Category: Club Spotlight

Club Spotlight: Washington Park Toastmasters

 

“Our club is unique because our people are unique. Let me explain this in more detail. Most often you find clubs where the agenda is planned, people are in place, but at times things happen where there has to be some adjustments. Our members take the lead and aren’t afraid to adjust at the very last minute. We are strong, vibrant and welcoming to all who visit. We are a people that believe in morals, values and bringing out the very best of others. Creating that light airy, fun, inviting culture is what we strive to enhance even the club more. This wouldn’t happen unless we have those unique people who are crucial to the weaving of this club. We are better together!” – My’chal Wilkins

“My experience my about the club is interesting and fascinating because of the following:

  1. I am always welcomed regardless of how much time I take off from club activities.  Sometimes, I receive emails from club members inquiring if I am doing fine.
  2. My personal coach is always available to guide me with Toastmaster topics and materials. 
  3. I am inspired by some individuals who have perfected their communication skills but still keep coming to the club.
  4. I am also amazed by the generosity of Audible to allow us to share the food intended for their staff.” – Seku Sannor

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Club Spotlight: Power Talkers Club Toastmasters

Name: Power Talkers Club

Chartered: October 1, 1994

Since joining the Power Talkers Toastmaster’s Club about a year ago, I have increased my confidence level while speaking in front of the public and large groups. I feel I am more relaxed and comfortable while speaking and more conscious of what I am saying and how I am saying it. I don’t feel as anxious or nervous before I say a few words.

I have improved my speaking ability, such as the use of filler words, and it shows in my performance at work on the council or at special events. Toastmasters has also helped me to improve both my listening and writing skills, and I have also made new friendships along the way so the networking is a side benefit!

Some people have asked me, “Why are you doing that? You are so busy! You have enough to do! You are already a good speaker.” My response is, “No, there is always room for improvement, the Club helps me. Toastmasters is Fun! You should join!”

These days, verbal communications is becoming obsolete. People rely on their personal communication devices to do that for them. Effective speaking is a huge asset!- Alison Deeb

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Club Spotlight: Red Bank Toastmasters

Club: Red Bank Toastmasters

Charter Date: Oct. 1, 1998

Distinguished Awards: 2016-2017 President’s Distinguished Award

Club Members In Their Own Words:

Our Red Bank chapter is very positive, supportive, and fun. I love speaking and challenging myself, but I really love listening to members’ speeches. It’s a great way to end a day!- Gabrielle Ferro

I am so glad that I joined this club! I’ve made some great friends along the way and have learned so much from the seasoned speakers and my mentor. My confidence while speaking continues to improve from constructive criticism and feedback from the team. I look forward to meetings and future contests with our talented group of professionals!- Jill Fitzpatrick

The meetings are lively and fun. Everyone has the opportunity to participate and the atmosphere is friendly and supportive.- Elizabeth Mancuso, CC

The meetings are professional but also fun. We help and encourage each other to be the best that we can be. I don’t know of any other place that will help reduce your anxiety when standing in front of a group.- Donna Walters

I continue to learn and develop my listening and evaluation skills. I am inspired by fellow Toastmasters who have tackled some of the Advanced Communication Speech manuals I haven’t tried yet- Su Brooks, DTM 2

I wanted to become a motivational speaker/performer, but wasn’t sure how or where to begin. Club members immediately supported my mission and within three months I was performing Choices & Voices, a program for young audiences addressing self-esteem and nature conservation.- James Scanlon

Red Bank Toastmasters meets the 1st, 3rd, and 5th (when applicable) Tuesday of every month at the address below.

Riverview Medical Center
Shrewsbury River Room, 5th Floor
1 Riverview Plaza
Red Bank, NJ 07701

For more information visit www.redbanktoastmasters.com or https://www.facebook.com/Red-Bank-Toastmasters-158722552892/

Su Brooks Discuss What Makes Talk of Monmouth Unique

Su and Rebecca at the District 83 Spring 2017 Conference.

Bill Atkins asked Su Brooks a few questions about why she loves Talk of Monmouth.

Why did you join Talk of Monmouth?

Rebecca Marzec-Young and I were encouraged by Anne Gilson to serve as Sponsors. We had been talking about how great it would be to have an advanced club in Monmouth County.

What is your most memorable thing about being a member of Talk of Monmouth?
Hosting a Speakout during our mobile meeting on the Magic Bus returning from the International Convention in Washington, DC in 2016.

What does our club offer that’s different than most clubs?

Members have access to passionate, experienced leaders since our club has a large proportion of current and past District Leaders; strong commitment to DCP goals, fun special events in addition to the meetings in the courtroom.

What was your biggest surprise at Talk of Monmouth?

I facilitated Club Officer Training a few times and was extremely surprised that so many qualified people immediately volunteered to serve as trainers for the breakout sessions for each officer role or to help with whatever was needed. I thought it would be more difficult to get people to participate. Then, at one session, we had Toastmasters from Districts 83, 38 and 46 attend.

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Old Bridge Day Provides Fertile Ground for Membership Drive

On September 9th, dozens of vendors and volunteer groups set up shop at Old Bridge Plaza, luring hundreds of town residents to learn about their offerings. It was the perfect place for the membership team from Old Bridge Toastmasters to get the word out about our fantastic club and the outstanding educational opportunities we offer our members.

The combination of our smiles, candy, and colorful display attracted folks to our pavilion. Prospective members were invited to our September 27th Open House, where they met our members, enjoyed some dessert, and participate in our meeting. Even before that event, a new member was so impressed by what she heard at Old Bridge Day she joined our club right away.

Special thanks go out to VPPR Sunanda Thali, CC VPM Jeff Newman, Sergeant-at-Arms Anna La Macchio, Treasurer Victor Martins, John Miraglia,and Frank Gatto for making this such a successful event for our club.

Club Spotlight: Sunset Toastmasters (Part 2)

Club Spotlight: Sunset Toastmasters      
 
Charter Date: December 3, 2002
 
Meeting Times: 2nd and 4th Monday at 7:00pm. 
 
Address: Pearl River Library (80 Franklin Ave, Pearl River, NY)
 
Club Members In Their Own Words:
 
I joined Toastmasters because, at the time, I had just joined a business networking group, BNI. Whenever it was my turn to get up to speak in front of the group, I would get very nervous, to the point where my heart was pounding heavily. Since public speaking is one of my goals, I knew I’d have to correct this problem pretty quickly. I decided to join Sunset Toastmasters because it was the closest group to my house, and I’m glad I did. I’ve found the group to be very supportive, and a place where one can thrive. I was just offered a speaking slot at an industry event at the end of the month. Thanks to my Toastmasters training, I am ready for the challenge! –Avrohom Gottheil
 

Continue reading “Club Spotlight: Sunset Toastmasters (Part 2)”

Club Spotlight: Sunset Toastmasters (Part 1)

Club Spotlight: Sunset Toastmasters      
 
Chartered: December 3, 2002
 
Meeting Times: 2nd and 4th Monday at 7:00pm. 
 
Address: Pearl River Library (80 Franklin Ave, Pearl River, NY)
 
Club Members In Their Own Words:
In 2011 I heard a friend talking about her Toastmasters club. It occurred to me that if I had to give speeches, I could finally put together the stories that had been handed down of my family history and, in giving them as speeches, could prepare them for collection in a book for my family so the stories and family history would not get lost.  At my first meeting, when asked to introduce myself, I could barely speak.  Since that time I have learned to be comfortable in front of an audience, represent myself much better at conferences, business meetings, etc., make a variety of different kinds of presentations and speeches, I also have a collection of family history vignettes that my family actually enjoys reading. I couldn’t have achieved this without the friendly acceptance and support of my club.  I love coming to the meetings and being part of a diverse, interesting group of people. It’s like jumping into one of those big boxes of many different balls that kids enjoy.  Each ball is different, but all together they support the people who “swim” among them. – Paula Steen

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Club Spotlight: Open Door Toastmasters (Part 2)

Arnold and I started Open Door Toastmasters in 2004.  Our club has been a President’s Distinguished Club in all but our first year when we achieved 7 of the 10 goals toward a Distinguished Club status.  All subsequent years we have been a President’s Distinguished Club. Our membership varies between 35 – 40 members.  We are a very friendly Club and guests are greeted and made to feel welcome.   I believe that this is our biggest asset.

We have generated several District Officers, including the 2016-17 District Director, Paula Markert. Open Door has been instrumental in getting 4 new clubs started. We meet the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month (except in Nov. and Dec. when it is best to check our website for meeting dates because of the Holidays) – Irene Card, DTM

My Toastmasters journey, like most, has twists and even zig-zags and the story of how I wound up at Open Door started years before I knew there was more than a single Toastmasters club, period.  I spent my first two years in a new club and nobody even understood what that CL manual was for.  Finding that resource was an eye opener for me, which led me to realizing there is a large community of clubs and Toastmasters available as resources.  Once I realized there was a well-defined path for a Toastmaster to follow, I started reaching out, going to conferences, attending contests, and even volunteering for district roles. 

The funny thing about momentum is it catches up to you even when you didn’t see it coming.  I jumped in with both feet and one of my first clubs I was an Area Governor for was Open Door and it was probably the first time I saw how a well-oiled machine a club could be.  The people were all so warm, caring and welcoming that after attending 6 meetings, and adn hosted 4 area contests in 21 months. I just had to join them as my second club.  I got more involved with the district (even hosting a conference First-Timers session), worked hard to complete my CL manual while continuing on my speech path and within 18 months completed my DTM because of the club and their supportive members.  Looking back, I couldn’t have planned this but the journey was part of the process and I still have fond memories of how I got here and great expectations of where it will lead me. – Stuart Kramer, DTM, Immediate Past President

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New Advanced Club in Randolph, NJ

The Revolutionary Toastmasters Advanced Club, although not yet chartered, is meeting on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month from 6:00P to 7:30 pm at the Randolph Township Library, 28 Calais Road, just off Sussex Turnpike in Randolph.

Although the proposed latest District 83 advanced club is still in formation, interested Toastmasters are meeting and earning credits toward their next educational and/or leadership achievements for themselves and their home clubs. The group is extending an invitation to any Toastmaster in the region to do the same.

Toastmaster members can use this proposed club to present speeches, evaluate, or gain other manual credit because official Toastmasters are present to validate their efforts. It will also give interested Toastmasters, who have already completed six speeches in the CC manual, an opportunity to consider the new advanced club as an additional club membership to extend their leadership and communication skills.

For more information or program scheduling, please contact Dee Rincon at dee_rincon@yahoo.com.

Club Spotlight: Open Door Toastmasters (Part 1)

Club: Open Door Toastmasters

Charter Date: June 29, 2004

The very first night I went to an Open Door Toastmasters meeting, I was pretty much hooked!   So many members went out of their way to say hello, ask my name and offer to answer any questions I had.  During that first meeting, I was so impressed at the way people were professional, cordial, and had so much positive feedback for one another.  I thought to myself  “ If only EVERY meeting I attended was this positive!”

I am proud of the way Open Door continues to grow, and I think it is the warm, welcoming attitude we all have that keeps newcomers coming back.  I am in my second term as a club officer, and am proud to be a part of our very special group. – Angela Bloshuk, Secretary, CC, CL

Over the past 5 years I’ve had an ever increasing opportunity to train, coach and speak to fellow employees as well as make presentations to local schools. This has awakened a desire to not only continue this course but to do all I can to share my experiences and knowledge gathered through my career. With this in mind I decided to join Toastmasters to help me improve and develop new skills and presentation techniques.

In searching for a local club to join, I found Open Door Toastmasters, a club that has received the Distinguished Club Award for each of their 10 years. After speaking with the club president and attending a few meetings I knew there was no need to look further. This would be my home.

Through constant reinforcement and encouragement I know I am well on my way to becoming a better speaker and presenter. The proof of this is that I have taken on a part time role as a hospitality instructor and in a few months I will be presenting a speech to a professional networking group on “How to Become a Better Speaker”. Thank you Toastmasters! – Steve DiGioia, CC

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