Speaking words of wisdom

It's the beginning of a new Toastmaster's year. The fact that it coincides with a full moon, the most round and luscious we've seen for sometime, is of course purely incidental. Likewise there is no direct causal relationship with the content of this post.*

We canvassed your new leaders for words of wisdom - a pithy phrase encapsulating their public speaking philosophy, their aspirations, their tips. We hoped to inspire you. Most of them responded to the challenge.  May their messages alight in your heart, put words in your mouth, and propel you on to bigger and better speeches!

Who better to begin with than the Division Director, lovely Gael Price?

"To avoid clasping your hands, hold a glass of water when you speak. If you also struggle with nerves, consider replacing the water with wine."

In this photo Gael (before her latest haircut) demonstrates how to gesture and hand-clasp at the same time. Go with the wine next time, Gael!

Next is the Area E6 Director Owen Winter

"For me joining Toastmasters came from a desire to connect to a wider community, never dreaming I would find the world of opportunity and support I have found on my journey so far..."

Owen is responsible for these clubs:  DIAlogue,  FearBusters, Statistically Speaking and Toast Health.

Now here's Simon Lin, Area E1 Director

As you can see he's a stickler for rules! Skirts are NOT optional when you visit Cupcake Communicators. They are part of the dress code.

The clubs in Simon's area are Capital, The Gourmet, Wellington Assurity, Testmasters, Public Service, and Cupcake Communicators.

We don't have a quote from him. Presumably because his sartorial splendour says it all: fearless ...

Next is Mike McKee, Area E7 Director

"Toastmasters is a great supportive environment to succeed.
Getting to your next step is easy as everyone else is doing it too."

Mike is caretaker of all of Wellington's South Coast clubs: Peninsula Presenters, Mount Victoria, Turbine Talkers, Island Bay and Cook Strait Progressive.

And now Eleanor Currier Area E2 Director

"Hold on tight, and pretend it's a plan" - Stephan Moffat.

The clubs under Eleanor's supervision are Habourside, Capital Chatterers, Capital Breakfast and Business Breakfast.

Larrie Talbot, Division E, Education Advisor

Workshops complete the picture.

Larrie is the person who oversees the ongoing education for all the officers in all of Division E's clubs. She's the one checking on the content requirements, looking for the most effective presentation methods, as well as devising and monitoring the programmes for all the workshops in the Toastmaster calendar. It's a vital role!

Susan Dugdale, Division E, Marketing Advisor

How many times do I have to tell you? The body always speaks louder than words and will ruthlessly expose a fibber. Saying you are calm while clutching yourself is contradictory and, futile.

Susan is the Marketing Advisor for Division E which mean she has fun putting blog and FaceBook posts together, writes emails spreading Toastmaster news and generally helps where she can.

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*We will not be held responsible for any aberrant outbreaks, temporary, contagious, mild or acute, of lunacy subsequent to reading this page. All advice is be taken only after consulting your own good commonsense.