to move into the background as the mentors take over. In mentoring the club, Christine and Rose take on the role of supporting the new committee and helping them understand the world of Toastmasters. Mentors must work with their new club for at least six months, but some mentors choose to stay longer.

By sponsoring and mentoring Police Toastmasters, the four organisers have all become eligible for credit toward their Advanced Leader Silver (ALS) awards. The ALS is one of the most difficult awards in Toastmasters, and building a new club forms a significant part of it.

More important than the educational recognition, though, is bringing Toastmasters to more people. The 18 new members at Police now have the opportunity to enjoy Toastmasters in their workplace - all thanks to the hard work of the experienced Toastmasters who got the club underway. Well done team!

Owen Winter presents ...

The whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

Owen Winter, Area E6 Director, allowed his speech to be videoed  at our last Club Leadership Training Session.  It can be a very confronting thing to do as seeing yourself as others see you can be quite a shock.

Is that really me? Do I sound like that? Do I actually move like that?

Despite the surprises, it's a great learning experience, as Owen found out.

 The bigger picture of Toastmasters

Owen on the experience of seeing himself ...

"When the suggestion was made during the Club Leadership Training session on Monday night that we could video my presentation on the bigger picture of Toastmasters I was very gungho.  

In all my years as a Toastmaster I had never actually seen myself present - although as a speech contestant I had been told it would be valuable.

As I was uploading the video and reviewing it I was reminded how surreal and confronting it can be to see yourself on video - but more than anything it was hugely useful!  Watching myself present I was able to see aspects that people had commented on - both the recommendations and commendations received for both this presentation and others. 

With Toastmaster clubs across the division preparing for contest season I would highly recommend that anyone is serious about entering the Humorous Speech or Table Topics contests at any level to video yourself and watch for the traps you have been told about whether it's body language, vocal variety or the use of the stage.  You may think you are aware of how your speech is going, but when you are able to see it play live in front of you suddenly you see a whole new view!"

Have you videoed yourself? What have you thought about seeing yourself?

Your comments are welcome!