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District 33 Toastmasters
WestWord
The Official Newsletter for District 33 Toastmasters
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November 2023 | Vol. 51, Issue 3 | |
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Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for? (Audience) Why should they care? (Benefit) What do I want them to do here? (Call-to-Action)
Create a great offer by adding words like "free" "personalized" "complimentary" or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining"!
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A message from our
District Director:
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Looking Forward
Happy Autumn District 33 Members,
We are now just over four months into the 2023-2024 Toastmasters year and I want to commend everyone for a successful first quarter. You’ve trained new club officer teams and built relations with new
District Officers, recruited and orientated new club members and celebrated club and member achievements.
Congratulations!
November is a unique month, and I want everyone to enjoy the next few months. This is the time of year that gives you the opportunity to re-engage with your friends, families, and Toastmaster clubs in fun and
social ways.
Use the upcoming holiday opportunities to come together and celebrate either
in-person, online, or hybrid meetings and have a fun meeting.
“We learn best in moments of enjoyment.”
– Ralph C. Smedley
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I am Looking Forward to the next few months of visiting family, friends, and joining exciting holiday theme club meetings and socials. Share these experiences with prospective guests and it will create memories for all.
Sincerely,
Tan Pham, DTM
2023-2024 District 33 Director
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Elevate your Toastmasters Journey with a FREE Pathway – Unleash Your Potential Now!
Toastmasters is about experiential learning, and Pathways is the gateway to enhancing your communication and leadership skills.
Four significant Pathways opportunities are available now!
See what these are below
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- Get a Free Path with Your Membership
- Let's Cross the Finish Line Together - Completing your first Level
- Discover the Pathways Incentive from District 33
- Let's Walk the Path Together as Pathways Masters!
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Lean all about these and watch the instructional videos in the PQD Corner at this full article...
d33tm.org/elevate-your-toastmasters-journey-unleash-your-potential-now/
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Our Club Growth Team Is Putting People First.
It’s hard to believe my term as Club Growth Director is already one-third over. In my first
four months, I’ve had the pleasure of organizing a Club Extension and Club Retention Committee.
Welcoming new individuals to the Club Growth team has been rewarding as we meet and discuss the mission and vision of our district to build new clubs and support all clubs.
Both committees consist of knowledgeable and talented individuals with the abilities and experience to take this district to a new level. To achieve our goals to build new clubs and support all clubs to achieve excellence will depend on the success of the people we work with.
The Club Extension Committee is very instrumental in tracking and managing club leads.
The team consists of the following:
Dr. Angelina Dickey, DTM - Chairperson
Paul Kistler, DTM - Member
Rachel Taylor, PM5 - Member
Joyce Williams, IP3 – Administrative Assistant.
Nandita Das, DTM - Member
Toni Green, LD5 - Member
Katy Porter, DTM, PDG
Carolyn Moore, DTM
The Club Retention Committee, which assists with the club coach program and assists with promoting membership building.
The committee consist of the following:
Debby Baker, DTM, PDD - Chairperson
Jim Kearney, DTM - Member
Sharon Johnson-Magee, PM2 - Member
Joyce Williams, IP3 – Administrative Assistant
Eumi Sprague, VC5 - Member
Grace Rachow, DTM - Member
Toni Green, LD5 - Member
Carolyn Moore, DTM – Member
It is a privilege to serve you and this great organization.
Sincerely,
Darnell Evans, DTM
2023-2024 District 33 Club Growth Director
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Be sure to visit the District 33 website!
Have you checked out the District website for upcoming events? We have many resources, including a comprehensive calendar, incentive page, leader messages, etc.
District 33 website link
Join the District 33 Meetup.
We have many exclusive events scheduled.
District 33 Meetup
Check out our District Leaders' messages on our NEW BLOG.
If you want to contribute a BLOG article, don't hesitate to contact the newsletter TEAM below.
Here are the direct links to the Trio's Blog Messages.
Message from District 33 Director, Tan Pham
Leadership Message: Tan Pham
Program Quality Director: Igniting Excellence, Nico Martin
Leadership Message: Nico Martin
Club Growth Director Let's Achieve Our Goals, Darnell Evans
Leadership Message: Darnell Evans
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Invite Veterans to your Toastmasters Club
I retired from the Air Force in June 2006 and didn’t discover Toastmasters until May 2013. I was involved in a Business Networking group where we would take turns talking about our businesses and giving our Elevator Pitch. After 2 of those meetings, I was invited to breakfast at another meeting. I didn’t know this invitation to South County Presenters would change my life.
I served 21 years in the military and even held five college degrees before entering business for myself. I couldn’t even give a 60-second comprehensive Elevator Pitch for something I was passionate about.
Throughout the year, do what you can to invite as many veterans and active-duty visitors as possible to your club.
You never know whose life you’re going to change. Toastmasters has opened many opportunities for me as I have earned a 4th Distinguished Toastmasters designation. We never know when we’ll be asked to give a toast, a roast, a eulogy, or even an elevator pitch. Thanks to Toastmasters, I am comfortable with all. District 33 and Toastmasters International Rock!
Please share your story with the rest of us in our series called:
“Meet Your District 33 Family”
https://www.facebook.com/d33.toastmasters/photos_albums
Joseph S. Skoda III
Past District 33 Director
Retired Air Force
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Leaders and Volunteers:
Thank You for your Service to Toastmasters. We know you have a busy schedule. Time is precious. District 33 appreciated every moment of your time.
We hope you enjoy and learn from your experience.
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District 33
Conference
April 25 - 27, 2024
Volunteers are needed for this great event.
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Invite Friends and
Co-Workers to your
next meeting.
Fall / Holiday
themed events are fun.
Earn a great incentive
for your club!
District Bucks or TI Gift Certificates.
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Hall of Fame
January 6, 2024
Black and White attire
Imagine the spectacle of entering a room designed for a celebration. Everyone is immaculately dressed in their choice of black or white, accented with personal splashes of color.
On January 6, 2024, we will gather in Bakersfield to continue the celebration of our District 33 achievement, President Distinguished District, 2022-2023. It is a hosted Toastmasters party and celebration acknowledging your contributions and excellence.
When: Saturday, January 6, 2024, 10:30 am to 3:00 pm
Where: Bakersfield, California, at Luigi's Italian Restaurant
What: Hall of Fame Hosted luncheon serving tri-tip, stuffed chicken breast, red and white pasta, Giovanna salad, bread and butter, and Butterfinger ice cream pie for dessert.
Cost: none
Would you like to help?
Would you like to join us after the party and stay overnight?
Call or text Debbie Allmon, DTM, IPDD, 661 431-2285
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Pathways Tips
Breaking News: upcoming change in the first half of 2024, Toastmasters will launch a new
Learning Management System (LMS).
TI addresses member concerns and feedback from the surveys members submit at the end of projects during their pathway education program. The new LMS platform will improve your experience and include
enhancements:
As promised in the last September issue, I will continue to explore the benefits of the Pathways
educational learning program. We covered the competencies learned in Level 1 of the 300 unique competencies offered in the 11 paths.
Below are listed the competencies of Level 2.
The pathways learning experience was developed around the 5 core competencies, which are
1. Public Speaking ·
2. Interpersonal Communication ·
3. Strategic Leadership ·
4. Management ·
5. Confidence
What is the difference between skills and core competencies?
Skills and competencies differ in their scope and focus. While skills are more specific in defining exact abilities, competencies have a broader focus and comprise many skills.
Level 2 Competencies
Understand different leadership attributes and styles.
Identify your own leadership behaviors and style.
Recognize how behaviors and leadership styles may impact your desired outcomes and those you lead.
Recognize the need to adapt your leadership style based on the situation and the people being led.
Understand the purpose of effective leadership.
Recognize the qualities that define a good leader.
Understand different communication styles.
Identify your preferred communication style.
Recognize how your communication style may impact your interactions.
Determine how to improve your relationships by mastering and adapting your application of communication styles based on the situation.
Tailor your style to match situational expectations.
Demonstrate understanding of the definition, purpose, and benefits of mentoring and virtual mentoring.
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Identify and express the qualities of successful, effective mentors and virtual mentors.
Demonstrate knowledge of the definition, purpose, and benefits of being a protégé́.
Recognize the difference between coaching and mentoring.
• Use knowledge of audience characteristics to tailor your message.
• Build rapport with different types of audiences.
Project knowledge and expertise when speaking.
Identify the ways in which audiences differ.
• Recognize the elements of a well-organized story.
• Determine the best story for your speech topic.
Demonstrate understanding of the definition, purpose, and benefits of mentoring and virtual mentoring.
Identify and express the qualities of successful, effective mentors and virtual mentors.
Demonstrate knowledge of the definition, purpose, and benefits of being a protégé́.
Recognize the difference between coaching and mentoring.
Identify and use a variety of time management techniques.
• Employ time management strategies in speeches.
Apply time management methods.
• Apply listening skills to increase comprehension and connection.
• Acknowledge the need for active listening.
• Recognize the difference between hearing and listening.
• Improve basic listening skills.
• Understand how body language expresses emotion and attitude.
• Recognize the body language used when speaking publicly.
• Identify gestures that show confidence when speaking in public.
• Use gestures to enhance speech content.
• Demonstrate awareness of unintentional movement.
Understand the definition of culture.
Understand the need for cultural awareness.
Recognize the importance of respecting the customs and etiquette of other cultures.
Demonstrate cultural awareness in interactions with others.
Levels 3, 4, and 5 are not as extensive but very detailed. Next month, I will continue our journey by explaining the effectiveness of Toastmasters International’s Pathways learning experience.
Annie Hall, DTM
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Let's Learn about the
District Bucks Program!
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District Bucks is an account that the district runs for your club. Every time the club earns District Bucks, the money goes into the club’s District Bucks account. A club can use the money in the account to be reimbursed for specific club expenses (as described in #4).
What is the difference between TI Gift Certificates and District Bucks?
TI Gift Certificates are used only to purchase items from the TI store. To redeem, they must be mailed to World Headquarters with an order form that lists the items to be purchased.TI Gift Certificates have an expiration date of about two years.
District Bucks can be used for club expenses or purchases from the TI store. Clubs are reimbursed for the amount held in the club’s District Bucks account. The funds are accessible throughout the current Toastmaster year.
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Thanksgiving Gratitude
Thanksgiving began in the United States in the early 17th century when the Pilgrims, a group of people from England, arrived on the Mayflower in Plymouth,
Massachusetts in 1620. The Pilgrims faced a harsh winter, and many did not survive. However, with the help of the Native Americans, they learned to cultivate the land and fish, which ensured their survival.
Thanksgiving is celebrated in the United States and Canada, although on different dates. It is also celebrated unofficially in other countries. Thanksgiving is a cherished holiday where people give thanks for the blessings of the past year and the harvest season. It is a time for families and friends to come together and share a hearty meal while expressing gratitude.
In 1621, the Pilgrims and Native Americans came together for a three-day feast to celebrate their first successful harvest. This event is often considered the first.
Thanksgiving is a symbol of cooperation, unity, and gratitude. While this historical account is the foundation of Thanksgiving, today's holiday has evolved over the years.
Thanksgiving became an official holiday in the United States when Abraham Lincoln proclaimed it as such in 1863 amid the Civil War. Lincoln's proclamation aimed to foster unity and gratitude during a challenging
time in the nation's history. He set the celebration of Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November, which has been followed ever since.
Over time, Thanksgiving has evolved from a simple harvest festival to a holiday combining cultural, religious, and historical elements. Thanksgiving now celebrates the diverse culture of the United States, including customs from various immigrant groups. Families often have unique traditions, but some
common elements include a turkey dinner, parades, football games, and expressions of gratitude.
Thanksgiving has deep historical roots and a continually evolving cultural significance. It serves as a reminder of the importance of gratitude, unity, and coming together with loved ones. Despite its changing traditions and contemporary interpretations, at its core, Thanksgiving remains a celebration of abundance, family, and the enduring spirit of giving thanks. As we gather
around the table each year, we honor the traditions of the past while creating new memories for the future, making Thanksgiving a truly heartwarming celebration.
Carolyn Moore, DTM
Area A1 Director
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WORD Of The Day
We can include some words beginning with ”C” in our meetings.
Canny - (“Ka- nee”-) Adjective, meaning -- shrewd, astute. Sharp etc.
An example is having or showing shrewdness and good judgment, especially in money or business matters.
Sentence: “ Canny shoppers came early for a bargain.”
Origin - English (Source: Wiktionary- The Free Dictionary)
Circumspect – (“sur- kuhm- spekt”) Adjective, meaning cautious, wary, careful, etc.
An example: ‘Wary and unwilling to take risks’
Sentence: “The officials were very circumspect in their statements.”
Origin - Latin ( Source: Cambridge English Dictionary)
Comporting - ( “Kuhm-por-tuhng”) Verb, it can be used as a gerund or present participle.
Formal use -- conduct oneself, behave
An example: “Articulate students who comported themselves well in television
interviews were well received.”
Also used as --- accord or agree with - Sentence - “Our outdated rules did not
comport with 21st . century realities.”
Origin - Latin (Source: Cambridge English Dictionary)
Chicanery - ( “shi-kay-nr-ee”), verbal- deception or trickery, especially in legal
quibbling, dishonest or sharp practice. It is a trick or deception.
Sentence: The client became a cruel casualty of the malevolent lawyer’s chicanery.
Origin - French ( Source: Cambridge English Dictionary)
Nandita Das, DTM
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Club Coaches Wanted
Do you want to help a club to rebuild membership and restore the quality of its
meetings?
Do you want to expand your network in the Toastmasters community?
Do you want to earn the credit required for achieving DTM?
If you answered yes to one or more of these questions. You came to the right place.
District 33 Club Retention Committee is looking for passionate club coaches.
To be eligible for an appointment, you must:
- Be a paid member in good standing with Toastmasters International.
- Not be an existing paid member of the club at the time of appointment, nor for at least six months prior to appointment.
- Have been a member of Toastmasters International for at least one year.
- Have served as a club officer for one annual term or two semiannual terms.
- Have completed a minimum of Level 2 in a path or an Advanced Communicator
- Bronze (ACB), or an Advanced Leader Bronze (ALB)
- Have completed the Club Coach Program Training module in Base Camp.
For additional information, contact:
Darnell Evans, DTM Club Growth Director at DEvans63@aol.com
ORD
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Why compete in a Speech Contest?
We asked past Toastmasters contest participants this question.
Read what they told us!
Distinguished Toastmaster Corey Cofield, D33 International Speech contest winner Spring 2023.
"One of the greatest things that I have been able to experience in Toastmasters regarding the competition is being able to practice. In that process is the evaluation. Going to different clubs, delivering the speech, and being able to be evaluated is one of the greatest things I've been able to experience. The evaluation allows you to see where you can grow and what changes to make. It's no guessing. Delivering a winning speech comes with practice and delivering it to as many clubs as possible to gain a new perspective on where you stand. This process allows you to meet new people, visit new clubs, and improve overall in public speaking."
Distinguished Toastmaster Ellie Kay, Accredited Speaker,
has entered numerous speech contests.
"Sure! I enjoyed developing the craft of preparing for a contest. It creates a unique skill set. By practicing my contest speech before my club and other clubs, I gained insight in how to make a story more poignant or tighten up a funny story to shore up a punchline. I could always learn more. I also enjoyed the surprise and exhilaration of winning."
Distinguished Toastmaster Roxie Patterson has entered numerous speech contests.
"Ask yourself, 'Should I be in the contest?', This year you have two choices: Humorous or International. Once you decide, study the judging criteria for your choice, write your speech, and then practice and memorize it. Please don't enter the contest with notes. A good idea is to get a coach and practice as much as possible. A good way to practice is in front of your club and even visiting other clubs. When contest time comes, be prepared."
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Let's Build the WestWord!
Would you like to see a topic or
matter in an upcoming Newsletter or Blog?
Would a regular section work for you? If there is something you are interested in reading about, chances are you are one of many!
Please drop us a note, Or better yet, Join the Newsletter TEAM!
I would like to let you know that volunteers are needed to contribute.
Newsletter Team:
Editors: Flora Turner, Roberta Nadler, Annie Hall, Carolyn Moore, Nandita Das,
Would you like us to visit a topic or matter in an upcoming newsletter or Blog? Would a regular section work for you? If there is something you are interested in reading about, chances are you are one of many!
us a note or Join the Newsletter TE.
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