PLANNING FOR THE NEW YEAR

January invites us to make a new start in many aspects of our lives. As a current Toasmaster, or someone considering joining, you're encouraged to remember your personal goals and set a realistic timeline in which to move towards the success you are capable of achieving.

American poet Edith Lovejoy Pierce once said, "We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day."

If you're a Stoneroad member, review your manuals, talk to your mentor or mentee and email Terri with your January plans. If you're not a member, drop in to see what we're up to.

SERVICE THROUGH LEADERSHIP

"We is stronger than me." - Baldev Arora

It was a husband and wife duo on Dec. 15 with Baldev Arora as chairman and wife Bani presenting the Education portion of the meeting. Bani drew the members' attention to the Leadership Manual and highlighted the fact that developing leadership skills is an important aspect of the Toastmasters Program. To illustrate the leadership style the Toastmasters philosophy promotes Bani compared Authoritarian Leadership, which is focused on ego, to Team Leadership, such as Toastmasters, which is focused on Team Goals.

AUTHORITARIAN TEAM

controls everything encourages participation

makes all decisions facilitates problem solving

discourages comm.        facilitates communication

tells people what to do persuades people to act

punishes mistakes tolerates mistakes

discourages growth helps members grow

The benefits of Team Leadership can apply to work situations as well as volunteer organizations. The efficiency and positive nature of Team Leadership increases productivity, and reduces costs. It also improves the quality of the produce or service, the work atmosphere and the company or community.

Members were encouraged to focus on meeting the goals in their Leadership Manuals and ere reminded that their responsibility as Toastmasters is to;

- attend meetings regularly

- take on roles at meetings

- bring a friend

- give a constructive evaluation

- help create a supportive environment

RENEW YOUR COMMITMENT TO YOURSELF

"There's a difference between interest and commitment. 

When you're interested in doing something, 

you do it only when circumstances permit. 

When you're committed to something 

you accept no excuses, only results." 

This inspirational quotation is attributed to Art Turock, a highly regarded motivational speaker who specializes in business issues. His insight, however, can readily be applied to Toastmasters membership.

We all joined Toastmasters for a reason, take a moment to revisit your motivation. Has it changed? Have your expectations been fully realized? Are you acting upon it? If you find that the consistency of your meeting attendance is slipping, analyze the causes. Life does get busy, other obligations demand your attention, but can you set aside some time for your personal growth?

Remind yourself what Toastmasters offers you. Recall the laughter and how the day's worries are forgotten. Review the many indicators of your skill development, and the hopes you held for further enrichment. Recall the warmth of support that permeates Toastmaster's meetings.

Check your calendar and mark in Mondays at 7:00 pm. The Stone Road Toastmasters will continue their meeting schedule, without interruption, through the holiday season. Make a New Year's resolution to fill your seat at the Toastmaster's table. 

SETTING GOALS

"Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible visible." Anthony Robbins

Bani Arora presented an inspiring educational session on goal setting. She explained that goals should be:

- specific, clearly defined and precise

- measurable, so you can tell if they have been accomplished

- action oriented, focus on what you plan to do

- realistic, make sure it's achievable given the specific situation

- time bound, you need to set an exact time frame

Bani explained that once goals have been set, then next step is to make an action plan clarifying how to achieve the goals. Such a plan makes leaders future oriented. It also enables leaders to coordinate their decisions and reinforces their focus on the goals. A clear plan ensures efficient use of resources. The Planning Process involves the following steps;

1. establish strategies, who? what? when? how?

2. set a timetable

3. assign responsibilities

4. anticipate obstacles

5. modify the plan as you proceed if necessary

The session was concluded with Bani reviewing the criteria for the Distinguished Toastmasters Club Program. She reminded members of the goals our organization has been working towards and updated our progress status. For example we sought at least four new members and have attracted eight. We expect to reach the goal of two members completing their Competent Communicator's manual by spring. We also expect to have one or two complete an Advanced Communicator's manual. Our dues have been collected on time, and Terri reminded the members present to consider attending the officer training which is coming up in February.

Gestures: 50% of your message

On Nov. 17 Stone Road Toastmaster Alan Cook presented an Education session on the use of gestures. In his usual, highly entertaining manner, Alan offered some useful insights into this important aspect of public speaking. He pointed out that only 50% of communication is transmitted through words, the other 50% is the result of body language and gestures. Alan recommended that club members read their handbook titled "Gestures: Your Body Speaks", and in particular he highlighted page 23 which is a self-evaluation checklist.

Alan demonstrated that good posture not only demonstrates confidence, enthusiasm and positive energy, it also helps speaking mechanics. An upright posture allows for better breathing and smooth movement. A strong stance not only looks confident, it grounds the speaker thus helping to overcome and anxiety.

Hand gestures are essential for emphasizing a point or providing a visual representation of a concept, according to Alan. A good gesture can get the audience's attention and keep it. He explained that it is important to be more than a "talking head."

Alan did caution the group that gestures which are not conscious or controlled can be a distraction when speaking. Any hand or body movement must look natural, but be deliberately undertaken. Movements should be purposeful reported Alan. He advised club members to take a step when changing the topic of their talk, rather than randomly pacing. It was also pointed out that the size of gestures should be scaled to fit the room. Grand gestures may look appropriate in an auditorium, but seem over-the-top in a smaller venue.

Alan ended his comments by pointing out the importance of eye contact. A speaker should never stare off into space, Making, and briefly sustaining, eye contact with specific people engages the whole group.

Stone Road Toastmasters Newsletter

The Stone Road vice president of public relations, Bani Arora, proudly announced the outcome of a recent contest to name our club's upcoming newsletter. Betty-Anne Ouellette suggested the winning name "The Stone Tablet."  The selection was made by a team of non-partisan judges which included; Sue Lebrecht, past Stone Road VP-PR, Gary Jones, past area Governor and Danve Castroverde, Town & Gown members and area Table Topic Champion.

The quality and quantity of suggestions made this a difficult decision reports Arora. Honorable mention go to Alan Cook for "Stone Road Speak Easy", Jennifer Percy for "Toasty Times" and Baldev Arora for "New Bright Beginning." Members eagerly await the first publication.

PHASE II OFFICER TRAINING

   This special training program is geared for Toastmaster Executive members and anyone who might wish to consider a leadership position in the future. It is an opportunity to discuss club challenges with colleagues from other areas, and to get new ideas to keep our club enriched. Having members take the training also scores points towards our Distinguished Club status.

When: Sat., Feb. 7, 9:00 am to noon

Where: AGFA Cheers Club, 455 Phillip St., Waterloo

Cost: $8/person, or $40/club

Light refreshments provided.

Contact: Georgina Green

 gggreen@rogers.com

1-519-743-7655