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District 33 Toastmasters
WestWord
The Official Newsletter for District 33 Toastmasters
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May 2024 | Vol. 52, Issue 2 | |
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A message from our
District Director
There’s Still Time to Achieve Goals
Happy May, Fellow Toastmasters!
I hope many of you are enjoying the beautiful spring season. It’s hard to believe that we are in May!
But there’s still PLENTY of time for you and your club to achieve your goals.
Whether they are big goals (such as achieving the DTM award, earning Distinguished Club status, or chartering a brand new club) or small goals (completing a Pathways Project, inviting a friend to a club meeting, or renewing your membership dues).
Remember that you still have time; there is over one month left in this Toastmasters year and your club members and leaders are rooting for you!
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We all joined Toastmasters for our own unique “Why.” The Toastmaster tools and resources are available to you, and your motivation will relight the spark of your “Why.”
Let’s finish the year strong and go for your goals!
See you across the finish line on June 30th; here we come!
Tan Pham, DTM
2023-2024 District 33 Director
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Collective Triumph: Uniting Toastmasters in Strong Year-End Goal Achievement | |
Dear Fellow Toastmasters,
As we approach the end of the Toastmasters year, it's essential to reflect on our journey so far and set our sights on finishing strong.
The Toastmasters year, culminating on June 30, 2024, marks not just the end of a chapter but the beginning of a new opportunity for growth, learning, and excellence. Let's delve into why submitting all our educational credit awards and striving for club excellence is crucial as we align with our mission and core values.
Why Finish Strong?
Completing the Toastmasters year with vigor and dedication is more than just a formality; it's a testament to our commitment to personal and collective growth. By finishing strong, we reinforce our dedication to our goals, inspire others with our resilience, and set the stage for even more outstanding achievements in the coming year. It's an opportunity to celebrate our successes, learn from our challenges, and emerge more robust and prepared for the journey ahead.
Educational Credit Awards and Club Excellence
Submitting our educational credit awards is not merely about recognition but acknowledging the effort, dedication, and passion we've poured into our personal development journey. Whether completing a Pathways project, earning a Pathways level, or achieving a Distinguished Toastmaster status, each milestone represents a significant step forward in our growth as communicators and leaders.
Moreover, striving for club excellence is about meeting benchmarks and creating an environment where every member can thrive and grow. Our club mission serves as our guiding star, reminding us of our purpose: to provide a supportive and positive learning experience where members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, leading to greater self-confidence and personal growth.
Living Our Core Values
At the heart of our Toastmasters journey lie our core values: Integrity, Service, Respect, and Excellence. These values aren't just words on a page; they are the principles that guide our actions, decisions, and interactions within our club and beyond. As we strive to achieve our mission and live out these values, we create a culture of inclusivity, support, and growth that benefits not just ourselves but everyone around us.
The Connection with District 33 Toastmasters
Toastmasters isn't just about individual achievements, community, collaboration, and connection. The sooner we realize the greatness within District 33 Toastmasters, the sooner we will recognize the greatness within ourselves and each other.
By coming together as a community, supporting one another, and celebrating each other's successes, we create a ripple effect of positivity and empowerment that extends far beyond our club walls.
Finish Strong, Feel Great
As we enter the final stretch of the Toastmasters year, let's recommit ourselves to finishing strong, submitting our educational credit awards, and striving for club excellence. Let's embrace our mission, live our core values, and celebrate the greatness within District 33 Toastmasters. The sooner we realize that District 33 Toastmasters is great, the sooner we will feel that life Is great.
Here's to finishing strong and embracing the greatness within us all!
Warm regards,
Nico Martin, DTM
2023-2024 District 33 Program Quality Director
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Let's finish the year strong together.
As of July 1, 2024, a new Toastmasters year will begin. Over the past year, we have worked hard to grow and expand our clubs from Zoom to in-person meetings, but our efforts continue beyond there.
As we approach the end of the current year, many of us are holding club elections and planning turnover meetings. However, I want to stress the importance of finishing strong. When you finish strong, you create a positive attitude of achievement within yourself as a person and a leader.
Finishing strong is crucial because it allows you to look back at the goals you set for yourself and your club and ask, "What can I do to help my club finish this year
distinguished or better? Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." Therefore, I urge you to push yourself to finish the 2023-2024 Toastmasters year strong despite any challenges or obstacles.
By doing so, you will achieve personal goals and feel satisfied. Let's make the most of the next two months and finish the year on a positive note. Remember, finishing strong enables you to create a powerful attitude of achievement, whether in your personal or professional life. So, let's work together to finish the year strong and be proud of our accomplishments!
Sincerely,
Darnell Evans, DTM
2023-2024 District 33 Club Growth Director
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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, and more.
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 would like to contribute a BLOG article, please 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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Share your Toastmasters Experience, Club Events, and successes with others!
Have you remembered posting your Toastmaster Experience on your personal Facebook / Instagram feed and the District 33 Facebook group?
District 33 Facebook Group
The 2024 District 33 Conference has concluded.
Thank you to all the participants, volunteers, and Host Division B for a wonderful weekend.
We learned and were inspired by Richard E. Peck, DTM, PIP (Keynote Speaker), David Lehman (Guest Educational Speaker), and Scott Thomsen (District 33 Communication and Leadership Award recipient).
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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 Speech Contest Results:
Contest Results
Spanish Speech Contest:
1st: Julio Gomez
2nd: Gregg Wilkerson
Humorous Speech Contest:
1st: Fred Moody
2nd: Shawna Swanberg
3rd: Seth Hewitt
International Speech Contest:
1st: Mariel Ramirez Romero
2nd: Orion Awa-DuBose
3rd: Leslie Boyle
Thank you, and see you in Division D in the Spring of 2025.
Nandita Das, DTM
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Embracing the Joy of In-Person Toastmasters Meetings
After what felt like an eternity of virtual gatherings, returning to in-person Toastmasters
meetings is a celebration worth cherishing. The transition from pixelated faces on a
screen to real-life interactions brimming with energy and warmth is invigorating.
In-person meetings offer an unparalleled opportunity to reconnect with fellow
Toastmasters on a deeper level. The subtle nuances of body language, the warmth of a
smile, and the sincerity of a handshake all contribute to the richness of communication
that cannot be replicated online.
There's an undeniable magic in the air as members gather in the familiar meeting
space, eager to share stories, refine their speaking skills, and support one another's
growth. The spontaneity of in-person interactions adds a layer of excitement and
authenticity to every exchange, fostering a sense of camaraderie and belonging that
transcends the boundaries of a virtual world.
Moreover, returning to in-person meetings provides a welcome break from the
monotony of staring at screens for hours. It's a chance to step away from the
digital realm and immerse ourselves in the tangible presence of our fellow
Toastmasters, reigniting our passion for public speaking and leadership development.
As we embrace the joy of coming back together, let us cherish every moment spent in
each other's company, savoring the laughter, the learning, and the sense of community that defines the essence of Toastmasters.
Attending the 100-year International Convention in Anaheim in August will rekindle local interaction and open us up to the worldwide Toastmasters community, from the flag parade's opening excitement to the inaugural closing ceremony.
Here's to the magic of in-person meetings and the boundless possibilities ahead!
Annie Hall, DTM
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District 33 Annual Conference
A meaningful and fun experience
for District 33 Toastmasters!
District 33 Annual Conference started on Friday evening with a reception for volunteers hosted by Menu Masters Club. The Menu Masters Officers members were present to greet us and provide us with delicious food prepared by club members. We had a great time socializing and getting to know Toastmasters from all over the district.
After the reception, many members worked together to set up Saturday’s event. We hung banners from all over the district. We set up the technology needed for our online members. The speech contestants practice their stage walk, and we put out our
Silent Auction items. It was exhausting, but we had fun and were ready for Saturday.
Wake-up!
The big day is here! It is Saturday morning, and we are up early, blowing balloons and putting flowers on the tables. Breakfast started at 7 AM, and we had bacon, sausage, eggs, potatoes, and much more! And loads of coffee and tea! We started the day with our First-timers led by Debby Baker, DTM, PDD and Darnell Evans, DTM. We had the most first-timers present since the pandemic.
Next on our agenda was the Humorous Spanish Speech Contest. We had two funny contestants, and Julio Gomez won.
Following the Spanish Speech Contest was our Keynote Speaker, Past International President, Richard E. Peck, DTM. He gave an excellent speech that moved the crowd. We had a meet and greet with Mr. Peck and then had a marvelous lunch of assorted sandwiches, salads, and fruits,
Our afternoon consisted of a Humorous Speech Contest. Eight contestants gave some hilarious speeches. Corey Cofield, DTM was the Contest Toastmaster.
Afterwards, we heard from our guest speaker, Mr. David Lehman, who gave us a history of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and NASA. Then, we heard from eight International Speech Contestants.
To conclude the conference, all the volunteers were presented with certificates of appreciation. Angelina Dickey, DTM and Roxie Patterson,DTM were recognized for serving as speech contest chairs for the district speech contests. We heard a message from the District Director-elect, Nico Martin, DTM and closing statements from our District Director, Tan Pham, DTM.
The District Conference will be hosted by Division D in 2025.
By Carolyn Moore, DTM
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WORD Of The Day
“INVIOLABLE”: Meaning – a formal term used to describe something too important to be ignored or treated with disrespect.
Sentence - “Under international law, humans possess an inviolable right to freedom of thought.”
“Inviolable” – is used as an adjective.
The root is Latin - “violare”. It became popular when it was introduced in 15th-century English. English playwrights used it as “inviolable” in the 17th century. It is a venerable word.
“INNOCUOUS”- Meaning – producing no injury (harmless).
Sentence - The habanero is very innocuous in appearance, but it carries such punch that an unsuspecting taster can suffer dearly from its heat.
Synonyms - benign, inoffensive, insipid
Origin - Latin, from nocere seemingly innocent.
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Hooray for Learning!
Why do we learn new words? It helps us better adapt to culture. We live in a diverse world, and learning new words—“especially while learning a foreign language—helps us better adapt to culture,” according to The Atlantic magazine.
It improves our memory, makes us more perceptive, and helps us stay focused on our surroundings. Scientific research has also shown that learning new vocabulary arrests the onset of dementia.
It is often stated that sounding out new words (as in phonetics) gives a jolt to the left side of the brain, and words are imbibed better. Just noting the spelling or memorizing new words does not work effectively in acquisition.
Learning vocabulary is to grow mentally and intellectually and participate in a conversation around us. We become sensitive, generous human beings.
Learning vocabulary is second nature to humans. It is like learning a second language. We feel rewarded, and it stimulates the brain. That’s why learning never ends.
Nandita Das, DTM
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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!
Volunteers are needed to contribute.
Newsletter Team:
Editors: Flora Turner, DTM, PDD; Roberta Nadler, CC; Annie Hall, DTM; Carolyn Moore, DTM; Nandita Das, DTM,
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!
Please send us a note or join the TE newsletter.
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